Michael Antony A
Mikey's TV Review: Star Trek: Picard (2020)
Your reaction to Paramount's latest incarnation of Star Trek might depend on one of two things. Or perhaps even both. Whether or not you have a soft spot for The Next Generation TV series and big screen adventures (1987-2002), and/or if you were open to the recent fan-bating series - Discovery (2017-2020)...
PICARD begins quietly and gracefully, with a still irresistibly charming Patrick Stewart reminding us exactly why we love this character. As expected, his portrayal is once again flawless. Though there is now a warmth, deep compassion and even deeper complexity to his performance.
Retired to his French vinyard, somewhat broken and haunted by dreams this is not the man we knew. Nor should it be. Almost 20 years have passed since the events in Nemesis, and Jean-Luc disillusioned by serious changes in protocol has left Starfleet far behind him.
However, the story doesn't dwell too long here. With the introduction of a mysterious and beguiling young woman - Dahj played by Isa Briones, who may be related to Picard's longtime Enterprise co-worker and companion Data, we are soon involved in high stakes action and a compelling drama...
The FX, with a few minor exceptions are brilliantly executed (the budget is on the screen) and the extended cast all fill their roles nicely. Although in truth, with the exception of the aforementioned character Dahj, they aren't really given all that much to do apart from deliver exposition.
A small amount of previous backstory knowledge is needed to catch the plentiful Easter eggs scattered throughout, but not essential. That said, will anyone other than Star Trek fans actually be watching this show?
Both the story premise and world building are more than intriguing, while the debut episode leaves us with a real OMG moment that pretty much guarantees a repeat audience.
The weekly format is already frustrating and Paramount/Amazon are truly missing the mark by not streaming the series in its entirety. Only time and futher episodes will tell if the series can continue to be just as alluring. But for now it is safe to say Star Trek is back! Engage!
Mikey's TV Rating: 5/5* 😊👍
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
04/13/25
Full Review
Frans B
It is not bad, but lacks the "Star Trek" feel? Picard seems to be an alter ego of the real Picard. Cast is good in character but overall ambiance is just gone. Somewhat disappointed because I am a huge Star Trek fan, years now. This just does not feel familiar, granted, it is irrelevant, but still.... It just should FEEL a little more adventurous, imo
Rated 2.5/5 Stars •
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars
04/07/25
Full Review
Geoffrey S
I gave it one star because I'm 9 episodes in. But I can't see this train-wreck of a reboot rehabilitating itself in the final act. None of the characters are likeable. Even Picard who was one of the best (if not the best) captains of any Star Trek series, is portrayed as a feeble, lost old man - a mere shadow of his former self. I want to like Dahj, but she's written as a a confused, weak, potential sociopath. The cast are talented actors, but the script is so idiotic and disorganized from one episode to the next they're given nothing to work with. I really wish I hadn't wasted my time with this garbage. One thing for sure, Rotten Tomatoes proves once again, if the critics liked, it it's bound to be terrible.
Rated 1/5 Stars •
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
03/10/25
Full Review
Audience Member
I made a mistake of postponing watching this masterpiece for the longest time because of bad reviews. I was afraid it would change the way I was looking at Picard and tainted it but as I came to realize, bad reviews expected TNG Season 8 and this is not it, and that's a good thing.
After watching the 1st season I have to say it's refreshing change to all the ship (and space-station) based story telling of the past. The show captivates viewers with its storytelling, visual effects, and exceptional performances by the cast. One of the show's biggest strengths is its writing. It balances action packed scenes with emotional moments, exploring complex themes such as morality, loss, and redemption and that is the essence of Star Trek. The pacing is excellent, and each episode keeps you on the edge of your seat, leaving you eager to see what happens next. Patrick Stewart delivers an incredible performance. He brings depth and nuance to the character, making him feel more human than ever. The supporting cast is equally impressive. It is an excellent addition to the Star Trek Universe.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/17/25
Full Review
Audience Member
I was so happy for Picard. I loved TNG and it was great to see Picard back in action. It was a little slow at times but they are building up the characters so that's just how it goes. Really enjoyable.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
02/15/25
Full Review
George A
A new concept in TV production, a show made by people who obviously hate the show. It has uninteresting, unlikeable characters, a stupid story and is written by people who besides not liking the show itself, also appear to know nothing about the universe it is set in. At one point a character wishes hard enough and her star ship is magically repaired. Really, this happens. Dumb and a waste of an opportunity. Just poor. Avoid if you like Star Trek.
Rated 0.5/5 Stars •
Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars
12/15/24
Full Review
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Episode 1
Aired Jan 23, 2020
Remembrance
At the end of the 24th Century, and 14 years after his retirement from Starfleet, Jean-Luc Picard is sought out by a mysterious young woman in need of his help.
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Episode 2
Aired Jan 30, 2020
Maps and Legends
Picard begins investigating the mystery of Dahj as well as what her very existence means to the Federation; hidden enemies are interested in where Picard's search for the truth about Dahj will lead.
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Episode 3
Aired Feb 6, 2020
The End Is the Beginning
Completely unaware of her special nature, Soji continues her work and captures the attention of the Borg cube research project's executive director; Picard seeks others willing to join his search for Bruce Maddox.
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Episode 4
Aired Feb 13, 2020
Absolute Candor
The crew's journey to Freecloud takes a detour when Picard orders a stop at the planet Vashti, where Picard and Raffi relocated Romulan refugees 14 years earlier; Picard reunites with Elnor, a young Romulan he befriended during the relocation.
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Episode 5
Aired Feb 20, 2020
Stardust City Rag
The La Sirena crew begins an unpredictable and lively expedition on Freecloud to search for Bruce Maddox.
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Episode 6
Aired Feb 27, 2020
The Impossible Box
Picard and crew track Soji to the Borg cube in Romulan space, resurfacing haunting memories for Picard; Narek believes he finally found a way to safely exploit Soji for information.
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Episode 7
Aired Mar 5, 2020
Nepenthe
Picard and Soji travel to the planet Nepenthe, home to some old and trusted friends; Picard helps Soji make sense of her recently unlocked memories; Hugh and Elnor are left on the Borg cube and must face an angered Narissa.
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Episode 8
Aired Mar 12, 2020
Broken Pieces
When devastating truths behind the Mars attack are revealed, Picard realizes just how far many will go to preserve their secrets; Narissa directs her guards to capture Elnor, setting off an unexpected chain of events on the Borg cube.
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Episode 9
Aired Mar 19, 2020
Et in Arcadia Ego
Following an unconventional and dangerous transit, Picard and the crew finally arrive at Soji's home world, Coppelius, but their arrival brings only greater danger as the crew discovers more than expected about the planet's inhabitants.
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Episode 10
Aired Mar 26, 2020
Et in Arcadia Ego
A final confrontation on the synthetics' home world, Coppelius, pits Picard and his team against the Romulans, as well as the synths who seek to safeguard their existence at all costs.
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