Kirk’s opening segment works better because it plays off his character and Kirk’s concerns–his nervousness at seeing cadets piloting the Enterprise.

Sadly, while spectacular, the crashing of the Enterprise takes place when for the first time a woman (Deanna Troi) takes the helm. Are they playing to old cliches about women drivers?

Also, to keep up a sense of ticking clock, Picard appears mere minutes before Dr. Soren is to launch his weapon. Why not beam back hours before to give him plenty of time to attend to matters properly? If he can re-enter the universe at any point in time, this would make more sense, even though it would sacrifice the suspense.