The focus is definitely on plot with this one. Everyone acts very much as they should. Tuvok is efficient and long-suffering. Chakotay keeps his head, and Torres keeps things going. Kim proves he's competent and capable of taking risks.
People can argue all they like about how it's poor management of a starship.
It's much more fun than the alternatives, and quite in keeping with the rest of her captaining style. Touch my ship or my kids, her manner suggests, and I'll kill you. Obviously, we're going to compare this episode with several other Star Trek episodes and Star Trek IV . So the episode makes some comparisons itself just to join in the fun. I'll just note two here.