TV Series Review: Star Trek: Picard

Picard is my introduction to Star Trek. I’ve seen the movies, but I wasn’t a fan of the movies. As someone who is unfamiliar with the show, this was a great place to start. While it is a little preachy at points, it did make me start watching some of the older shows. If you are a long-time fan, you might be disappointed by the series, but at least it is better than the movies.

I will say that the first season is the only one that is worth watching. The acting is fantastic, the action is fun, and the story is engaging enough. It isn’t perfect, it makes a lot of weird choices, and the ending is disappointing, but it got me interested in the series.

One issue that might arise is with the references made to the original show. I felt a bit alienated when they would introduce an old crew member or reference certain events, but it wasn’t bad enough that I couldn’t understand the story. They exist as nods to the fans of the show and add little to the plot. My biggest issue is how much it addresses social justice issues. While appreciated, these moments get tedious and overbearing. I love Patrick Stewart, but he doesn’t need a speech every time he is on screen. There are moments in this show where Picard is more white guilt personified than the great captain the show wants him to be. The first season isn’t perfect, but it is good enough for casuals.

However, do not waste your time on the second season. I have personally created my own ending to the first season to cope with the disappointment that comes with watching the second season. The second season discards everything that makes Star Trek unique and fun and turns into a generic social justice action thriller no one asked for. While I do appreciate the sentiment, the messaging should be a lot more subtle. I didn’t like how the crew kept getting thrown from social issue to social issue as if they were collecting hashtags in their desperate attempt to stay woke and relevant. It isn’t fun, it isn’t interesting, please skip it.

You can watch this show on Paramount+. Watch it if you are interested in sci-fi but don’t know where to start. This is science fiction for casuals. If you are in the mood for sci-fi that requires little investment, Picard is a good place to start. The only problem is, you might not want to stop.

13 thoughts on “TV Series Review: Star Trek: Picard

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    1. Ha! That’s pretty accurate. I liked the first season but it’s hard to believe that the senior citizen squad can save the universe. There are scenes where Patrick Stewart can barely stand, poor thing.

      Liked by 1 person

  1. My husband is watching this now, too. I love the actors, but the show is driving me nuts! I told him to watch without me. The dialog and dramatic presentation make it feel like a sci-fi telenovela.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. I am so tired of fighting. The gun fights, the fist fights. That is one thing I liked about The Next Generation it was not all fist fights and stuff (that I can remember –?), Picard seemed so much more violent. I was disappointed in Picard. And I am not sure I will last through more of the new show that just started. Le Sigh.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. As an intro to the series, the first season isn’t terrible. I don’t blame you for leaving though, it gets bad. I started watching the older ones and I agree, Picard has too much fighting. But I think they are trying to pull a different demographic which is a shame because the stuff that makes Star Trek cool isn’t the fighting

      Liked by 1 person

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