‘Star Trek: Picard’ Recap – ‘The Bounty’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 306 of ‘Star Trek: Picard’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

It is definitely safe to say, that the third and final season of Star Trek: Picard on Paramount+, is putting on a masterclass regarding reunion themed storytelling. Simply because, there has been no race to the finish line to reunite the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D and NCC-1701-E, in an effort to offer up fan service or to flat out get it over with. Instead, the return of these iconic characters has felt organic in nature, and it has left us wanting more, since we are oft curious as to who is going to return to the fold on any given week. And by not making that a priority that’s also allowed for an engaging story regarding fatherhood for Jean-Luc Picard and the emerging threat of the rogue Changelings to unfold in a wondrous and fascinating manner.

But of course, it was only a matter of time before the crew of that intrepid namesake all returned to the fold, and while one could surmise that it was going to happen close to the end of the series, it turned out… that this side shy of the halfway point was the perfect opportunity to bring everyone from Star Trek: The Next Generation back on screen at last. A feat that ‘The Bounty’ accomplished by way of bringing Worf and Raffi aboard the U.S.S. Titan, to game their next moves in understanding what the Changelings had planned for Frontier Day and what they decided, brought forth one of the most epic episodes to ever grace the franchise. 

For everyone agreed that infiltrating Daystrom Station was the best way to defeat the Changeling threat and in doing so… fans from across the franchise were treated to all kinds of magnificent visuals and moments… courtesy of quite the threat. Since Starfleet was hunting the Titan and her crew and that forced the Titan to warp away and that decision left Riker, Worf, and Raffi to their own devices, to uncover a bevy of Easter Eggs at this Starfleet black site. Since they passed by the Genesis Torpedo  from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan​ and the remains of one James Tiberus Kirk and of course… they came to encounter the most unexpected surprise of all, who exactly was the artificial intelligence system present in this place. As it turned out, they were… another gift from Doctor Altan Soong.

For he took the time before he passed to create another Golem, one that resembled Lieutenant Commander Data and his brother, and was filled to the brim with a bevy of fascinating programs. Specifically, the personalities of Lal, Altan Soong, B-4, Lore, and Data himself, all in the hopes of creating the perfect artificial life. One that could appreciate life experiences and even face mortality since the Golem was identical to Picard’s and that brought Brent Spiner back into the fold and undoubtedly the data they sought, since this modified Data bore witness to what was stolen on that fateful day, and all they needed to get at that information, was to have the Titan return post haste, before Starfleet security stopped them from leaving with this precious new android. 

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Which didn’t happen right away. For while at warp, Admiral Picard realized that they needed an assist from a brilliant engineer. Which brought the ship to Athan Prime, home of the Fleet Museum and home of one Commodore Geordi La Forge. Who came aboard the ship to try and talk some sense into Jean-Luc since he felt this mission was risking his daughter’s life and while they debated the finer points of risk and reward in regard to family… another beautiful moment of nostalgia took place for the fans… as Seven and Jack, explored the museum. Which put some historic ships on our viewscreens. Such as the U.S.S. Defiant from Deep Space Nine, the HMS Bounty from Star Trek III: The Search for Spock and Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, the U.S.S. Voyager, a blink and you’ll miss it glimpse of the Enterprise NX-01 and we even got to see… James T. Kirk’s infamous U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-A. Giving rise to emotions and wonder and perhaps the most organic use of Easter Eggs in the history of Easter Eggs.

But there was a rhyme and a reason to show us so many iconic vessels, for the Bounty had an item that would come in quite handy for the ship. Specifically, its cloaking device. For that could get the Titan in and out of a situation unscathed and unnoticed and with the help of the La Forge sisters, Jack Crusher was able to snag that cloaking device and install it. And Jack’s efforts to save a crew he barely knew, combined with Sidney’s powerful words to her father, helped Geordi to realize he needed to come along for the ride and help save the Federation and his family and extended family. And that wondrous heist and that epiphany brought forth some of the most powerful and moving moments of this particular tale. 

For the Titan returned to Daystrom Station and was able to bring Data, Worf, and Raffi aboard and in doing so… Geordi figured out how to combine that mess of programming as best he could and reactivate an old friend he hadn’t seen in decades. Which brought forth a touching and tearful reunion. One where Brent Spiner was able to shine as an actor yet again and where… ominous clouds began to gather regarding the story. Since Data eventually informed his new and former shipmates, that the original remains of Jean-Luc Picard are what was stolen from Daystrom Station and of course… Will Riker wasn’t present. Simply because Vadic personally came down to the station to capture him and torture him through any means necessary, including teasing pain for a loved one, specifically… Deanna. 

All of which made… for one amazing story. One that finally brought the entire TNG crew back on screen in the same story for the first time since Nemesis, and well… that was simply amazing. Because we’ve waited so long to seem them in the same story again and our wish was finally answered in a truly organic manner. Since nothing here felt forced or rushed and of course… the nostalgia of seeing these heroes on screen again, was wonderfully complimented by those endless Easter Eggs and callbacks to the franchise’s lore that either ignited curiosity in the uninitiated or outright brought tears to those who grew up watching those classic ships in action on the silver and small screen. Plus, this episode took the time to deepen the mystery revolving around the Changeling plot. Because clearly, they have a deep interest in the flesh and blood of the Picard family line. Why exactly, is difficult to say, but it would seem we are inching closer to that reveal and one epic finale. One that will undoubtedly see this crew reunite at last to save the galaxy once again. Until next time.  

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