@thegibson this was probably the best Kirk portrayal since TOS. Kirk is the sort of dumbass who'd go buy hot dogs with chess winnings, he was very much alive. But at the same time he was a master strategist - just because he kept losing to Spock doesn't mean he was bad at chess.

The episode showed why he needed Spock's thoughtful influence in his life. He already figured that they need a car and planned to steal one - but of course he'd go for the red sports car because subtle just isn't his thing. I felt bad for La'an who had to be the one to hold the hand on his leash this time around.

It was a really good episode but the ending felt odd - Temporal Investigations just dropped her with a gag order and zero care about the trauma she went through and how that'll affect her personal timeline.

Also Pelia should have paid her a visit in her quarters. She'd have recognized time travel and that La'an was barely holding it together when she returned. She wouldn't have needed to say anything, sometimes just being with someone is enough.