(no subject)
Absolute Candor
The fourth episode. La Sirena diverts to Vashti, a planet inhabited by Romulan refugees, including membes of the Qowat Milat, a sect of Romulan warrior nuns. That this was where Picard was when he learned of the Synth attack on Mars, was excellently set up. The introduction at the beginning of the episode sets up the return during the quest later. It is here that Elnor (apt name) is introduced, as well as Zani, leader of the Qowat Milat. Interesting reading material, The Three Musketeers. It's obviously a big influence on him.
In 2399, Muskier is aghast at the diversion, as the situation in the area has deteriorated, with pirate activity and interspecies tensions making the region rather dangerous. This is certainly realistic. Also realistic is the speciest signage on the Romulan establishment. (Obviously the former Senator is still an authority figure in that community.) His point, that the Federation had taken advantage of the Romulans while they're down, may be accurate, from a certain point of view. A thematic link to the Qowat Milat philosophy.
Of course, that Elnor looks like an Elf doesn't matter. (There may be parallels to The Lord of the Rings, but the Zhat Vash certainly aren't like the Nazgul.) The interactions between him and Picard in the present are believable given that Picard had given up on him (and the other refugees) when Starfleet stopped the evacuation efforts. The planetary defence network was also done rather well. To the Cube. Not much happens between Narek and Soji, albeit Rizzo's ultimatum is definitely leading somewhere.
(It has to, surely.) Escaping the planet, after Elnor kills the former Senator. It was cool, even if the Emergency Tactical Hologram seems to be incompetent. But someone comes to the rescue. This space battle was understated, which was a change from Discovery. The appearance of Seven of Nine was an excellent cliffhangar. “You owe me a ship, Picard.” is a great line, and lays it out that Seven has changed over the last 21 years. 9.2/10.