'Star Trek: Picard': Picard and Data's undying friendship is a propelling force in the new series
The opening shot of 'Star Trek: Picard' evokes bittersweet nostalgia and sets the tone for the first episode. Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) and Data (Brent Spiner) are sitting and playing Poker. There's Earl Grey tea next to them and there's friendly banter too, just like old times. Data feels that Picard is stalling the game, and he answers wistfully, "I don't want the game to end."
This little dream is a blissful escape for Picard, who is now in a different reality, far away from any sort of galactic action. In many ways, he is a different Picard from the one we remember. He has scars and wounds that open up at the slightest touch and has severe distrust of the Federation.
But more than anything, he has not recovered from the loss of his android friend Data, who sacrificed himself in 'Star Trek: Nemesis' to save Picard. While we just see snatches of Data, his influence is deeply felt throughout the episode. He might not be present in person, but the themes of the new show point in his direction. We get to hear the song 'Blue Skies' which Data performed at Riker and Troi's wedding in Nemesis.
Data was created by genius cyberneticist Dr Noonian Soong and his brain was far more advanced than other androids. Despite his powerful strength, he was still different. The unusual fact about Data was that he spent most of his life wanting to be human.
In 'Star Trek: Generations', he finally developed emotions, thanks to a special chip constructed by Soong, years earlier. He was capable of wisdom, love and loyalty and it is these qualities that made him such a strong force in Picard's life.
During the course of the 'Star Trek: Picard' episode it is revealed that 'synthetics' conducted terrorist attacks on Mars, leading to the androids being banned by the Federation. Picard says that he did not understand why the synthetics turned rogue, but this still did not justify the ban. The snarky interviewer asks Picard about Data, and whether he ever lost faith in him. Picard astutely says no.
As a result, the Starfleet abandoned the mission to rescue the Romulans, which broke Picard's spirit and faith and explains why he retired early to live his life out in France.
In the new show, Picard runs into his daughter Dahj, who is later killed in a deadly attack just after Picard promised to look after her. He discovers that she has a clone Sohj, who is very different from her twin. And so the path has been laid out for the series — Picard is all set to track her down, but it will be far from easy.
Going by the first episode of 'Star Trek: Picard', the retired Captain's friendship with Data seems to be a strong force in the series.
'Star Trek: Picard' airs on CBS-All Access on Thursdays at 12.01 am.