IR TV Review: STAR TREK - PICARD - EPISODE 5 (“Imposters”) [Paramount+-S3]
The context of redemption or understanding can only be bathed in a predeliction of truth. After 2 stellar episodes directed by Jonathan Frakes with him front and center as Riker, Episode 5 of Season 3: "Imposters" notches the superlative down a little bit while still dealing with the idea of truth while also referencing deep command decision cuts that of course affect their lives. The trigger point in this story is a little different but also hard cutting. It does require knowledge of Next Generation lore but that is what makes it so personal. What is interesting, as the Jack Crusher element goes on, is the reveal that is keying in or not. The absence and even omission of Beverly Crusher not even mentioning Wes (even though he is a Traveler) is a telltale sign here.
The aspect of Dystrom Station that seemingly is reflecting back also has some interesting connotations, not the least of which is the Doctor (of course) and the essence of Captain Janeway. The cause of pain and its repercussions from different angles is felt especially in scenes that take place in both the real and holo-created Ten Forward from Earth. The stakes need to be played through and it is refreshing to see that the storytellers knows how to convey loss, especially in someone like Picard who buries things deep down. But the endgame like many others before him, usually ends in tragedy (and not his own). That is why a scene like in the previous episode where Riker describes the black hole of his son's death as they descend into the nebula is an overwhelming metaphor. Visions that are shown are coalescing but they are not quite canon but also their meaning is elusive. B
By Tim Wassberg
