Admittedly, everything is a lot better than Discovery but this episode of Picard was better than every episode that preceded it. Again, not a difficult task but it allows me to hope. I suspect they've spent most of the budget on this and we're in for 9 low budget episodes with terrible writing but so far, although mediocre and silly (how did this lot get jobs in Starfleet?), it was a lot better than the disastrously bad Discovery.
127 Reviews
I'm honestly so surprised!!
zoeyzoco-517413 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I went in with VERY low expectations and was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it!
-Starts off with cool action scene, and had decent pacing throughout the episode. I was fully GEEKING out when I saw beloved class Starships like Akira, Excelsior and EVEN SOVEREIGN! No copy + paste, thank god!
-They also explain a few discrepancies with Q and Guinan which should satisfy most. My only nit pick so far is the unprofessionalsm of the new captain! Smoking a cigar on the bridge? Barely any standard protocol and Agnes is drunk... on a Starfleet Bridge! Ugh! Other than that I'm excited for the rest!
-Starts off with cool action scene, and had decent pacing throughout the episode. I was fully GEEKING out when I saw beloved class Starships like Akira, Excelsior and EVEN SOVEREIGN! No copy + paste, thank god!
-They also explain a few discrepancies with Q and Guinan which should satisfy most. My only nit pick so far is the unprofessionalsm of the new captain! Smoking a cigar on the bridge? Barely any standard protocol and Agnes is drunk... on a Starfleet Bridge! Ugh! Other than that I'm excited for the rest!
That's better
jared794 March 2022
Look up, Picard!
XweAponX4 March 2022
We knew this was going to be The Borg from the intro animation- I just wasn't expecting it.
We are given imagery of an idyllic federation, A year and a half after last seasons events.
As each former member of Picard's previous crew checks in, we see that things had been going very well for them.
7-of-9 is still working with the Fenris rangers, Rios is now a cigar chomping Captain, with Jurati in tow... on a really cool new ship bearing a famous name.
Raffi has her old job back, and Picard even has a highly respected post at Starfleet Academy. As well as his wine business in France.
Elnor has an interesting new job, as does Soji. We even check in with Quinan who is now allowing herself El-Aurian self to age gracefully (to make humans more comfortable in her new bar in Los Angeles). And the Enterprise D old transporter chief (after O'Brien left) played by April Grace, is now an admiral, who comes to fetch Picard to show him some anomaly that is calling him by name.
Which turns out to be the Borg queen (and we also already knew that from the shows' intro animation as well). I mean, any anomaly that glows fluorescent green is probably the Borg.
But nothing we have ever seen before, they have abandoned the cube shape for some thing that fits into the anomaly. Rios is extremely ill equipped to deal with this, and 7 just reacts. Picard really doesn't know what to do about it, except for one thing...
When the dust clears, Picard finds himself on an earth that bears no resemblance to the 24th (25th?) century we are familiar with.
When Picard finally does look up, he does not see what he expects to see. But he does see an old friend.
"Wait, what?"
Well when it comes down to it, stories about a perfect federation are boring. Stories about fixing a federation gone awry are better.
I went through this and since I didn't really leave any important spoilers, I am switching this back to None. Didn't give any details.
We are given imagery of an idyllic federation, A year and a half after last seasons events.
As each former member of Picard's previous crew checks in, we see that things had been going very well for them.
7-of-9 is still working with the Fenris rangers, Rios is now a cigar chomping Captain, with Jurati in tow... on a really cool new ship bearing a famous name.
Raffi has her old job back, and Picard even has a highly respected post at Starfleet Academy. As well as his wine business in France.
Elnor has an interesting new job, as does Soji. We even check in with Quinan who is now allowing herself El-Aurian self to age gracefully (to make humans more comfortable in her new bar in Los Angeles). And the Enterprise D old transporter chief (after O'Brien left) played by April Grace, is now an admiral, who comes to fetch Picard to show him some anomaly that is calling him by name.
Which turns out to be the Borg queen (and we also already knew that from the shows' intro animation as well). I mean, any anomaly that glows fluorescent green is probably the Borg.
But nothing we have ever seen before, they have abandoned the cube shape for some thing that fits into the anomaly. Rios is extremely ill equipped to deal with this, and 7 just reacts. Picard really doesn't know what to do about it, except for one thing...
When the dust clears, Picard finds himself on an earth that bears no resemblance to the 24th (25th?) century we are familiar with.
When Picard finally does look up, he does not see what he expects to see. But he does see an old friend.
"Wait, what?"
Well when it comes down to it, stories about a perfect federation are boring. Stories about fixing a federation gone awry are better.
I went through this and since I didn't really leave any important spoilers, I am switching this back to None. Didn't give any details.
Flows much better.
amesmonde5 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Picard when faced with a familiar adversary when a distress signal is transmitted from an entity in deep space and he is pull out of retirement and literally time to meet an old acquaintance.
With a reworked theme tune, Doug Aarniokoski finely directs 'The Star Gazer'. Without covering the plot this is first episode is vast improvement over season one. It flows much better, it appears better filmed, staged, plotted and scripted. It's feels less clunky and forced. Aarniokoski also directed debatably the best episode of Season One.
A warm reunion with some of the franchise's most likeable characters, including a handful from Season One, Jurati, Raffi and the excellent Satiago Cabrera as Rios to name a few, also it's a comforting return to where we've boldly gone before. Both Jeri Ryan and Whoopie Goldberg reprise their roles Seven of Nine and Guinan respectively. Goldberg offers nostalgia, Ryan simply shines offering energy in every scene. The Synth Harvey played by Alex Diehl is along with the updated Borg Queen is notable.
Even the few littered action scenes are an improvement in this seasons opener and it feels the franchise reconnecting with its iconic self while updating and travelling new ground. There's holographic shenanigans, plenty Star Trek nods, even mentioning Spock, The Kobayashi Maru, '10' forward, The Excelsior, to name a few.
I'm not going to lie and I'm no doubt in the minority; but I was never a huge fan of the Borg storylines or Qs despite their focal threaded frequent inclusion. That said, this feels like something special, John de Lancie gets better with age and is notable here reprising Q, even Patrick Stewart's feels more engaged with conviction as Picard. It really does feel more about the Picard we know, fleshed further with some flashbacks and also the Stargazer's inclusion thanks to Akiva Goldman and Terry Matalas writing. There's a subtle feel of Next Generation, Voyager and even the films to it. This episode works and is easy to swallow due to the great acting, scripting, costumes, sets, effects and production values. After a sucker punch defining shock moment, it ends on a great cliffhanger that actually entices the viewer to watch more this time around.
Overall, a promising start to Season 2. Clearly they carried over only what worked from its predecessor. Highly recommend.
With a reworked theme tune, Doug Aarniokoski finely directs 'The Star Gazer'. Without covering the plot this is first episode is vast improvement over season one. It flows much better, it appears better filmed, staged, plotted and scripted. It's feels less clunky and forced. Aarniokoski also directed debatably the best episode of Season One.
A warm reunion with some of the franchise's most likeable characters, including a handful from Season One, Jurati, Raffi and the excellent Satiago Cabrera as Rios to name a few, also it's a comforting return to where we've boldly gone before. Both Jeri Ryan and Whoopie Goldberg reprise their roles Seven of Nine and Guinan respectively. Goldberg offers nostalgia, Ryan simply shines offering energy in every scene. The Synth Harvey played by Alex Diehl is along with the updated Borg Queen is notable.
Even the few littered action scenes are an improvement in this seasons opener and it feels the franchise reconnecting with its iconic self while updating and travelling new ground. There's holographic shenanigans, plenty Star Trek nods, even mentioning Spock, The Kobayashi Maru, '10' forward, The Excelsior, to name a few.
I'm not going to lie and I'm no doubt in the minority; but I was never a huge fan of the Borg storylines or Qs despite their focal threaded frequent inclusion. That said, this feels like something special, John de Lancie gets better with age and is notable here reprising Q, even Patrick Stewart's feels more engaged with conviction as Picard. It really does feel more about the Picard we know, fleshed further with some flashbacks and also the Stargazer's inclusion thanks to Akiva Goldman and Terry Matalas writing. There's a subtle feel of Next Generation, Voyager and even the films to it. This episode works and is easy to swallow due to the great acting, scripting, costumes, sets, effects and production values. After a sucker punch defining shock moment, it ends on a great cliffhanger that actually entices the viewer to watch more this time around.
Overall, a promising start to Season 2. Clearly they carried over only what worked from its predecessor. Highly recommend.
Make it so
thinkMovies4 March 2022
Star Trek was best defined by Nichelle Nichols that moment in Gene Roddenberry's office when she figured it out and told him "You're not making science fiction! You are writing morality stories!" After Gene crossed beyond the time continuum, we got good Trek and we got bad Trek. The Discovery mess could not be further from Gene's vision and formula; it's just not Star Trek. But Piccard, or Star Trek, The Next generation, 30 Years Later ...now this is what may save the Alpha Quadrant, not to say the Galaxy.
From Encounter at Farpoint, to All Good Things, TNG was about the Trial. And, the Trial never ends. Jean Luc Picard has the character it takes to understand what the trial is about. And, the Picard production team gets it; the visuals and the concepts are respectful of the legacy of this dream of what humanity could become.
In the first episode of season 2 everything was fine and settled from the conclusion of season 1, until it wasn't. Something is wrong. Like in the beginning of All Good Things, the series finale of TNG, something strange needs to be investigated. Soon things fall apart. Until the moment Picard, confused by his surroundings, hears a familiar voice. "Mon Capitaine..." Oh, No!... no! But yes... it is, Q is back. And the Trial of humanity will continue.
I was wondering how they will introduce the two characters who do not age... With Guinan it was seamless, with a good excuse for ageing explained to Picard by Guinan herself. But the way they did it with an older John de Lancie was perfection! Brilliant! You got to see it! I played that scene back five-six times already!
After watching the first episode I'm excited and thankful! True Star Trek continues and it gets better: Make it so.
From Encounter at Farpoint, to All Good Things, TNG was about the Trial. And, the Trial never ends. Jean Luc Picard has the character it takes to understand what the trial is about. And, the Picard production team gets it; the visuals and the concepts are respectful of the legacy of this dream of what humanity could become.
In the first episode of season 2 everything was fine and settled from the conclusion of season 1, until it wasn't. Something is wrong. Like in the beginning of All Good Things, the series finale of TNG, something strange needs to be investigated. Soon things fall apart. Until the moment Picard, confused by his surroundings, hears a familiar voice. "Mon Capitaine..." Oh, No!... no! But yes... it is, Q is back. And the Trial of humanity will continue.
I was wondering how they will introduce the two characters who do not age... With Guinan it was seamless, with a good excuse for ageing explained to Picard by Guinan herself. But the way they did it with an older John de Lancie was perfection! Brilliant! You got to see it! I played that scene back five-six times already!
After watching the first episode I'm excited and thankful! True Star Trek continues and it gets better: Make it so.
Great season opener
joealbanese-536584 March 2022
Very pleasantly surprised by the season opener. Like others have said, it seems more like an extension of TNG than any of the other Trek series and was definitely better than Discovery. Beautifully filmed, great effects. Can't wait for the next episode. Oh and don't mind the 1 star reviews, inevitably they are by those that are upset with the politics that they perceive in the show rather than quality. Silly angry boys.
I'll be darned....
jamisonjohn3 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
They actually pulled it off. A story with excellent writing, good acting, substance, yes, SUBSTANCE!! This episode, the beginning of season 2, is actually very enjoyable. Picard is in a new position along with everyone else. There's a great new ship, and other ships that will make you jump for joy. There's new faces, and some old. It all made for a very enjoyable experience. As I said, it's written very well. I suppose season one and the failure of Discovery was a wake-up call.
Terry Matalas knows what he's doing, his episodes of Nikita proved it.
sarakuralexx3 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Wow, what a start to the season!
I'm very interested in where they're taking Picard's reluctance to romance; if I had to guess from the disjointed flashback we saw, I would guess he had an abusive father, and was worried he would emulate that behavior if he ever let himself love someone ... somewhat autobiographical for Stewart, but a fitting explanation for Picard's reserved demeanor for most of the time we saw him in TNG.
It was delightful to see Guinan again, and I find it amusing that she must've scoured Earth for a 'Forward St' just so she could set up a thematically appropriate bar.
The Stargazer is an absolutely gorgeous ship, and it was exciting to see Rios in command. The interior design, to me, felt like the right blend of TNG-era aesthetic blended with technological advancements in both real world and in-universe improvements.
Seven on the outskirts of space going lone wolf aboard the La Sirena is fitting, though I was sad when she said she merged the holograms, I enjoyed Santiago Cabrera's versatility portraying the various EXH's, I was hoping we'd get more of that in the future.
The Borg requesting Federation membership was the perfect bait, and harkens back to something Eddington said to Sisko, that the Federation wants everyone to join them. Klingon, Romulan, Cardassian, and apparently, even the Borg. I can see how Picard would want to take that chance, it's a very Starfleet thing to do.
Q's appearance as his younger self and then 'catching up' was suggested here a while back, and I feel like they pulled it off perfectly. Their de-aging tech isn't as good as Marvel's, but for the quick shot it did the job well. Picards creeping dread and 'God damn it, Q!' were also similarly fitting. After so long, Picard must've hoped Q had become bored with him and moved on.
All in all, this was an exciting start to the Season, with the promise of intriguing twists and turns; though I confess when all is said and done, I feel like a Stargazer spinoff would be welcome; that was a beauty of a ship, and new adventures in the early 25th Century would be a great source of material.
I'm very interested in where they're taking Picard's reluctance to romance; if I had to guess from the disjointed flashback we saw, I would guess he had an abusive father, and was worried he would emulate that behavior if he ever let himself love someone ... somewhat autobiographical for Stewart, but a fitting explanation for Picard's reserved demeanor for most of the time we saw him in TNG.
It was delightful to see Guinan again, and I find it amusing that she must've scoured Earth for a 'Forward St' just so she could set up a thematically appropriate bar.
The Stargazer is an absolutely gorgeous ship, and it was exciting to see Rios in command. The interior design, to me, felt like the right blend of TNG-era aesthetic blended with technological advancements in both real world and in-universe improvements.
Seven on the outskirts of space going lone wolf aboard the La Sirena is fitting, though I was sad when she said she merged the holograms, I enjoyed Santiago Cabrera's versatility portraying the various EXH's, I was hoping we'd get more of that in the future.
The Borg requesting Federation membership was the perfect bait, and harkens back to something Eddington said to Sisko, that the Federation wants everyone to join them. Klingon, Romulan, Cardassian, and apparently, even the Borg. I can see how Picard would want to take that chance, it's a very Starfleet thing to do.
Q's appearance as his younger self and then 'catching up' was suggested here a while back, and I feel like they pulled it off perfectly. Their de-aging tech isn't as good as Marvel's, but for the quick shot it did the job well. Picards creeping dread and 'God damn it, Q!' were also similarly fitting. After so long, Picard must've hoped Q had become bored with him and moved on.
All in all, this was an exciting start to the Season, with the promise of intriguing twists and turns; though I confess when all is said and done, I feel like a Stargazer spinoff would be welcome; that was a beauty of a ship, and new adventures in the early 25th Century would be a great source of material.
Woooohoooo, what an impressive start of Season 2
Shadowboy_25cm4 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Who saw the trailer for Star Trek Picard season 2, knows what is coming, but already this first episode is giving a lot of fan service with the appearance of iconic characters from the Star Trek: Next Generation and Star Trek: Voyager tv shows.
The beginning is most likely to be described that some mysterious force in the Delta Quater of the Universe is calling for Jean-Luc Picard and he joins the crew of the starship Star Gazer and meets up with his former crew members from season 1.
The storytelling is well done, with nice locations on Earth, the Starfleet Academy, the Picard Winery.
Excellent production values, set designs and SFXs.
We get introduced in iconic characters: Guinan, Seven-of-nine, some mysterious Borg and at the end as cliffhanger (and the trailer already spoilered it): Q.
Fantastic setting for this season. I'm hooked.
And the adventure starts.
The beginning is most likely to be described that some mysterious force in the Delta Quater of the Universe is calling for Jean-Luc Picard and he joins the crew of the starship Star Gazer and meets up with his former crew members from season 1.
The storytelling is well done, with nice locations on Earth, the Starfleet Academy, the Picard Winery.
Excellent production values, set designs and SFXs.
We get introduced in iconic characters: Guinan, Seven-of-nine, some mysterious Borg and at the end as cliffhanger (and the trailer already spoilered it): Q.
Fantastic setting for this season. I'm hooked.
And the adventure starts.
Trying to soft reboot season 1
vsek11 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
What can I say: it didn't hurt as much as season 1 did. This first episode also tries to divorce itself a little bit from the disastrous and incoherent mess that was season 1.
Starfleet feels more like Starfleet, ships come in different classes, characters are not traumatised drug addicts. Still, there's some profanity and Agnes really should be behind bars for killing a man (no - watching a stock footage reel by way of vulcan mind-meld is not temporary insanity!) and I don't see the point of keeping Elnor (former space ninja with sword) or Soji around. Both characters are boring and even Soji should be in front of a court for trying to kill all organic life in the galaxy last season.
The two major cameo's are Guinan and Q. Q didn't get much screen time but it was good so far. But with Guinan they showed again how they don't have a good hand in recreating characters. She hugs Picard and generally behaves more like the actress (Whoopie Goldberg) than etherial, centuries old Guinan. They also give her the most ridiculous and unnecessary lines about her aging. It seems El-Aurians can CHOOSE to age. That's right. And why did she do it? Because she didn't want to make the human patrons in her bar uncomfortable! Shouldn't humans be used to aliens by the 25th century in Star Trek. Makes zero sense to me.
Overall I give this a cautious 6/10. I still, however dread for all the unpacking of mystery and lack of logic from these producers. The whole Borg-helmet-Picard's-mother thing sounds bad again but let's see. So now they put some effort in correcting the world of Star Trek - I hope they story will be good though. That's what really counts. People are not fans of brands - they are fans of good stories.
As soon as this gets bad again I will stop watching it. Season 1 really hurt my brain. And the whole Picard android thing is really sh&tting the bed. Did they program his back to hurt or his joints to ache? What about being out of breath or eating food? Can he appreciate a good wine?
I wish there was some honesty in Hollywood. All the interviews talked about how marvellous season 1 was - but now they change course so drastically that it's almost an admission of failure. Why change it when it was all so awesome?
Most critics already praise this season - but as we know, they were only able to see three episodes...
Starfleet feels more like Starfleet, ships come in different classes, characters are not traumatised drug addicts. Still, there's some profanity and Agnes really should be behind bars for killing a man (no - watching a stock footage reel by way of vulcan mind-meld is not temporary insanity!) and I don't see the point of keeping Elnor (former space ninja with sword) or Soji around. Both characters are boring and even Soji should be in front of a court for trying to kill all organic life in the galaxy last season.
The two major cameo's are Guinan and Q. Q didn't get much screen time but it was good so far. But with Guinan they showed again how they don't have a good hand in recreating characters. She hugs Picard and generally behaves more like the actress (Whoopie Goldberg) than etherial, centuries old Guinan. They also give her the most ridiculous and unnecessary lines about her aging. It seems El-Aurians can CHOOSE to age. That's right. And why did she do it? Because she didn't want to make the human patrons in her bar uncomfortable! Shouldn't humans be used to aliens by the 25th century in Star Trek. Makes zero sense to me.
Overall I give this a cautious 6/10. I still, however dread for all the unpacking of mystery and lack of logic from these producers. The whole Borg-helmet-Picard's-mother thing sounds bad again but let's see. So now they put some effort in correcting the world of Star Trek - I hope they story will be good though. That's what really counts. People are not fans of brands - they are fans of good stories.
As soon as this gets bad again I will stop watching it. Season 1 really hurt my brain. And the whole Picard android thing is really sh&tting the bed. Did they program his back to hurt or his joints to ache? What about being out of breath or eating food? Can he appreciate a good wine?
I wish there was some honesty in Hollywood. All the interviews talked about how marvellous season 1 was - but now they change course so drastically that it's almost an admission of failure. Why change it when it was all so awesome?
Most critics already praise this season - but as we know, they were only able to see three episodes...
Absolutely Stunning,Great start!
tom9923 March 2022
True Star Trek! This episode has it all, an upgrade from season 1. This episode has it all, great writing and great new start of the new season. I'm not gonna spoil anything, so just go and watch the episode you will be blown away. Dare I say it but Picard does so much better than Discovery. I just hope they will keep this momentum going.
Fingers crossed
markanthonypowell3 March 2022
My fear is how crammed the season looks. It's a good start, oozing with nostalgia, but a lot of movie and tv properties that offer a walk down memory lane, while building a new story, fail in fresh ideas, while delivering fan service.
My god, the dialog...
wolfstar_imdb4 March 2022
I found this bad apart from John de Lancie. The main issue is the characters, none of whom are interesting, layered or likeable. Like much of nu-Trek, the dialog sounds like it was written by someone who has never heard two people have a conversation before. Everything is so ham-fisted, and drowned in therapy culture... Picard is made out to be a kind of tortured incel who chose a career in Starfleet to get away from his eMoTiOnAl PrObLeMs, and his abortive romantic scenes with Laris are handled in an incredibly teenage manner not befitting either character, when in fact I'd have loved to see an intelligent, maturely written romance between these two (akin to Picard's relationship with Nella Daren). Alison Pill performs Dr Jurati as a grating Tilly-style comic relief sidekick, something the writers seem to think every nu-Trek show needs. (And to think people complained about Neelix 25 years ago.) Whoopi Goldberg is fine and a welcome presence, but the dialog the writers give her is terrible - it has none of the depth or grace that Guinan always had on TNG and instead is full of therapy-speak cliches. Raffi has almost nothing to her as a character, and Rios is poorly acted and impossible to believe as a captain. I'm embarrassed by the show's constant attempts to try and make Rios edgy and cool, like having him smoking a cigar while captaining the ship, as well as the show's patronising attitude to his ethnicity. Jeri Ryan is fine, but the character she is playing isn't Seven of Nine.
The bottom line, and this applies to much of Discovery too, is that it's simply impossible to believe these people are Starfleet professionals, members of a military organization. At the end of the day, Star Trek is a workplace show, it's about people doing their job, and nu-Trek forgets that most of the time. Some of the most important writers and creators in Trek history (like Ron Moore, and Roddenberry himself) came from a military background, and integrated that expertise into their scripts. Characters on Picard and Discovery simply don't behave like professionals doing a job, there's no understanding of structure or hierarchy - these aren't people you could rely on for a second, let alone trust with your life. This is something even Voyager and Enterprise at their weakest got right most of the time.
The bottom line, and this applies to much of Discovery too, is that it's simply impossible to believe these people are Starfleet professionals, members of a military organization. At the end of the day, Star Trek is a workplace show, it's about people doing their job, and nu-Trek forgets that most of the time. Some of the most important writers and creators in Trek history (like Ron Moore, and Roddenberry himself) came from a military background, and integrated that expertise into their scripts. Characters on Picard and Discovery simply don't behave like professionals doing a job, there's no understanding of structure or hierarchy - these aren't people you could rely on for a second, let alone trust with your life. This is something even Voyager and Enterprise at their weakest got right most of the time.
Star Trek is back!
ewaf585 March 2022
Great episode - almost cinematic at times - well it does have a great screen actor in the lead role.
I became very disappointed with Discovery - the first two seasons were goood but the third was poor.
But this first episode of Picard has restored my faith in the franchise.
I like the characters and the acting is good while the special effects are very good.
It's an intriguing start to the new series and I'm looking forward to more - something I haven't felt for a while with Star Trek.
I became very disappointed with Discovery - the first two seasons were goood but the third was poor.
But this first episode of Picard has restored my faith in the franchise.
I like the characters and the acting is good while the special effects are very good.
It's an intriguing start to the new series and I'm looking forward to more - something I haven't felt for a while with Star Trek.
Oh, What Joy!
joncase-484633 March 2022
After having to endure the putrid dross that is ST Discovery, I am sure that many of you out there will be joining me in the unbridled joy I feel at the return of Jean Luc, Seven, Rios, Raffi, Elnor and Agnes.
Notice how immediately you have a crew that you can name and bond with.
Notice how a story immediately starts emerging and moving forward with pace.
Notice the smile on your face as Guinan puts Jean Luc in his place.
And notice the laughter and joy you feel when Q utters his immortal first words to Jean Luc.
THIS IS WHAT TREK IS. THIS IS HOW IT SHOULD BE WRITTEN. THIS IS HOW IT SHOULD MAKE YOU FEEL.
THIS IS THE REAL STAR TREK.
Welcome back.
Notice how immediately you have a crew that you can name and bond with.
Notice how a story immediately starts emerging and moving forward with pace.
Notice the smile on your face as Guinan puts Jean Luc in his place.
And notice the laughter and joy you feel when Q utters his immortal first words to Jean Luc.
THIS IS WHAT TREK IS. THIS IS HOW IT SHOULD BE WRITTEN. THIS IS HOW IT SHOULD MAKE YOU FEEL.
THIS IS THE REAL STAR TREK.
Welcome back.
Massive MASSIVE upgrade
asp51973 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This felt more like TNG while still remaining faithful to itself. The new show runners have really taken the last two years to analyze what worked and what didn't work in season one, and delivered something more of us can truly enjoy. The VFX budget is significantly higher, so no more copy paste armada (in fact, there's a quick Sovereign class shot at the end, was hoping for a surprise Captain Worf appearance but alas).
Three things I think could have been better. I'm not a huge fan of the new theme, but it might grow on me the way Enterprise's did (it's not THAT bad, don't worry). I'm not completely sold on the Picard/Laris storyline (RIP Romulan space dad... that one hurt a little bit, no lie). Guinan's appearance felt a bit wasted, but it's only episode 1 and I hope she comes back for more, especially with Q in the mix.
Also I don't care how many times you watched the teasers, Q's entrance will surpass your expectations and give you chills. John hasn't skipped a beat and still commands the screen with his presence 35 years later.
I'm waiting with bated breath because Remembrance had this much promise too and ultimately led to a let down, but this was really REALLY good.
Three things I think could have been better. I'm not a huge fan of the new theme, but it might grow on me the way Enterprise's did (it's not THAT bad, don't worry). I'm not completely sold on the Picard/Laris storyline (RIP Romulan space dad... that one hurt a little bit, no lie). Guinan's appearance felt a bit wasted, but it's only episode 1 and I hope she comes back for more, especially with Q in the mix.
Also I don't care how many times you watched the teasers, Q's entrance will surpass your expectations and give you chills. John hasn't skipped a beat and still commands the screen with his presence 35 years later.
I'm waiting with bated breath because Remembrance had this much promise too and ultimately led to a let down, but this was really REALLY good.
Incredible
darrylinnes-305413 March 2022
What a Start
tkissling4 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Wow, after the rather dissapointing Season 1, this is a compelling start.
Finally i'am getting more of the long needed Post Nemesis, but still Berman-Era Star Trek. The Story Arc for Picard kind of nicely pics up from Star Trek Generation (where it has been touched best i think) with his struggle of age, and regret he has never had a familiy and that the Picard Familiy will end with him.
I'am also happy that they finally managed to make the Borg once again menacing and mystery.
Finally i'am totally ok, with the explanations why Guinan und Q look older now (especially for Q it is very fitting).
Looking forward to next week.
Finally i'am getting more of the long needed Post Nemesis, but still Berman-Era Star Trek. The Story Arc for Picard kind of nicely pics up from Star Trek Generation (where it has been touched best i think) with his struggle of age, and regret he has never had a familiy and that the Picard Familiy will end with him.
I'am also happy that they finally managed to make the Borg once again menacing and mystery.
Finally i'am totally ok, with the explanations why Guinan und Q look older now (especially for Q it is very fitting).
Looking forward to next week.
Enjoyed this episode more than all episodes of Season 1 and Discovery combined.
joe-721283 March 2022
I don't write reviews, and this isn't one. Simply put, this episode has tons of elements that any TNG fan would enjoy. Tons of Easter eggs and ship p*rn that is for once presented in a manor like TNG and not a bunch of copy
and paste ships.
Just watch it.
My only problem with this episode is I'm worried it set the bar too high where it's all down hill from here...
Just watch it.
My only problem with this episode is I'm worried it set the bar too high where it's all down hill from here...
much better than Discovery
jacekpoplawski4 March 2022
I know it's not big achievement, but first episode on second season is much, much better than Star Trek Discovery.
Also some progress from season 1 is visible: there are no angry women screaming on Picard. It has some Star Trek vibes, especialy when they were on the ship.
Again too long discussions about feelings and about nothing.
Also some progress from season 1 is visible: there are no angry women screaming on Picard. It has some Star Trek vibes, especialy when they were on the ship.
Again too long discussions about feelings and about nothing.
50% yawns, 25% huh?
johnpski17 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Nothing happens for the first 35 minutes. You can literally skip to 35:00 & not miss anything important or interesting, if you already watched the last episode of Season 1.
After 35:00, Star Fleet encounter the aliens, who ask for Picard over their space radio. Picard takes forever to arrive, announces to the aliens that he's there over the space radio, & the aliens respond by saying just, "Picard". After that, Star Fleet & Picard walk around & sit at conference tables for hours to decide & discuss what to do next, instead of continuing the conversation... like, "Hi folks, what do you want?" or "Greetings" or anything.
They just put the aliens on "hold" all that time. Are they at least running elevator music while the aliens wait on the line half the day?
The aliens are waiting all this time while they sit around & gab the day away. They only break up their pointless conferences at the table when the aliens hang up, & call back to tell them that they're tired of waiting.
After 35:00, Star Fleet encounter the aliens, who ask for Picard over their space radio. Picard takes forever to arrive, announces to the aliens that he's there over the space radio, & the aliens respond by saying just, "Picard". After that, Star Fleet & Picard walk around & sit at conference tables for hours to decide & discuss what to do next, instead of continuing the conversation... like, "Hi folks, what do you want?" or "Greetings" or anything.
They just put the aliens on "hold" all that time. Are they at least running elevator music while the aliens wait on the line half the day?
The aliens are waiting all this time while they sit around & gab the day away. They only break up their pointless conferences at the table when the aliens hang up, & call back to tell them that they're tired of waiting.
I have to laugh at the haters...
jeersNcheers5 March 2022
...They still hate it but keep watching and watching and watching, all the way to season 2, and still they rate it a 1.
What is wrong with Patrick Stewart? We went back and looked at the last episode of season 1, and he has aged 15 years since that episode aired 2 years ago! I love the man and his acting. But I am seriously worried about his health and his ability to carry this show much longer.
And I do so want it to continue! This episode was SO GOOD! Absolutely GREAT! So glad to see Riker and Q (but not Guinan, she has totally lost all her mystic)!
What is wrong with Patrick Stewart? We went back and looked at the last episode of season 1, and he has aged 15 years since that episode aired 2 years ago! I love the man and his acting. But I am seriously worried about his health and his ability to carry this show much longer.
And I do so want it to continue! This episode was SO GOOD! Absolutely GREAT! So glad to see Riker and Q (but not Guinan, she has totally lost all her mystic)!
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