Love the show. But it's star trek. If Gene were alive he'd punch you in the mouth for allowing swearing on his show. It's the future. Money is done away with, everyone is educated. Swearing is an uneducated mind trying to express itself forcefully. Don't ruin everything that star trek is because you think swearing is cool. So many family safe shows have been ruined by this kind of thinking. Don't taint what Picard stands for. Keep it to the plot and let us love the show.
72 Reviews
A less action packed but solid episode
Tweekums31 January 2020
After an opening that shows the destruction of the shipyards on Mars by synthetics fourteen years previously we return to Picard's investigation into the death of Dhaj. His Romulan friend Laris tells him of an almost mythical group with in their secret police, the Tal Shiar, known as the Zhat Vash. It has a deep hatred of all synthetics and artificial intelligence. She advises him against pursuing his investigation but he is determined to find Dhaj's twin. Meanwhile we see that Soji, the twin, is working with Free Romulans aboard a disconnected Borg Cube.
After the impressive opening episode I felt this was slightly weaker... but only just. There is less action but as Picard's investigation into Dhaj's death gets underway we get an intriguing mystery. The Romulans have been good villains since the original series back in the '60s; it is nice to see them back as the main threat but nuanced by having some 'good Romulans'. The way the depth of Zhat Vash's operations was revealed was perhaps a little rushed but that can be justified to get the story moving. The scenes on the ex-Borg cube gave a proper introduction to Soji and her relationship with a Romulan who may not be as friendly as he first appears. My only real complaint about the episode was the use of strong language which felt inappropriate in 'Star Trek'. Overall I enjoyed the episode and look forward to the next instalment.
After the impressive opening episode I felt this was slightly weaker... but only just. There is less action but as Picard's investigation into Dhaj's death gets underway we get an intriguing mystery. The Romulans have been good villains since the original series back in the '60s; it is nice to see them back as the main threat but nuanced by having some 'good Romulans'. The way the depth of Zhat Vash's operations was revealed was perhaps a little rushed but that can be justified to get the story moving. The scenes on the ex-Borg cube gave a proper introduction to Soji and her relationship with a Romulan who may not be as friendly as he first appears. My only real complaint about the episode was the use of strong language which felt inappropriate in 'Star Trek'. Overall I enjoyed the episode and look forward to the next instalment.
Solid episode that builds on the scene set in Remembrance
snoozejonc24 February 2021
Picard starts digging to find the truth about Dhaj.
This is a solid episode that establishes characters and sets the scene for what is likely to come.
The plot is very much in focus as Picard moves to a variety of locations, thanks to some very cool sci-fi technology, in search of answers and help. It doesn't move the overarching series narrative on very far but it very much gives perspective on who's who and the politics of the time. For me the dialogue is a bit too exposition focused for my liking in certain scenes.
I do like that Picard is taking the opportunity to do something worthwhile at this time of life as opposed to just sit about ageing like one of his bottles of wine. The fact that it links back to his late friend is even better.
As for the swearing that seems to have the die hard Trek fans up in arms, yes I agree it is unnecessary and feels very forced, but it's not that big a deal. Some people take this franchise way too seriously. There is no chance my children would be gripped by an episode of Star Trek until they are old enough to look past a few f-bombs anyway.
The visuals are very strong, particularly that reflection shot of Picard and it presents more good cinematography, landscapes and special effects.
Patrick Stewart is excellent as ever and the supporting cast all work well.
For me it's a 7.5/10 but I round upwards.
This is a solid episode that establishes characters and sets the scene for what is likely to come.
The plot is very much in focus as Picard moves to a variety of locations, thanks to some very cool sci-fi technology, in search of answers and help. It doesn't move the overarching series narrative on very far but it very much gives perspective on who's who and the politics of the time. For me the dialogue is a bit too exposition focused for my liking in certain scenes.
I do like that Picard is taking the opportunity to do something worthwhile at this time of life as opposed to just sit about ageing like one of his bottles of wine. The fact that it links back to his late friend is even better.
As for the swearing that seems to have the die hard Trek fans up in arms, yes I agree it is unnecessary and feels very forced, but it's not that big a deal. Some people take this franchise way too seriously. There is no chance my children would be gripped by an episode of Star Trek until they are old enough to look past a few f-bombs anyway.
The visuals are very strong, particularly that reflection shot of Picard and it presents more good cinematography, landscapes and special effects.
Patrick Stewart is excellent as ever and the supporting cast all work well.
For me it's a 7.5/10 but I round upwards.
Zhat Vash
XweAponX26 January 2020
This starts with a little bit of exposition on what happened during the "android revolt". But the "revolt" itself looks more like what happened to Lieutenant Ariam in the second season of Discovery, where an outside influence was at work.
But that was "control", we don't know what this is. We are handed a few clues, both cryptic and blatant. A new word is given to us: Zhat Vash. Picard's Romulan housekeeper (Orla Brady Who played Walter bishops wife in "Fringe") tells us about it, of the "legends":
It appears that there are some Romulans who are xenophobic (Big surprise) in a very particular way.
There is an element of intrigue in this episode, but it is a shade too opaque. And we get to see a little bit more about exactly what's happening in the Borg cube.
I was hoping there would be a few more scenes with Mr. Data, but it's better to just start assembling the story.
But it also appears that Picard was not incorrect when he said that "Starfleet was no longer Starfleet". Something rotten has taken hold and we don't know the scope of it from these two episodes. Except to see that this was going on since possibly before Picard even assembled his Armada. Somebody didn't like that, and obviously whoever that was is still around in the present time.
Apparently there are elements from the "Countdown" comic books, and I am very pleased to see these finally put into canon.
There has been a lot of speculation in regard to this show as to exactly who and what Dahj is. Some of these musings from various blogs have been correct, some of them have not been.
It intrigues me to see exactly how they are going to fit Bruce Mattox into this story, it would be wonderful to see the person but somehow I don't think that's the way it's going to play out. Something else is going on here. And the Romulans are acting out of Millenia of hatred for a particular kind of "life form".
Finally, who cares if there are cursewords in a Trek show? This isn't the 60s, this isn't the 80s, this isn't the 90s, and this isn't exactly network TV either. This is streaming television, there are no longer archaic and Victorian restraints on language. A Star Trek show that has contemporary language is a Star Trek show that is more realistic and believable. 1935 is calling and it wants its review board back.
Previous review:
Why is there one totally inappropriate "review" In here?
This show hasn't aired yet, sycophantic, negative reviews should not be allowed until after the show has aired.
The purpose of this review section is to review the show, not to spread political propaganda. Please wait until the show airs before you start posting your multiple and identical negative reviews.
Also, I am just asking myself how can anybody have watched all 11 episodes of this when only one of them has been broadcast so far? Let alone "downloaded three episodes" when only one episode has been shown? Even though Amazon produced the show, this is not being shown on Amazon, it is being shown on CBS, which does not release all episodes of a season at once.
Oh, I see: This was premiered in Berlin where they showed three episodes. That does not equate to somebody "downloading all three episodes". As far as I have seen, there is only one episode available to viewers at this time.
Obviously, this review will be edited when the episode is actually released. Or I will simply delete this and make another one. But somebody has to stand up to this Internet bullying.
But that was "control", we don't know what this is. We are handed a few clues, both cryptic and blatant. A new word is given to us: Zhat Vash. Picard's Romulan housekeeper (Orla Brady Who played Walter bishops wife in "Fringe") tells us about it, of the "legends":
It appears that there are some Romulans who are xenophobic (Big surprise) in a very particular way.
There is an element of intrigue in this episode, but it is a shade too opaque. And we get to see a little bit more about exactly what's happening in the Borg cube.
I was hoping there would be a few more scenes with Mr. Data, but it's better to just start assembling the story.
But it also appears that Picard was not incorrect when he said that "Starfleet was no longer Starfleet". Something rotten has taken hold and we don't know the scope of it from these two episodes. Except to see that this was going on since possibly before Picard even assembled his Armada. Somebody didn't like that, and obviously whoever that was is still around in the present time.
Apparently there are elements from the "Countdown" comic books, and I am very pleased to see these finally put into canon.
There has been a lot of speculation in regard to this show as to exactly who and what Dahj is. Some of these musings from various blogs have been correct, some of them have not been.
It intrigues me to see exactly how they are going to fit Bruce Mattox into this story, it would be wonderful to see the person but somehow I don't think that's the way it's going to play out. Something else is going on here. And the Romulans are acting out of Millenia of hatred for a particular kind of "life form".
Finally, who cares if there are cursewords in a Trek show? This isn't the 60s, this isn't the 80s, this isn't the 90s, and this isn't exactly network TV either. This is streaming television, there are no longer archaic and Victorian restraints on language. A Star Trek show that has contemporary language is a Star Trek show that is more realistic and believable. 1935 is calling and it wants its review board back.
Previous review:
Why is there one totally inappropriate "review" In here?
This show hasn't aired yet, sycophantic, negative reviews should not be allowed until after the show has aired.
The purpose of this review section is to review the show, not to spread political propaganda. Please wait until the show airs before you start posting your multiple and identical negative reviews.
Also, I am just asking myself how can anybody have watched all 11 episodes of this when only one of them has been broadcast so far? Let alone "downloaded three episodes" when only one episode has been shown? Even though Amazon produced the show, this is not being shown on Amazon, it is being shown on CBS, which does not release all episodes of a season at once.
Oh, I see: This was premiered in Berlin where they showed three episodes. That does not equate to somebody "downloading all three episodes". As far as I have seen, there is only one episode available to viewers at this time.
Obviously, this review will be edited when the episode is actually released. Or I will simply delete this and make another one. But somebody has to stand up to this Internet bullying.
Picard, episode 2.
christopherpattinson31 January 2020
Another brilliant episode, I'm absolutely immersed in this new universe. Great to see a preparation episode ahead of a mission, and it was nice to see Picard explore his options. Great characters and production values. I went back and watched the Inner Light, after watching this, to remind myself of a snippet of what this character has been through. It's so rare to see character development over such a period, with so many influences, it is a pleasure to enjoy this next chapter in Picard and Starfleet.
Filthy language
jeff-cossey31 January 2020
Star Trek has gotten by for over 50 years without having to use gratuitous filthy language. It adds nothing, absolutely nothing to the show but takes away from it in a huge way!
I would love nothing more to it than to watch this show with my children but I can't do it as it's littered with filthy words.
CBS if you can't keep it true to Star Trek then sell it to somebody who will!
Beginning of Multiple Plots
mail-8527430 January 2020
Love that multiple story lines are beginning to become visable.
Makes you think about what could happen. Need to wait another week to see those plots unfold.
Cant wait untill the rest of the crew and old crew are returning to the show and hope there is still a calaxy class ship somewhere :)
Very weak
roninanton30 January 2020
It's called building a narrative
acharrell1 February 2020
This episode was less action and more exposition. It was still good. Not every episode can or should be exciting and action packed. You need to build the story. I enjoyed it and am still looking forward to the next one. Also I'm living for all the haters talking about how this isn't Star Trek and crying about some curse words. Y'all are hilarious. No wait the other thing, sad. Yeah I meant sad. Y'all are sad.
I'll keep watching, but may not like it...
davenittel31 January 2020
Like many people, I'm just gonna watch Star Trek shows, even if they're not very good. I've invested too much time over the decades to not be invested in something that actually advances the narrative (opposed to yet another goddamn prequel). Swearing, TV, and a need for jobs in this show, when that's not exactly canonical? I'm fine with it; it was just beyond the pale that these things would not exist in the future.
Also, I think many people are looking at the ST past through rose coloured glasses here and forgetting that with those 22 ep seasons, there were 4 lame eps for every gem- even more so during first seasons.
But getting specifically to this series and this episode: no one's emotions seem sincere. Too calm, too mad, too light, too heavy; no one's reactions ever seem proportional to the situation. Not in one scene yet. Nor do anyone's actions seem like a reasonable response to the situation. It's not that hard to make a scene where things escalate at a reasonable rate, and it's not like the whole 40 mins is so full of raw plot they have no time for subtlety; they have time.
Also, British Romulans and Irish Romulans now? Is that how universal translators work 20 years down the road?
That's a change!
joffreybogemans5 February 2020
Step two: Yes, I definitely will!
thinkMovies31 January 2020
After what was as spotless and refreshing a first episode and foreteller of things to come as we could have hoped for, we are now in the segment of this very long movie (known as Episode #2) where the game pieces are gathered to be put in place. Decisions are being made and explained.
There are now two distinct story lines unfolding: Piccard's and the other one, the one taking place at the unknown location Piccard is trying to reach. We are at the stage of revealing the plot piece by piece as a jigsaw puzzle. An especially nice moment when old man Piccard enters Starfleet Command under the decorative interchangeable Holograms of Enterprise A and Enterprise D to the musican fuse of TOS and TNG themes. Then, at the desk, he is asked who he is and to spell his name.
Several things are happening in this new series. Other than the roadmap to unify Kelvin into Canon, debates are taking shape that promise to lead to the best of Next Generation quest for the nature and the condition of life.
Patric Stewart carries Picard effortlessly and with gravitas and with humanity.
Fourty four minutes felt like 20!
There are now two distinct story lines unfolding: Piccard's and the other one, the one taking place at the unknown location Piccard is trying to reach. We are at the stage of revealing the plot piece by piece as a jigsaw puzzle. An especially nice moment when old man Piccard enters Starfleet Command under the decorative interchangeable Holograms of Enterprise A and Enterprise D to the musican fuse of TOS and TNG themes. Then, at the desk, he is asked who he is and to spell his name.
Several things are happening in this new series. Other than the roadmap to unify Kelvin into Canon, debates are taking shape that promise to lead to the best of Next Generation quest for the nature and the condition of life.
Patric Stewart carries Picard effortlessly and with gravitas and with humanity.
Fourty four minutes felt like 20!
An exposition laden mess that throws the first episode under the bus
antony-131 January 2020
The first episode gave me such joy. I felt like Star Trek was entering my life again in a positive way. Then this turns up. If you told me an entirely different team stepped in, I'd believe you.
It's an exposition-laden mess. They want to explain so much it's like a hose of information. The first ten minutes is just tell, tell, tell.
Sadly, it didn't settle down. It then did another lazy writing trendy of mystery. Characters going around going "You know the thing, that thing.. yeah the thing. It's time to enact the thing. We talked about. The thing. Please speak to you know who about that thing." In no way does it make the viewer feel part of the journey, it's just fake mystery.
Picard feels sidelined almost. His Romulan friend went from quite interesting to shouting Irish woman. Irish Romulans I'm not sure I can get on board with. It just seems an odd choice. Make her an Irish human if that's what you want. But why this mish mash?
Swearing. Why? I got into TNG when I was 9. It was the most formative show of my life. My outlook of life, my career path... just so much. Why must Star Trek now be an adult-only affair? People should be watching this with their kids to give them a positive hope for the future. If you take that away, what do kids have? Where is the show that inspired the scientists of today that saw Trek as children?
Even the admirals are just nasty. Where has this positive vibe gone from Star Trek? I hated Discovery as it's now not proper TV unless you want to go away and self-harm from the experience, and I fear Picard will go the same way.
If the future is basically crap, with a pointless Starfleet and cynicism and even the cream of Starfleet via its top brass is corrupt and negative... well shall we just call it a day now with planet earth?
I think I may just fire up my TNG Blu-rays. The first episode of Picard I watched twice, I felt a flicker of hope. Episode two, I am close to giving up already.
P.S. yes writers you've mentioned Earl Grey now 17 times in 90 minutes. We get it. You watched Star Trek. But clearly you didn't understand it.
It's an exposition-laden mess. They want to explain so much it's like a hose of information. The first ten minutes is just tell, tell, tell.
Sadly, it didn't settle down. It then did another lazy writing trendy of mystery. Characters going around going "You know the thing, that thing.. yeah the thing. It's time to enact the thing. We talked about. The thing. Please speak to you know who about that thing." In no way does it make the viewer feel part of the journey, it's just fake mystery.
Picard feels sidelined almost. His Romulan friend went from quite interesting to shouting Irish woman. Irish Romulans I'm not sure I can get on board with. It just seems an odd choice. Make her an Irish human if that's what you want. But why this mish mash?
Swearing. Why? I got into TNG when I was 9. It was the most formative show of my life. My outlook of life, my career path... just so much. Why must Star Trek now be an adult-only affair? People should be watching this with their kids to give them a positive hope for the future. If you take that away, what do kids have? Where is the show that inspired the scientists of today that saw Trek as children?
Even the admirals are just nasty. Where has this positive vibe gone from Star Trek? I hated Discovery as it's now not proper TV unless you want to go away and self-harm from the experience, and I fear Picard will go the same way.
If the future is basically crap, with a pointless Starfleet and cynicism and even the cream of Starfleet via its top brass is corrupt and negative... well shall we just call it a day now with planet earth?
I think I may just fire up my TNG Blu-rays. The first episode of Picard I watched twice, I felt a flicker of hope. Episode two, I am close to giving up already.
P.S. yes writers you've mentioned Earl Grey now 17 times in 90 minutes. We get it. You watched Star Trek. But clearly you didn't understand it.
Very good but a slight dip in quality
jamesbrandes31 January 2020
I'm not a fan of Discovery but had reservations about Picard. I needn't have worried. It has attained a far higher standard and is much more like the Trek that I know and love.
The first episode was excellent with a mesmerizing performance by Stewart particularly in the scenes involving Data.
The 2nd episode whilst very good, wasn't as impactful. Stewart was still utterly immense and stole any scene he was in. The strongest scenes in the episode were with Dr. Benayoun, Laris, Zhaban and Clancy. The callback to All Good Things with Dr. Benayoun was particularly good. Despite Stewart's stellar performance, the guests in those scenes all put in great performances though.
As a negative, I felt the narrative was a bit choppy and some of the dialogue was a bit stilted.
Nevertheless, still a strong effort with some amazing special effects work. It's really obvious how far things have come. Earthcentric episodes in TNG consisted of matte shots and set work. Earth in the late 24th century feels far more real and immersive now.
The first episode was excellent with a mesmerizing performance by Stewart particularly in the scenes involving Data.
The 2nd episode whilst very good, wasn't as impactful. Stewart was still utterly immense and stole any scene he was in. The strongest scenes in the episode were with Dr. Benayoun, Laris, Zhaban and Clancy. The callback to All Good Things with Dr. Benayoun was particularly good. Despite Stewart's stellar performance, the guests in those scenes all put in great performances though.
As a negative, I felt the narrative was a bit choppy and some of the dialogue was a bit stilted.
Nevertheless, still a strong effort with some amazing special effects work. It's really obvious how far things have come. Earthcentric episodes in TNG consisted of matte shots and set work. Earth in the late 24th century feels far more real and immersive now.
Another good episode with back story that moves the narrative along
DocIndy31 January 2020
This episode expands upon the first giving us additional characters and more character development along with back stories. It also introduces a new Romulan secret society that will undoubtedly play a large role in the coming episodes. We also get to see Star fleet Headquarters in 2399 and find out more about Picard's history in Star Fleet since the events depicted in Nemesis.
I found the pacing to be good and as a sign of any good episode I was left at the end wanting more. :)
PS: Make sure to watch the Ready Room episode associated with this episode. It gives additional details that helps fill in a few areas.
PS: Make sure to watch the Ready Room episode associated with this episode. It gives additional details that helps fill in a few areas.
no.. please.
martinusvd30 January 2020
Im reviewing this episode half way through so i can still give it 5 stars because I need, yes.. need this show to be good. the first episode was a great setup but what is Happening here. who wrote this incredibly bad dialog. how can you possibly make Patrick Steward act so bad.. ok. watching the second half now..
Ok, so the second half improved the plot development and this show has great potential, I know that like myself, many of you feel the same way about this.
because of the background and our love for the star trek universe and Jean Luc himself, the pressure is on and the writers must understand that we expect a lot.
But you CAN NOT, start a show called Star trek, Picard and expect us to accept weak written dialog like there was in this episode.
Keep the *F* Bombs on STD.
bhfred130 January 2020
Moves at a slow pace and suffers from some weak dialogue
Kevin-4231 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
As with the first episode we only get to see bits and pieces and it is hard to patch together a coherent background story. Once again we are confronted with "New" Star Trek's fascination with conspiracy and cabal this time in the shape of a secret Romulan organization which seems to have infiltrated even Star Fleet. They are violently opposed to artificial intelligence and apparently have a penchant for overly dramatic dialogue and suppressed aggression. They must share the same acting coach as Section31 in Star Trek:Discovery. They also have in common that they're super secret but everybody knows about them and their modus operandi when it conveniently fits the story.
I should be obvious by now that I entertain certain misgivings about where this series might be headed but as for now I can't hold it against what we actually get to see so far as Sir Patrick still runs a very good acting gig. His portrait of genuine humanity is very convincing. Unfortunately, that is in contrast to the relationship between Soji and Narek who are intimate yet cynically untrusting and detached from eachother. People in the future seem to go for those messed up affairs, probably because they have such dysfunctional relationships with their sibblings as Narek has with his sister who just happens to be one of the Romulan cabal's operatives in Star Fleet.
As for now I stand by my assessment from the first episode that it's competent television but I see minor indicators which make me worry about the writing team.
I should be obvious by now that I entertain certain misgivings about where this series might be headed but as for now I can't hold it against what we actually get to see so far as Sir Patrick still runs a very good acting gig. His portrait of genuine humanity is very convincing. Unfortunately, that is in contrast to the relationship between Soji and Narek who are intimate yet cynically untrusting and detached from eachother. People in the future seem to go for those messed up affairs, probably because they have such dysfunctional relationships with their sibblings as Narek has with his sister who just happens to be one of the Romulan cabal's operatives in Star Fleet.
As for now I stand by my assessment from the first episode that it's competent television but I see minor indicators which make me worry about the writing team.
Incredible!!
rjwmnf2 February 2020
This was fantastic! All the looks and feels with just enough nostalgia. Patrick Stewart is awesome and I love the concept of the story line. If you want to watch TNG then go watch TNG (which is amazing in itself) and if you want to see interesting character development and cool concepts then you're in the right place.
Too much
neal-9380031 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This Episode is one to not totally dread. With a promising start, this episode degeneragetes to something Not unique, but just like all the other tv shows out there. The long scene of Dahj murder investigation Full of techno Babel did not contribute to the story. The romulans Zhat Vash being blamed as the culperates because of a mention in a strory when her mother was drunk, very poor how they made this connection-plus plus the need to include swearing to be seen as a "Cool and modern" show just removed credibility from the story, showing it's just like all other TV shows by following a trend, not creating a trend. I hope the story will remain central and the characters strong, some cool new characters and intriguing plot with romulans in Star fleet at the highest level. Narak seems a little weak- in character as a Romulan double agent, wearing his heart on his sleeve. Reminding me of Finn in Star Wars- someone with a promising start but little came from him.
New writers, Same mistakes as ST Discovery
animal99-12 February 2020
I began watching Picard due to trailers of First episode. And the first episode almost had made me believe the Producers and writers had learned what the producers and writers of Discovery had done wrong...but sadly, this second episode of Picard has me seeing this new Star Trek world in s poor light.
Where as the first episode gave me hope, this second episode has not only taken away my hope but has shown me that the writers are intent on changing our views on Star Trek.
For starters, Star Trek Picard is no longer a family-oriented TV show. This episode contained at least one instance of an f-bomb. That was shocking to say the least when viewed with the family. This show should not be watched by children. And yet the original Star Trek inspired children who watched it to become scientists and doctors as adults.
This show is being produced and written for the new generation of 18 to 30 year olds who curse and display violence at a moment's notice. That isn't what Star Trek was all about. Violence was used as a last resort, and even then only if words failed.
This new show starts off with weak mysteries, romantic memories wrapped in a veil of mystery - the use of beloved characters to warp our sense of familiarity with Star Trek is an abomination. Call me an old timer but I watch Star Trek as a child and became one of those scientists. I thought this new Star Trek was going to be an introduction to my children about their hopes and dreams of a future and possibly inspiration for what they'd like to become as adults.
I can no longer allowed children to watch this show, where it just one f-bomb - that could be excusable but the f-bomb came after a scene of a couple having sex. That is not family TV. If CBS access is using this show to bolster their membership then they are going to have to count out anyone with a family in the home. That leaves only single men as their primary audience, because I doubt single women will watch this show.
Clearly the use of f-bombs and sexual exploitation are proof of that.
I am glad I did not pay to watch this crap. Were it not for a friend and their family invitation to watch it with them, I would not have paid to watch this show.
We are only in the second episode and already many reviewers are being disgusted with this new Star Trek series. This is going to be the second bomb based on Star Trek shown on CBS access. This does not bode well for CBS access. If I had money invested in CBS, I would seriously think of cashing it in before stock prices start crapping out due to this second failure.
Where as the first episode gave me hope, this second episode has not only taken away my hope but has shown me that the writers are intent on changing our views on Star Trek.
For starters, Star Trek Picard is no longer a family-oriented TV show. This episode contained at least one instance of an f-bomb. That was shocking to say the least when viewed with the family. This show should not be watched by children. And yet the original Star Trek inspired children who watched it to become scientists and doctors as adults.
This show is being produced and written for the new generation of 18 to 30 year olds who curse and display violence at a moment's notice. That isn't what Star Trek was all about. Violence was used as a last resort, and even then only if words failed.
This new show starts off with weak mysteries, romantic memories wrapped in a veil of mystery - the use of beloved characters to warp our sense of familiarity with Star Trek is an abomination. Call me an old timer but I watch Star Trek as a child and became one of those scientists. I thought this new Star Trek was going to be an introduction to my children about their hopes and dreams of a future and possibly inspiration for what they'd like to become as adults.
I can no longer allowed children to watch this show, where it just one f-bomb - that could be excusable but the f-bomb came after a scene of a couple having sex. That is not family TV. If CBS access is using this show to bolster their membership then they are going to have to count out anyone with a family in the home. That leaves only single men as their primary audience, because I doubt single women will watch this show.
Clearly the use of f-bombs and sexual exploitation are proof of that.
I am glad I did not pay to watch this crap. Were it not for a friend and their family invitation to watch it with them, I would not have paid to watch this show.
We are only in the second episode and already many reviewers are being disgusted with this new Star Trek series. This is going to be the second bomb based on Star Trek shown on CBS access. This does not bode well for CBS access. If I had money invested in CBS, I would seriously think of cashing it in before stock prices start crapping out due to this second failure.
Stellar cartography
southdavid4 February 2020
Despite the rather abrupt ending, I again enjoyed this episode of "Picard" and the show appears at this stage to be shaping up nicely.
Convinced that Romulan Black Ops are responsible for the destruction of Dahj, Picard (Patrick Stewart) attempts to convince Starfleet to grant him command of a small ship, to continue his investigation off world. Starfleet are unwilling to grant his request, initially because of his scathing comments in the interview last week, however, the reasons for denying him may appear to be more sinister than that. Meanwhile, on the decommissioned Borg ship, Dahj's "sister" Soji (Isa Briones) has gotten close to the secretive Narek (Harry Treadaway).
What I think I like about this series is that it appears, at this stage at least, to have a specific story to tell. I like the idea of short form stories within the Star Trek Universe that can work alongside something like "Discovery" which is more of an open ended experience. I might, I accept, be giving the producers too much credit for trying to do something novel with the storytelling, when the decision has more to do with the fact the irreplaceable star of the show is about to be 80 years old. At the moment though, it feels like it's a story working towards an ending.
I do like the little bits that humanise (for the want of a better word) the characters in Star Fleet more that has been done in previous series. The joke on Borg ship about the number of days since assimilation made me laugh and the little view of Martian life prior to the attack was interesting. (Why would replicators replicate bad food?) Some scenes were less successful though, in particular the crime recreation stuff in Dahj's apartment, which I felt was all needlessly complicated. Rather than some fancy Romulan tech, that then doesn't work properly . . .wouldn't it have been more straightforward for the cleanup team to just have missed some calls on the computer?
Still, minor quibbles aside. It looks great and the intrigue is building. Roll on next week.
Convinced that Romulan Black Ops are responsible for the destruction of Dahj, Picard (Patrick Stewart) attempts to convince Starfleet to grant him command of a small ship, to continue his investigation off world. Starfleet are unwilling to grant his request, initially because of his scathing comments in the interview last week, however, the reasons for denying him may appear to be more sinister than that. Meanwhile, on the decommissioned Borg ship, Dahj's "sister" Soji (Isa Briones) has gotten close to the secretive Narek (Harry Treadaway).
What I think I like about this series is that it appears, at this stage at least, to have a specific story to tell. I like the idea of short form stories within the Star Trek Universe that can work alongside something like "Discovery" which is more of an open ended experience. I might, I accept, be giving the producers too much credit for trying to do something novel with the storytelling, when the decision has more to do with the fact the irreplaceable star of the show is about to be 80 years old. At the moment though, it feels like it's a story working towards an ending.
I do like the little bits that humanise (for the want of a better word) the characters in Star Fleet more that has been done in previous series. The joke on Borg ship about the number of days since assimilation made me laugh and the little view of Martian life prior to the attack was interesting. (Why would replicators replicate bad food?) Some scenes were less successful though, in particular the crime recreation stuff in Dahj's apartment, which I felt was all needlessly complicated. Rather than some fancy Romulan tech, that then doesn't work properly . . .wouldn't it have been more straightforward for the cleanup team to just have missed some calls on the computer?
Still, minor quibbles aside. It looks great and the intrigue is building. Roll on next week.
A Positive Future
andrewrigby12 February 2020
I have a feeling that this really will tirn out to be the Star Trek that we fell in love with. A positive future and a vision for humanity that provides hope in these troubled times. Its just that we don't get to see it in episode 2. There's still work to do here and the writers are playing a longer game. I'm fine with that. The fact that problems are not confronted and neatly solved in a single hour somehow feels appropriate at this point. It's a narrative that suits these troubled times, with Jean-Luc Picard as the figure of hope fighting back against xenophobia and fear and reactionary politics that define the moment, but don't necessarily define us for all time.
As Anne Frank said, "Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness."
Jean-luc Picard is that light in the darkness and we need him now more than ever.
We are only 2 episodes in so i cant yet say whether or not this will turn out to he a great Star Trek series... but so far, I still have faith that in the long run this will live up to its potential.
not the Picard story
Kirpianuscus18 February 2020
Obvious, good intentions. But not the fair result. Jean - Luc Picard seems be a pretext for a sort of not very inspired improvisation. The original mark, the original traites of the series are lost and replaced but a sort of policier to nowhere. A version ad usum Delphini, maybe. But not the most smart or reasonable or using the jokes or the invocation of Earl Grey in the most decent manner.
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