And that's my larger point. It absolutely is difficult to take it on its own merits. I know BillJ has made that point numerous times, and, while I disagree to the approach, it is absolutely valid. I mean, given the era and Sarek and such yes that is difficult. But, it is not impossible.
For me, I want to move past my personal expectations and just experience DSC as a story, not even as "dark space show." Just as a story. I don't want labels or comparisons. Again, it is difficult but something I want to try to do.
That's pretty much here I am at. I just check expectations at the door completely and 100%. I watch, experience, and decide whether or not the raw experience entertains me.
I think it s cool that we see Sarek and Mudd and the Enterprise. That's a plus for me, and again with absolutely no expectations of what things are supposed to look like or whatever. Don't care. I've never considered Star Trek this giant intricately-woven universe and singular coherent story. So none of this stuff bothers me.
I'm in it to be entertained and enjoy stories that are being told within the same general Star Trek structure as everything else.
I'm actually quite thankful I'm capable of this approach. I can't imagine being as frigging picky and unhappy as some people can be about the franchise.