For *me* the S8 story including the characterisations may be surprising but once I get over the surprise those characters are still completely recognisable, are indeed a logical evolution from the people *I* knew on the TV show.
I can see it, if I really, really try. I think my problem is that s8 has just been such a monumental disappointment (sort of a bit like what Disney did to The Jungle Book), that I don't think the merits outweigh the compromises. I'm glad that some people feel different, and wish I could see what you see. Maybe I will once it's finished.