This is not TOS. Nor TNG. This is a new story, moving forward in time. Just as you are not the same as you were in 1993, these characters grow and change! So does their world! This is a great, gritty, more realistic story of the universe at this time. Yes, gay people exist. Yes, bad things happen. The heart is the story is still true blue trek. I thought this story was great. And I was happy to see closure for Data, hope for the Federation, and a new path for both Picard and Seven to go down next season. This was very well done and a great finale for the season.
For all you upset folks that it's not the g-rated happy place last series were, grow up or watch a rerun. This is taking trek to a place more grounded in reality. Enjoy the ride for what it is and quit expecting it to be a replica of what once was!