With a wealth of imagination surrounding both back stories and new development in the 'Entire' Star Trek universe (as imagined by all who contribute), you can just keep on expanding the limits and this is a perfect example.
It's always so refreshing to watch little gems like this, because they treat your mind to a short pause from the central plot "Where the odds are against us and the situation is grim", whilst somehow remaining connected. I think it's imperative, to help the modern generation get a sense of how forward-thinking Star Trek is to the world of sci-fi. So here it is... We develop as much supporting material as possible surrounding all the characters, their strengths, their fears, their histories and more. These are not simply cold, flat, generic science fiction characters that fit the profile of the overall genre, no, they are human beings (mostly), who represent the sheer determination of the human race to try and get it right no-matter the situation.
OK so this is only a mere snippet in the overall story-line, but it's an additional means by the creators, writers and visionaries to build on something solid, that is reliable, believable, inspiring and comforting that will stand firm and bond completely with Gene Roddenberry's vision.
In terms of the acting: Mary Wiseman is superb on every level. Her reaction to what for her is a 'First Contact' situation, is exactly what you'd expect from a young officer who understands protocol but has the ability to read a situation with natural restraint and heaps of humility as Jean-Luc Picard does. She makes it possible for us to put ourselves in the same situation, where we can see that we are dealing with a serious issue but that defensive overkill is not necessary. Sylvia Tilly is the best crew member on the ship to encounter this young queen who is confused, undecided, subject to seemingly overwhelming events that are 'bigger' than her. These two characters are a perfect match and I sincerely hope they meet again down the line.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the superb acting, the dazzling sets and it definitely feels like you're aboard a Federation Starship. When you are creating something that connects to the Star Trek universe you need to ensure you get it right both in the foreground and in the background, and I feel the cast and crew have done a superb job throughout. Ten stars from me.
