Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we shine a spotlight on strong women who inspire us. These ladies are a prime example of female empowerment and how crucial it is for youth to have said example to follow.
DISCLAIMER: The following article contains spoilers for the first four seasons of Star Trek: Discovery.
Michael Burnham
Fast Facts
Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) was first introduced as First Officer of the USS Shenzhou. As demonstrated by the cold open of the first Discovery episode, “The Vulcan Hello,” this is where she served under Captain Philippa Georgiou (Michelle Yeoh), her mentor. Unfortunately, Georgiou Prime is soon killed in battle with the Klingons.
Burnham is subsequently put on trial for mutiny. She is ultimately sentenced to life in prison. However, during a prison transfer, she is recruited by Captain Gabriel Lorca (Jason Isaacs) to the crew of the USS Discovery. There, she reunites with surrogate brother figure Saru (Doug Jones) and meets her close friend Sylvia Tilly (Mary Wiseman). Burnham is unofficially reinstated to Starfleet as a “science specialist” (fitting for someone who studied at the Vulcan Science Academy).
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While Lorca engineered the circumstances that brought Burnham to Disco, inviting her presence aboard his ship proves to be an instance of biting off more than he can chew. Over the course of season 1, Burnham ultimately uncovers and exposes Lorca’s secret and ulterior motives. Subsequently, she is officially reinstated as a Starfleet Commander. The paves the way for the arrival of Disco Acting Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) in Discovery season 2.
Star Trek: Discovery’s Strange New Worlds
At first, Burnham is skeptical of Pike, having been burned by Lorca. Fortunately, Pike has the patience and perspective to recognize Burnham’s potential. Throughout Discovery season 2, Pike relies on Burnham’s skills and expertise. Unlike Lorca, Pike does not possess ulterior motives. Instead, he and Burnham share an affection and a sense of responsibility for Burnham’s adopted brother Spock (Ethan Peck).
In Discovery season 3, Burnham leads the crew of the Discovery to the distant future, traveling from the 23rd century to the 32nd century. Burnham arrives a full year before the rest of the Disco crew and finds a largely post-Federation galaxy. However, she is able to connect with Cleveland “Book” Booker (David Ajala). When Discovery subsequently arrives, Burnham convinces Saru to take command.
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However, in Discovery season 4, Burnham’s time to take the center seat has arrived. As captain of the Discovery, Burnham plays a key role in the galaxy-threatening crisis embodied by the Dark Matter Anomaly (see: “Choose to Live“). This leads to the accomplishment of one of Burnham’s highest personal goals: Earth rejoining the Federation (“Coming Home“). Burnham’s success as a leader suggests she’ll continue to hold the rank of captain throughout Discovery‘s fifth and final season (unless she is promoted).
The Real Deal:
Burnham is the real deal. At one point, she was widely considered to be an enemy of the Federation. This even includes those who would eventually become her closest friends. But in spite of the inaccurate public perception, Burnham proves again and again that she is the only woman for the job. Just one instance in which this is demonstrated is in the face-off against Control in the Discovery season 2 finale.
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However, Burnham is also ahead of her time. Without the efforts of Burnham and the crew of the Discovery, the cause of the Burn might not have been uncovered. This was integral to the revitalization of the Federation in the 32nd century. Furthermore, the efforts of Burnham and the Disco crew were essential in turning the DMA situation from an existential crisis to a successful First Contact. While Burnham might have been considered an outcast at the outset of the series, she proved to be precisely what the future needed.
Why She Matters:
Why does Burnham matter? She shows us that we can ascend even if, like Burnham with Lorca, we may have been put into position due to someone else’s agenda. Burnham demonstrates that we can survive bad mentors and find our way to good ones. And through Saru and Tilly, she shows us just how much we can learn not just from our mentors, but from our peers, as well.
So, be like Burnham. Don’t give up, even when it seems like everyone (including your allies) are against you. Recognize that the path to your ultimate calling may not be as straightforward a journey as you’d like it to be. And remember that although you may not be able to fathom the challenges the future holds, you may be just the person to face those challenges.
Four seasons of Star Trek: Discovery are currently available for streaming on Paramount+.
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