Star Trek Discovery 2.01 'Brother' review
Brother review
The first episode of the second season. Captain Pike of the Enterprise takes command of the Discovery as a result of the discovery of mysterious signals. However, that is not all the story is about. There is also Burnham's flashbacks to when she arrived at Sarek and Amanda's home. (About Spock not being exactly welcoming of his new foster sister.) These flashbacks seem to add to the overall plot of the season. But back to the main story. The Enterprise is somehow disabled, and that is why Pike is assigned to Discovery.
Pike is quick to get himself in the good graces of the Discovery crew regarding what happened in the last season with their last Captain (that he isn't Lorca). This was well done, especially with the Bridge Crew Roll Call. Sarek also plays a role in the story, especially when Burnham is surprised that Spock isn't aboard the Enterprise, but had taken leave. This is linked to the subplot mentioned above. (And a call forward, to Journey to Babel, when Sarek says that he hadn't talked to Spock for years.)
Then there is the rescue of the Haiwatha from the dark matter asteroid. This is rather well portrayed. Reno's ingenuity in keeping the patients alive was depicted very well, as was the effect of the stress of the situation upon her. The scenes in the landing pods, when Pike's pod malfunctions also were very good, showing Pike's character. However, the Tilly/Stamets scenes seem to be tacked on (moreso than the Spock flashbacks), but maybe there'll be payoff later in the season. (With more Culbur flashbacks?)
Then there is the episode's conclusion, where Burnham goes into Spock's quarters, and discovers that he had nightmares about the 'Red Angel'. Certainly an interesting development (making me wish it hadn't been spoiled in the trailers), I do want to find out what is going to happen. 8.5/10.