I think what justifies it is the second case that they encounter. The other guy provides them with scientific evidence that Uhura was experiencing something that wasn’t unique to just her.

It was definitely a leap of faith for Pike, but his decision was bolstered by someone (Kirk) that he knows can make the right decisions too.

Wow, these SNW writers really bring it each week, don’t they?

Don’t they just! Genuinely excited whenever I fire up the episodes and watch the intro everytime (love the intro music!)