Nerds That Geek Comic Book Review – ‘Star Trek: Picard’ Countdown #2

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM. YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Traditionally in storytelling, a life changing or altering event, is the kind of moment that forces a character or characters, usually ones that are ‘bad’ in nature, to reflect upon their lives and their direction up to this particular point. Which is designed to serve a single purpose in said story in that, the person or people in question now see the error of their ways and understand the harm they caused, and they are now motivated to make great changes to their lives and be better. Which does indeed make for a fulfilling story of redemption, one that often ends in happy and charming fashion. But the fact of the matter is, that is a somewhat romanticized view of such matters since things often go differently in the real world when it comes to moments in this vein.
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For in reality, people who are negative or bad in nature, are comfortable in the life they lead. For this is all that they know and the prospect of stepping away from familiarity or changing their course is as terrifying as the life changing event in front of them. And more often than not, being forced to confront change and a new way of life can lead to disaster when they fight said alteration with every fiber of their being and that oddly enough, is the focal point of the next issue of IDW Publishing’s Star Trek: Picard countdown comic. For Issue #2 of this prequel to the highly anticipated show allows for us to see just how terrified some Romulans are at the prospect of having the life they’ve led taken away from them, despite the fact that it is for a better cause, and that made for a fascinating tale, one where Governor Shiana embodied everything we’ve just discussed to this point.

Because she continued to use deception and charm to try and woo Picard to bring her people up to the Verity and abandon the innocents here without giving it a second thought. Something that Picard was simply not inclined to do. But a surprise revolution from the natives on this world, is what brought out the darkest parts of Shiana, since she used the uprising to send a distress call to the Verity, allowing for her to execute a dastardly plan, one that saw her gain control of Picard’s ship, all in the hopes of keeping the ideals of the Romulan Empire alive and to likely save her from ever having to explain the truth about what’s happening on this planet. But all of that aside, it was just fascinating to see fear drive her in this manner and her desperate gambit to cling to the old ways, serves as proof as to how some people will never give up an ideal, or a way of life, that has served them well.

Yet what was truly impressive about this particular issue, is the sheer fact that it showed the flip side to this matter as well. Because there is a reason that stories love to explore the possibility that people can course correct when faced with a life changing event. For sometimes people do just that and a prime of example of this, was exhibited by Laris and Zhaban, the two Romulan wine makers we met in the first issue, who turned out to be Tal Shiar agents and well… they were the reason there was a revolt on this world, simply because they had enough of the Empire’s ways. They were tired of the treachery and the distrust and realized that Shiana would use the Verity for nefarious purposes, the kind that would likely foil the Federation’s plans for help and cost billions of lives in the process and they were ready to betray what they were taught, to help Picard put an end to this madness before it could begin and save lives.

If anything, it was wonderful to see this story dive deep into fear and how it can complicate errands of mercy and it does set the stage for a powerful conclusion, one that will likely see quite the fight for the Verity and one that could in fact… show us what changes Picard’s mind about serving in Starfleet after the evacuation is complete and that decision could relate to Shiana’s actions here. Because Picard came to Romulus with only the best and purest of intentions in his heart, preaching the wonder of the peace and unity, and the distinct possibility that there will always be elements of evil and distrust present within whatever the Empire evolves into, could be enough for him to walk away. Because seeing futility in doing good can break a man, especially one that’s dedicated his life to making the universe a better place. Time will tell I suppose, and the endless possibilities as to how this story will end, will have me counting down the days to its finale and the premiere of the series. Until next time.    

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