When Picard hit the screens in 2020, many people were apprehensive. Would it be embarrassing to watch 80 year old Patrick Stewart reprise his role as Jean-Luc Picard? Would it be merely a show for sentimental Star Trek fans?
All these fears proved unfounded and are partly a problem of the unfathomed ageism going on in the world. Everyone is talking about representation, when it comes to race, sexual orientation and gender. But what about representation when it comes to age? Where are the rom coms with people in their fifties, or the thillers with detectives close to retirement?
This is where Picard manages to close a gap. It reunites the viewers with beloved characters, but allows them to have aged with dignity. Welcome to my review of Star Trek: Picard – Season 3 episodes 1-3!
Star Trek: Picard Premise (minor spoilers)
Picard (Patrick Stewart) is back home on Chateau Picard, and he is in a relationship with Laris (Orla Brady). He is considering writing his memoirs when he receives a mysterious distress call from Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden), urging him not to contact Starfleet. Picard then contacts his old friend Riker (Jonathan Frakes) and they set off. They meet old and new friends and find help in unlikely places.
Evaluation
First of all, the show comes with nostalgia. There is no denying it, but that is a good thing. The main character has been established over years, and Patrick Stewart is still at the top of his game. He can convey more emotion in one facial expression than most actors in one page of dialogue.
In addition, the new characters bring more colors to Star Trek, especially Captain Liam Shaw (Todd Stashwick). We are used to seeing heroic star fleet officers that are good people, but Shaw is basically a jerk, although he might be considered a good officer after all.
Episode one seems a bit torn, but that is not unusual for shows with a story arc that spans several episodes. The season starts by showing where the characters are and offers detached story bits. Especially Raffi’s Story (Michelle Hurd) seems to be missing some vital information in the beginning.
Episode two is so filled with surprising twists that it is virtually impossible to discuss it without giving away any spoilers. Some twists are surprises, others are a little too obvious, but nonetheless well executed.
It is only in episode three that these story bits start to finally merge together to a big picture. It takes a little too long until the story starts to come together, especially since only one episode per week comes out. While this is a great episode, it leaves a bitter sweet taste. It is basically an homage to Star Trek II, probably the greatest Star Trek movie ever.
The main surprise was the open conflict between Riker and Picard. Especially Jonathan Frakes shines in this scene and proves his acting chops are not less than his directing chops. Ironically, he also directed the episode. This scene was great, because it shows the development of the characters. Riker has completely stepped out of Picard’s shadow. They are now equal men and no longer within a hierarchy.
Conclusion
The first three episodes of the final season of Picard bring nostalgia and lots of twists. While some twists are mind blowing, others are expected, almost a fan service. There are enough unexpected twists to ensure it is not just a retelling of known stories. All actors seamlessly slip into their old roles, and it is great to see the characters showing new facets of their personalities.
Have you seen the first three Picard episodes? If yes, what are your thoughts? Don’t forget to check this place when we will be back with more Star Trek: Picard articles. In the meantime, you can read our review for Season 2 here.
Follow us on Social Media
Maria is our resident nerd and passionate about all things fantasy and science fiction. She is Spanish and grew up in Germany, which is why she is a native speaker of both languages. Becoming a fantasy writer was only logical to combine her skills and passions. In addition, she is working on her English degree and loves to play tennis and dance Salsa. She is currently writing her first novel and will mainly be covering Star Wars, Star Trek and Shadow & Bone.
One thought on “Star Trek: Picard Season 3 Episode 1 – 3 Review”