On Picard

I appreciate that time has changed this Picard. He’s not the same emotionally-distant, commanding figure of yesteryear. This Picard is obviously more weathered, more weary, not only from age but also experience. He’s also more openly compassionate (the old Picard was certainly a man of great mercy and feeling, but he rarely let it show). That said, there were moments where the old Picard slipped out, and I expect those moments to occur more when he finally takes to the stars once again.

As for the morality at the heart of the show, I think two issues will be the focus: First is “What determines life?” Second is “How do we overcome prejudice?”

The first is seen in the conversation between Picard and Dahj, as she scoffs at the idea that she might not “be real.” Of course she’s real. She has flesh and blood, but more than that, memories and feelings. The Measure of a Man kept coming back to me while watching it, even before the show drew a direct connection via Bruce Maddox.

The second moral issue to consider this season revolves more around Starfleet and the Federation itself. How easily do we forget the good to dwell on the bad; how easy do we scapegoat and throw a blanket over an entire race due to the crimes of a few. Frankly, it’s shocking that the utopian world of the Federation would toss a full-scale ban on “synthetics,” especially considering after Data showed that not all are created equal.

A good man is a good man, whether born or built.

I have been so disenchanted with Discovery. It’s too fast, too dumb, too melodramatic, too space fantasy and not enough “contemplative, meditative, human condition-examining, science fiction.” Picard is scratching all those itches.

I am all-in and can’t wait to see what comes next.

10/10 – It’s Star Trek. It’s more modern, slicker, but still Star Trek. I’m glad it’s back. I’ve really, really missed it.