Picard: 15 ESSENTIAL Star Trek Episodes To Watch First (And Why)

9. “Unification” (TNG - Season 5, Episodes 7 & 8)

Not only is this two-parter an opportunity to see Spock once more, as he met with Picard as he pushed for Romulan and Vulcan peace, which again may be forming a key part of Picard's story. At least that's very much the suggestion here.

The episode also shows us Picard's willingness to undertake secret missions as he headed to Romulus to explore the underground seeking the demilitarization of the empire and a reconciliation with the Vulcans. Given that we've seen Romulans loyal to Picard in the trailers (including apparent near-zealot Elnor and know that the Chateau is partly managed thanks to Romulan refugees, this is an important step in understanding Picard's relationship with them as a race as well as setting out the key ideological split that exists between Romulan factions that will presumably also be important.

It's probably important to add both parts of “Redemption" at the end of season 4 to this point, as they can be watched as part of a sort of foursome. That episode explores how the Romulans manipulated a Klingon Civil War in secret, which would appear to be very important for Picard as a general idea.