This felt like the weakest installment of Prodigy thus far. My main issue with it is that the entire "problem" would be resolved with about two minutes of talking to each other.
It makes sense that Gwyn would freak out and leave when she learns her father is on board with Starfleet due to her past trauma; however, the other kids all meet other Starfleet crewmembers and nobody even tries to explain their situation.
This is especially true of Dal. He actually talks to Janeway for a moment about wanting to join Starfleet but he cowers away the minute the guy from the outpost shows up. The guy makes what is a pretty crazy accusation and Dal doesn't even try to say, "It was an accident" or "Theres a trap on the ship!" He just runs off even while Janeway yells something to the effect of "They are just kids." Keep in mind that the entire goal of these kids has been to make it to Starfleet, and later to warn them about the ship, yet standing directly in front of Janeway, Dal does neither.
So, having been too scared/panicked to even speak up, Dal and the others still have the presence of mind to steal a transport and outmaneuver at least three security guards. They board their vessel and then while trying to escape, Dal claims that they can't even answer a hail to explain themselves... hmmm. If only you had the chance to TALK with Janeway face to face about 5 minutes ago, huh?!?
This whole episode struck me as a bit dysfunctional. At moments, they appear to be too terrified/untrusting of Starfleet to even speak with them, and at other moments, the kids act like Starfleet is a utopia that they have to protect even at risk of their lives. For these reasons, I rated this a 5 or a "Meh" episode. It was mildly entertaining, but this was one of the first times I felt like the plot was almost condescending to its intended (younger) audience.
