Why Star Trek Picard Season 2 Finale Didn't Suck (Or Did It?)
The finale has proven somewhat divisive online over the last few days - how does Farewell rate?
With the Ups and Downs video available on YouTube via this link here, we have covered the initial reactions to Star Trek: Picard's season 2 finale. In the days that have passed, there have been passionate responses online detailing both the strengths and supposed failures of the episode - and season - as received by the fans.
Was the storyline right to use time travel at all? Did Q play enough of a role in Picard's life this time around? What was the point in that dystopian universe, save for finding the Queen? And why oh why was another Soong introduced, simply to show him being a prick (for a change!)
We will address the main concerns that have been raised so far here. For a detailed breakdown of each episode of the season, head to our channel and watch each individual ups and downs video. The finale must be reviewed in the context of the season as a whole, so make sure that you've brushed up on your Picard season 2 before diving into this list here. That in mind - let's begin.
10. Talinn's Death
Orla Brady's death scene, as Talinn, in the final episode left many viewers cold. While her performance as Talinn was certainly moving, there were elements of the scene that simply didn't land.
The first issue was that there was so much emotion and connection on display between Picard and Talinn - who had, at this stage, known each other barely three days. While entire franchises have been based on less (see: The Terminator series), the fact that audiences were really waiting for Picard and Laris's reunion meant that touching as this scene was, it felt a little out of place.
There was another issue for the keen-eyed among the audience. Talinn, being Romulan, has green blood. Therefore, her incredibly bloodshot eyes staring up at Picard made little sense. As this is something that could easily have been changed in post-production, it, unfortunately, stood out for the wrong reasons.
Despite a strong effort by both performers in this moment, with genuinely moving dialogue, it didn't quite live up to the importance that was placed on the moment. The silent scene that followed - that of Picard's actual reunion with Laris - was far more effective overall.