Anyway, general episode thoughts:
- As with the last couple of episodes, I thought that it worked well as light drama, but not really as comedy. There were sections that were "cute" or "mirthful" enough to make me smile, but there really wasn't anything worth laughing at.
- I enjoyed that they mixed up the dynamics of the characters a bit, with Mariner paired up with Captain Freeman through most of the episode, and Tendi off doing her own thing with the "spiritual ascension" guy. It meant there wasn't much for Boimler and Rutherford to do this time around, but that was fine.
- I'm really liking how the series is leaning into the "workplace drama" aspect of Berman Trek which has otherwise been lost. It was always semi-ridiculous on TNG they went from ship-threatening crisis to poetry readings in Ten Forward, and the surreal aspect of everyday life on a Federation vessel when not in crisis is absolutely highlighted here.
- I agree they could have done a bit better in terms of characterizing the Tellarite captain and why he chose to fuck up. That said, we need to keep in mind that the focus of the episodes is not suppsoed to be the shipwide crises dealt with by the bridge crew. It's always supposed to be focused on one or more of the ensigns. We can presume something deeper happened off camera I suppose.
- I am mildly concerned with how the episode ended bumping Mariner back down to ensign. Mostly because this is really the first time the series has suggested to me use of a "reset button." While it would immediately blow up the initial premise of the show, it would have been interesting if they left Mariner as a Lieutenant for at least a few episodes.
