Star Trek: Discovery has reintroduced several classic concepts from throughout the Star Trek franchise, mostly from The Original Series. One of these is the Mirror Universe, which is most well-known for introducing the world to Spock's evil bearded counterpart. This other world is integral to one of Discovery's central characters, explaining the mystery behind his seeming impediment.

Gabriel Lorca was a notable Starfleet officer with a strange sensitivity to light. But while Lorca's vision difficulties were supposedly tied to an injury from an encounter with Klingons, the truth actually involved the Mirror Universe and a plan involving Michael Burnham. Here's why Lorca tries to keep those around him in the dark, literally and figuratively.

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Who is Star Trek: Discovery's Gabriel Lorca?

The Prime Universe Gabriel Lorca was the commander of the USS Buran, but at some point during the 23rd century, he was replaced by his Mirror Universe doppelganger. The Mirror Lorca had turned against the Emperor, attempting to launch a coup against her that Lorca's protege Michael Burnham was sent to stop. The coup failed, and the murder of Burnham during the altercation made Lorca go on the run.

Lorca would cross over into the Prime Universe, where he took over the role of his in-universe counterpart. What happened to the original Lorca was unknown for quite a while, but his mirror image would be able to fool those around him for years. This was all part of a plan to regain his former status, though the greatest threat to this mission was something as simple as the light surrounding him.

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Why are Gabriel Lorca's Eyes Sensitive?

The ruse that the Mirror Universe Gabriel Lorca played was sealed with his explanation for what happened to his eyes. His story involved his allowed destruction of the USS Buran, so as to keep it and the crew from being captured by enemy Klingons. He was the only survivor of this supposed incident, but an explosion during the conflict deeply affected his vision.

The explosion supposedly damaged his eyes in a way that made him particularly susceptible to bright lights. According to Locra, any sort of surgery to fix this impairment would cost him his eyes, leaving the ailment to become part of his character. This was of course false, however. The true reason behind his sensitivity to light was the fact that he was from the Mirror Universe. This is a well-known trait of those from the Mirror Universe, and it's the sole trait that separates them from their counterparts. This is also the real reason why Lorca refused to undergo treatment to fix his affliction, as doing such would reveal no damage and expose him as a doppelganger. Despite his best efforts, however, Lorca's deception eventually came to light and undid him in the end.

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