I might need to give this episode another shot in a few years. It wasn't bad per se, but I just couldn't get into it.

This was a great episode, but I feel like the one detail missing is the explanation of why they have their hands on the light thingy. Only having watch TOS is that clear really, but other great episode.

Loved the uniform work as well.

I really wished Pike would cook more. I also need some further understanding of what the carrot cutting was being used for. Lol

I LOVED this episode.

When I was a child and watched TOS and TNG for the first time I remember how I was amazed by those Starfleet crews who come from so many different backgrounds and who worked together for a good cause. I really shaped my worldview. And this episode brought all those memories back through Una's story.

And on top of that comes an allegory about the struggles that minorities (still) face today.

Classic Star Trek.

Random sidenotes:

• those dress uniforms look *chef's kiss*
• the same goes for Neera's dresses and the dress of her assistant. I'm a guy and I'm envious of those dresses. 😄
• I really like how everyone has slightly different hairstyles every now and then. Captain Batel styled her hair in three (or even four?) different ways in this episode alone. It feels so much more realistic than what everyone having the same hairstyle for years or even for the entire series, like it has often been the case for previous Treks.

It is a bit tiring watching my space escapism but it's actually just highly contemporary societal issues, I know I shouldn't expect it not to be, because this series has been highly contemporary from the very first episode, but it's frustrating.

Almost everything about the show, from casting, effects, costumes, practical effects, vibe, directing, camerawork is all excellent.

The writing however is a straight 4/10. Not for the contemporary issues, though they contribute, but half the conversations in this series simply don't make sense. Has anyone else noticed this?