• Pop Culture
    • Movies
    • Television
    • Comic Books
    • Video Games
    • Toys & Collectibles
  • Features
    • News
    • Reviews
    • Articles and Opinions
    • Interviews
    • Exclusives
    • Flickering Myth Films
    • FMTV
  • About
    • About Flickering Myth
    • Write for Flickering Myth
    • Advertise on Flickering Myth
  • Socials
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • Bluesky
    • Instagram
    • Flipboard
    • Linktree
    • X
  • Terms
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy

Flickering Myth

Geek Culture | Movies, TV, Comic Books & Video Games

  • News
  • Reviews
  • Articles & Opinions
  • Write for Us
  • The Baby in the Basket

Star Trek: Picard Season 1 Episode 7 Review – ‘Nepenthe’

March 6, 2020 by Martin Carr

Martin Carr reviews the seventh episode of Star Trek: Picard…

After last week Nepenthe brings us something slightly different with the return of old faces, on-going threats and more than a little subterfuge. Narek tracks Rios and company across space, Picard reunites with Riker while Soji distrusts anything within spitting distance as she comes to terms with a life changing realisation. Alongside these revelations comes an opportunity for Elnor to come into his own, earn additional stripes and break off on his own against formidable odds.

What episode seven does from the get go is remind fans why Next Generation ran for so many years, as Troi and Riker get their moment to shine. Rather than take on all comers with guns blazing it is the pleasure of seeing them back on screen alongside Stewart which makes you smile. Jonathan Frakes and Marina Sirtis offer sage advice and get an opportunity to spend time with Isa Brione’s Soji, whilst demonstrating their easy chemistry which is undiminished.

Hovering like a benevolent spirit throughout is Data that omnipotent perpetually curious and ultimately endearing synthetic. In conversations around the dinner table, moments shared between Deanna and Soji then later on with Riker Data is ever present. For anyone who ever caught an episode of Next Generation featuring Data Nepenthe will remind you of that joy. Watching Soji reflect his curiosity, hint at his inherent fragility all whilst trying to process the bombshell delivered by Picard make this an outstanding episode.

Back on board ship Rios, Raffi and Agnes have their own issues to negotiate as it is clear to at least one of them that something is amiss. An early flashback gives an indication of why Jurati is conflicted, while Narek stalks them all from the outer reaches of space adding an unspoken tension to proceedings. Scenes are loaded with momentum as she fights with her conscience, takes action to alleviate the guilt then attempts to throw everyone off the scent.

This is where Picard as a series has excelled in the last two episodes through an expansion of narrative reach, less reliance on exposition and an intentional honing of character. As we gear up for the final three in this first run things have gotten interesting. People may have complained, purists may have thrown their toys away but in the end these showrunners proved a point. Picard had unfinished business and stories worth telling which tap into a more traditional mode of storytelling. For those late to the party there is still time to catch up with everyone else which is something which comes highly recommended.

Martin Carr

Filed Under: Martin Carr, Reviews, Television Tagged With: Jonathan Frakes, Marina Sirtis, Patrick Stewart, Star Trek, star trek: picard

FMTV – Watch Our Latest Video Here

WATCH OUR MOVIE NOW FOR FREE ON PRIME VIDEO!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

The Gruesome Brilliance of 1980s Italian Horror Cinema

Are we about to see The Rocknaissance?

Speed: The Story Behind the Pulse-Pounding Action-Thriller

The Essential Man vs. AI Movies

Can Edgar Wright conquer America with The Running Man?

The Essential 1990s Superhero Movies

7 Mad Movie Doctors Who Deserve More Recognition

Is Denis Villeneuve the Best Choice to Direct Bond?

Cannon Films and the Search for Critical Acclaim

Ranking Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Post-Governator Starring Roles

Top Stories:

4K Ultra HD Review – Quatermass 2 (1957)

Movie Review – Sovereign (2025)

“Dexter In Space” – Michael C. Hall talks 20 years of Dexter and where the killer will go next

Movie Review – Abraham’s Boys (2025)

Matilda Lutz is Red Sonja in trailer for long-delayed fantasy reboot

Great Tarantino-esque Movies You Need To See

Crazy Cult 90s Horror Movies You May Have Missed

Movie Review – Daniela Forever (2025)

STREAM FREE ON PRIME VIDEO!

FEATURED POSTS:

The Best Retro 2000 AD Video Games

Six Overhated Modern Horror Movies

The Most Disturbing Horror Movies of the 1980s

The Essential Films of John Woo

Our Partners

  • Pop Culture
    • Movies
    • Television
    • Comic Books
    • Video Games
    • Toys & Collectibles
  • Features
    • News
    • Reviews
    • Articles and Opinions
    • Interviews
    • Exclusives
    • Flickering Myth Films
    • FMTV
  • About
    • About Flickering Myth
    • Write for Flickering Myth
    • Advertise on Flickering Myth
  • Socials
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • Bluesky
    • Instagram
    • Flipboard
    • Linktree
    • X
  • Terms
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy

© Flickering Myth Limited. All rights reserved. The reproduction, modification, distribution, or republication of the content without permission is strictly prohibited. Movie titles, images, etc. are registered trademarks / copyright their respective rights holders. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. If you can read this, you don't need glasses.


 

Flickering MythLogo Header Menu
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Articles & Opinions
  • Write for Us
  • The Baby in the Basket