In this episode, Hugh Culber’s character is resurrected via the mycelial network, reuniting the husbands. The title of the episode is Saints of Imperfection, which is derived from Guillermo del Toro’s “Monsters are the patron saints of imperfection.” Also, during this episode, of supreme importance to this show is what we discover about Section 31. Let’s put this in context for our new listeners, this show is about exploring the world of Section 31 and to do that effectively we need to take some time to really understand what, who, how, when, where and the why of Section 31, which includes its limitations. Tonight, I have with me my co-host Jason McCammon and William Danger. Remember, before we begin, we’re more interested in what we learn about Section 31 through the lense of this episode.
Act I
- We learn S31 is involved in the internal affairs of Starfleet
- Structure is now identified within Section 31
- There is no longer any gray area…S31 is part of Starfleet Intelligence.
- S31 is no longer cloak and dagger like we saw in Enterprise and they aren’t a forgotten or unknown entity like DS9.
Act 2
- Tyler’s entrance into S31 is classified. That isn’t alarming or particularly “new” however, it is the first time we’ve heard this.
Act 3
- Ashe Tyler opens communications with a nearby ship while on Discovery’s bridge using a comm-badge.
- Another example of S31 tech
- Leland uses holographic tech to mask his ship as an asteroid (this is a S31 ship)
- Tractor beam tech
- Even S31 has court martials! Clearly, this is communicating a lot! They aren’t unchecked.
Act 4
- When Admiral Cornwell enters at the end to tell Pike and Leland the Red Angel sighting left tachyon emissions, Leland emphasized the possibility of time travel.
- Cornwell later asserts that S31 is a critical intelligence division of Starfleet
