‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Premiere: “The Vulcan Hello” Recap With Spoilers

The episode begins with T’Kuvma preaching to a group of Klingons to “remain Klingon” and unify under the religious teaching of Kahless…and then states, in “English,” that they “come in peace.”

First Officer Michael Burnham and Captain Phillippa Georgiou are on a desert planet looking for a well. There’s a race on the brink of extinction from a storm and the Starfleet is trying to save them.

As the storm closes in, Burnham becomes worried that their ship may not be able to pick up their signal. As they walk away, they are noticed by members of the alien species.

Georgiou has Burnham walk behind her in distinct lines. Georgiou says she believes it is time for Burnham to get her own command. Burnham thanks her.

She quizzes Burnham on what she would do if they were stranded. Burnham says she would adapt to fit in. Georgiou says she would simply escape.

The USS Shenzhou appears to pick them. When asked by Burnham how the ship found them, Georgiou says she “set a star.” As they leave, the camera pans to show the Starfleet insignia written in the sand in Georgiou and Burnham’s tracks.

The opening sequence plays.

The Earth year is 2256. Burnham’s First Officer’s log tells us that the Shenzhou is investigating a relay that was damaged while orbiting a binary star.

Lt. Saru believes the relay was not damaged by natural forces. Burnham reports the finding to Georgiou. They believe someone is trying to get Starfleet’s attention. Burnham and Saru display a contentious relationship.

The Shenzhou picks up some readings that it struggles to pinpoint the source of. A sensory dead zone is blocking the ship’s ability to bring up an image of the source. Burnham suggests that something is lurking is out there. Burnham suggests going outside to do a flyby to investigate the source for herself.

Act II

Burnham dons an exosuit to go outside the ship. She disengages her magnetic boots and floats into space towards the source, using thrusters to move herself forward.

The Shenzhou monitors Burnham from the bridge, but the scattering field effects their sensors.

Burnham eventually comes to a shop but she’s lost contact with the Shenzhou. She sees some kind of structure. Burnham records that the structure is very old, centuries old, a singular, uninterrupted form that may have been carved rather than built, appearing as stone with metal outer alloy.

Burnham uses her boots to connect to the structure and it responds by fanning out. A proximity alert sounds in Burnham’s suit. A being in what looks like Klingon in an armored suit attacks her with a bat’leth.

The Shenzhou is trying to transport Burnham back aboard, but the scattering field is interfering.

Burnham’s helmet is damaged. She is unconscious and floating through space.

Act III

We witness T’Kuvma preaching over the dead body of the Klingon “Torchbearer,” who he says was murdered by the Federation. He asks their ancestors to welcome “Rejack” into the “Black Fleet,” who fight with them as they fight their enemy.

Burnham is unconscious and recovering on the Shenzhou. IN a flashback, we see Burnham taking a test at the Vulcan Learning Center. She answers correctly until a question about a Klingon attack makes her emotional. Sarek offers her guidance, telling her to rely on logic when “ghost from the past” haunt her.

Burnham wakes. Against the orders of the ship’s doctor, Burnham goes to the bridge and is surprised no one is concerned about the Klingons. Georgiou reminds her that no one has seen a Klingon in 100 years.

Burnham convinces her and then realizes that she killed the Klingon. Saru wants to retreat. Burnham wants to target the Klingon structure to make them think they will attack.

A Klingon ship decloaks in front of them.

Act IV

The Shenzhou tries to communicate with the Klingon ship.

On board the Klingon vessel, T’Kuvma calls on Rejac’s brother to take over as Torchbearer.

Another Klingon, an albino named Voq who claims to be of no family, steps forward. He expresses his faith in “the light of Kahless,” burning his right hand in the flame to prove himself. T’Kuvma says he sees himself in the outcast albino. He gives his own blade to Voq and names him Torchbearer.

Saru tells Burnham that the ship is covered in a kind of symbolic armor where decaying Klingon bodies rest in coffins. Saru suggests they withdraw, but Burnham says that is no longer an option. Saru explains how his people evolved on a planet with a binary food system. They were prey and evolved to sense death. He senses it coming now.

Georgiou confers with a Starfleet admiral. She is joined by Burnham. Burnham suggests that there is no option but battle. The admiral orders them to remain in place. They will be joined by the Europa and other ships soon.

There’s a bright light outside the ship blinding their optical sensors. A noise pierces their ears.

Act V

The Shenzhou manages to turn down the volume on the sound. Burnham realizes its a signal and that the Klingons may be calling for backup.

Burnham leaves the bridge and begins a transmission to Sarek. She tells him that she killed a Klingon and explains the current situation. Sarek notes that it would be odd for them to be calling for backup since the empire has been in disarray for some time. Sarek believes there is a Klingon leader looking to instigate war to curry favor.

Burnham asks how Vulcans accomplished diplomatic relations with the Klingons. Sarek warns her that this tactic may not work for humans.

Burnham suggests firing on the Klingons. She explains that only through shows of violence did the Vulcans manage to gain the respect of the Klingons and achieve peace. Georgiou refuses to execute her proposition. Burnham makes an outburst and Georgiou pulls her into the ready room.

Georgiou chastises Burnham for her eagerness to enter battle. Burnham remains passionate but Georgiou talks her down…until Burnham knocks her out with a Vulcan death grip.

Burnham returns to the bridge and takes command. She lies and tells Saru and the others that Georgiou is on a call with the admiral. Burnham gives the order to fire on the Klingons. Georgiou arrives on the bridge and stops her, even drawing her phaser.

The light dims and they pick up warp signatures as more Klingon vessels arrive in the area.