I'll get the negatives/nitpicks/bitching out of the way first:
- Just because you have a character address it (Stamets to Tilly "Repeat after me; 'I will say less words'"), doesn't mean that having the idiotic "Let's have characters just keep babbling on and on and on cos improv-esque dialogue is so fucking funny" trope is any less dumb. Between Tilly's schtick and, the two helmsmen during the scene where Burnham rescues Pike, it really grated.
- Why is everyone insistent on practically salivating over the Enterprise? If I wanted to see the Enterprise and, subsequently a better show, I would go and watch TOS or TNG, stop trying to crowbar the fucker into your new show.
- You're telling me that, by the 23rd century, people are still saying "shit" as a swear word? (minor quibble I know, but it bugs me).
- Was it really necessary to have the stereotypical douche as the Enterprise's science officer to begin with, let alone kill him off in such a fashion?
Now, on the positive side, I am glad they are taking a bit more of a lighthearted tone this time, even if some of it is a bit cringey. The lens flare seemed toned down too and, i'm curious to see what unfolds with this season, the first episode was enough to make me want to watch the next one and, that is always good.
Let us hope I don't regret that decision!