Okay, so I have now seen the first two episodes twice and just finished watching the third episode of Star Trek Discovery. I feel prepared to give an opening opinion of the show.
---SOME SPOILERS AHEAD---
Episode 1 (The Vulcan Hello) - This episode was done by Bryan Fuller, Nick Meyer, and David Semel. Overall, It was a decent first episode IMHO. There's a whole lot of talking (in Klingon) and a lot of character introduction...so it's kinda slow. I really like the idea of a human raised on Vulcan and changing the Klingon's doesn't bother me. I did feel kinda uncomfortable with Burnham's choice at the end because it seemed rash. (I guess that's her human side coming through)
Pro's: I enjoyed Michelle Yeoh as Captain Phillipa Georgiou. I like Sonequa Martin-Green as Michael Burnham. I really like the Saru character. It's a high concept story that works in modern politics (which is a Trek thing) as the Klingon's might as well have been shouting 'America First' while holding Tiki torches. I love the intro sequence/main title...it's way better than Enterprise's Christian pop tune. (see bottom of review) I also really like the title of this one (the vulcan hello) and how it works into the episode.
Cons: A little too much Klingon talking and the font choice of the Klingon subtitles was hard to read as it makes them look like they're always shouting. The opening kinda seemed silly to me...I mean, walking a big path to make a delta shield? come on...
I give it a 7 out of 10.
Episode 2 (Battle at the Binary Stars) - This episode was done by Bryan Fuller, Nick Meyer, and Alex Kurtzman. Stuff actually happens in this episode! This looks like the eventual formation of the Federation/Klingon neutral zone as the events of this episode happen in proximity to Gamma Hydra...established in Wrath of Khan as the neutral zone. Lots of great effects and space battles to make up for episode 1's slow start. We also have the surprise demise of a couple main characters showing 'no one is safe' in this new Trek series. More politics from the Klingon's as they establish their isolationism which is a reflection of today's sudden anti-immigration feelings.
Pro's: I like that Klingon's come in different colors and shapes so they don't all look the same. I like that there is conflict between the characters where not everyone gets along and main characters even die. I like the big budget feel to the space battles. Props to James Frain for killing it as Sarek.
Con's: Show, don't tell...by that I mean, stop telling me how they are all good buddies from serving together for 7 years...SHOW ME. I really wish CBS had simply made these two episodes a single 90 minute pilot they would air with limited commercials. We STILL haven't seen Discovery or it's Captain, lol
I give it 7.3 out of 10
Episode 3 (Context is for Kings) - This episode was done by Akiva Goldsman and Alex Kurtzman under showrunners Aaron Harberts and Gretchen Berg. This episode feels very different from the first two and makes the pilot feel like a prologue at the beginning of a book. This seems to be what the show will feel like week-to-week...and that's a good thing. I feel much more comfortable with the show by the end of this one. You also finally get introduced to the USS Discovery and it's Captain.
Pro's: So far each episode has gotten better and the characters feel more comfortable in their roles. I like the dynamic with Burnham and Saru. There are some good Easter eggs like the Tribble on Captain Lorca's desk. I enjoyed Anthony Rapp's character, Lt. Stamets. I also enjoyed the 'Alice in Wonderland' references.
Con's: too many lens flare's and the idea of going from life in jail to officer seems like quite a leap. I also thought the CGI was a little obvious in this one.
I give it a 7.5 out of 10
Edit: To prep for this show I watched the first three episodes of TNG (Encounter at Farpoint, The Naked Now, and Code of Honor)...Discovery is definitely off to a better start, lol
