Star Trek: Picard was much better than I expected. Of all the characters throughout the Star Trek franchise, Picard would definitely be on the Mount Rushmore of most beloved characters so Trekkers were worried about ruining the legacy of the character. I know some people didn't enjoy the first 2 seasons that much, most did but some did not. Almost everyone liked the third season because of the nostalgia of all The Next Generation characters reunited. I actually really liked all three seasons. Patrick Stewart doesn't miss a beat as an aging Picard and the show has a lot of solid supporting characters to make the show that much better. Definitely would recommend to any Trekkers out there or just sci-fi fans in general.
2,398 Reviews
Thought it was pretty good
Supermanfan-138 March 2024
I have to start by saying I wasn't the biggest Star Trek fan growing up. I wasn't born when the original came out and was like 7 when The Next Generation was on. I would watch episodes of both here and there but I don't remember much at all about those shows. Then JJ Abrams rebooted the franchise in 2010 and I became a huge fan. I really enjoyed all 3 of those movies. I know some didn't because they compared them to the shows but I didn't. I just enjoyed them as a first time Star Trek viewer. The first series I watched was Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and liked that too. I finally gave Picard a chance recently and liked it so much that I blew through all 3 seasons. So, now I consider myself a Star Trek fan. If you're a fan of Star Trek or starting out like me you should watch this because you'll like it either way.
The resplendent culmination of a beloved universe and cherished characters
I_Ailurophile18 February 2024
I can't hide the fact that I'm a huge Trek fan. Imperfect as the franchise has sometimes been since its inception (and occasionally outright problematic in retrospect), it's also been terrifically entertaining at every turn, and filled with fabulous variety. Awe-inspiring visuals, thrilling action, truly great acting (and, okay, some questionable acting), fun comedy, and increasingly rich, deeply compelling storytelling have been the hallmarks of 'Star Trek' from Day One, not to mention a yearning to inspire with progressive ideals, dreams of what could be, and substantial themes that are very relevant to real life. When I learned that Sir Patrick Stewart was participating in a brand new series, reprising Jean-Luc Picard, I knew I would eventually have to watch. As soon as I sat down to do so, I was immediately swept away. I can't necessarily speak to the experience for those who aren't already Trekkies, though given the new series' very high quality I can only trust that folks among the general audience would enjoy it, too. What I can say is that 'Picard' represents everything we've loved about Gene Roddenberry's flagship creation for the past fifty-plus years, and it wouldn't be unreasonable to argue it could be the best entry in the franchise to date.
Though they are few and ultimately minor, it's worthwhile to discuss some issues that are not necessarily abject flaws, but possibly barriers for those who are not already enamored of this universe, and marginal blemishes that prevent the series from achieving perfection. Chief among these is that in each season it simply feels that the story is just too big to be told within the allotted ten episodes, and that a full, once-typical production schedule of more than twenty episodes, if not multiple seasons, would have been preferable. We get this sense somewhat in the first season, but definitely in the second as a bounty of narrative ideas, which in past series would have been restricted to one per episode, are smashed together into one massive, interconnected weave; the third season, in no small part feeling like one of the most epic, impactful ST stories in the franchise's history, needed more room to breathe. In turn, these tales that are so exciting and absorbing, and these characters that are so beloved - written with great depth, complexity, and personality, and portrayed with equal nuance, range, and gravitas - feel ever so slightly shortchanged. Case in point, it was surprising to me how some supporting characters are introduced as seeming integral figures of the series, only to later vanish. Moreover, instances of outright fan service are gratifying in some measure, yet there are facets that feel less like judicious storytelling, and more like a direct appeal to nostalgia and emotion. And while I appreciate that these are not matters exclusive to 'Star Trek' but common to all television writing, the neatness with which some plot elements are resolved, or the "wishful thinking" logic of science fiction that others require, do test the limits of our suspension of disbelief every now and again.
Be all that as it may, when you get down to it 'Picard' is nothing less than a stupendous success, and it's even better than I ever could have hoped. It's true that some aspects are included with pointedly draw from previously established canon, and episodes of past series - but then, given the focus on one of the most famous figures in Starfleet history, that's rather to be expected. Even more to the point, there is no inclusion or nod which is not meaningful. It's readily evident how much care and intelligence the writers were pouring into this new creation, and all this is also tied into how each season more or less focuses on different parts of who Jean-Luc is. I think the overarching theme for each is a matter of individual perspective, and we can toss around words like redemption, legacy, reflection, remembrance, and so on; one way or another, what it comes down to is that there is significant focus on hearty drama here, and introspection, and rumination. We still get everything we want out of 'Star Trek,' including both action (possibly the most violent and thrilling in the franchise to date) and humor (some downright silliness, but mostly fun bits borne of warmth, camaraderie, and tremendous wit), but all told much of the weight here is carried by ponderous themes and story ideas, dour concepts, dark topics, and a somber tone. These, too, we've seen in Trek before, sometimes in television and definitely in the full-length feature films, but it seems to me that as 'Picard' adopts a more serious, realistic tenor, shedding much of the bright hues and theatricality of prior iterations, the heavier portions of the storytelling are more pronounced this time around.
All this is further bolstered by the very best of modern production values, for everything here is top-notch. While practical effects and tangible creations will always be preferred, with rare exceptions my personal opinion is that the computer-generated imagery in these thirty episodes is the best I've ever seen, and as believable as digital wizardry could be. The violence is more visceral, including blood and gore; the scripts do not shy away from profanity that has been decisively absent heretofore. The narrative trades in ideas that we can relate to in real life, for better and for worse, and ports them to a massive futuristic universe with characters that we wish we could call friends and family. Informed by past contributions but not beholden to them, everyone operating behind the scenes turned in superb, wonderfully sharp work: fantastic sets, costume design, hair, makeup, props, and weapons, let alone stellar cinematography, editing, and direction. Even Jeff Russo's score, taking cues from other 'Star Trek' fare,' composed new themes that are all his own, and which lend to the feel of this series that is both sprawling, cinematic, and adventurous, but also intimate, thoughtful, and sincere. And as much as all involved deserve congratulations for all their terrific labor, including marvelously shrewd writing, the show plainly could not have accomplished all it did if not for the very best of casts. It's well established that the actors of 'The next generation' - Stewart, Frakes, McFadden, Spiner, Burton, Sirtis, Dorn - have such a strong rapport that for all intents and purposes they are, truly, a family, even off-screen. That readily comes across on-screen, too, as much because of the players as for the writing; to my pleasure, the same vibes extend to everyone else. I could not be more pleased with just how effortlessly Orla Brady, Evan Evagora, Santiago Cabrera, Alison Pill, and especially Jeri Ryan and Michelle Hurd have fit into the big picture, and I'm only remiss, once again, that they all didn't get even more time together. From one to the next all embody their characters with impeccable fidelity, making it easy for us as viewers to forget that in reality there's a separation between part and player.
As much as I've loved every previous 'Star Trek' series (and movie - yes, even the fifth one), it seems evident to me that everyone participating in 'Picard' went above and beyond to make it the very best it could be. There are characters appearing here that irrefutably receive better treatment than they have at any point in the past; it's hard to imagine that anyone appearing on-camera could some day look back on their careers and not say that this was one of the best projects they ever took on. It may be solemn and grim, but it's not without its lighthearted moments, and from top to bottom the purpose is true and heartfelt and oh so earnest. Since the original series premiered Trek has had its ups and downs, including portions of 'Voyager' and 'Enterprise,' some silver screen flicks that were weaker than others, and some story ideas that were ill-considered and haven't aged well. At its best, however, there is nothing else like it in the world, and I'm overjoyed that watching this new series feels like a long-awaited homecoming. The feelings that 'Picard' elicits cannot be denied. I suppose it bears repeating that while Trekkies will be on board without hesitation, esteem may vary among general audiences; again, however, the sum total is so brilliant and engrossing that I think most anyone who is open to sci-fi will really enjoy themselves. For my money 'Star Trek: Picard' is nothing less than exemplary, and I'm happy to give it my very highest, heartiest, and most enthusiastic recommendation. Bravo!
Though they are few and ultimately minor, it's worthwhile to discuss some issues that are not necessarily abject flaws, but possibly barriers for those who are not already enamored of this universe, and marginal blemishes that prevent the series from achieving perfection. Chief among these is that in each season it simply feels that the story is just too big to be told within the allotted ten episodes, and that a full, once-typical production schedule of more than twenty episodes, if not multiple seasons, would have been preferable. We get this sense somewhat in the first season, but definitely in the second as a bounty of narrative ideas, which in past series would have been restricted to one per episode, are smashed together into one massive, interconnected weave; the third season, in no small part feeling like one of the most epic, impactful ST stories in the franchise's history, needed more room to breathe. In turn, these tales that are so exciting and absorbing, and these characters that are so beloved - written with great depth, complexity, and personality, and portrayed with equal nuance, range, and gravitas - feel ever so slightly shortchanged. Case in point, it was surprising to me how some supporting characters are introduced as seeming integral figures of the series, only to later vanish. Moreover, instances of outright fan service are gratifying in some measure, yet there are facets that feel less like judicious storytelling, and more like a direct appeal to nostalgia and emotion. And while I appreciate that these are not matters exclusive to 'Star Trek' but common to all television writing, the neatness with which some plot elements are resolved, or the "wishful thinking" logic of science fiction that others require, do test the limits of our suspension of disbelief every now and again.
Be all that as it may, when you get down to it 'Picard' is nothing less than a stupendous success, and it's even better than I ever could have hoped. It's true that some aspects are included with pointedly draw from previously established canon, and episodes of past series - but then, given the focus on one of the most famous figures in Starfleet history, that's rather to be expected. Even more to the point, there is no inclusion or nod which is not meaningful. It's readily evident how much care and intelligence the writers were pouring into this new creation, and all this is also tied into how each season more or less focuses on different parts of who Jean-Luc is. I think the overarching theme for each is a matter of individual perspective, and we can toss around words like redemption, legacy, reflection, remembrance, and so on; one way or another, what it comes down to is that there is significant focus on hearty drama here, and introspection, and rumination. We still get everything we want out of 'Star Trek,' including both action (possibly the most violent and thrilling in the franchise to date) and humor (some downright silliness, but mostly fun bits borne of warmth, camaraderie, and tremendous wit), but all told much of the weight here is carried by ponderous themes and story ideas, dour concepts, dark topics, and a somber tone. These, too, we've seen in Trek before, sometimes in television and definitely in the full-length feature films, but it seems to me that as 'Picard' adopts a more serious, realistic tenor, shedding much of the bright hues and theatricality of prior iterations, the heavier portions of the storytelling are more pronounced this time around.
All this is further bolstered by the very best of modern production values, for everything here is top-notch. While practical effects and tangible creations will always be preferred, with rare exceptions my personal opinion is that the computer-generated imagery in these thirty episodes is the best I've ever seen, and as believable as digital wizardry could be. The violence is more visceral, including blood and gore; the scripts do not shy away from profanity that has been decisively absent heretofore. The narrative trades in ideas that we can relate to in real life, for better and for worse, and ports them to a massive futuristic universe with characters that we wish we could call friends and family. Informed by past contributions but not beholden to them, everyone operating behind the scenes turned in superb, wonderfully sharp work: fantastic sets, costume design, hair, makeup, props, and weapons, let alone stellar cinematography, editing, and direction. Even Jeff Russo's score, taking cues from other 'Star Trek' fare,' composed new themes that are all his own, and which lend to the feel of this series that is both sprawling, cinematic, and adventurous, but also intimate, thoughtful, and sincere. And as much as all involved deserve congratulations for all their terrific labor, including marvelously shrewd writing, the show plainly could not have accomplished all it did if not for the very best of casts. It's well established that the actors of 'The next generation' - Stewart, Frakes, McFadden, Spiner, Burton, Sirtis, Dorn - have such a strong rapport that for all intents and purposes they are, truly, a family, even off-screen. That readily comes across on-screen, too, as much because of the players as for the writing; to my pleasure, the same vibes extend to everyone else. I could not be more pleased with just how effortlessly Orla Brady, Evan Evagora, Santiago Cabrera, Alison Pill, and especially Jeri Ryan and Michelle Hurd have fit into the big picture, and I'm only remiss, once again, that they all didn't get even more time together. From one to the next all embody their characters with impeccable fidelity, making it easy for us as viewers to forget that in reality there's a separation between part and player.
As much as I've loved every previous 'Star Trek' series (and movie - yes, even the fifth one), it seems evident to me that everyone participating in 'Picard' went above and beyond to make it the very best it could be. There are characters appearing here that irrefutably receive better treatment than they have at any point in the past; it's hard to imagine that anyone appearing on-camera could some day look back on their careers and not say that this was one of the best projects they ever took on. It may be solemn and grim, but it's not without its lighthearted moments, and from top to bottom the purpose is true and heartfelt and oh so earnest. Since the original series premiered Trek has had its ups and downs, including portions of 'Voyager' and 'Enterprise,' some silver screen flicks that were weaker than others, and some story ideas that were ill-considered and haven't aged well. At its best, however, there is nothing else like it in the world, and I'm overjoyed that watching this new series feels like a long-awaited homecoming. The feelings that 'Picard' elicits cannot be denied. I suppose it bears repeating that while Trekkies will be on board without hesitation, esteem may vary among general audiences; again, however, the sum total is so brilliant and engrossing that I think most anyone who is open to sci-fi will really enjoy themselves. For my money 'Star Trek: Picard' is nothing less than exemplary, and I'm happy to give it my very highest, heartiest, and most enthusiastic recommendation. Bravo!
In 3rd season they finally got it right
Zettelhead4 March 2023
The first season has been mediocre. I didn´t expect much and had limited fun. The 2nd season was just so terrible that I refuse to write about it.
But in the 3rd season they finally got the twist and deliver what all fans of Star Trek and especially TNG have been waiting for! This finally feels like Star Trek after decades of boredom and stupidity. We finally meet again with all the great characters that we all missed. Even characters like Rafi who has been a real pain in the *ss in the 1st and 2nd season developes nicely and isn´t so overacted as before. It really feels like in times of Rick Berman and Michael Piller. Thanks!
But in the 3rd season they finally got the twist and deliver what all fans of Star Trek and especially TNG have been waiting for! This finally feels like Star Trek after decades of boredom and stupidity. We finally meet again with all the great characters that we all missed. Even characters like Rafi who has been a real pain in the *ss in the 1st and 2nd season developes nicely and isn´t so overacted as before. It really feels like in times of Rick Berman and Michael Piller. Thanks!
Aged like the finnest of wines!
chrisklugh23 February 2024
This is the best TV show in all of the Star Trek universe. By itself, its a good Sci-Fi. But its not by itself. It has history. And what a way to bring it all together!
I need to say I'm not a 'Star Trek Nerd'. Growing up, it was what 'Dads' were into. It was OK, even pretty good, but not my generation. Frankly I enjoyed Voyager more because it was the least like Star Trek. Voyager was my introduction to the franchise.
So when someone said that Seven was a Captain, I really had to see for myself. Needless to say my mind was blown when I seen her take control of a Borg Cube!
They did a fantastic job bring the band back together!
Season 1 8/10 What a great way to start. The plot is quite relevant to the news were having this last past year and a half. Everyone is talking about AI. AI is everywhere, and it would be weird if Star Trek did not have a spin of it too. All in all, I liked what they did with this! I was hooked and the binge watching was in full force!
Season 2 5/10 Its good where its good but bad where it is bad. Anytime you introduce time travel, nothing matters. The only thing that matters is the start and the end. Everything in the middle can be twisted to all degrees in so many ways and still come to the same conclusion. But to be fair, its a concept that does deserve the attempts to create stories with. I just think they fall short most of the time. In this case, you just roll with it, it does start and ends well.
But that's not the bad. Its like were watching the draft of Season 2 that did not get polished up. There are countless little things that just don't fit well as a good story. I do get at time you have to do something just to move the story along, but this season had dozen of such moments.
The good news, it attempts to go into Jean Luc past and uncover some physiological traumas. But I felt they did some dragging and they never really showed or sold me what did actually happen to his mom. Between this and the amount of screen time Rios got in his side story, and how it ended, I think they could have made this season 7 or 8 shows instead of 10 and been better for it.
Season 3 9/10 Now were cooking with dilithium! The Stage is set, the crew is back together, and we have yet another save the Federation against all odds plot, and they have to do it with the old ship. Nostalgia is all over this season! This one is for the Boomers!
All 3 seasons have that 'end of the story' feel. What I mean is it does not drag out for season after season waiting for the big moment. It starts big and stays big. Its going to be hard to see how they can keep pushing big ideas, but I have little worries about the next couple of seasons. Star Trek Picard is pushing hard at being the best Star Trek has ever made!
All in all when you go back to rewatch it, just skip Season 2 and its a great!
Now the 4th season is not out yet and I have some speculations.
(edit - found out there is no season 4 but Ill leave my thoughts about it as is.)
First, I Jean Luc Picard is aging. All the respects for the legacy he has left behind. Truly legendary in the entirety of TV/Movies. Everyone knows who he is, Star Trek nerd or not. What a guy, and what a roll did he play! Well done!
But I have noticed his vitality diminishing from season 1 to 3. His time is limited and I can tell he is trying to pass his baton to the next. I think that's part of the reason for this show. To leave on a good note. But I fear, and what might be best for season 4 is for him to 'slow down' and not be the main character. Put the emphasis on his son, and of course Seven. Jean should be a guest star to tie up some story bits.
His time is near, and I hope its well planned out where he has his final episode while he still has the vitality to leave the last impression to the world before hes gone. I don't want to see him become that frail old man. He earned his time here on earth, he had a good go, and I want to remember him for what and who he is. Not the dying guy. Please don't push him past his abilities. Yet, I hope hes still a part of this in some way for some time yet.
But who knows what full body scans/AI CGI that will exist long after his time? Who knows, maybe a digital Jean Luc Picard will remain and be in 1000's more TV and movies for the next 100 years?
Maybe in some way, Jean Luc Picard will be the first immortalized human in our history whom will live long and prosper in the hearts and minds of all future Star Trek fans for Generations to come!
I need to say I'm not a 'Star Trek Nerd'. Growing up, it was what 'Dads' were into. It was OK, even pretty good, but not my generation. Frankly I enjoyed Voyager more because it was the least like Star Trek. Voyager was my introduction to the franchise.
So when someone said that Seven was a Captain, I really had to see for myself. Needless to say my mind was blown when I seen her take control of a Borg Cube!
They did a fantastic job bring the band back together!
Season 1 8/10 What a great way to start. The plot is quite relevant to the news were having this last past year and a half. Everyone is talking about AI. AI is everywhere, and it would be weird if Star Trek did not have a spin of it too. All in all, I liked what they did with this! I was hooked and the binge watching was in full force!
Season 2 5/10 Its good where its good but bad where it is bad. Anytime you introduce time travel, nothing matters. The only thing that matters is the start and the end. Everything in the middle can be twisted to all degrees in so many ways and still come to the same conclusion. But to be fair, its a concept that does deserve the attempts to create stories with. I just think they fall short most of the time. In this case, you just roll with it, it does start and ends well.
But that's not the bad. Its like were watching the draft of Season 2 that did not get polished up. There are countless little things that just don't fit well as a good story. I do get at time you have to do something just to move the story along, but this season had dozen of such moments.
The good news, it attempts to go into Jean Luc past and uncover some physiological traumas. But I felt they did some dragging and they never really showed or sold me what did actually happen to his mom. Between this and the amount of screen time Rios got in his side story, and how it ended, I think they could have made this season 7 or 8 shows instead of 10 and been better for it.
Season 3 9/10 Now were cooking with dilithium! The Stage is set, the crew is back together, and we have yet another save the Federation against all odds plot, and they have to do it with the old ship. Nostalgia is all over this season! This one is for the Boomers!
All 3 seasons have that 'end of the story' feel. What I mean is it does not drag out for season after season waiting for the big moment. It starts big and stays big. Its going to be hard to see how they can keep pushing big ideas, but I have little worries about the next couple of seasons. Star Trek Picard is pushing hard at being the best Star Trek has ever made!
All in all when you go back to rewatch it, just skip Season 2 and its a great!
Now the 4th season is not out yet and I have some speculations.
(edit - found out there is no season 4 but Ill leave my thoughts about it as is.)
First, I Jean Luc Picard is aging. All the respects for the legacy he has left behind. Truly legendary in the entirety of TV/Movies. Everyone knows who he is, Star Trek nerd or not. What a guy, and what a roll did he play! Well done!
But I have noticed his vitality diminishing from season 1 to 3. His time is limited and I can tell he is trying to pass his baton to the next. I think that's part of the reason for this show. To leave on a good note. But I fear, and what might be best for season 4 is for him to 'slow down' and not be the main character. Put the emphasis on his son, and of course Seven. Jean should be a guest star to tie up some story bits.
His time is near, and I hope its well planned out where he has his final episode while he still has the vitality to leave the last impression to the world before hes gone. I don't want to see him become that frail old man. He earned his time here on earth, he had a good go, and I want to remember him for what and who he is. Not the dying guy. Please don't push him past his abilities. Yet, I hope hes still a part of this in some way for some time yet.
But who knows what full body scans/AI CGI that will exist long after his time? Who knows, maybe a digital Jean Luc Picard will remain and be in 1000's more TV and movies for the next 100 years?
Maybe in some way, Jean Luc Picard will be the first immortalized human in our history whom will live long and prosper in the hearts and minds of all future Star Trek fans for Generations to come!
Incredible turn around, season 3 is amazing!
chudson-894869 March 2023
Season 1 was okay not bad but not great. Had its moments mainly involving... Don't want to spoil it..
Season 2 was a direct sequel to 1 in story but went horribly wrong and for the first time ever I just couldn't be bothered to watch the last episode, it was that bad. I even managed to finish season 4 of Discovery, that's how die hard a trekkie I am lol.
But season 3 is just genius and classic star trek from the start.
Episodes 3 and 4 especially blow me away.
Being Jonathan Frakes back as a director and actor just bring that magic the show was missing.
The story, the cast, the sets, music, effects, acting, humour, it has it all just down to perfection.
Watch them all of you are a die hard fan only, or just watch seaaon 3, you'll pick things up.
If they can keep this up for the rest of the season I will be a very happy trekkie.
Live long and prosper my friends.
But season 3 is just genius and classic star trek from the start.
Episodes 3 and 4 especially blow me away.
Being Jonathan Frakes back as a director and actor just bring that magic the show was missing.
The story, the cast, the sets, music, effects, acting, humour, it has it all just down to perfection.
Watch them all of you are a die hard fan only, or just watch seaaon 3, you'll pick things up.
If they can keep this up for the rest of the season I will be a very happy trekkie.
Live long and prosper my friends.
most upshilled ever? all these 10 star reviews are new accounts
random-7077827 January 2020
I can only guess whatever PR or marketing company being used has decided to flood/shill IMDB.
Really I wanted so much to like this, but so much of Star Trek: Picard is cringly artificial and forced. Moreover it is insanely dumbed down, with so much repetition and explanation, rather than letting script and dialogue tell the story subtly. Frankly it is also an outright rip-off of Expanse.
Really I wanted so much to like this, but so much of Star Trek: Picard is cringly artificial and forced. Moreover it is insanely dumbed down, with so much repetition and explanation, rather than letting script and dialogue tell the story subtly. Frankly it is also an outright rip-off of Expanse.
Not aging well
carey-941-75569224 February 2023
I suppose I am like many, kind of a nostalgic completist. I watch the new Star Trek show hoping to feel some of the pleasure I felt watcing them for the first time, in my own relative youth. I was in my mid-twenties when TNG began and my thirties for Voyager and DS9. Like many of the older fans, my memory of TOS was reruns, cartoons and movies.
Putting aside nostalgia, one of the reasons I considered Picard to be my favourite Enterprise captain was the interesting combination of rationality and emotion and of reserve and physicality. Almost tied was Sisko, who brought together such qualities in a different but equally impressive way.
Nostalgia is fine and I enjoy looking back. I appreciate some of the changes that have come over the years with experience and maturity. But I know that my prime has passed and the decline accelerates each year.
Which takes us to Star Trek: Picard. I watch this not because I think it to be the equal of its predecessor. I watch it for the sake of nostalgia. Patrick Stewart is a shadow of his former self, his physicality shrunken and his voice that of an elderly man. But my memory of the original endears him to me. Unfortunately, his character seems to have changed. Not just far more emotional but also a person who prizes his own personal desires above his duty. Many of the themes that made Star Trek so enjoyable have disappeared.
Putting aside nostalgia, one of the reasons I considered Picard to be my favourite Enterprise captain was the interesting combination of rationality and emotion and of reserve and physicality. Almost tied was Sisko, who brought together such qualities in a different but equally impressive way.
Nostalgia is fine and I enjoy looking back. I appreciate some of the changes that have come over the years with experience and maturity. But I know that my prime has passed and the decline accelerates each year.
Which takes us to Star Trek: Picard. I watch this not because I think it to be the equal of its predecessor. I watch it for the sake of nostalgia. Patrick Stewart is a shadow of his former self, his physicality shrunken and his voice that of an elderly man. But my memory of the original endears him to me. Unfortunately, his character seems to have changed. Not just far more emotional but also a person who prizes his own personal desires above his duty. Many of the themes that made Star Trek so enjoyable have disappeared.
Star trek is back!
DocDAT10 March 2023
Season one and especially two have been pretty disappointing, but season 3 is completely different. Especially with episode 4. This is now the first proper Star Trek sine Voyager ended in 2001. I'm thankful that someone approved the script for season 3. Yes it has its flaws, but damn it this is real Star Trek - something I've sorely missed. Jonathan Frakes shows how good he is as a director again. Several scenes reminded me of First Contact.
I sincerely hope that season 3 is successful enough that we will get more Star Trek like it. This is very corny, but I really feel the world is a better place with Star Trek - as long as they stick to a positive and optimistic message!
I sincerely hope that season 3 is successful enough that we will get more Star Trek like it. This is very corny, but I really feel the world is a better place with Star Trek - as long as they stick to a positive and optimistic message!
A desecration of Star Trek
kuner-5902912 March 2022
The writers of this must hate everything that people loved about Star Trek, the optimism for the future, the love of exploration, seeking of knowledge, the utopian society that allowed man to live in pursuit of his full potential, the philosophical and moral questions, the witty humor and most importantly the love of science and rationalism.
They threw all that away and instead serve up a putrid stew of cliché storytelling, emotional and weak minded characters and solving virtually every problem with violence. Because... Star Trek is all about the space action, right? Phasers n stuff. Borg. 'splosions.
It's Star Trek but written for (or by?) people with the IQ of a hamster.
They threw all that away and instead serve up a putrid stew of cliché storytelling, emotional and weak minded characters and solving virtually every problem with violence. Because... Star Trek is all about the space action, right? Phasers n stuff. Borg. 'splosions.
It's Star Trek but written for (or by?) people with the IQ of a hamster.
Season 3 review
avega7318 March 2022
I can't believe I'm writing this review after the crap they gave us for the first two seasons. But season 3 of Picard is outstanding. Whoever took over for this season is a true fan and knows what they are doing.
Why oh why could we not have had this for the first two seasons. Season 3 is everything I would want: well written, great character development, good pacing and action, adequate amounts of fan service without going overboard- it's fun and great.
The standouts to me are the interactions between Picard and Riker. It's great to see that chemistry once again. Worf is the best he's ever been. Beverly is fantastic as well- especially the scenes between her and Picard.
I have to say, so far, the performances of the TNG cast is the best I've seen from them. They really put in their all.
The only thing that saddens me is that there are no plans to keep going after Season 3. I would totally stick around for more seasons of this. I hope they change their mind.
Why oh why could we not have had this for the first two seasons. Season 3 is everything I would want: well written, great character development, good pacing and action, adequate amounts of fan service without going overboard- it's fun and great.
The standouts to me are the interactions between Picard and Riker. It's great to see that chemistry once again. Worf is the best he's ever been. Beverly is fantastic as well- especially the scenes between her and Picard.
I have to say, so far, the performances of the TNG cast is the best I've seen from them. They really put in their all.
The only thing that saddens me is that there are no plans to keep going after Season 3. I would totally stick around for more seasons of this. I hope they change their mind.
This is NOT Star Trek
jamesjustice-9222 February 2020
After the greatest disappointment that was Discovery I had really high hopes for this one, especially after hearing that Patrick Stewart will return to reprise his iconic role he seemed to have abandoned long time ago and after watching 5 of the show's 10 episodes I have to admit that this is just as crappy as Discovery. A good show is supposed to present the characters you will sympathize with, root and care for, find something in common or at least anything - Picard does not have any of those characters. Even the titular JL is wasted and you just don't see him shine as brightly as he once was. Patrick tries his best to be Jean-Luc but after half of the first season I just don't see him in this role anymore. Overall the show is completely different from what you would expect from Star Trek: it doesn't have the depth, good characters, well-written stories and anything to think about after the episode is over. The original series was a masterful show, the Next Generation was a glorious comeback and superb continuation, Deep Space Nine was good in its own way, Voyager was a nice touch to expand the universe and Enterprise was a beautiful way to end the saga with the beginning. After that there were no Star Trek series no matter how frequently the writers and producers are eager to call them that. Picard is another piece of garbage that parasitizes on a great idea adding its nonsense into a fully grown and finished masterpiece no one asked for. I give it a six only because of Sir Patrick and the fact that I haven't finished the season yet and I think I'm not going to.
I tried to like this
sateigdraleah28 March 2022
And that's the problem. If you have to try and like a show or the only reason you keep watching is because you're hoping it will get better then you're just wasting your time. I really loved the Star Trek series as a child and was hoping this would make me feel the same way but it did not. It's slow and boring and I just couldn't like any of the characters and the story is just meh.
Finally!
gogga101113 April 2023
After 30 years of torturing with some half-baked experiments the real Star Trek emerged! No-one, literally no-one is able to replace iconic Picard and his crew. Finally, in the third season they've gathered all of them (including Seven of Nine from Janeway's ship) in an big adventure across galaxies. Fine story and same old feeling of sense and wisdom which was adorned in 90s show are here again, including magical music and blue "star trek" fonts (ending credits of the 3rd season). That and those crew is legandary and timeless. Hope they will continue in these star trek for many more episodes.
I really loved this show.
turnbull509 March 2023
The third series is by far the best. The old crew from TNG are back together and it's just like watching more episodes of TNG if you loved TNG you will love this. It's just brilliant seeing how the TNG crew have aged and their back stories. Seeing Riker and Picard together again is just wonderful. Worf appears stronger than ever. I can fully recommend this show to all Star Trek fans. The stories are better and much more exciting. Ignore the bad scores from people who just did not like it. I personally look forward to a new episode every week. It certainly gave me my Star Trek fix which Star Trek Discovery did not.
Season 3 is what the fans wanted from the start!
dvdandre20 April 2023
Well after the disappointing first 2 seasons of Picard, they finally caved in and gave the fans what they desired after all these years... the STNG crew is back and working together. Absolutely brilliant season and i'm so sorry that the first 2 seasons were so awful that many might not tune in to watch this gem.
If you're an STNG fan, do yourself a favour and watch the third season of Picard. You won't regret it. I'm up to episode 9 and can't wait for the finale!!! I can't say the same for most shows these days.
CBS, please give us more of the same.. put Jean-Luc in charge of an armada in season 4 and watch the subscriptions skyrocket. In the meantime, thank you for Season 3 of Picard.
If you're an STNG fan, do yourself a favour and watch the third season of Picard. You won't regret it. I'm up to episode 9 and can't wait for the finale!!! I can't say the same for most shows these days.
CBS, please give us more of the same.. put Jean-Luc in charge of an armada in season 4 and watch the subscriptions skyrocket. In the meantime, thank you for Season 3 of Picard.
Not Star Trek
chacham1 April 2020
Pros:
Patrick Stewart. Beautiful graphics. Decent, short fight scenes. Held off on cameos for a few episodes.
Meh:
Computer UI reflects what is shown in other movies today and not very trek-like. Some scenes are out of order. It's cool and all, but will likely date very quickly. Stewart far outshines almost all the other actors. Lots of backstory added to make each episode make sense. The story is mediocre and people's beliefs are cliche.. Trek is more of the setting rather than the content.
Cons:
A lot of cussing. Everybody has a stupid sad backstory. The amount of coincidences in who knows whom is ridiculous. They added a Jedi, except he uses a real sword instead of a lightsaber. There is almost no tension when anyone does anything. People seems to have magical powers to do this or that.
The first episode is very nice, the second episode is stupid. The others are okay. The story itself is meh and cliche. It feels like a stretched out movie, kind of like Star Trek 9.
While i would not say it is a waste of time, it's not really Star Trek either.
Patrick Stewart. Beautiful graphics. Decent, short fight scenes. Held off on cameos for a few episodes.
Meh:
Computer UI reflects what is shown in other movies today and not very trek-like. Some scenes are out of order. It's cool and all, but will likely date very quickly. Stewart far outshines almost all the other actors. Lots of backstory added to make each episode make sense. The story is mediocre and people's beliefs are cliche.. Trek is more of the setting rather than the content.
Cons:
A lot of cussing. Everybody has a stupid sad backstory. The amount of coincidences in who knows whom is ridiculous. They added a Jedi, except he uses a real sword instead of a lightsaber. There is almost no tension when anyone does anything. People seems to have magical powers to do this or that.
The first episode is very nice, the second episode is stupid. The others are okay. The story itself is meh and cliche. It feels like a stretched out movie, kind of like Star Trek 9.
While i would not say it is a waste of time, it's not really Star Trek either.
A sad, tired old stumbling wreck
RogerBorg27 July 2021
Describes most aspects of this disaster of a show.
Fanboi Stanning aside, Patrick Stewart is painful to watch. He has lost so much of his range and delivery that he borders on being really pitiful rather than simply acting it.
The Next Gen and Voyager guests do a credible job with the few lines that they're given, but the writing is so weak, and they are forced so far into the background that they can't save it.
The new crew is a mere trope - a rag tag bunch of unappealing drop outs and losers. Their cliched backstories are told in exposition, rather than shown - the big tiddy space elf ninja antagonist actually gets more depth. The inconsistent and randomly written characters are all over the place, running the gamut from angry to sad, pathetic to remorseful, but never, ever joyous. None of them have the acting chops to rise above the material, with the inexplicably cast Alison Pill in particular bringing some real cringe to her Thrift Store Kristen Bell performance.
And I don't want to hear "Give it a season to gel", because Firefly managed it in one episode. When the writing, acting and direction are present, that's all it takes. Picard has none of those things behind the camera, and I get no feeling that the on-camera talent likes or respects each other enough to work around the laziness of writers who resort to completely unnecessary profanity every time they're stuck.
It's not absolutely awful. Isa Briones is appealing enough in her various roles, Santiago Cabrera can do a range of third best accents, and Tamlyn Tomita owns all her scenes with the kind of quiet authority that Stewart has sadly lost.
The effects and cinematography are competent enough. The score is too, but tries to over-sell both the the drama and depth of what's on screen.
But the merits are too small and too far between to make up for the lack of pace, vision, respect for the milieu, or talent on either side of the camera. Picard is a grim, joyless, grimy grind, and I don't think anyone involved had any fun at all in making it.
The shill ratings are wrong, and the reviews are right: this is a largely unrelated grimdark concept wearing the skin of a hollowed-out redshirt.
Fanboi Stanning aside, Patrick Stewart is painful to watch. He has lost so much of his range and delivery that he borders on being really pitiful rather than simply acting it.
The Next Gen and Voyager guests do a credible job with the few lines that they're given, but the writing is so weak, and they are forced so far into the background that they can't save it.
The new crew is a mere trope - a rag tag bunch of unappealing drop outs and losers. Their cliched backstories are told in exposition, rather than shown - the big tiddy space elf ninja antagonist actually gets more depth. The inconsistent and randomly written characters are all over the place, running the gamut from angry to sad, pathetic to remorseful, but never, ever joyous. None of them have the acting chops to rise above the material, with the inexplicably cast Alison Pill in particular bringing some real cringe to her Thrift Store Kristen Bell performance.
And I don't want to hear "Give it a season to gel", because Firefly managed it in one episode. When the writing, acting and direction are present, that's all it takes. Picard has none of those things behind the camera, and I get no feeling that the on-camera talent likes or respects each other enough to work around the laziness of writers who resort to completely unnecessary profanity every time they're stuck.
It's not absolutely awful. Isa Briones is appealing enough in her various roles, Santiago Cabrera can do a range of third best accents, and Tamlyn Tomita owns all her scenes with the kind of quiet authority that Stewart has sadly lost.
The effects and cinematography are competent enough. The score is too, but tries to over-sell both the the drama and depth of what's on screen.
But the merits are too small and too far between to make up for the lack of pace, vision, respect for the milieu, or talent on either side of the camera. Picard is a grim, joyless, grimy grind, and I don't think anyone involved had any fun at all in making it.
The shill ratings are wrong, and the reviews are right: this is a largely unrelated grimdark concept wearing the skin of a hollowed-out redshirt.
Got better....
vdkolkrichard-239995 December 2023
I don't agree with many reviews, season one and season two weren't that bad at all.
There was progress in each season, and hopefully there still is.
Season 3 I got the real Star Trek feeling, of course with old enemies returning to the screen, and old characters.
Nice to see a few of them returning with Picard.
I read season 3 was the last season? I guess it's true, at the end it felt very rushed.
The "endgame" was in my opninion way to short, it good have been way better.
But at least we saw Star Trek again, nice visuals.
Acting was oke, although the son of Picard wasn't convincing to me, I'm sorry.
But deep space nine , still my favorite.
Picard will always be Star Trek .
There was progress in each season, and hopefully there still is.
Season 3 I got the real Star Trek feeling, of course with old enemies returning to the screen, and old characters.
Nice to see a few of them returning with Picard.
I read season 3 was the last season? I guess it's true, at the end it felt very rushed.
The "endgame" was in my opninion way to short, it good have been way better.
But at least we saw Star Trek again, nice visuals.
Acting was oke, although the son of Picard wasn't convincing to me, I'm sorry.
But deep space nine , still my favorite.
Picard will always be Star Trek .
Didn't wanted to believe the negative reviews but....
nikoskont16 April 2022
All are true.
Goes from interesting to "oh boy why im watching this"
Its the slowest quite uneventful (space wise) bla bla bla drama nonsense ever.
Its so boring that the episode im watching right now started it like 6 days back, simply cant see it in one go...is THAT boring.
The good moments (because there ARE some) cant justify that BS.
Its a disgrace to the franchise, i gave it 6 star just out of respect for old days otherwise is 1-2 the most.
Goes from interesting to "oh boy why im watching this"
Its the slowest quite uneventful (space wise) bla bla bla drama nonsense ever.
Its so boring that the episode im watching right now started it like 6 days back, simply cant see it in one go...is THAT boring.
The good moments (because there ARE some) cant justify that BS.
Its a disgrace to the franchise, i gave it 6 star just out of respect for old days otherwise is 1-2 the most.
Season 1 was barely watchable, season 2 is just an insult
sanjsrik27 March 2022
There's no point in spoilers for this. It's just really really really really really really bad.
You know when a company needs to milk a franchise because it needs to justify buying a show. That's what picard is. Paramount must have paid a TON of money for this and decided to make convoluted, stupid, insipid, dumb, just really stupid plots and then throw in even worse special effects into the mix and say, "hey, it's a "new franchise"".
No, what this is is just really really really really really stupidly bad.
I mean really stupidly bad.
I wanted this to be good but after STRUGGLING to get through season 1, season 2 is just worse.
Timelines, idiotic recasting of old plots because you know, you don't have any new or original ideas left.
Did the "writers" of this turkey series simply just throw a bunch of darts at a board and think hey, it's a character we can "work in" to a series? That's EXACTLY how this plays.
Just save yourself a lot of time and DO NOT WATCH THIS MONSTROSITY.
It's just really really really really really really really really really really bad.
See, you can say something is utter garbage without spoilers.
You know when a company needs to milk a franchise because it needs to justify buying a show. That's what picard is. Paramount must have paid a TON of money for this and decided to make convoluted, stupid, insipid, dumb, just really stupid plots and then throw in even worse special effects into the mix and say, "hey, it's a "new franchise"".
No, what this is is just really really really really really stupidly bad.
I mean really stupidly bad.
I wanted this to be good but after STRUGGLING to get through season 1, season 2 is just worse.
Timelines, idiotic recasting of old plots because you know, you don't have any new or original ideas left.
Did the "writers" of this turkey series simply just throw a bunch of darts at a board and think hey, it's a character we can "work in" to a series? That's EXACTLY how this plays.
Just save yourself a lot of time and DO NOT WATCH THIS MONSTROSITY.
It's just really really really really really really really really really really bad.
See, you can say something is utter garbage without spoilers.
Season 3 is a whole new series with gloves off!
Lefterix197516 March 2023
Five episodes into season three (3) and every episode is better than the one before. Amazing work in every single aspect of cinematography. The effects are amazing. The characters are developing nicely so far. So much better than the first two seasons. It seems gloves are off!
For the people complaining about age issues, that is life. Character grow old, their voice gets weaker, they do not look as sharp as when they are in their 30s. Acting though only gets better with experience. Having watched Sir Patrick Stewart on stage and now once again wearing the Starfleet uniform, I am personally so happy he is doing Season 3. He deserves such a level of production, since he is a damn good actor.
The first two seasons were okay. A 7 for me. Season 3 is at another level. A solid 9. Whoever can not see that, try star wars guys! This is Star Trek!
For the people complaining about age issues, that is life. Character grow old, their voice gets weaker, they do not look as sharp as when they are in their 30s. Acting though only gets better with experience. Having watched Sir Patrick Stewart on stage and now once again wearing the Starfleet uniform, I am personally so happy he is doing Season 3. He deserves such a level of production, since he is a damn good actor.
The first two seasons were okay. A 7 for me. Season 3 is at another level. A solid 9. Whoever can not see that, try star wars guys! This is Star Trek!
Terrible second season
prairiewalker25 March 2022
slow and lifeless...
info-19036-1612321 June 2022
Unfortunately its not worth watching...i am a huge sci-fi fan and was really really looking forward to it. I tried to watch it so many times but it was so boring and slow that i always stoped watching. Eventually i finished the first season forcing me to get over with it. Season 2 i started 3 times and gave up in the end. I dont know why amazon sucks so bad in tv shows. It feels lazy and low budget. Make it good or leave it please...but they know because its star trek everyone is watching it anyway, so why do effort. Exactly like disney and the star wars tv series. Dont waste ur time and destroy nice childhood memories...
From a 2 to a 10!!! Season 3 Rocks
darvin-211 April 2023
I guess Strange New Worlds helped them find Star Trek again because I had Star Trek Picard rated as a 2. My wife who is a huge Star Trek fan wouldn't even watch it. But they really turned it around. If it was just season 3, I would rank it a full blown 10!!!
What an awesome season. We are back on board a Star Ship and doing what Trek does best when it goes back to Treking. This season is one of the best and is very much the best part of The Next Generation. It was a great idea for them to bring the cast back. The only disappointing thing about the show is that this is Patrick Stewart's last year. But I am hoping they do a spin off show based on the crew of the Titan. What a fun time.
What an awesome season. We are back on board a Star Ship and doing what Trek does best when it goes back to Treking. This season is one of the best and is very much the best part of The Next Generation. It was a great idea for them to bring the cast back. The only disappointing thing about the show is that this is Patrick Stewart's last year. But I am hoping they do a spin off show based on the crew of the Titan. What a fun time.
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