This episode features two very drawn out moral conundrums which seem to boil down to:
Should we allow the ship's newly sentient computer to retain control of Discovery after it/she/preferred pronoun has refused a direct command? AND Should the Federation attempt peaceful negotiation with Species 10-C (the latest existential threat) when the means to destroy it appears to be at hand?
This is all wrapped up in lots of hugs, expression of feelings and several goodbyes plus a broad hint that we will shortly be returning to the Mirror Universe.
NOTE TO WRITERS
There are far too many people working on these scripts and you are beholden to too many masters. That you are unable to produce any coherent narrative may not be entirely your fault, it may simply be a function of the chaotic environment in which you are working. You have shamelessly mined the works of your forbearers and dishonoured the memory of Gene Roddenberry who, let us not forget, WAS A REAL HERO IN A REAL WAR where youngsters half your age went out to die without all this endless crying and counselling. Senior Trekker suggests you go back to your garrets and re-connect with the muse.
NOTE TO ACTORS
Senior Trekker always awards a score of five because I acknowledge that even mediocre artists have to make a living and, without them, the better ones would not shine so brightly. If you want to make a real statement about inclusivity and representation then you have to be the best at your craft. This requires discipline and professionalism; It is not enough to turn up and perform "demographic of the week", then dare people to criticise you. Some of you will be disappointed at the low scores this series is attracting nowadays and will blame the prejudices of the commentators. Not everyone who makes a negative comment is a "hater" and, in this business, YOUR PRIMARY FUNCTION IS TO ENTERTAIN.
And while we are on the subject of diversity.......whoever designed and dressed the multiple aliens who appeared in the Federation grand assembly chose some very conventional male/female stereotypes. Where were the multi/trans/non gendered individuals here, then? I'm afraid it looked very much as if the "women are always right" motif was being played out on a galactic scale.
Stay safe & stay courteous.
