I'm....not sure what to make of this episode. It does touch a rather somber depth, but it felt a bit...lacking otherwise. Stoutland's death was more poignant because we spent a fair amount of time with it and knew it's character. We don't actually see a lot of Minior for being the focus, we don't even see it's abilities or personality all that much, a lot of the episode is just more unfocused antics (this is common in SM but it usually blends well with what they're doing), so we don't really get that attached to it before it leaves. Even Poipole's reaction felt a bit underwhelming and too quick.
So yeah, it wasn't BAD, it was different and has a touch of emotion, but it felt lacking.
I hope the observatory and Molayne do get some more screen time, they didn't really get enough focus here.