I think this is a solid episode, it was an interesting expansion of some of the "come back to the Federation" stuff we've seen in the latter seasons of Discovery, and hearing the negotiations with the Betazoids (clearly what the "Beta" in the episode title was referring to was interesting as well.

I loved seeing Jett Reno again, and Tig's fantastic wit and comic timing comes through once again. The Mystery of where Anisha Mir has ended up continues to unfold with the knowledge that she was on a planet within the Betazoid "wall"

The flexible round "classroom" set is interesting, I'm confused about what appears to be Cetacean Operations or just an aquarium.

The solution to how to convince the Betazoids to rejoin the Federation was a bit predictable, but I liked it anyway, and I was impressed that Tarima did not end up joining the academy (instead opting to go to the War College). Interestingly her brother did join the Academy but he's not listed as a regular or recurring cast member even though he's going to be Caleb and Darem's roommate, but Tarima is listed as being a regular member of the cast and yet she's not even going to be going to the same school, we'll have to see how that plays out in future episodes.

I found it fascinating that President Sadal spoke in sign language with an interpreter, I love seeing representation for disabilities in Star Trek.

Another thing I found rather pleasant was the guest appearance by Lyric Soprano Jamie Groote as the Opera Singer singing duet with Robert Picardo's Doctor, I thought they sounded beautiful singing together.

This episode was entirely Earthbound and it was nice seeing bits of Marin County scenery outside, definitely helped the "school" vibe. One small issue is that Starfleet Academy seems incredibly underpopulated for a university. I get that it is the first class back on Earth, and there is now a competing college in the War College, but it seems like there should be a lot more students than are visible whenever the students congregate. The locations students congregate in are also comparatively small for a school. The debates on membership happen in a very small hall with only a couple dozen students.

So far with these first 2 episodes out, I'm happy with what I'm seeing so far and looking forward to the rest of the season. I rate this episode Lieutenant Commander.

HD3 Episode Rank: Lieutenant Commander (B+ Tier)