If you follow me on Twitter you might have already seen my review of Elysian Kingdom. If not, here it is
Having interacted with multiple groups and subdivisions of the Star Trek Fandom, I feel like the majority of the Strange New Worlds Fandom is going to have walked away from The Elysian Kingdom feeling good about the show and episode. There are reasons to enjoy the episode - the plot is engaging, the costuming is gorgeous, and the actors give phenomenal performances as always - but there is also a glaring reason to dislike the episode. The relationship between Erica's d Una's characters in this fantasy world(Sir Adya and Z'ymira respectively) is uncomfortable.
When Z'ymira is introduced, it is heavily implied that she and Adya have a history. As the episode continues this history is hinted at being romantic and sexual. The implication that the pair has a romantic and sexual history is an immediate red flag based on Erica and Una's ages alone. While a canonical age is never mentioned for either character, the actors have a twelve year age gap, and the characters are obviously at different points in their lives. Una has been an established First Officer for quite some time and has gained a reputation as such, which is conveyed to us in Episode 1. In comparison, Erica is still new enough that the reputation that we see precede her is one of a cocky Academy Student. She is not an ensign anymore, but she hasn't established herself as a pilot yet. Captain Pike and Una both tend to treat her as though she is still young and learning, not seeing her as an equal. There is a very clear power imbalance that should not be present in a romantic relationship of any sort.
This power imbalance that exists in the canon story also prevails in this fantasy setting The Elysian Kingdom takes place in. Z'ymira is clearly able to dangle a promise over Adya's head, to keep Sir Adya waiting for said promise to be fulfilled, for communication to be made, for something. Though they are presumed to be exes, Z'ymira still holds a power over Adya that can't be shaken.
The relationship reads as unhealthy. It reads as predatory. It reads as an older woman taking advantage of a younger woman which is the exact sentiment that's been used to vilify lesbians for decades - that they're corrupting the youth. It's a nasty way to portray sapphic and lesbian relationships, especially when this is the first one the show has explored, and it paints both Erica and Una in a bad light.
I don't know, I started out writing this in an academic format so I could keep my cool but I'm upset. I left this episode with a bad taste in my mouth and a pit in my stomach. This isn't a good relationship to explore, and it's upsetting that a show that has done so well with representation of minorities would do this.
I don't want to leave an episode feeling sick, especially not one this close to the end of the season. I sincerely hope that the writers don't repeat these issues but it's hard to have high hopes when season 2 is already almost done with filming.
Being queer is isolating. Being a lesbian Is being isolated from the queer community a lot of the time. Our struggles are unique and we have to be on the defense and that's where the "mean lesbian" trope comes from. Having to protect ourselves includes from other members of the LGBTQ community. This episode is one that would've pushed me further into the closet of I saw it as a high schooler, and that's extremely disheartening.