Ok, this trope has been reused in various sci-fi shows, notably several times in a few different Star Trek shows. But it hasn't really been done quite like this, nor quite as well.
Even recognising the familiar trope didn't give the game away and kept the audience (me at least!) guessing, not really fully knowing what was afoot. It was only towards the end that the episode started tipping its hand a little bit.
Got to give it a ten for keeping me fully engaged, keeping me guessing, and keeping me entertained, all while wrapping me in the nostalgia and comfort of reminiscence of much loved episodes of other sci-fi shows that have come before.
Even recognising the familiar trope didn't give the game away and kept the audience (me at least!) guessing, not really fully knowing what was afoot. It was only towards the end that the episode started tipping its hand a little bit.
Got to give it a ten for keeping me fully engaged, keeping me guessing, and keeping me entertained, all while wrapping me in the nostalgia and comfort of reminiscence of much loved episodes of other sci-fi shows that have come before.