The Picard finale we’ve all been waiting for is finally out today on Paramount+, and it features our favorite Star Trek: The Next Generation characters back in the saddle for one last fight. The fight is against their ultimate nemesis, the Borg, who has returned and is now threatening Earth with a massive attack. Standing in their way are Picard (Patrick Stewart) and his crew, who have personal stakes like never before in this last battle, thanks to their kids being taken in as Borg.
Picard season three has been nothing short of a breath of fresh air while delivering tons of fan service moments. That, thankfully, continues through this final episode. Sure, it’s tiresome to see the Borg again facing our favorite TNG crew, but could it have been any other enemy for a “final” season that celebrates TNG?
This episode opens with a transmission from Earth. Aptly delivered from a familiar name, we’re quickly reminded Earth cannot fall or the entire universe will fall to the Borg. No pressure. Federation cadets have been assimilated thanks to a handy trick in the transporters, and now humans and all aliens alike are outnumbered by the Borg.
If you were worried that Raffi (Michelle Hurd) and Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan) were written out last episode after being separated from the TNG cast, you’d be wrong. They’re on a mission of their own to retake the U.S.S. Titan and somehow help Picard and his crew. For much of this episode, they’re off working to help — or kill — Jack (Ed Speleers) before he can call all the Borg to our Solar System.
After a few farewells, which are honestly tough to swallow, knowing this may be Patrick Stewart’s last radio, “The Last Generation” sets up a confrontation that you could likely guess was coming. The Borg Queen is back, twisted, and looking more monstrous than ever, and she’s using Picard’s son to regain her strength to evolve. This episode is a nice reminder of classic Borg moments like the stations the remaining Borg cling to, similar to those in First Contact, or when Worf (Michael Dorn) and Riker (Jonathan Frakes) must fight off the last few traditional Borg to save their lives.
Worf pretty much steals every scene.
Credit: Paramount
Speaking of Worf, he has multiple laugh-out-loud moments in this episode. In a good way. The heart and soul of Star Trek shines brightest when there’s some levity, and Worf brings it to this episode.
A lot of this episode feels like a proper finale to a movie. The villain establishes the new motivations for the Borg, Picard must confront his son in a real loving way, and everything leads to a last-minute moment that’s do-or-die. I’d argue the resolution is a bit too easy, especially since they established there was little time yet seem to have droves of it, but it’s a happening ending a lot of us were hoping for. It’s unfortunate how quickly things go from doomsday to happy day, as it makes the resolution seem cheapened or too easy. Oh, and I’ll also say if the Enterprise D flight path reminds you of another big sci-fi movie franchise, it’s not just you.
Much of the last 15 minutes is a wrap on our TNG characters and hints at where things are going in a possible future show. I recommend you keep watching once the credits start rolling, as there’s a mid-credit scene not to be missed. Whether or not this scene means new adventures for a key character remains to be seen, but it’s another nice fan-service cameo moment. In general, these final moments help us see how our characters are a bit of time after the events of beating the Borg while also throwing in a nice dose of nostalgia too. Everyone gets to say their peace in some respects, from Rafi getting a happy ending to Seven of Nine embarking on a brand new adventure. Oh, and expect to have a big grin on your face in the last scene with the TNG crew. I sure did.
Picard season three is a season of Star Trek most will cherish. It’s a gift from Paramount to remind us of how well loved the TNG crew in all their eclectic and unique ways while giving us an adventure worth remembering. It’s certainly imperfect, especially since the ease at which they win in this finale is barely an inconvenience, but boy, did they get the fan service moments pitch-perfect. A promising sign for any season finale is whether you want more, and I can safely say this will make you want more TNG appearances and more Star Trek.
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