3 reasons why Star Trek fans accept Sybok over Michael Burnham
By Chad Porto
We're not meant to like Sybok
Michael Burnahman and Sybok have a major difference that needs to be acknowledged; Sybok isn't meant to be a fan-favorite character. When he's introduced in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, Sybok is building a cult. He's using violence and other means to get to God, who he believes is at the center of the universe.
He's a villain, who does awful things throughout the film to achieve his goal. He's selfish and alienating. He's a bad guy. Burnham isn't. Michael Burnham was meant to be a relatable hero who has to undergo trials and challenges to become a better version of herself. Yet, everything we saw of her in the first season made many fans not want to like her.
Which is a problem, as she's the main character. Yet, when you are responsible for the death of your captain and you get arrested for treason, it's hard to call you anything but a villain in your own right. See, treason isn't an accident. It's not an easy thing to do. It's one of the most deliberate and intended actions one can make and she made them. She didn't commit "accidental treason". How can you cheer for someone who betrays that kind of trust?
She's equally as awful as Sybok in that way, yet one is a "villain" and the other is a "hero" but both end up doing whatever they want. All to achieve a goal they feel is more important than anyone else. You can't write a villain's origin story, slap the word "hero" on their face, and then do the "surprised Pikachu" face when people reject your lead.