It's the same dumb cycle that's happened with every new Trek show since TNG (and probably TAS). It's tiresome, but at least it's predicable, I guess? Just ignore the obligatory backlash and see how it turns out.
rogermccoy
I love Prodigy, but I've seen people struggle to get past the first episode. If someone's coming in reluctantly it's not where I'd start.
I've shown this as a first episode (or at least first 2-3 episodes) and it hasn't been an issue. If you're sitting with them you can explain significant items, but generally they get enough without much help.
Great episode, but I'd argue it doesn't really give a new viewer much of a feel of what Star Trek is. Probably works better when you have a few episodes of TNG already under your belt.
Might be worth showing him the first episode of Lower Decks then. Or "Temporal Edict" is another strong early episode that's still fairly introductory and really gives a lot of the Star Trek vibes about being capable and ethical while still showing it as a fun time.
Great notes, as always.
In addition to the already-cited references, the Beagle could additionally be a sly reference to Archer's pal Porthos.
Interestingly, Jolene Blalock is credited simply as "Jolene". EDIT: Mike McMahan says this was at her request. https://bsky.app/profile/mikemcmahan.bsky.social/post/3ld3v4usznc2i
Our T'Pol also had some indirect experience with the concept of katra transference when Archer briefly carried Surak's katra.
Nice notes, other than the Berman comment, which was tacky and unnecessary.