Picard

[georgegassaway]

So, most of you should recall Christopher Plummer as the Klingon Genral Chang, in "Star Trek 6: The Undiscovered Country".

Well, his daughter Amanda Plummer is playing a character named Vadic (not a Klingon), in Picard.

She is totally devouring that role! And yes, the writing for the character is good too, no 2D cardboard (Well, I hear enough about upcoming stuff to know there's more to her than seen so far).

I did not realize who the actress was until after watching.

There are a number of other new characters as well. A certain young female at the helm. And a Starship captain that sure ain't lovable, other than maybe loving to hate him a bit (for now at least). And......another certain new character......

For some reason, I feel like posting a photo of an old kit Estes kit from the 1970's.

Last photo:
"USS Titan [NCC-80102-A] Leaves Space Dock"

Disegaging, for now....

 

[Marc_G]

I've just watched the first episode of season 3. To be honest, for me it was hard to get through season 2 so I'm hoping season 3 is made differently.

I'm very much in "we'll see" mode. All the comments from both Riker and Picard about being old, at one point I thought they were going to break out a tube of Ben Gay or some Gold Bond Powder or something.
The USS Titan "Neo-Constitution" class? Hmmm. Looks old. Not consistent with visual evolution of the ships, but "whatever." It bugs me that the filming is so dark. And, as for Annika/Seven, if I were her I would have assimilated her captain long ago. No idea why she's accepting her current role in Starfleet.

For me this wasn't an auspicious start to the season, but let's wait and see...

 

[Daddyisabar]

I broke down and got Paramount plus for awhile and watched the first two episodes. It is ok. Lots of last minute rescues, member berries, cheap dark lighting and some rough/suspension of disbelief patches in the plot. Honey Bunny is the villan and she gave them all an hour which made me chill like Fonzy, but of course, as an old dude, I had to pee. Raffi is just a bit less annoying. Grumpy, incompetent, rules oriented captain is on a solid redemption arc. Some good ole banter between ancient pistols Picard and Riker. Seven is naughty and has lost her L.A. privileges. The Neo Constitution class is old school on the saucer but curvy on the motors. But best of all, BEVERLY KICKS A!

 

[Scott_650]

I tend to stay away from pop culture threads - especially after I was painted with a pretty generous “-ism” brush awhile back. But after watching the first few episodes of Discovery S1 and Picard S1 I realized whatever the folks making it were trying to do I had no interest in it, asside from any possible political agenda the writing was just…bad. Childish, frenetic, unfunny, uninspired and uninteresting. Add in the frankly hideous visuals - is everything dark and shaking just to hide the seams in the low production values? - and I realized I had better things to do than subject myself to bad TV for nostalgia’s sake.

I remember watching Star Trek during it’s original run as a treat when our Dad let us stay up after our usual bedtime (though I’ll confess that at the time I liked Lost in Space better but what would you expect from a sci-fi crazed 7 year old?). I really hit my stride as a Trek fan when the show went to syndication, being a few years older helped me see just how good it was compared to how bad LiS was (though I still have plenty of affection for LiS and occasionally watch it even now - try it with a clear eye for what it was after the 1st season, a goofy, almost tongue in cheek, kid’s show - it’s a hoot!). When the movies came out I was there, dragging my long-suffering wife along. Some of those took some true fan dedication to make it all the way through.

The Next Generation hit TV and they had me again - 7PM Saturday was STNG and nachos in the living room for the whole family! The first couple of seasons were up and down - some real stinkers! - but overall thoughtful, adult SF with enough action and humor to keep things fun. Deep Space Nine was never as popular in our house but we watched (our rewatch during the Late Unpleasantness gave me an appreciation for how good DSN was at its best - maybe THE best Star Trek TV we’ll ever see), made it a couple of seasons into Voyager but the magic was waning. Enterprise had such great potential, which it didn’t hit unfortunately, until it was too late. Saw most of the Next Generation movies at the theater but frankly they weren’t very good - even First Contact was just the high side of ok.

We moved on from Trek until JJ Abrams did what he did, which were ok as action adventure movies but certainly had big, big problems in the stories, writing and performances. Very un-Trek like - loud, frantic, plus simultaneously silly and pretentious isn’t easy to do and it rarely works out well. And so many tilting panning shots and lens flares!

The first two episodes of Picard S3 have been decent, Strange New Worlds isn’t exactly “good” but it isn’t offensively juvenile either though it really hasn’t caught my attention past the first 2-3 episodes, I tend to like animation and goofy humor in general so Lower Decks has had its moments, so Star Trek isn’t exactly “back” for me though if all they’re aiming at with P:S3 is giving the STNG cast the solid send-off they didn’t get from the movies I don’t see that as something sustainable going forward. Maybe a Worf and Seven of Nine team-up series? Still leaning on the nostalgia factor a bit too much.

Maybe Star Trek has run its course, maybe there really isn’t a place for a generally optimistic “Wagon Train to the Stars” sci-fi Western in today’s TV/movie entertainment world, maybe current audiences really don’t want to see competent, heroic characters thinking their way through situations and fighting for what they believe in - maybe we’re all too cynical, jaded and fragmented for stuff like that. We’ll see but I’m afraid the world is done with Star Trek at least for now - so it’s back to reruns. Anybody up for “A Piece of the Action”, “The Measure of a Man”, or “The Way of the Warrior”?

 

[kuririn]

Ep. 1 sets the hooks.
Ep. 2 starts reeling in the lines.
There are two distinct arcs.
We'll see how they are related.
So far looks good.
PS. Vadic is cuckoo for coconuts.
Over the top.

 

[Scott_650]

Ep. 1 sets the hooks.
Ep. 2 starts reeling in the lines.
There are two distinct arcs.
We'll see how they are related.
So far looks good.
PS. Vadic is cuckoo for coconuts.
Over the top.

What we’ve seen of Vadic so far has been fun - any fantasy/action show is typically only as good as it’s antagonist and the scenes of Vadic both in the episodes and the trailers looks like we have an awesome villain.

 

[BEC]

Ep. 1 sets the hooks.
Ep. 2 starts reeling in the lines.
There are two distinct arcs.
We'll see how they are related.
So far looks good.
PS. Vadic is cuckoo for coconuts.
Over the top.

And if you watched the Ready Room for Picard S3:E2 it seems that Amanda Plummer is kinda cuckoo for coconuts even when not playing that role — or at least that's how her little bit in the segment on creating her ship hit me.

It will be interesting to see where the stories go. The Trekkers in this house have generally enjoyed the newer stuff, though Discovery was tough to get through for the first season plus and so was the first season of Picard until very near the end. And we LOVE Strange New Worlds and Lower Decks and have enjoyed Prodigy. We are looking forward to more of all of them as things progress. I wonder what we will get in that Thursday slot after Picard is done. I suppose it could either Lower Decks or Strange New Worlds.

I should dig out my Semroc Retro Repro Shrike and put it back in the regular flying rotation.

Oh....and one more "Easter egg" just for us, that was brought out by Seán Ferrick from the YouTube channel "TrekCulture" in their "Ups and Downs" for this episode: Apparently Mike Okuda and Rick Sternbach (both heavily involved in the "look" of Star Trek for many years as production artists) were both NAR members or at least aware of the NAR at one time, and that's why the merchant ships' registry numbers begin with "NAR" (such as the ship that Dr. and Jack Crusher have at the beginning of this season of Picard). Oh, and cut Seán some slack. He's Irish and can be forgiven for calling the NAR the "National Association of Rocketing"....I think.

Added: This is being discussed on the NAR Facebook group, which provides this link: https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wik...P_dZvAwvP2BnvneAxLBNKGiL2akzD1pvRTlu37fjIoS7c

 

[Daddyisabar]

Will Vadic stay cool like Fonzy, like Yolanda Honey Bunny? We've got a situation here, a Mexican standoff. I so hope for a Vadic vs. Crusher and Seven, my money is on Crusher! Heck, at this point I will take Tastors Choice, but some high end gourmet stuff will be a pleasant surprise. They just called in the Wolf (Worf) so he will definitely help clean up the mess.

Get those subscriber numbers up! Get that merch off the shelves! Unite the Fandom and let the cash flow!

 

[kuririn]

were both NAR members or at least aware of the NAR at one time, and that's why the merchant ships' registry numbers begin with "NAR"

What, no TRA?

 

[James Duffy]

I dumped Disney Plus after Obi-Wan

I respect that decision, but it was hasty. "Andor" is magnificent, essentially Star Wars for adults. It may be the best content in the entire Star Wars universe yet.

As for "Picard," I suffered through both seasons 1 & 2, and figured I owed Season 3 a shot. Through the first two episodes it is fantastic, easily better than the seasons that preceded. It has a more big screen feel, a less clunky plot (so far), and is using needle drops from the films extensively.

James

 

[Mushtang]

Can someone start with season three without having seen the first two, and still understand the show?

I’ve seen all of TNG so I’m familiar with that cast.

 

[georgegassaway]

Grumpy, incompetent, rules oriented captain is on a solid redemption arc.

I really enjoyed, near the end of E2, Picard's light double tap on the shoulder.

Can someone start with season three without having seen the first two, and still understand the show?

Yep, sure. Because none of the S3 plot involves anything significant from S1 & S2 AFAIK.

[EDIT - I screwed up and emnitopend sometihng from Season 1 I should not have. I took Mushtang's question to mean he did NOT plan to watch S1 & S2 unless needed to understand S3. So I have deleted that portion. Sorry ]

You already know one of the three carry-over S1 and S2 characters from another ST show, though a LOT has happened in between, even before they appeared in Picard. You'll know who I mean when you see them. A great addition.

Laris is a Romulan who fled Romulus (she had once been part of the feared Tal Shiar). She was not in many episodes of S1 and S2, but is certainly an important character by the end of S2. (see link for more info). You see her early in S3 E1 and may not see her again until the last episode. https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Laris

The other, Raffi, is a former Starfleet officer who served with Picard (perhaps his #1, do not recall) many years before. Then when Picard resigned starfleet, she later spiraled out on drugs, broke a lot of rules, and requested a dishonorable discharge from Starfleet. Raffi joined Picard in the first episode, IIRC. More info on her here: https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Raffaela_Musiker#:~:text=Raffaela "Raffi" E. Musiker,Soji Asha and Bruce Maddox.

Go take that free episode 1 (posted earlier) for a spin....

"The Ready Room", with Will Wheaton. Insights into the S3 episodes, and interviews. Do not watch till you've seen the episodes.

Episode 1:


Episode 2:

 

[Scott_650]

Can someone start with season three without having seen the first two, and still understand the show?

I’ve seen all of TNG so I’m familiar with that cast.

Yes. They do just enough exposition so you won’t be lost. They jettisoned nearly every character from seasons 1 & 2. You will have to pay pretty close attention to the dialogue but it shouldn’t be a problem.

 

[neil_w]

I haven't seen any of the first two seasons but checked out the free S3E1 on Youtube and am intrigued. Thanks George for the backgrounder.

Probably gonna wait until all the episodes are out and then subscribe just long enough to binge the season.

 

[kuririn]

Probably gonna wait until all the episodes are out and then subscribe just long enough to binge the season.

But what about Discovery and Strange New Worlds?

 

[Marc_G]

But what about Discovery and Strange New Worlds?

When are they due to drop?

 

[kuririn]

When are they due to drop?

Discovery season 5 is due for release in "early 2023".
Wait, isn't this early 2023?

Strange New Worlds season 2 release is also "early 2023"
Both have been in the can, post production and FX being added.
Hurry up!

 

[kuririn]

Wonder if Wesley will be in the plot line?
Hell, everybody else from TNG is there.
What about Ensign Ro?

 

[astronwolf]

I respect that decision, but it was hasty. "Andor" is magnificent, essentially Star Wars for adults. It may be the best content in the entire Star Wars universe yet.

As for "Picard," I suffered through both seasons 1 & 2, and figured I owed Season 3 a shot. Through the first two episodes it is fantastic, easily better than the seasons that preceded. It has a more big screen feel, a less clunky plot (so far), and is using needle drops from the films extensively.

Andor is very good. We felt the same way about Picard Seasons 1 and 2 to the point of debating if we were going to give Season 3 a chance. So S3 E1 opens up, and we see... Raffi! Should've heard the loud groans and seen all the popcorn being hurled at the screen. Once we got past Raffi at the beginning it was actually pretty good.

 

[georgegassaway]

Wonder if Wesley will be in the plot line?
Hell, everybody else from TNG is there.

Spoiler alert:

.
.
.

Wesley already briefly (cameo) appeared on Picard. Very cool.

Maybe he appears again, maybe he does not.

 

[Daddyisabar]

I respect that decision, but it was hasty. "Andor" is magnificent, essentially Star Wars for adults. It may be the best content in the entire Star Wars universe yet.

As for "Picard," I suffered through both seasons 1 & 2, and figured I owed Season 3 a shot. Through the first two episodes it is fantastic, easily better than the seasons that preceded. It has a more big screen feel, a less clunky plot (so far), and is using needle drops from the films extensively.

James

I can always get D+ back, binge watch and cancle again if they produce enough content I want to watch but not to keep me long term. Network Executives HATE churn! Really let's them know what is going on and the bean counters track those subscription numbers and views diligently. More importantly, with the money you save on streaming, go out and buy one of the "FAT" ones for Frontier Day. Again, really let's them know who is buying merchandise and where the Profit lies. Ferengi Executives only see the profit and where it is coming from. They will only change when the bottom line tells them the obsolete, uncool old dudes have taken their Gold Pressed Latium elsewhere. Such is the current turmoil at D+ and Paramount +. Give Riker the entire bottle just like they did at the old west saloon.

Pappa Iger soooo wants to be President.

 

[James Duffy]

Executives only see the profit and where it is coming from.

Um, that's their job. They're supposed to do that.

 

[Daddyisabar]

Um, that's their job. They're supposed to do that.

There are some who have put message first to keep that BlackRock ESG score way up. A whole new audience! Unfortunately the return on investment was just not there. That broke some rules of acquisition, but like the great Rose Tico smashing the Casino in TLJ, "It was worth it!"

Toy sales are down, Hasbro needs cash, they put pressure on Wizards of The Coast, that leads to massive problems with Dungeons and Dragons licensing and a fanbase revolt. Oh' what a world!

Just listen to the YouTube influencers and shills. Buy more product! Reboot, buy more product! Reboot again, wash and repeat.

The only segment I wish for unfettered consumption is rocketry and old cars.

 

[georgegassaway]

I just told you I hadn’t seen it and was interested. I inquired about skipping the first two seasons but for you to put what seems like a pretty big spoiler out there where you knew I’d be reading because you quoted my post.

Very sorry.

I took your question to imply you did NOT intend to see the first two seasons if you did not need to to understand parts of Season 3. I misunderstood.

I've deleted that part from my post, and request you delete that S1 info as well, for others who would read that in the future. Note I'm not asking you to delete your whole post, I deserve it, just delete that S1 info I wrote and make up your own description that I posted something from S1 I ought not have.

 

[kuririn]

For some reason, I feel like posting a photo of an old kit Estes kit from the 1970's.

For some reason I feel like posting a photo of an old Red River Rocketry kit.

 

[georgegassaway]

As to when Discovery and Strange New Worlds drop:

It is anticipated that all the Trek series will come out end-to-end. When Picard ends, Discovery Will come out.

When Discovery ends, then SNW.

When SNW ends, then Lower Decks.

When Lower Decks ends, then ST Prodigy.

There might be some simultaneous overlap, one starting the same day another ends. This happened at least once last year, I think when Discovery ended and SNW beginning.

Also, IIRC this was pretty much how they released the episodes last year, end to end.

 

[BEC]

Though there have also been gaps (what was it, 6 weeks between the last of S1 of Prodigy to the first of S3 of Picard?) I have to admit I'm more eager to see the next season of SNW than I am Disco.

 

[georgegassaway]

I am eager to see any of the New Treks.

And also most of the Disney Star Wars.

Though I've not really gotten into "The Bad Batch". Maybe I'll try again another time when there's no other stuff to watch. I did not get much into the animated Star Wars stuff either, other than Rebels. For that matter, I missed season 1 of Lower Decks, as I did not think an animated Trek would be worthwhile. But as S2 rolled around, I was reading about how good/funny the show was and started watching S1 first, and so totally enjoyed binge-watching to catch up before seeing S2. And given that, I had no problem jumping into Prodigy when it came out.

So, this week stream-wise we have Picard episode 3, The Mandalorian season 3 opener (after Mandalorian season 2.5 within a few episodes of Boba Fett), and also a new episode of "Poker Face". OK, so Poker Face isn't Sci-Fi, but it's a new favorite (Natasha Lyonne is evoking her inner Columbo, while not being part of law enforcement at all.).

 

[georgegassaway]

This week's episode brought to you by:

Saw episode 3.

Wow.

Badly needed talk between Picard & Beverly.

interesting interplay between Riker & Picard, in several ways.

A med-bay scene, where you can hear an old-school TOS health monitor sound effect in the background that.... AFAIK was never used after TOS (well, maybe The Animated Series). Yeah, subtle audio Easter Egg.

Also some much other med-bay stuff, for lots of reasons, including a patient Beverly takes control of.

Mention of intelligence help provided offscreen by a well-known character (unnamed, but we get it), whose actor is no longer with us (Half Easter egg, half heart tug).

Finally Raffi gets to talk to "her handler". And later things get deeper and darker, as the nature of the big bad of the season become more clear.

Oh, and 'splosions. And one hell of an effect never used in any sci-fi I can think of, used in that manner at least (not in anything other than in Picard).

Edit - adding "The Ready Room" about Episode 3. Features a Jonathan Frakes interview (He directed the episode, and did a decent job of telling actor Frakes what to do. ). Also a segment on Worf.
ALSO, insights into the design choices for The Titan. I like that it's a more classic-ish style.d...
And, Will Wheaton enjoying the hell out of interviewing Frakes, and Frakes enjoying the hell out of being interviewed by Wheaton.

 

[Daddyisabar]

STP season III is light years better but still has new trek writing flaws. Just ignore them when they pop up. Pointing them out will lead to spoilers so I will hush hush, shut up, shut up to avoid cancelation.

Finally some humor landed as only one character and actor could pull it off. He is not a Merry Man!

Come on Hunny Bunny Vadic, just shoot them! Don't play with them like a naughty kitty with a mouse. Oh well, villans are especially hard to write these days and I hear it gets better.

Next episode has been touted as awesome. We shall see. At least it is watchable Trek.