I'd also say that Unification III - while not my favorite episode - was very smart overall. I was willing to forgive the "small universe syndrome" aspect with Michael's mom (we knew we were going to see her again). I loved that the criticisms of Michael's character were made explicit.
One decision however nearly undercut the entire episode. Michael near the end makes the realization that her monomania regarding finding the cause of the Burn isn't the most important thing in the world, and steps back from the ledge when she risks causing civil war on Ni'Var. This was an incredible moment of emotional growth for Michael as a character, as she finally internalized that maybe she isn't always right with her messiah complex. But then the writers totally ruined it by giving her access to the data anyway. It's a textbook example of character choice not leading to proper consequences, and is entirely because they had a predetermined way they wanted the arc of the season to end, which required Michael to be "right" in the end.
Oh, and "acting XO Tilly" remains awful.
One decision however nearly undercut the entire episode. Michael near the end makes the realization that her monomania regarding finding the cause of the Burn isn't the most important thing in the world, and steps back from the ledge when she risks causing civil war on Ni'Var. This was an incredible moment of emotional growth for Michael as a character, as she finally internalized that maybe she isn't always right with her messiah complex. But then the writers totally ruined it by giving her access to the data anyway. It's a textbook example of character choice not leading to proper consequences, and is entirely because they had a predetermined way they wanted the arc of the season to end, which required Michael to be "right" in the end.
Oh, and "acting XO Tilly" remains awful.
