This episode could've been salvageable if four things were fixed:
1) They shouldn't have spoiled the murder mystery for the audience so early in the episode, there would've been far more narrative tension if we didn't find out until roughly the same time as the protagonists.
2) In the meantime, Yuta needed to be built up as a relatable and likable character and not just Riker's newest pet. By doing this it makes the reveal that she's the killer much more of a shock for the viewers.
3) Give us a reason to care about what happened to Yuta's clan all those decades ago.
4) If the writers must have Riker kill Yuta, they need to come up with something less appalling than him slowly and painfully phasering her to death. Or better yet, have him do the smart thing and beam over with Worf and Data to subdue and arrest her. Once she's safely locked up in the brig, Riker could then explain everything to Picard, Marouk, and Chorgan. If a bit of drama is still necessary, then Yuta could commit suicide while in custody, giving Riker a reason to feel sorrow over her at the end of the episode.
This episode could've been salvageable if four things were fixed:
1) They shouldn't have spoiled the murder mystery for the audience so early in the episode, there would've been far more narrative tension if we didn't find out until roughly the same time as the protagonists.
2) In the meantime, Yuta needed to be built up as a relatable and likable character and not just Riker's newest pet. By doing this it makes the reveal that she's the killer much more of a shock for the viewers.
3) Give us a reason to care about what happened to Yuta's clan all those decades ago.
4) If the writers must have Riker kill Yuta, they need to come up with something less appalling than him slowly and painfully phasering her to death. Or better yet, have him do the smart thing and beam over with Worf and Data to subdue and arrest her. Once she's safely locked up in the brig, Riker could then explain everything to Picard, Marouk, and Chorgan. If a bit of drama is still necessary, then Yuta could commit suicide while in custody, giving Riker a reason to feel sorrow over her at the end of the episode.
Edited by MarcusImpudite