Episodes 8 and 9 of Picard dropped and wow are things accelerating! Let me start by apologizing for the delay in the reviews for these two episodes. As our own Romulan Star is starting to go supernova, things for me have been bonkers.

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.

Episodes 8 “Broken Pieces” & 9: “Et in Arcadia Ego: Part 1”

Episode 8 is where all the pieces start to come together. Unlike its canon predecessors, Picard really took a long-form view (a la The Mandalorian) of building the universe, plot lines, and characters. I think in some respects, I kept expecting things to go back to old Star Trek model of resolving things in 50 minutes or in a two-part story arc. I am so glad that Picard broke the normal plot pattern and ventured into new story modes. I keep having to remind myself that I am watching Star Trek because it feels so different.

That being said, holy CRAP was “Broken Pieces” a DARK episode. From Seven the Borg Queen to the Romulans experiencing the admonition, it was intense. On the other hand, “Et in Arcadia Ego” was probably one of the best Star Trek episodes I have seen in a long time, full spectrum.

Alright, let’s dive in to a couple fantastic episodes!

Goosebumps, Cringes, and Laughs

Goosebumps #1

The past is written, but the future is left for us to write, and we have powerful tools, Rios. Openness, optimism, and the spirit of curiosity.

Picard, you made me tear up with this one. This is the Star Trek spirit that keeps me coming back.

Goosebumps #2

We are borg.

Damn, Seven, you are powerful. And what did it mean at the end: “Annika still has more work to do”??

Goosebumps #3

Seven: “Keep saving the galaxy, Picard.”
Picard: “That’s all on you now.”

What a torch passing moment. Phew.

Goosebumps #4

They’re just lines, but they imply so much more. Grief. Endurance. Marvelous.

Arcana, before she went all genocidal, had some powerful lines.

Laugh Out Loud #1

Raffi: The Tal Shiar had a tracker inside your girl Jurati, and it looks like she killed Bruce Maddox.
ENH: Well, that’s bad news.
Raffi: Uh, yeah. Unless you like giant, all-encompassing, paranoid conspiracy theories. Then it’s kinda, y’know, AWESOME… in a, in a… horrible way

Its only a conspiracy theory until its proven right.

Laugh Out Loud #2

Raffi: Something that massive falling that fast? The odds are not good.
Picard: Well, hope and the odds make poor bedfellows.

Perfect delivery, Picard.

In the Feels#1

Do you believe in Hell? Yeah, neither did I until I saw it. Now, I think about suicide every day. That’s how I comfort myself.

Dr. Agnes hits some really dark places in these episodes. As someone who works in behavioral health, this character has really struck a chord.

Memory Alpha (aka Things I Loved)

It feels like the entire cast is starting to find their sweet spot.

• Rios: I’ve been waiting to know who hurt you. Now I know and love you even more. I hope that Picard does a spin-off miniseries (or TV movie like Battlestar Galactica did for Razor) for Rios that goes into his history with the USS Ibn Majid. This man has played 7 characters on this show (himself and 6 holograms that each have a slice of him).

• Seven and Elnor: THIS is an amazing partnership, and I want more. If I get the spin-off I wanted, these two should be central.
• Gigantic Space Orchids: That’s all. Just more plant-based space warfare!
• Narek: Ok, WTF is going on here? He is clearly the bad guy but somehow may save everyone? You’re in space timeout until further notice.

Easter Eggs!

I love the historical and art history nods that Picard keeps taking.

• The title: “Et in Arcadia Ego” is usually translated as “Even in Arcadia, I Am.” Essentially, death follows us everywhere.

• Alton Inigo: Let’s be clear, either Star Trek canon is being rewritten, or some shenanigans are about. It was laid down in Trellium-D, Soong had no kids. Yet here we are. However… look at the name.. Alton Inigo… Alter Ego?
• Coppelius: The synthetic’s home name carries weight. Coppelius is the protagonist in E.T.A. Huffman’s 1816 short story The Sandman. In the story, Coppelius is the villain and creates an automaton (and steals a rivals as well) and uses them for evil ends. Foreshadowing!

Set Phasers to Kill

I want to reiterate how much I love the amazing storytelling here. Episode 9 had TNG and original Star Trek feels along with a dash of modern storytelling thrown in for good measure.

Ten Forward (aka What I Want)

I want a Seven spin-off. There, I said it. Her story since the supernova, and forward with the Fenris rangers could make for YEARS of good storytelling. I want an approach that blends the feel of Picard with the style of The Mandalorian.

Alternate Timelines – Conspiracy Theories

Picard and Soji are being played. Start to finish, someone is the puppeteer orchestrating all of this. My theory? Data.

See you next week!