IR TV Review: STAR TREK - PICARD - EPISODE 10 (“The Last Generation”) [Paramount+-S3]

The engagement and ramping up of the closing moments of the last episode "Vox" would be hard to top simply because of its cinematic nature. The final episode of "Picard" entitled "The Last Generation" is a baton of sorts without seemingly needing to fully close the loop. However it brings back to bear the inherent nature and overarching reasoning and impact the Borg has and, by extension, Q which was the case from the very beginning of TNG. The aspect of analog versus digital is not lost and the fact that the episode is called "The Last Generation" speaks to a new perspective, even though it is old in its approach. The sins of the father beget the sins of the son despite anything lived to the contrary. It seems disappointing that many of the best years after TNG were lost simply because the stories and the want wasn't there to tell per se.

The good thing is that the show didn't simply fall upon certain laurels to solve problems here. It however used what worked before it as a blueprint. It used the aspect in a way of "Stealing The Enterprise" in "Star Trek III" to play the season out (much in the same way but in a different context than what the TOS crew did in "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home"). There is some elements of satisfaction and redemption of character, especially that of Data which seemed a hole in the heart of Picard. However it was only because of that progression it was brought together. There was something tragic and yet still final of the death in "Star Trek: Nemesis" which gave that film a darker edge and a feeling of finality. But as is inherent in most franchises, nothing is ever truly gone, be it Borg, human or what-have-you. The series finale establishes itself but also does a beautiful coda in a way (simple though it is) that speaks back to "All The Good Things..." because all it is is a matter of time. B+

By Tim Wassberg