Episode 6 of Picard is here, and we are officially halfway through the season! The theme of this episode is all about opening boxes – in this case, Soji’s mind. The show opens, and continues to revisit, some potent childhood memories and it begs the question… how does a a synth have childhood memories?

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 6: “The Impossible Box”

The intrigue and plot lines really started hitting stride this episode and it feels like everyone is hiding something and/or outright lying. Agnes? Lying. Raffi? Lying. Soji? Lying. etc etc etc. Let’s dive in!

Goosebumps, Cringes, and Laughs

Goosebumps #1

This scene… and the emotionally charged dialogue before… just phew.

I’ve always wanted more about the time Picard was a Borg. Growing up watching The Next Generation, that story arc was one of the most memorable and had the most impact on me.

Goosebumps #2

Please choose to live friends.

Oh, please, Elnor. Please don’t be dead. Don’t let this be the end.

Laugh Out Loud #1

“I should out butt.”

“Did I in butt?”

Elnor is absolutely amazing at deadpan comedy delivery, and his one-liners got actual laughs from me this week.

Laugh Out Loud #2

I have a superpower. I can sense mistakes while I’m making them.

You and me both Agnes. You and me both.

Laugh Out Loud #3

You know, Picard, every part of that guy that ain’t ego is rampaging id.

Raffi is slaying it right now.

Laugh Out Loud #4

The obvious tension between you makes me uneasy.

Elnor is again hilarious. His deadpan humor delivery is perfect.

Cringe #1

Again. Why? There is more going on here than we know, but Cruel Intentions: The Next Generation is sooo creepy. This gem courtesy of /u/legendov over on Reddit!

Memory Alpha (aka Things I Loved)

This episode was a bag full of laughs and story points. It feels like the entire cast is starting to find their sweet spot.

• Agnes: You PLAYED ME! I thought your character was not yet developed; turns out I was blind. You’ve murdered, lied, seduced, and I cannot wait to see what you do next!
• Soji is ACTIVATED! I have never been more excited for a Star Trek episode to drop as I am for Episode 7.
• Narek. Yes, he is a creepy Zhat Vash with some weird sister Oedipus Rex issues, but I can’t wait to see him rebel. (I think he ultimately fights for Soji.)
• Locutus. I hope (despite the delay in the main story), that they do an episode dedicated to filling in the Borg gaps for Picard.

Easter Eggs!

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

• Voyager: At the end of the episode, Picard and Soji escape using a spatial projector. Spacial projection was one way the crew of Voyager tried to travel back to the Alpha Quadrant.
• First Contact! Look at young Picard!

Set Phasers to Kill

Patrick Stewart deserves an award for his acting this episode. His display of the full range of trauma, PTSD, and survivor’s guilt was a master class. As someone who works in behavioral health IRL, this portrayal was spot on.

Ten Forward (aka What I Want)

I want more of the Raffi story. She is in so much pain, and I would love to see some resolution for her.

Alternate Timelines – Conspiracy Theories

I think Agnes is a triple agent working for Starfleet, the Romulans, and her own interests!

See you next week!