That was one of the better episodes, IMO. I still didn't "like" it, but I didn't intensely dislike it for a change. It was watchable and actually felt a bit like Star Trek.
It was great that it was relatively short and lean. It was focused on the story and, mercifully, wasn't padded with too many flashbacks/memories, Vulcan philosophy and private conversations, which all tend to be the worst parts of every episode. I don't know if this can be attributed to Frakes or if his preference for lean scripts suited this one, but I think that he was a good choice for director, especially since it was a first contact story and he directed the First Contact movie.
I liked that it had a lot of Pike and relatively little of Burnham. Unfortunately, it had a lot of Tilly (though, if I had to choose, I'd choose her over Burnham). She continues to show just how
not cut out for command she is. I guess that the writers assume that making her seem like such a long shot and overcoming obstacles will get us to like her and pull for her. It's just too absurd, though.
I really liked Jacob. That actor did a great job emoting and making his character sympathetic. I was afraid at one point that the episode was ripping off that one TNG episode and was going to invite Jacob to the ship to leave with them, so I'm glad that it reached a different conclusion.
The worst thing about the episode was--no surprise--Burnham. Despite having less screen time, she still managed to be super irritating. At one point early on, Tilly had a good idea and I thought, "Hey, that's the kind of teamwork that we've been saying in this thread has been lacking," but, literally seconds later, Burnham said, "That
is a good idea... but..." and offered her correction of that idea. Also, Burnham, the
science officer has the scripture of nine Earth religions memorized? Of course she does! Also, "I'm from Vulcan. We don't do funny." Ugh. She's no more Vulcan than the woman who raised her and who has a sense of humor. She can have an appreciation of logic, but to show such unappreciation for humor is absurb. Finally, near the end, she told Pike that she's learned the consequences of not following the rules, and I was like "Wow, her character is taking responsibility and evolving!", but, literally only
two minutes later, she advocated for violating the Prime Directive, the most important rule in all of Starfleet
. The writing on this show can't avoid contradicting itself even minutes later in the very same conversation.
