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Michael's Thoughts on Season 3 of 'Star Trek: Picard'
- Michael's Thoughts on Season 3 of 'Star Trek: Picard'
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Michael's Thoughts on Season 3 of 'Star Trek: Picard'
Michael > February 21st, 2023, 01:49 AM
I don't want to spoil the episode for anyone but I did watch it. I was a bit disappointed in the direction they took. It just doesn't seem like the thing old Star Trek characters would need to do. Or, rather, it's like they said to themselves, "We can't think of anything new so we'll reuse every old plot device we can fit into 1 episode - and have the characters joke about them."
Of course, how can you turn off the TV when Patrick Stewart is on it? The guy could probably sit and watch grass grow and make it look exciting and daring.
I'll come back and offer more details as I get into the season. I don't want to say too much now as I'm hoping some of these "old plot devices" have new (and unexpected) twists.
The sets are cool. The new starship is cool. -
RE: Michael's Thoughts on Season 3 of 'Picard'
Michael > March 14th, 2023, 05:28 PM
Well, I'm back.
Can't say I'm enjoying this season as much as I enjoyed the first 2 seasons. There have been a few high moments but it's such a pan-shoveling of homages to past Star Trek shows and movies (and Jaws, apparently) that it's hard to think of anything about it as "original" in the sense of the show doing what Star Trek used to do best: break new ground.
Nostalgia has been part of the format ever since the 1st season of Star Trek: The Next Generation, so my complaint isn't about the nostalgia. It's just that I would have expected them to remember their roots a little better. Sooner or later you have to tell something original. "Encounter at Farpoint", the very first episode of ST:TNG, managed to combine nostalgia with an element of originality. The basic premise of the 2-part opening for the series was a rehash of a couple of old original series plots - but they made the whole thing personal by introducing Q.
Picard season 3 could have done the same thing. They brought in an interesting villain but they've done virtually nothing with her. It's a just a total waste of a good character (and a good actress' talent).
They also brought in an interesting "dark captain" (Liam Shaw, played by Todd Stashwick). He has remarkably lasted much longer than previous shows' "dark captains" (a character in command of a starship whose apparent role is to die a stupid or horrible death so the stars can avenge him or whatever). There's no indication yet (as of the latest episode) that Shaw will be yet another sacrificial captain for the sake of advancing a plot. And that leaves a whole world of opportunity for the producers.
Heck, I'd probably watch an entire series just about him and his struggles with the past, present, and future. You have to wonder how this guy became a starship captain, but every now and then he pulls some information or talent out that you'd expect of a captain and the story moves forward.
The dynamic of the show seems to be about family relationships. Picard's family, Riker's family, Raffi's family, even Seven's family in a way. Everything that happens thus far, good or bad, is about someone's family. It's a bit over the top but endurable.
I just wish they'd stop being so coy. They're dragging out the storyline for apparent lack of plot, so to fill in the time they have every character acting mysterious, thus forcing some other character to figure out something about Mr/Miss Mysterious. It's annoying, not entertaining.
The special effects, the sets, and even the acting (when the actors are given some good material) make up for the deficiencies. I'd have stopped watching the show if there weren't something to look forward to. But, honestly, I don't make time to watch each episode when it becomes available. I can wait a day or two.
Part of that may be due to the fact I've had bronchitis. It's hard to feel enthusiastic about anything. But then again, I've been watching other shows with more enthusiasm.
All in all I'd say that Season 3 has been a big disappointment for me. I was hoping for better. -
RE: Michael's Thoughts on Season 3 of 'Star Trek: Picard'
Boomstick > March 26th, 2023, 05:21 PM
I will try to get around to this series some time this year. From what I've heard, it's sounds extremely bizarre, and I don't think I will like it. I'll try to go in with an open mind. At some point I will check out the other live-action series, too. Whatever the one with Pike is. Strange New Worlds, maybe. I'm not sure about that one based on the trailer. After multiple attempts at Discovery, I don't think I will bother trying again. At this point, I think I'd due for a re-watch of all the old series, anyway. -
RE: Michael's Thoughts on Season 3 of 'Star Trek: Picard'
Michael > March 30th, 2023, 07:23 PM
Well, I've watched all but tonight's episode so far. The villain makes more sense now but I still feel like the writing has been weak on some points. They've gone out of their ways to bring in a lot of older characters. The justifications are acceptable but it feels like "Old Home Week" in every episode.
On the up side, one of my friends really likes Captain Shaw enough that he hopes there's a Captain Grumpy show in the future. I kind of like the idea myself.