It wasn’t entirely devoid of laughs. Characters like Syril’s mother or his corporate security colleague lent it humour. You can have some gags without it turning into mugging and cringe inducing lines like the ST.
“I find that answer vague and unconvincing.”
“Not me. I can survive in space.” - after the human crew members lament the possibility of dying in space.
See I find the first one works and the second doesn’t, they just need to find a balance.