REVIEW: ‘Picard’ Season 2 – A Welcomed Return for Fantastic Sci-Fi Storytelling

Picard Season 2 is returning to Paramount+ after a brilliant debut season, which marked the return of one of the figureheads of the Star Trek franchise. Welcome back to Sir Patrick Stewart, in the title role of Admiral Jean-Luc Picard. Previously in the series, created by Akiva Goldsman, Kirsten Beyer, Michael Chabon, and Alex Kurtzman, Picard was ripped out of retirement in order to stop a galactic war and save a stranger that has an unexpected connection with one of his oldest friends. The season brought together characters from various iterations of Star Trek while also introducing some new ones.

In the series’ second season, the provisional crew will be tested like never before when a face from the past re-emerges, as Q had once promised he would, judgment awaits Picard. The announcement of John de Lancie’s return sent fans’ hype into overdrive last year. The actor himself is prone to bringing a boisterous flair to the role that exudes the mischievous nature of a long-lived entity seeking entertainment. de Lancie has an enigmatic presence on screen that allowed Q to develop into a beloved anti-hero prone to disrupting the very fabric of space, and time.

This is why the involvement of Q within these storylines always makes for a far more compelling, and richer story. The contrast between these two characters, is so substantial, with one being an eternal everlasting being with unlimited power, and the other a mortal man wishing only peace, and happiness amongst the galaxy. Q’s fascination with Picard has evolved over time and from what started out as a playful test of the man’s character to the amusement of the former, certainly grew into mutual respect and a longing to learn through observation of the man and his leadership.

In Picard Season 2 however, that dynamic has significantly shifted. Q’s personality, his very tone in general appears far more malevolent and menacing, and that dynamic will be so interesting to explore as the season goes further. Q’s very return invites multiple questions that naturally create a narrative that warrants exploration. The test laid before Picard this season is one that will destabilize him in a way like never before.

The addition of Q also finds the series revisiting similar styles of storytelling that made Star Trek: The Next Generation the hit TV show for the time period and is still fondly regarded throughout Star Trek’s fandom. The second season will see the crew tested outside of their elements as the very fabric of reality is changed around them, sending the crew back into the 21st century, and forcing them to align themselves with beings with destructive ulterior motives. Long-time fans of Captain Picard will affectionally recall the character’s love of history, and the meta-story device of dropping a futuristic character into our present is a trope that when done well can be highly entertaining, and The Next Generation always found a way to strike that perfect balance.

Picard Season 2 continues the precedent of laying down a fantastic narrative through the use of compelling and captivating characters. The set design is meticulous, and the visuals are stunning. It’s clear there was a significant financial budget allotted for Picard Season 2 and my word does it show. The involvement of Q adds such a fantastic and chaotic twist, and Picard will be challenged like never before. This is peak sci-fi, and we’re fortunate that we’re living in an age where there is still a ridiculously high demand for THE Captain, of all Captains.

Picard Season 2 returns exclusively to Paramount+ today