Star Trek Picard Episode Three

Was able to watch Episode 3 of Picard tonight with Brian, another stellar episode, this series continues to impress. More detailed review below.

Here's a quick synopsis of episode 3 titled "The End is the Beginning":

A flashback reveals how, in the aftermath of the synth attack on Mars, Picard demanded that Starfleet either agree to his evacuation plan or accept his resignation. They chose the latter; his executive officer Raffi, who suspected Romulan involvement in the attack, was fired. In the present, Picard asks Raffi for help; she throws him out, but recommends a pilot for his mission, Chris Rios. Meanwhile, aboard the Borg cube, project director Hugh, a former Borg drone, takes Soji to see a group of Romulan former drones. One of the reclaimed Romulans declares Soji to be "the destroyer" and tries to kill herself; Soji uses her enhanced speed to stop her. Narek's sister warns him not to get emotionally attached to Soji. Picard, Laris, and Zhaban are attacked by Zhat Vash operatives. They kill all but one, who also calls Soji "the destroyer" under interrogation, before dissolving in a pool of acid. Dr. Jurati is approached by Commodore Oh, who demands to know what was said during Jurati's meeting with Picard. Jurati decides to join Picard on his journey. They board Rios' ship, La Sirena, and find Raffi already there. She directs them to Freecloud, where she believes Bruce Maddox is located.

At the start of this episode it was great to see a younger Picard in their new uniforms which I really liked. We see the close relationship between Raffi and Picard and why she's hates him so much in the present. Raffi is a damaged person, you could tell how much Picard meant to her and when he up an left her she swirled down even further down the drug and alcohol hole.

We meet another new character Captain Rios, I really like him, he's a former Starfleet officer who is also disenchanted by Starfleet. His ship Ls Sierna is a cool looking ship and ran completely my Emergency Holo beings. We've met the EMH (Emergency Medical Hologram) and the ENH (Emergency Navigation Hologram). They all look like Rio (with various hair/beard styles but all have different accents. This guys is going to be an interesting character.

We were reintroduced to one of my favorite side characters from TNG, former borg Hugh. We find out that he's "in charge" of the restoration of the Borg on the Romulan artifact and is friends with Soji. He takes her to a holding cell where previously Borg converted Romulans are being held. Soji meets a reclaimed Romulan who is "psychic" she proclaims that Soji is The Destroyer but we don't have a clue what she means. Can't wait to see what that is about.

Commodore Oh visit Dr Jurati but they didn't show us the scene then Dr. Jurati shows up at Picards and wants to join him. It's making people suspicious of her. I hope she's not working for Commodore Oh because I really like Agnus. Guess time will tell.

We get a great action sequence when Picard, Laris, and Zhaban are attacked. Both Laris and Zhaban can kick some but thought I was worried that one of them was going to get killed. Luckily everyone survived. We also got an explanation as to who Romulans looks different (ridges vs no ridges) it was a throw away line but I love that they finally explained it. They captured one of their attackers and before he killed himself he said the Soji was the Destroyer.

And of course we had the very end where Picard has the majority of his crew and they set out but not before Picard says one of his most famous lines "Engage". I literally started to tear up, I mean we knew it was coming but still.. FANTASTIC!!!

So overall another stellar episode. I loved the new characters, we got to know a little bit more about Soji, though still a mystery. And now it looks like we are leaving Earth and starting the adventure. Can't wait to episode 4 next week.