Star Trek Discovery: Michael Burnham’s Best Quotes

Summary

Michael Burnham offers leadership through eloquent speeches and loyalty.
She remains steadfast in her principles and values, demonstrating bravery.
Despite her typically reserved demeanor, Michael shows moments of humor and compassion.

In Star Trek: Discovery, the narrative deviated from the usual franchise pattern by featuring Michael Burnham as the protagonist. Unlike a captain, she was a once-disgraced ex-officer who had been court-martialed for mutiny and was given another opportunity to serve aboard a starship. Alongside her crew, Michael navigated through the Klingon war, delved into the enigmas of time travel, and bravely ventured ahead to confront challenges that lay 900 years in the future.

Despite initially appearing quite reserved, Michael demonstrates a wealth of poignant and impactful dialogue across the series. She might not be overtly emotional, but when the situation demands it, she can galvanize her team and move her peers with her eloquence. Some of Michael’s most powerful lines are showcased in Discovery.

“But tonight, I will face one of my greatest challenges so far. Tonight, we are having… a party.”

More Daunting Than Any Red Alert

Season 1, Episode 7, “Magic To Make The Sanest Man Go Mad”

Michael finds socializing less like fluttering around with other butterflies and more like facing a formidable Klingon war armada, given that many of her crewmates still harbor suspicion towards her due to her recent mutiny.

At the start of this episode, when the team organizes a party, Michael records her unease in her private journal. Many spectators might recognize this feeling: being uncomfortable around boisterous music, drunk coworkers, and unexpected run-ins with romantic interests. Luckily for Michael, she’s summoned elsewhere, sparing her from enduring the party for long.

“You brought this ship through time. You carried this crew on your shoulders. You are a captain in the truest sense of the word.”

Loyalty Towards Captain Saru

Season 3, Episode 3, “People of Earth”

As a die-hard film fan, I eagerly awaited the moment when the Discovery leaped into the future, bringing Michael back together with her crew. Yet, even amidst this joyous reunion, the matter of who would lead our vessel remained uncertain. Stepping forward, Saru suggested a heartfelt conversation between us, as we had previously agreed that the question of command would be settled once we reached our destination. However, I firmly stated that there was no need for debate; it was time for Saru to take the helm, and my words spoke volumes in support of this decision.

As a movie critic, I must say that this pivotal scene serves as a testament to the profound evolution of the friendship between Michael and Saru. Initially, their past experiences had cast a shadow of mistrust over their interactions, much like two strangers treading cautiously in an unfamiliar land. However, over the course of the series, they’ve navigated through trials together, forging a bond that runs deeper than any obstacle they’ve faced.

Now, Michael finds herself not just understanding Saru better than anyone else, but recognizing the exceptional qualities within him that even he might overlook. This newfound trust empowers her to rely on his leadership as they venture into this strange universe, and in turn, he guides her with unwavering confidence and wisdom. It’s a beautiful testament to the power of friendship and growth, making their journey all the more compelling to watch unfold.

“It is by the principles of the United Federation of Planets that I live. And by them, I will most certainly die.”

Michael Lays Down Her Ideals

Season 1, Episode 3, “Context Is For Kings”

At first, Michael refuses Captain Gabriel Lorca’s job offer on the Discovery. She surmises that his research involves illicit forms of weaponry and believes that, given her mutiny on the Shenzhou, Lorca assumes she would be open to working beyond the boundaries of Federation law. She unequivocally states that if Lorca is seeking someone who disregards Starfleet values, he has the wrong candidate.

In a slightly different tone,

It turns out Burnham was mistaken – Discovery’s research isn’t focused on weapons development, but rather space travel. Upon discovering the capabilities of the spore drive, Michael chooses to remain part of the team. Despite her initial reservations, these sentiments echo throughout her tenure with the crew. When Lorca ultimately proves untrustworthy, Michael takes a firm stance against him. In the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, she demonstrates courage, resolve, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Despite her past actions involving mutiny, she remains steadfast in adhering to the principles that Starfleet instills in its officers.

“Fortunately for you, I was raised on Vulcan. We don’t do funny.”

Classic Deadpan Humor

Season 2, Episode 2, “New Eden”

Following a mission that left Captain Pike with broken ribs, he summoned Michael to his office to talk about the mission, the seven strange red signals, and the enigmatic “angel.” Upon seeing Michael, he cautions her not to make him chuckle. However, unluckily for Captain Pike, Michael’s remark brings a smile to his face, which in turn triggers a painful wince due to his injuries.

In the initial stages of the series, Michael tends to be quite reserved most of the time, yet occasionally reveals a knack for dry wit. A hilarious instance of this is evident in her interaction with Captain Pike; whether she aimed to amuse him or not, it’s clear that this moment showcases one of those rare instances of her using humor.

“There are a million ways to get to the captain’s chair. Find your own.”

Tilly’s Training Regimen

Season 1, Episode 6, “Lethe”

Michael and their roommate, Ensign Sylvia Tilly, have been growing close, as they talk about Tilly’s ambition to become a captain. Michael has suggested a rigorous training regimen for Tilly, keeping a watchful eye to ensure she stays on track. They offer guidance whenever possible, aiming to support their enthusiastic friend in her endeavor.

Throughout the episode, a visit from Michael’s foster father Sarek prompts her to reconsider her past and the circumstances that led her to her current situation. By the conclusion, her viewpoint has shifted, and she admits to giving Tilly poor advice. She advises Tilly to forge her own path towards her aspirations, to which Tilly replies that she’s already doing so.

“The only way to defeat fear is to tell it no.”

Fear Itself

Season 1, Episode 15, “Will You Take My Hand?”

As the team readies for a showdown against the Klingons using Captain Georgiou’s strategy to end the conflict, Michael recalls an ancient story about a brave soldier consulting with their mentor before battle. The mentor explained how to identify fear, and the soldier wondered, “If I can sense fear, then how do I conquer it?” Pondering, Michael reflects that her crew and she are grappling with this very question at the moment.

Towards the end of the show, despite initial apprehension, the team conquered their fear and emerged victorious. For their bravery during combat, Michael and other Discovery crew members were bestowed with the Medal of Honor. In her acceptance speech, Michael referenced the parable once more, quoting the general’s words: “Defeating fear means standing firm against it, holding onto what is right.” Michael admitted to succumbing to fear previously, but vowed not to let it control her decisions in the future.

“I’m just glad I’m the one leading her final mission. And that I’ll have a chance to say goodbye.”

A Farewell To A Friend

Season 5, Episode 10, “Life, Itself”

In the final episode’s conclusion, Starship Discovery’s commander, Michael Burnham, embarks on one final task: guiding the ship to a distant location in the vast expanse of space, where she will park it and remain stationary. The purpose for this journey remains unknown to Michael; it is a mission under the Red Directive, a clandestine operation shrouded in mystery. It’s probable that Zora, Discovery’s sentient computer, will need to endure for a duration far exceeding Michael’s lifespan while waiting for further instructions.

As Michael gets ready to leave, she turns to Booker (her long-time husband) and says, “Discovery isn’t just a ship; it’s a friend, a guardian, a steadfast companion we’ve had by our side for years. It’s taken us through so many trials, and I am grateful for one more journey with it.

2025-08-08 17:39