Episode 4 of Picard is here, and I keep falling in love with this show over and over. This episode saw some excellent backstory on the aftermath of the attack on Mars, the introduction of a new character, and some amazing acting.

Quick note: these recaps are not a play-by-play review (there are plenty of those out there); rather, they contain my thoughts on what makes the episode special, goosebump moments, things I loved and hated, Easter eggs, and other fun stuff.

Episode 3: “Absolute Candor”

The Picard we know and love from Star Trek: Next Generation is coming into focus. Picard is making a solid transition into the “The Captain we remember” foreshadowed in Episode 1.

Before we dive in, it bears mentioning that the feel of this episode is very different. Turns out, Jonathan Frakes (aka Commander William T. Riker), directed this episode, and it feels like it was right in Picard’s sweet spot.

Goosebumps, Cringes, and Laughs

Goosebump #1

One Impossible thing at a time.

I think this may become my personal mantra, and I love it. Let’s be honest, Star Trek thrives on 500 impossible things, and this line seems to indicate a more direct and clean plot line with fewer impossibilities (maybe?).

Cringe #1

Because you could not save everyone, you chose to save no one.

I had assumed that because of all Picard did to try and save Romulans, he would be loved by them. Boy was I (we) wrong about that. There is a deep running hatred of Picard (shown above). That hatred goes so far as to implicate Picard in a conspiracy to trick the Romulans into relying on Starfleet so the Romulus would be destroyed.

Cringe #2

Picard: “I did everything I could.”

Romulan: “And then you gave up.”

#WatchPeopleDieInside

Cringe #3

This isn’t a quote so much as the scene where Lt. Rizzo is LITERALLY STRADDLING Narek. Add to that some playful choking and seriously, WTF Romulan Lannisters?

Laugh Out Loud #1

Man can’t even take a guilt trip without using a starship.

Raffi is absolutely hilarious. Where I am waiting for Dr. Agnes to come up to snuff, Raffi is hitting stride early.

Laugh Out Loud #2

You owe me a ship, Picard.

Seven of Nine! Welcome back!

Memory Alpha (aka Things I Loved)

Santiago Cabrera is putting on a masterclass of acting. As ex-Starfleet officer Cristóbal Rios, he is the captain of the La Sirena. In addition, he is playing the holograms:

• Emergency Medical Hologram (EMH)
• Emergency Navigation Hologram (ENH)
• Emergency Hospitality Hologram (EHH)
• Emmet – Tactical/Pilot Hologram

Also, the interplay between Rios and Emmet is hilarious and worth watching again. Also, tell me, have you ever seen a hologram with tattoos? I have a theory (below) on what is going on here.

Easter Eggs!

This episode had some fun references and nods to the past. Here are my favorites:

• Klingon Opera: The only holovids on the La Sirena are Klingon, just like Lt. Worf. I hope this means he will be back!
• Wallenberg class transports: There is a discussion between Picard and a nun involving the use of these to evacuate the Romulans. Historically, Raoul Wallenberg was a Swedish businessman who evacuated and saved thousands of Jewish refugees during World War II.

Set Phasers to Meh

I fully believe that Dr. Agnes Jurati will turn into the plucky, snarky, and brilliant character we are getting flashes of – but she’s not quite there yet. Some of her scenes feel forced. That said, this scene was funny!

Farpoint Station (aka What Did I Just Watch?)

Holy CRAP, once again the fight scene stole the show.

Picard facing off against the Romulans was impressive, but Elnor is INCREDIBLE.

Elnor: “Please, my friend, choose to live.”

Former Senator: (attacks anyway and Elnor proceeds to slice off his head)

Elnor: “I regret your choice.”

SWOON, what a scene.

Ten Forward (aka What I Want)

I want more information on the Qowat Milat and what went down when Picard left. Its clear from his interactions with Elnor that Picard left for a pack of Dilithium Crystals and never came back. Give me more!

Alternate Timelines – Conspiracy Theories

This is a stretch… but here is my theory… Cristóbal Rios is not a man, he is synthetic life. His body? The ship La Sirena and the all the holograms are different parts of his personality.

See you next week!