It was very tempting to discredit the show as "here comes another Star Trek spin-off", especially as someone who paid the most attention to the original series. However, Star Trek: Picard did an impressive job of creating a stand-alone story and world that didn't necessitate knowing any Star Trek at all. Of course, for fans of Star Trek: The Next Generation, you'll gain a whole new level of feelings from the heart-wrenching scenes and seamless nods to the series. Don't start it expecting only action-packed maneuvers; you're in for a drama full of tears and love, as well!

Star Trek: Picard takes place in Picard's retirement years but you'll quickly be transported to flashbacks as past choices and conspiracies catch up to him. Some familiar faces and some new well-fleshed out characters come together in the present as a ragtag crew as Picard takes to space again to save the galaxy. Every character is very three dimensional from the start and there is a huge spread of backgrounds, talents, and personalities. The sub-plots and backstories that weigh at each member of the crew touch on a variety of life and social issues that are easily relatable. Get ready for some tear-jerkers! There's an overarching focus on synthetic life, which may be a familiar topic for sci-fi fans but is portrayed with the unique touch of Star Trek. Even if you aren't usually a sci-fi person, this series' topic, plot, and struggles are very down-to-earth despite the many other-world settings.

Another interesting factor is the added touch of gay representation in a leading character. While terms like love are explicitly said, the series does present it in a way that can leave room for question and interpretation, however they do not shy away from plastering the hints at the forefront. I think it was pretty safe for the audience to view the relationship in this way. You'll have to watch it to see if you draw the same conclusion!

Star Trek: Picard was more than another Star Trek series or even another sci-fi show. All the bases I wanted covered made it by the end and the motley crew dynamics felt familiar and satisfying. Ups, downs, sad moments, romantic moments, exciting fight scenes, engaging dialogue: Picard had it all!