Star Trek: Picard Season 3 Episode 1 Review [All about The Next Generation]

As Star Trek: Picard season 3 kicks off, the show finally delivers on its promise to give us The Next Generation adventure we have been longing for.

Picard seems to be in a continual search of its identity, proving unable to decide between the many stories it seeks to tell. Is it an introspective journey into legacy and remorse? A modern family drama highlighting second chances? An inner turmoil excavation project? Or a story about one man’s victorious struggle against his dark past? 

The series has been all or sometimes none. These concepts over time, result in difficulty for viewers. When they attempt to identify what exactly is being said or how we should feel about it.

“The Next Generation” may not be revolutionary television, but it sure is enjoyable. There are plenty of references to the original series. We can also identify and relate to what happened to the characters. This episode will surely delight fans old and new alike.

The episode has a gripping cold opening. We find Beverly Crusher sending out for help to Admiral Picard from the depths of the Federation area. It happens before she is attacked by an unknown alien species. The tension here is electric which will draw the audience in. Jean-Luc’s determination to rescue his previous head medical officer despite not talking in twenty years packs a heavy emotional punch. It’s no wonder that the Picard and Crusher shippers will feel thrilled this season.

This episode sets the groundwork for the rest of the season. Captain Picard and Commander Riker find Dr. Crusher in a medical pod, severely injured and accompanied by an unfamiliar young man. It’s her 20-something son whom she had never told anyone about. We all instantly connected the dots. It’s clear to see why Beverly has been estranged from her former Enterprise colleagues.

In the end, “The Next Generation” has made it possible for both Picard fans and original The Next Generation series fans to be excited about what is yet to come. We’ve all been let down in the past. I was sure that last season’s episode “The Star Gazer” had immense potential. But, when looking at this reunion, it’s almost impossible not to feel a small spark of hope.