41: She’s a Smooth Operator

L’Rell.

When we first met this unassuming Klingon in “The Vulcan Hello,” we had no idea she would become such an important part of the Star Trek: Discovery story. A member of the House of T’Kuvma and the House of Mo’Kai, she uses her connections to protect Voq in the only way she knows how: by having him transformed into Ash Tyler. Her mission to unite all Klingons drives her to do anything she must, and this leads to her eventual rise to the top of the Klingon Empire.

In this episode of The Edge, hosts Amy Nelson and Patrick Devlin are joined by Barry DeFord of PoliTreks, to talk about L’Rell and her need to push unification forward at all costs. We highlight actress Mary Chieffo and her portrayal of L’Rell, and discuss the complex relationship between L’Rell and Voq/Tyler—and it’s possible toxicity. We also explore her possible role in season two.

Chapters
Intro (00:00:00)
Mary Chieffo (00:03:58)
Character Arc (00:8:23)
End Game (00:15:21)
Relationship with Voq (00:27:03)
Toxic Relationship? (00:33:43)
New Leader (00:44:38)
Final Thoughts (00:54:04)
Closing (01:01:13)

Hosts
Amy Nelson and Patrick Devlin

Guest
Barry DeFord

Production
Amy Nelson (Editor) Patrick Devlin (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Lisa Slack (Associate Producer) Tom Puleo (Associate Producer) Shoaib Mirza (Associate Producer) Richard Rutledge (Associate Producer) James Muldrow (Associate Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)