3. Character development sets this episode's pacing
I appreciate how author Jarrett Melendez allows his Stargazers characters to grow and change, yet keeps their basic personalities stable in a way that supports continuity.
For example, despite the changes he's experiencing, Syrrik still rises early in this episode, commits himself to his exercise routine, and then follows his hygiene regimen. He doesn't drastically change the way he dresses or wears his hair, which would feel forced and out of character.
Melendez also has a knack for pacing; he gives us glimpses into the characters' lives but doesn't dwell on any of them (at least up until now, as this chapter was mostly Syrrik's story). This moves the plot forward in an unhurried way, giving Menendez plenty of room to showcase his versatile writing style.
Melendez also has talent for setting up a cliffhanger! This chapter ends with Syrrik and Jato meeting up in their quarters, but it's clear that the latter has been waiting (in the dark, no less) and says simply, "Hello, son." The punctuation, especially that full-stop period, suggests that he's ready to explode harder than Praxis did in The Undiscovered Country.
I hope you join us again soon for another episode review of Stargazers. For more Star Trek content and to share your comments on episode 21, visit the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages.
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