This episode was incredible. I loved how they used the Balance of Terror scenario and changed it up that it wasn't a direct copy cat but still made it really tense. The Romulans have finally been redeemed from Picard back to the way they were prior to Nemesis, because I loved everything about the Romulans in this episode. This gave me great "The Defector" (One of my favorite TNG episodes) vibes, mainly for the interactions between Pike and the Romulan commander. Also, this episode did a much better job explaining the Tapestry to life than "Tapestry" did. Over the years, I have come to hate Tapestry a little because I refuse to believe Picard not wanting to be stabbed in the heart meant the end of his dreams to be captain. Leadership is a lifetime of experiences, not one point in time. This episode came out and said that because Pike chose a different fate than what he agreed with, it meant dire consequences for the people around him and the Federation. It took us on a step by step journey of that discovery, and I finally understand what the whole "Tapestry of life" thing means.
As for the ending with Una, let's just say Strange New Worlds ended the same way Lower Decks ended. I now will have two episodes to compare to see how each did their own version of Prison Braak. That's exciting.
I was actually hoping for a trailer to a new season of either Lower Decks or Prodigy tonight. It looks like Paramount Plus really is taking a few weeks off of new Trek showings. I guess that's good, but I am looking forward to Lower Decks returning.
10
