Warmth.
One word kept sticking out to me throughout Picard season 3 premier, “The next Generation”
and that is “Warmth”.
The chemistry and relationships between the characters we are reintroduced to is just
full of affection and warmth, even those who were newer acquaintances of Picard like Seven
and Laris as well as Picard’s references to those who we have yet to see on screen
like LaForge.
This makes it all the more jarring when certain others, outside of Picard’s peer group,
Captain Liam Shaw for Example show borderline disdain for the retiring admiral.
Additionally, we have smaller scenes, played humorously that remind us that the Enterprise
D was literally a generation ago now, and that there are adults around now who were
not even born at the time of Picard’s notable command.
The bartender casually refers to the Galaxy class as the “Fat ones”, once the pride
of the fleet and most comprehensive vessel of all.
The mention of Picard pointing out that a vessel hitting warp 9.99 should be cause to
notify engineering because in his day, that was pushing the ship’s limits.
Now it's a matter of automation considering Starfleet is experimenting with Slipstream
and Protostar drives.
This disconnect with technology and those around him is subtle but shows us how life
moves on, the Federation moves on and Picard and his crew are stepping aside, albeit gracefully
and with a legacy to leave, despite his insurance he did not need one.
It also emphasizes that Picard’s inner circle, his former crew and new allies are the heart
of this series, and Beverly’s warnings to trust noone, not even Starfleet ring true,
making this a very personal tale to the next generation crew.
This affection expands to more than just the inner circle in-universe though, it bubbles
beneath the production and performances from all involved.
An example; as Picard is packing away his lifetime mementoes, he suggests with a warm
smile of passing on the Enterprise D canvas painting to Geordie and it feels so organic
and friendly, despite Laris’ assertions that he should keep it.
Another note there, I’m completely buying their relationship so far, again it feels
warm and the turbulence that plagued Picard in season 02 has been quelled and he seems
a content man.
Another example of the care behind the scenes is the emphasis on the word “memory” as
he examines the Ressikan flute, which of course was the only artifact left of that entire
species, accompanied by the entire memories of a single man that was all imparted to Picard.
Small touches from the establishing shot across Beverly’s possessions remind us that these
are storied characters who are not just starting out, they have entire lives behind them, from
her adoration of theater, to the possessions of her late husband, Jack Crusher and orchids
dotted around.
21 years have passed since Picard took promotion to admiral and in this timeframe, Beverly
Crusher has not been seen or been in contact with old comrades, something that seems to
have puzzled them, but Picard may have in inkling.
With the opening scene showcasing a very practical and clinical Crusher, we get to see that characters,
although familiar, will have changed in that time.
Beverly has always had a strong compassionate side for sure, but she has also had this dignified
and calm veil she can raise at crisis points and the woman we meet in episode one seems
to be her in this mode, dispatching her pursuers with cold efficiency, but simultaneously protecting
what seems important to her without hesitation.
She shuts away her apparent son, at first I thought because he was a stranger or untrustworthy,
but on rewatch it becomes clear she was cutting him off to protect him.
Looks like we might have a hint as to why Beverly stepped away from the Enterprise E,
did she and Picard attempt to establish a relationship at last before something got
in the way?
Is this new character, Picard’s son?, a question on many people’s minds no doubt.
The ships designs in Picard are rolling the look of the 25th century forwards in a consistent
style with the continuation of the Sutherland, Reliant and Sovereign classes appearing.
We also have an onscreen image of both the USS Enterprise F, Odyssey class and a Pathfinder
vessel with the designation, Voyager B, making this the third vessel to bear the name.
Many of these were imported from the continuity of Star Trek Online, which I am not opposed
to, there are many vessels there that have developed and adhere to a design style that
I think suits an advancing Starfleet.
Additionally, we do also the inclusion of the Pioneer class from that game and the Federation
class in the form of models, 3D or otherwise.
The interior look of the LCARS displays and shiny new bridge of the Titan-A as well SS
Eleos look wonderful with a sharp evolution of existing designs, I really to believe that
this is the same technology we saw in Nemesis, just two decades on, it’s crisp, clean and
even the sparing use of holographic elements work in tandem with the expansive 2D wall
panels.
The handheld props and equipment again evoke earlier designs, just more advanced and I
am liking the overall stylistic choices of the 25th century Federation.
However, let's talk about the USS Titan-A. From the lore audio files that dropped before
the release of the show we learn that this ship is a new class, but also a refit, stretching
the credulity of the word to its extreme.
It was built using components of an older USS Titan and the logs reference are ambiguous,
but do cite that the guts of Riker’s Titan are within the Titan-A, including its jazz
collection.
The Titan on screen is talked about as if it is the same vessel, just overhauled which
is an important point as Riker clearly feels a strong degree of kinship and even ownership
for the vessel, despite it really not being his any more.
Understandable, but it puts him at odds with its current captain.
Speaking off, Shaw does not seem like a bad person, but clearly one who has personal issues
with both Picard and Riker as well as some ingrained prejudices.
From the minute we meet Seven, again warmly reintroduced with a smile, crisp uniform and
in a position of respect, the rug under us is tugged away a little.
I was jokingly wondering what Seven would refer to herself as in the show, and it looks
like it’s Commander Hansen, her birth name, her human name and more importantly, not a
Borg designation.
However it is not her choice.
Uh oh.
Shaw has demanded that she use that name, not Seven of Nine, the name she wore, claimed
and owned throughout most of her adult life, probably because it reminds him she used to
be a drone.
This bias against the former borg extends to Picard too, so I suspect he has encountered
the Borg before in his past, probably Wolf 359.
Speaking of Seven, when she pulls Riker and Picard aside to quiz them, she confesses to
not feeling quite at home in Starfleet, taking orders from people like Shaw and it reminds
me of the early Seven on Voyager who was also very bad at following orders and the chain
of command.
Being in the rangers allowed her to follow her impulses, see a problem, fix the problem
and it seems the lack of respect from Shaw, something both Janeway and Picard showed her,
is exacerbating her discomfort.
Shaw’s opinion of Riker and Picard seems to focus on the times they played fast and
lose with the rules, not often but it was done and he confesses to being an ordered
individual.
He even declines to take orders from Picard who is indeed an admiral, but one who is retired
or in the least should be retired, I’m a little vague on how much authority Picard
wields right now.
Shaw brushing off Riker makes complete sense however, they are of the same rank and it’s
Shaw’s command, not Rikers.
Additionally he has received no orders from above alerting him to this inspection or change
of course, so from his point of view, this seems to be one last interjection from a couple
of old hands trying to cause mischief and stir things up.
Whacking them in bunk beds was too far though, Shaw you dick.
Raffi too is reintroduced and it seems like she is in a very dark place, but to be honest,
I thought she would have been in Starfleet intelligence.
We have seen washed up Raffi before, it’s how she was first introduced in season 1 and
this is not that, this is a caricature of all of Raffi’s worst traits and demons made
manifest into a cover identity, but one she does seem to be struggling with.
It’s a dark world she would rather be rid of, but here she is, being a warrior.
The chasing down of this Red Lady is revealed to be a commemoration statue of Rachel Garret,
heroic captain of the Enterprise C, but Raffi is too slow to save the Starfleet compound
on M’talas Prime which is going to be eating away at her.
On a side note, we are totally in agreement that her SFI handler is Worf right?
Speculation ahead, I did notice what seems to be Orion language on much of the cargo
on the SS Eleos and M’Talas seems to have a large Orion population so maybe the syndicate
is involved somewhere along the line.
Additionally the SFI intelligence text passes through several languages before it appears
in English including Orion and Klingonese.
Not entirely certain if we can trust Beverly’s son yet, but I would want to.
Also point out a funny thing, I could not find a name for the character yet from the
show, so instead I guessed what Beverly would name her second son.
And I guessed “Jack” after her husband, looks like I was right on the money because
after googling “Jack Crusher Picard” I found his Memory Alpha page citing a link
that is geoblocked for me.
But it goes to show, I think that these characters are being treated well if I can accurately
guess what Doctor Crusher would name a second child, based on who she was in TNG.
This episode also refrains from overcrowding its cast reintroductions, we only get two
of the legacy cast here, excluding Picard and most of that time is dedicated to Riker
who really does feel like he did in Nepenthe, the old, stalwart best buddy and loving friend
to the man he still sees as his captain, even when his knees ache and hands are stiff.
Again, it all feels so warm.
So overall, this has been the best episode of Picard so far and the strongest opening
to the series I have seen of its 3 seasons, which is saying something considering the
opening episodes of seasons 1 and 2 were also very strong.
The rest of those series, not so much, but yeah, I have my hopes up again for series
3 and I am eagerly awaiting answers and smiling at points as I write this.
It’s early to judge the series overall, and I remain cautiously optimistic, but the
introductions of new elements, world lore and plot hooks does have me intrigued.
Thanks for watching this review of episode one of series three of Picard, the Next Generation.
I’ve been Ric so thanks again and goodbye.