Tilly encounters an alien who should not be aboard Discovery…

I’m sure those who have studied Discovery in more detail will be able to pinpoint precisely where in the show’s timeline this 13 minute story fits, but it’s really not that important – Jenny Lumet and Alex Kurtzman’s Runaway is a lovely showcase for Mary Wiseman’s Tilly, and acts almost as a curtain-raiser for Una McCormack’s novel focusing on the ensign that’s out early next year. It’s one of those stories that you suspect would have nicely filled the “B story” slot for an appropriately themed episode about responsibility and fear of personal unknowns, but which on its own is given more resonance than perhaps it merits – although the repercussions of Tilly’s actions and reactions may reverberate through season 2.

We meet Tilly’s mother – or at least see portions of a hologram of her – who appears almost to be haunting the young ensign, and not exactly being encouraging about Tilly’s desires to be on the command track. The next few minutes, as Tilly encounters alien Po, a runaway from her own people (for reasons that become apparent), shows just how wrong her mother is – and what makes Tilly quite special.

Wiseman is great throughout and Yadira Guevara-Prip’s Po makes a great foil for her – I both that we see more of both actor and character in the years to come. It’s a short film that’s clearly made on a budget – there aren’t the usual “filler” ship staff around, and you’d almost think Discovery had been deserted at times – but it’s a welcome venture into the Discovery worlds. It’s an idea that’s been tried successfully with the Doctor Who universe since the show came back in 2005, and I hope the other three are as entertaining as this.

Verdict: An enjoyable short trip alongside one of Discovery’s more endearing characters. 8/10

Paul Simpson