Star Trek Picard — Series 1 Episode 10 — Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 2 — A Review

9th April, 2020.

You know, I think I’ve just got the Clap … 

I’m being very metaphorical, here, I should add!

For the past few weeks, the idea of clapping — at 8 o’clock on a Thursday evening — to show ones appreciation for the keyworkers of the National Health Service.

I have to admit to feeling a little bit uncomfortable about it, myself.

Yes: it’s a nice gesture: one that shows our support for a service that is Britain’s finest.

But I can’t help but think it’s exactly that: a gesture.

One we don’t do under normal circumstances, when, maybe, we should.

And a gesture that should be replaced.

By proper funding for their places of work, a more than generous pay-rise for still living staff, good pensions … 

And equally good arrangements for the families of NHS staff who’ve died as a result of Covid-19.

~≈®≈~

All this happened of course, just as I was sitting down in front of the TV.

Gesture, or otherwise?

The least I could do was hold on for five minutes, whilst the applause was going on.

Before I watch the last episode of Star Trek Picard, series one … 

~≈®≈~

Episode 10 — Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 2 — opens with the usual summary of earlier episodes.

And picks up from Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 1 by reminding us Picard (Patrick Stewart) has been imprisoned.

But first showing us Narek (Harry Treadaway) sneaking into the crashed Borg Artefact: to met his sister, Narissa (Peyton List).

She has something for him.

Meanwhile?

An imprisoned Admiral Picard mets Soji (Isa Briones): who is determined to build a beacon that will summon synths from beyond the dawn of time, itself.

Meanwhile?

Once he had a supply of weaponry, Narek manages to convince Raffi, Rios and Elnor (Michelle Hurd, Santiago Cabrera, Evan Evagora.) that the beacon must be destroyed … 

Whilst Agnes (Alison Pill) manages to free Picard.   The pair are VERY aware there’s a Romulan fleet on its to Coppelius: and want to make seriously sure it won’t open.

The only way to prevent this?

Is for Picard to stall the Romulans, under a Federation fleets gets to Coppelius.

It’s just a shame … that the anomaly in Picard’s head starts to kill him … 

~≈®≈~

Now … 

Was Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 2, a good episode?

Was this first series of Star Trek Picard a good series?

Let’s deal with that first question, shall we?

Yes: I think Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 2 is a good episode.

It ties off the storyline well enough, the performances are very good, the writing and direction beautifully done … 

But I have to say, I’ve a couple of points were disappointing.

For starters?

They killed off Narissa!

Possibly the most diabolic Trek villain since Q, and Jeri Ryan throws her off a catwalk!

That’s one disappointment!

The other … ?

We have two huge fleets of heavily armed spaceships … that don’t end up fighting.

Yes: Star Trek has always emphasised diplomacy over military might: Star Trek Picard more than most.

But, even so, a nice big climactic space battle would’ve been nice.

You’ve got two big fleets … that agree to go home … 

Oy … !

~≈®≈~

Now, that second question, was Star Trek Picard, series one, a good series?

Yes, it was, I think.

Granted, I may have felt Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 2 a touch anti climactic … 

That does not mean it’s a bad episode, or a bad conclusion.

It’s literally introduced to Admiral Picard’s ragtag crew of misfits and reprobates, set them up as a special ops team … 

And turned them loose on an interested fanbase.

Can Star Trek Picard survive?   Improve?   Literally go where no one has gone, before?

I don’t know.

But I intend to keep watching!