Gene Roddenberry (1921-1991) would have celebrated his centennial this year, while his creation, Star Trek, marks its fifty-fifth anniversary. The original Star Trek series, initially facing an uncertain future, ran for three seasons between 1966 and 1968. Since then, the franchise has expanded significantly, with numerous television series and feature films produced. The series Star Trek: Picard, which premiered on Amazon Prime on January 23, 2020, has proven divisive amongst fans. While generating both praise and criticism, its release on Blu-ray presented an opportunity for deeper evaluation.
Set 14 years after Jean Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) resigned and retired to his vineyard in France, the series depicts a quiet and secluded life haunted by memories. The arrival of a woman seeking assistance sets Picard on a final, perilous mission.
The polarized reception of Star Trek: Picard is understandable, as the series explores various narrative directions. The creative decision to embrace a more mature rating results in graphic scenes and profanity. The inclusion of coarse language, such as an unexpected “Fuck you,” feels somewhat incongruous within the established Star Trek universe. While the series features a heightened level of action, its primary weakness lies in the script. The overarching narrative echoes familiar themes, reminiscent of other science fiction series. Furthermore, Picard is often portrayed in a manner that diminishes his established character. References to his age and unfamiliarity with modern technology, while acknowledging Patrick Stewart’s portrayal of a 94-year-old Picard, occasionally lack dignity. Stewart’s performance remains strong, but is constrained by the script’s limitations in fully leveraging his inherent gravitas.
The supporting characters exhibit a similar inconsistency, fluctuating between simplistic caricatures and individuals with complex motivations. While the season begins with considerable momentum, the narrative pace slows in subsequent episodes. However, around the midpoint, the series regains its momentum, culminating in a satisfying seventh episode that showcases the series’ potential. Without revealing too much, this episode features a welcome reunion.
What aspects of the series are commendable? Patrick Stewart’s performance stands out, reaffirming his talent and commitment. The series includes several compelling sequences that evoke genuine satisfaction. When Star Trek: Picard succeeds, it is exceptionally engaging, compensating for some of its less refined elements.
The Blu-ray release provides excellent picture quality, characterized by vivid colors and deep blacks. The high bitrate ensures the absence of digital artifacts. The DTS-HD audio track delivers robust sound when appropriate, with well-balanced spatial mixing for action sequences and space battles. Dialogue is clear, and audio levels are optimized to avoid requiring frequent adjustments. The release also includes a comprehensive selection of extras, including in-depth documentaries detailing the production process.
In conclusion, Star Trek: Picard Season 1 presents a mixed experience. While diverging from traditional Star Trek conventions, it retains elements of quality and merit. A qualified recommendation is warranted, acknowledging both its strengths and weaknesses. Anticipation is high for season two, with hopes that it will build upon the series’ strengths while mitigating its less effective aspects.
