I can see how people would not like these episodes. They should have been only one episode, not enough happened to warrant two episodes. The actress that plays Burnham was mostly solid in her acting, but a couple of parts were overdone. I think the actress who plays Giorgio (spelling?) did great all the way through. Saru's actor did great all of the way through. The acting of the supporting cast was not good in this episode IMO.
Despite its pitfalls, I loved these episodes because I can so relate to the struggle of growing up in an environment that teaches you toxic ways of being, leaving and learning healthier ways of being, then returning to the toxic environment and seeing things so differently, lamenting that some people just cannot change and, beyond that, will continually try to cut you back down to where they are. In life we sometimes see this dynamic play out in families. The whole growth process is equally liberating and difficult. This aspect of the plot resonated with me.
Despite its pitfalls, I loved these episodes because I can so relate to the struggle of growing up in an environment that teaches you toxic ways of being, leaving and learning healthier ways of being, then returning to the toxic environment and seeing things so differently, lamenting that some people just cannot change and, beyond that, will continually try to cut you back down to where they are. In life we sometimes see this dynamic play out in families. The whole growth process is equally liberating and difficult. This aspect of the plot resonated with me.