I went 9 but maybe should have went 10. This one seems to get better the more I think about it.
I loved the Mariner/Sito connection, and it explains a lot. Though the confession was a touch too easy, but OK. But Lower Decks is a top 20 TNG episode for me, and I oove the callback.
I loved poking fun at Star Wars and that Captain Freeman knew what she was doing, mostly. Loved the Tholian Web & Corbamite Manuever callbacks. NOT being a puppet was hilarious. As was Boimler's "teach me to tap dance, Beverly Crusher" dream. Tom Riker lives! And the return of Lacarno!
I would not bet on Lacarno being a total baddie, though. He took the hit so the others could continue. He was loyal to them and I bet he still is. That is what the Starburst is about. There is a reason he sought Mariner out. Put me firmly in camp "Sito is alive "
Thomas Riker is alive. Tuvok survived the Picard finale. If Sito is alive, I may even have hope for Ro, as Matalas indicated there was a version where she was transported out prior to the explosion & later found.