Picard
released 2020-2023
www.imk2quill.com

“Picard” is a scifi, action TV series with probably the largest cast of talented people I have seen. After all, it is the Star Trek franchise. It was produced by Akiva Goldsman, Alex Kurtzman, Patrick Stewart (Yes, Captain Picard himself.), Douglas Aarniokoski, Heather Kadin, Michael Chabon, Rod Roddenberry, Trevor Roth, Jason Michael Zimmerman, Terry Matalas, James Duff, Ralph Gilfford, Cindy Appel and so many more. It was directed by Jonathan Frakes, Douglas Aarniokoski, Hanelle M. Culpepper, Akiva Goldsman, Maja Vrvilo, Joe Menendez, Lea Thompson, Michael Weaver, Deborah Kampmeier, Dan Liu and Terry Matalas. It stars a gigantic cast which includes Patrick Stewart, Alison Pill, Michelle Hurd, Santiago Cabrera, Jeri Ryan, Evan Evagora, Isa Briones, Kay Bess, Orla Brady, Brent Spiner, Harry Treadaway, John de Lancie, Peyton List, Sol Rodriguez, Jamie McShane, Ito Aghayere, Jonathan Frakes, Whoopie Goldberg, John Ales, Marina Sirtis and many more.

Picard IMDb webpage

“Picard” is the story of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, played by Patrick Stewart, who leaves retirement to solve a mystery, make things right with his dearly departed friend Data, played by the digital appearance of Brent Spiner, and save the galaxy. At the beginning of the story we see retired admiral Picard in his vineyards in France living the life of a retiree. This is a big change from his career as a starship captain traveling to the most remote and strange parts of the galaxy, meeting alien life, fighting wars and protecting the human race and all of The Federation territory from threats like the Romulans and even the Borg. Admiral Picard is a man with a mind as sharp as ever but a body that is clearly aging and reaching the end of its good health. The year is 2399 and the world continues to change with newer technologies and stranger discoveries. Adventure calls again for Picard as what would appear to be the daughter of Data, played by Isa Briones, pays him a visit. She is a synthetic life form like her father who is part of an oppressed group within and without the Federation. The story takes them into the giant tech lab of a Borg Cube and through Romulan mythology and spy intrigue to a hidden colony of synthetic people who Picard has been fighting for their rights.

This is a much welcome breath from the past as we get to see some of the much loved characters from the classic Next Generation: Star Trek Series. Characters that include, besides Picard, Data, Adam Soong, Q, Guinan, Deanna Troi and Will Riker. This is really a treat for those that loved the classic episodes from decades ago. The story takes unpredictable turns and the characters are just as motivated and capable as in the original episodes. I loved the way one mystery took us into another too.

One thing I really liked was the themes that this story dealt with. When Picard went back in the saddle, so to speak, he seemed pout of place and one step behind this world that he was jumping back into after a good 20 year hiatus. He seems to have a little difficulty readjusting at first but takes to navigating Starfleet like a pro in no time. This is perfectly understandable given his hiatus. Anyone called out of retirement would experience that and I loved they revealed such flaws. It made it so relatable and I loved that.

Another very important theme that I don’t see many Scifi stories deal with is aging and death. At least dealing with it in this way. That is revealing it in an unflashy way. The theme of aging and death are everywhere in the story from the colony of synthetic people who face annihilation to the withering away of the health of Picard himself. The way Picard is treated, being older with diminished capacities, is interesting. In our societies we do the same thing with older people. They are kind of pushed away, which is sad. It’s interesting how many smart people did not catch on this theme.

So, check out “Picard” it really is a healthy breath of nostalgia and a great watch.

John Ink2Quill

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