Martin Carr reviews the fourth episode of Star Trek: Picard…
For the first time since Picard premiered things have slowed down. Not so much lacking momentum as treading water, in episode four we are treated to further back story which offers insight rather than progress. Flashbacks are employed to supply context, introduce specific belief systems and provide an essential emotional bond. However despite polished production values, lush locations and snippets of subterfuge ‘Absolute Candor’ is still just expensive filler.
Warrior nuns, a Romulan refuge and an orphan may offer this episode narrative purpose but there is still something missing. Malcontent maybe communicated through the passing of time while Picard, Raffi, Rios and Agnes all share good scenes but overall Picard is procrastinating. Meanwhile on the Borg reclamation station scenes between Norek and Soji only imply dramatic momentum rather than bringing any to bear. We get moments of emotional indecision from both but much of their screen time is little more than polite navel gazing.
At one point Jean-Luc becomes an unnecessary means of exposition which does nothing but underline an inherent lack of substance on screen. Battles are joined yet feel disjointed and obvious actions undertaken by Picard are blatantly signposted early on. There are comedic moments involving Santiago Cabrera while the two actors opposite Stewart on Vasthi do well with minimal screen time. However elsewhere others have less to do playing second fiddle to blue screen pyrotechnics or settling for panicked reaction shots.
Directed by Jonathan Frakes and written by Michael Chabon this fourth episode should finally mean we are done with set up. Character dynamics and intriguing plots are in place while familiar faces bring immediate audience empathy, meaning new recruits have time to win over naysayers. For those who have been less than open or inviting to Jean-Luc’s return please acknowledge the series for what’s on offer, rather than hypothesising about why something is wrong. Star Trek is surely about seeking out new things, embracing change and celebrating differences, rather than allotting blame, casting aspersions or badmouthing originality.
As we near the half way point it is clear from an impartial point of view that Picard has legs. Few shows if any have a perfect first season requiring as they do extensive set ups. However with Star Trek that devoted and vaguely militant fan base represents a double edged sword. Because as much as they dish out verbal victory laps and venomous vitriol in equal measure their impact on Amazon is minimal. With bottomless pockets and profit rarely an overriding concern, public opinion never impacts on creative freedom which is how it should be.
Martin Carr
