MovieChat Forums > Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022) Discussion > S2E8 - Gets away with murder?

S2E8 - Gets away with murder?

posted 2 years ago by Rorikon (18391)
4 replies | jump to latest

I think it would be first degree murder right there. While he was remembering the D'k Tahg in the small case, he did go back to it with the intent to use it because General Dak'Rah wouldn't stop harassing him.

Seeing how he had the edge in CQC and was considered one of the best, he could've easily overpowered the old aging reformed ex-General on a walking stick. The episode just ends with him going back to his duties without any tribunal held.

In the real world, you are given the ability to defend yourself with equal force less you be charged unless doing so (unless you live in a state where Castle Doctrine takes precedence).

[–] Costumer (1834) 2 years ago

Given the testimony Chapel gave (which may or may not have been truthful), it is not certain that M'Benga is the one who stabbed 'Rah. Its possible he committed suicide. Its possible M'Benga acted in self defense because 'Rah attempted to use the D'k Tahg against him.

It is also possible M'Benga took out the D'K Tahg with the intent of tempting 'Rah. And it is possible he had it out simply to contemplate his role as the Butcher.

The scene, of course, is meant to be ambiguous. I can respect that, though I wouldn't have put a character like M'Benga in that position. Merely the fact that he was the Butcher would be "gritty" enough for me.

Author of the Sodality Universe
The Road from Antioch
In the Markets of Tyre
Flight to Lystra
The Theater at Ephesus
The Council on Jerusalem (coming late 2023)

[–] ATG6 (3000) 2 years ago

It wasn't that ambiguous. And a terrible moral lesson for any kids watching, and out of character for Star Trek. But some adult storytelling about the after-effects of war. It seems the consequences will come next season. Bones has to show up at some point, since Spock and Uhura and Kirk and Scotty are all together now. Can't wait for Chekhov and Sulu too, though I'd hate to see Ortegas go.

[–] Costumer (1834) 2 years ago

From what we saw M'Benga could have grabbed the knife and killed Dak'Rah.

From what we saw Dak'Rah could have grabbed the knife and tried to kill M'Benga, who fought back and Dak'Rah was stabbed.

From what we saw Dak'Rah could have attacked M'Benga who grabbed the knife and defended himself.

From what we saw Dak'Rah could have, driven by shame and remorse, grabbed the knife and killed himself.

The only question is why M'Benga had the knife out. However, the episode shows us he is flashing back to the war. taking out the knife to contemplate the actions he took is not unreasonable.

From all of this, yes, it is ambiguous.

Author of the Sodality Universe
The Road from Antioch
In the Markets of Tyre
Flight to Lystra
The Theater at Ephesus
The Council on Jerusalem (coming late 2023)

[–] Dogiswhite (1435) 2 years ago

It would seem so. But even though I liked the episode I wonder what the point of it is supposed to be. If you know someone was a mass murderer you are totally justified in killing them? If your friend kills someone, lie to cover it up? M'Benga is a badass, isn't he? Chapel will do almost anything to protect her war buddy?