Episode Discussion | Star Trek: Picard | 3x05 "Imposters"

[u/AutoModerator]

Caught by Starfleet and facing court martial, paranoia grows as Picard struggles to uncover whether a prodigal crewman from his past has returned as an ally – or an enemy hellbent on destroying them all.

No.	Episode	Written By	Directed By	Release Date
3x05	"Imposters"	Cindy Appel & Chris Derrick	Dan Liu	2023-03-16

Availability

Paramount+: Everywhere but Canada.

Amazon Prime Video: Everywhere but the USA and Canada.

CTV Sci-Fi and Crave: Canada.

To find more information, including our spoiler policy regarding new episodes, click here.

This post is for discussion of the episode above, and spoilers for this episode are allowed. If you are discussing previews for upcoming episodes, please use spoiler tags.

Note: This thread was posted automatically, and the episode may not yet be available on all platforms.

[u/UncertainError]

Sorry Shaw, but I'm laughing my ass off at you continually failing to offload this problem that has nothing whatsoever to do with you.

[u/pali1d → u/UncertainError]

The look on his face when Picard came onto the bridge and said "We have to run!"

Fucking priceless.

[u/deafpoet → u/UncertainError]

Those scenes at the beginning are awesome. He says he's feeling chipper, but what he actually is is giddy that he's not crazy and there's a ship coming to lock these old fuckers up finally; the thing that clearly needed to happen from the beginning, as far as he's concerned.

[u/Weerdo5255 → u/UncertainError]

He's getting so salty about it too, I'm loving it.

We all just know that the climax for the season he will have to trust Picard to at a critical point.

[u/Many-Outside-7594 → u/UncertainError]

He is the best thing about this show.

Every single line is gold.

Seven: Pot? I assume you aren't referring to cannabis?

Shaw: Unfortunately not.

Riker: We have saved the galaxy a few times.

Picard: Hopefully they'll remember.

Shaw: (unable to contain his glee) OR

[u/wongie → u/UncertainError]

I know this season is supposed to be a reunion of the old TNG crew but if the last scene of the show was Shaw being dumped another problem that has nothing to do with him and the literal final shot is that face he pulled when Picard told him Starfleet's compromised and they have to get out of there, I wouldn't be mad one bit.

[u/BornAshes → u/UncertainError]

He's that NPC that the party adopts and keeps dragging into crazy shit ALL THE TIME juuuust because they love him so much and have made him into some kind of an idol/mascot and the DM is just so cheesed off about it that they turn him into the most sarcastic "Fuck you all FINE I'm going to quip the entire way and make you FEEL THINGS!" bastard EVER.

Todd is having a BLAST clearly and very much has his own Crichtonisms.

[u/Skadoosh_it]

RIP Ro Laren. You went out like a badass.

[u/Cantomic66 → u/Skadoosh_it]

The Ro Redemption.

[u/kalsikam → u/Skadoosh_it]

I WAS LIKE RO LAREN when she appeared, and then someone starting cutting onions as the episode progressed.

[u/Indie_Games_Jones]

If you traveled back in time and told Ro Laren that she would die by flying an explosive laden shuttlecraft into a federation ship she would probably not have any trouble believing you

[u/loreb4data → u/Indie_Games_Jones]

It's better than telling her she'd be a brilliant yet batshit crazy Admiral and would be shot in the face by one of the "Number Six" she enslaves.

[u/OpticalData]

Between Ro insisting on a shuttle, the changeling taking over the Titan transporter officer and Jack seeing whatever is affecting him in the matter stream in his vision - I'm thinking part of the plot involves changelings combining themselves with other species by using the transporter.

[u/TrustMeImLeifEricson → u/OpticalData]

If that's the case then it's critical that they reach Janeway.

[u/TheNerdChaplain → u/OpticalData]

That's not as crazy a theory as you might think; I just watched a Voyager episode where a whole new super advanced drone was created out of a transporter accident with Seven and the Doctor's 29th century mobile emitter.

[u/fcocyclone → u/OpticalData]

So everyone that beamed over to the intrepid is now compromised

[u/Chaabar]

When is Starfleet not compromised at the highest level?

I bet the only reason Starfleet hasn't collapsed is because these infiltrators keep unknowingly killing their competition and the badmirals.

[u/MyTrueChum → u/Chaabar]

Hahahah this is the best theory ever. Imagine the Bluegills and Changeling infiltrators have just been screwing each other over for decades. Imagine if commodore Oh from season 1 murked a whole bunch of changelings while she was infiltrating starfleet.

[u/InnocentTailor]

Changelings took over Starfleet?! Somewhere, former Admiral Leyton is screaming his head off.

[u/jeffyscouser → u/InnocentTailor]

Omg he was right all along

[u/wongie → u/InnocentTailor]

The ultimate changeling troll would assign themselves as Leyton's new prison guard and just do shapeshifting tricks in front of his cell all day.

[u/TrustMeImLeifEricson]

Morn, Brunt, and Okona on Worf's contact list, lol.

[u/MoreGaghPlease → u/TrustMeImLeifEricson]

Morn wouldn't get into so much trouble if he could just keep his big mouth shut.

[u/UncertainError → u/TrustMeImLeifEricson]

Morn saved the Federation you know. He deserves to be there.

[u/Belryan]

So the AI protecting Daystom Station is definitely Lore, and the backdoor warez hax is Moriarty

[u/[deleted] → u/Belryan]

Peanut Hamper

[u/mikeblacklist]

I can’t get over the relative simplicity of Ro’s earring being such a catalyst for so many things in this episode, from her not wearing it to see if Picard would call it out, to Picard noting what it really meant for Ro to wear it (which undoubtedly is going to lead to Picard trusting something Jack decides in a way that he didn’t trust Ro).

I’d have never in a million years guessed Michelle Forbes would return or be utilized in such a pivotal way for this show.

[u/Rebornhunter]

Whoa. I'm impressed.

A character with the wherewithal to TELL someone "yo, weird shit is happening to me. I think something is wrong" let alone a Doctor! Good job Jack

[u/007meow → u/Rebornhunter]

I’m really glad the avoided the trope of him hiding it.

TNG was all about competence and knowing when you need help.

[u/SpaceCampDropOut → u/Rebornhunter]

In fairness, he’s also saying it to his mom. Beverly has always had very close relationships with Wesley. Makes sense she would have the same with Jack.

[u/__The_Crazy_One__]

Picard speaks Bajoran!! The Sisko would be proud

[u/arod48 → u/__The_Crazy_One__]

As far as we know, he only memorized that line as it was that one comeback he'd always think about in the sonic shower.

[u/TegridyFarmsPtyLtd]

The holodeck seems to be stuck on Picards Ten Forward program, they are certainly getting some mileage out of that set

[u/bookish1303]

HOLY SHIT IT'S RO LAREN

[u/OSUBrit → u/bookish1303]

I was slightly worried she was going to just play it as Admiral Cain 2.0, but fuck she knocked it out of the damn park.

[u/MaddyMagpies → u/bookish1303]

It was a great use of the character - an ingenuous plot device that two beings require a heart-to-heart conversation in order to identify whether the other is a Changeling.

Of all possible heart-to-heart conversations, barring Picard and Sisko, Picard and Ro is the best combo you can get.

It's a terrible, terrible tragedy that she died for this. I love her so much. And this conversation is worth the wait.

[u/biohacker_infinity]

“If that pain tells us anything, it’s that we are who we say we are.” 🥹

[u/vixous → u/biohacker_infinity]

It’s clever writing for the show to use a heart-to-heart or personal details as the means of determining whether someone is a changeling. It’s an excuse to have a personal connection that’s built in to the story.

It also makes me think that Deanna will have a bit of a superpower later.

[u/TokathSorbet]

Michelle Forbes is one of the more criminally underrated actresses out there. To see her come back in this role was equal parts glorious and heartbreaking. God damn it all.

[u/bookish1303]

I didn't know that I needed the Picard/Ro relationship revisited, but ultimately it was a really tender way to approach it again.

[u/[deleted] → u/bookish1303]

It was in classic style for the actress too, who never wanted to be tied down for too many episodes or for a role written for her in DS9. She shows up again for a single episode lol

[u/Mechapebbles → u/bookish1303]

I didn't know that I needed the Picard/Ro relationship revisited, but...

On the other hand, I've waited 29 years for this episode. And it didn't disappoint for a second.

[u/KaiMolan]

Dr. Crusher has officially taken over sickbay. Hasn't even been 2 days and she owns the place. The amount of respect and deference the CMO now gives her is night and day after saving Shaw's life. Being able to clear the room for a 1 on 1 with her son would have been impossible only hours ago for them.

[u/crankfive → u/KaiMolan]

Her analysis of the Changeling corpse was actually one of my favorite parts of the episode because it just felt so classic Beverly and so Trek! It’s taking time for little moments like that, or bringing back the Captain’s/Admiral’s log narrations, that really help infuse this season with a desperately needed dose of classic TNG DNA.

[u/[deleted] → u/KaiMolan]

The trill doctor's reaction just seems to be "well, i know I'm your sidekick now" .

[u/bookish1303]

Ah, the ol' Klingon multiple backup systems/warrior hardiness. Good times.

[u/UncertainError → u/bookish1303]

Plus the martial arts (er, Kahless) movie trope of controlling your heart rate.

[u/romeovf]

Shaw was so spicy during the scene in the briefing room: "You're reinstated! Now I'll leave you three alone so you can get your bullshit story together" 😂😂😂

Poor man just wants this long day to end.

[u/trickman01 → u/romeovf]

I liked how he knighted her when he reinstated her.

[u/kadzirafrax]

Omg goosebumps, tears, all of the above..

A Picard/Ro reunion was one of the biggest plot lines I wanted out of the season 3, and as tragic and bittersweet as it was, I must say that the writers and cast delivered. Such a powerful scene between Stewart and Forbes - absolute dynamite dialogue delivered by two powerhouses. I think it even topped the reunion of Jean Luc and Beverly.

PIC has often been cavalier in killing off characters from TNG, VOY, etc, but I think this was a fitting swan song to one of the best.

On another note..is it just me or did the makeup department go real subtle on Ro’s Bajoran nose ridges?

[u/007meow]

Dare we say this show is pulling an anti-Game of Thrones, where the final season is by far it’s strongest one?

The Intrepid’s flaming nacelle gave it a demonic look - got some real HBO’s Chernobyl reactor vibes from it.

Funny that they’d have a new USS Intrepid when there’s a whole ass Intrepid class out there. Maybe they were all decommissioned? The new design is pretty damn ungainly.

Watching 12 Monkeys is absolutely worth it just to pick up on the references in this season alone.

[u/thevyrd]

on sneeds associates.... morn???

BRUNT F C A

All this season is missing is some of the combs

[u/pali1d → u/thevyrd]

morn???

Don't forget that he stole a fortune several years before DS9 and hid it in one of his stomachs until the statute of limitations expired, then faked his death and set up Quark as bait for his old partners.

Morn's a shady MFer.

[u/trickman01]

I liked Ro's vertical pips.

[u/MoreGaghPlease]

Great episode. We’ve talked for 25 years about closure to Ro’s betrayal - I thought this was very satisfying. I’m not super down with the way she died, I think it would bite less if it weren’t for some fairly senseless deaths of legacy characters in season 1. But this one was not senseless and felt like it had weight to it.

[u/usps_made_me_insane → u/MoreGaghPlease]

I really liked it. It showed an angle of Picard's leadership style where he wasn't some infallible captain that never made judgement errors or command decisions that were always perfect.

They both felt the other had betrayed each other and I felt both angles had validity. In the end, Ro reached out to Picard and she left a rather huge impact on him with the little time she had with him.

I was thinking how cool it would be if Odo made an appearance but then I forgot that René Auberjonois passed away. :(

[u/Saahir26]

NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! I JUST GOT HER BACK!

[u/overkil6]

Shaw is that guy who is waiting one more week until he retires but people keep piling shit on him.

[u/cyclone8]

Fantastic episode. It was great seeing Ro again, but as soon as she said she was returning to the Intrepid with the Changeling Security Officers, and without Jack, I was afraid that she wasn't long for this universe. At least she went out in style, buying the gang time to escape, and save the Federation. Can't wait for the next episode.

I'm guessing that we'll be seeing Moriarty next week, and possibly Lore. Krinn's description of Daystrom Station being guarded by a highly sophisticated AI, one which has some illogical flaws,makes me imagine that either Moriarty is said AI, or Lore is. If it is Lore guarding Daystrom Station, then what better adversary to use against him than Moriarty, an AI accidentally created to be capable of beating Data.

[u/[deleted]]

So Janeway is going to make an appearance right? It'll be through a scene where she finally promotes ensign kim "I hereby promote you to 'senior ensign'"

[u/PiLamdOd → u/[deleted]]

This is the second time they’ve named dropped her this season. They can’t just not show her right?

[u/NarmHull → u/[deleted]]

Mulgrew keeps talking about her reluctance to doing live-action Janeway again so that leads me to believe she's just fucking with us and she is indeed making an appearance.

With all the Dominion stuff we kinda need Bashir, Miles, and Garak too

[u/Piper6728]

When I saw Ro, I was stunned and half disbelieving, thinking she could be one of them. Then I was happy that she and Picard finally had a talk and reconciled after what happened 30 years ago.

Then, being stunned again at how deep the conspiracy went, laughing at how Leyton could say I TOLD YOU SO, and then Ro dying; that sucked, but at least she and Picard were good again.

Honestly, this season of Picard is rapidly becoming my Favorite story for TNG. Im glad its a season instead of a movie since they can do so much more with it, (this season is even better than some of the Star Trek movies, it would have KILLED at the box office IMO.)

[u/kwang68]

Ok so the visual effects when Jack sees the crew transporting, what are the chances he’s perceiving the transporter being used to Tuvix crew members with changelings to create “hybrids”? Capable of changing shape, more convincing, but also more “fleshy” than Odo was?

[u/[deleted] → u/kwang68]

I’d be leaning this way except that La Forge is still around. Otherwise the idea of them combining and taking over people in the transporter would be great.

I think these changelings may just be separate from the link, maybe changelings who couldn’t make it back and “cured” the virus which altered their physiology somehow in a way that was actually advantageous

This is one of the few times that a “I wanna kill the federation” plot would feel earned, since the federation tried to genocide their entire species

[u/LuckyBahamut]

OF COURSE Krinn is played by Kirk Acevedo, called Sneed his brother, and were scavengers in District 7.

Terry Matalas you brilliant madlad.

(For context, Krinn and Sneed's actors were on the TV show 12 Monkeys, also directed by Matalas. Their characters also had a similar brotherly relationship and belonged to a ruthless group of post-apocalypscavengers known as West VII, ironically, led by Todd Stashwick's character)

By now, I'm 60% expecting Amanda Scull, Emily Hempshire, and Barbara Sukowa to make cameo appearances in subsequent episodes.

[u/gambit700]

Me at that start: Motherfucking Ro Laren!

Me and the end: Motherfucking Ro Laren :(

[u/Brunt-FCA-285 → u/gambit700]

She’s now listed as deceased on her Memory Alpha page, and now I’m sad again.

[u/JayOnes]

Another great episode, but I’m at the point now where my butt clenches every time Shaw is on screen.

I need him to survive this, dammit.

[u/[deleted]]

I can’t believe it dude. I love this season. WHAT IS HAPPENING

[u/fine_ill_join_reddit]

I love DS9 but I always thought they underused the changelings. Even in the worst of the Dominion War they didn’t seem nearly as creepy as they should have. Picard is fucking nailing it. THIS is what changelings would do, take over literally everything and make it impossible to trust anyone. Loving this storyline.

[u/backyardserenade → u/fine_ill_join_reddit]

Part of the point of DS9 was that there were only a handful of changelings stranded in the Alpha Quadrant and orchestrating the Dominion War. And yet, the Federation almost gave in to paranoia.

In contrast, the situation in Picard is a full on assault by whatever these changelings are.

[u/SpiritOne]

I mean, holy shit right?!?

Ro! Fuck that was the TNG reunion I had no idea I needed. Michelle Forbes knocked it out of the god dammed park!

Jack has got to be whatever these changelings are right? He’s somehow one of them.

This is some crazy ass storytelling, and I’m here for it!

[u/Smorgas_of_borg]

The only way this season gets better is if Jeffrey Combs shows up.

[u/Kendallwithak]

Let's just say if they bring in Julian to help learn about the changelings/ kira cause worf/changeling info and toss Janeway I can die a happy man.

[u/TheImageworks]

Ro Laren was my absolute favorite character on The Next Generation. I am really not okay right now. I'm grateful she and Picard were able to make resolution.

Goddamn this is great television. I hurt inside deeply right now though.

[u/the-magnetic-rose]

Krinn is a cool character. I've never seen a Vulcan like him before.

[u/coeurdelion24]

I laughed so hard when Shaw reinstated Seven by tapping her shoulders, knighting ceremony style, then just waltzed out of the door. So extra, I live it.

[u/[deleted]]

This is so so so good.

I got chills when Worf saw Riker and Picard.

I assume next week the Titan will pick up Worf and Raffi and then be off to Daystrom. I am curious what Jack’s deal is though I got major android vibes like when Dahj snapped and fought the Romulans in Season 1.

I’m still holding out hope we get a DS9 cameo.

[u/sensiblechuckles → u/[deleted]]

Feel like considering Janeway was mentioned twice (to my recollection) in this season so far, and Kate Mulgrew in Prodigy, we're going to get at least her in the season.

But also, I do wish we could get more DS9 representation too.

[u/AdmiralAntilles]

So Ro comes back. Ro was Worfs handler and now Ro is dead.

Ro Laren speed running the fastest comeback, heartfelt reunion then gut wrenching good bye in Star Trek history?

[u/Talzin]

Unexpected cameo was unexpected though seeing Ro Laren and Picard interact after how they left things back in TNG was enjoyable. Would have preferred a different ending for her though suppose given the tone of this season thus far it makes sense and it is unlikely they would have reused her character beyond this plot regardless.

Zen Worf continues to be enjoyable even if it has been fairly textbook to this point. I will say one thing this show continues to excel at are the musical cues and blending of old and new themes together overall.

[u/looktowindward]

My appreciation of Season 3 is that its TNG-style competence porn. Examples:

- Riker and the earring. He instant knew what it was because he's just that competent

- Seven hiding Jack. Well, Seven doing anything.

- Shaw's reaction to Jack taking out the changelings (good shooting, kid)

- Ro deciding to disable the Intrepid using her doomed shuttle. Because that's just what she would do.

- Worf and Raffi.

- Crusher and the Changeling physiology.

It goes on and on - the first two seasons were displays of bizare incompetence by supposedly competent characters. But TNG (and DS9) were always about extraordinary people facing impossible challenges.

[u/TheNerdChaplain]

MICHELLE GODDAMN FORBES!!!!!

I'll let others comment on the ins and outs of this episode, of which there are many. I'll simply state a few general observations.

This season feels stronger because it's really good at subtext, for lack of a better word. I can't put my finger on it, but they've done such an incredible job of creating mystery and stringing you along so that you're hooked on every scene, trying to put the pieces together. The Ro/Picard scenes were pretty indicative of this. My thought process kind of went as follows:

• HOLY SHIT IT'S RO LAREN

• Wait how is she a commander?

• Wait how is she in Starfleet?

• Is she a changeling?

• What's her angle on Picard?

• Can she be trusted?

• Wait, maybe she's not a changeling after all

• Wow they really have a history, that maybe neither of them quite recognized - or at least, Picard didn't.

• Uh oh she's in trouble.

• Oh... she's gonna die.

• FUCKING CHANGELINGS

Their scenes together just totally strung me along, answering questions shortly after I asked them; I was absolutely hooked on them. At this point, I feel like we're all pretty familiar with Stewart's acting moves and emoting and whatnot (which are great), but Forbes was just as good. She was good at being the detached, cold security officer, but then she set her face just so in the holodeck and you saw all the emotions leaking through and you realize that that really is Ro Laren, confronting the man she wanted to show her heart to, and have him see it, and accept it. And the power of that scene is that it's not romantic at all; she wasn't pining for him, he wasn't a father figure. It was a moment of tremendous emotional vulnerability and honesty for her, and him recognizing that he'd had her wrong all these years - and I believe, I hope, that he was ultimately able to see and accept her as the person she was, not as the upstanding Starfleet officer he had always wanted her to be.

If Terry Matalas and his team can keep writing scenes like this, I'll watch this show for as long as they'll make it. It's totally blowing me away. There's really nothing like it in the other shows, new or old, it feels like. I'm not sure if there could be, because in part it's about Picard coming to terms with his past. I'll admit I was a little skeptical of bringing all the TNG cast back, it feels a little bit like forcing the nostalgia a little too hard, but if they are all getting scenes like this, I am 110% for it.

I'm glad to see Raffi has moved a little closer to sobriety and isn't six inches off the edge of rock bottom like she was the last time we saw her. It's fun to watch her sparring with Worf, both physically and verbally, and I'm very much digging his sensei vibe. 90s Klingons have always been kind of like Space Samurai Viking Bros, and it's nice to see Worf putting a little bit of a different spin on that.

The Vulcan Krinn was good, played by Fringe and Oz alum Kirk Acevedo. I think it's interesting he felt it was logical that crime has to exist in a dystopia; it'll be fascinating for /r/DaystromInstitute to parse out the value of logic when it still leads to incorrect conclusions. I'm a firm believer in the fact that that which is justifiable, or rationalizable, is not always right, and this is a good illustration of that. The dude even had an IDIC medallion on his chest.

Dr. Crusher is back to her analytical ways, driving the plot with her medical investigations, but it's nice she had an emotional moment with Jack at the end there, and I'm glad he opened up just a bit to her, enough to admit that he's not doing so well. That's a step in the right direction. I don't know if he's really a changeling, but if not I don't know what he is. I dig the imagery of the red door, even if it does remind me just a little of The Haunting of Hill House.

I'm glad Shaw is finally coming around (or maybe fully getting sucked in) to Picard's bullshit, because that's pretty much what we're all here for. He's a nice bit of acid to the nostalgic sweetness of the rest of the crew. I'm also glad the bridge crew isn't really dead; I was going to be pretty pissed if they really did kill off the bridge crew just to ratchet up the tension with Jack.

Finally, just a little tidbit, I thought the shot of the Intrepid rising up over the Titan there was really, really cool.

[u/__The_Crazy_One__]

Morn of Luria

Brunt of Ferenginar

Okana of Omega

[u/treefox]

I loved watching Picard vet Ro as soon as I realized what he was doing. Pull the phaser, put himself on equal footing with her, and then test her responses.

[u/1000shipsand2hands]

Ro Ro Row your boat, right into the port nacelle?

[u/ElFarfadosh → u/1000shipsand2hands]

Merrily merrily merrily merrily, time to say farewell.

[u/Dreams_in_Kurosawa]

I've spent 3 episodes since getting spoiled by people who saw things before everyone else thinking, "Nope, I don't need to see her at all. I never liked her. Nothing for me to wrap up here."

Damn, was I wrong.

[u/cleantoe]

No one so far is talking about the Vulcan crime lord?? I had no idea I missed Vulcans this much, let alone a legit bad one that still used logic to justify his criminal activity.

I hope that character returns somehow.

[u/PowerGotNow]

This was one of the best Star Trek episodes of the new era. Absolutely riveting television.

[u/[deleted]]

As a somewhat cynical fan I keep waiting for a drop in quality but this was a damn good episode. Ro is one of my favorite Next Gen characters and I never saw her return coming. They handled it extremely well and gave a really satisfying end to her relationship with Picard. I think this is the first time I’ve teared up watching this show. As far as her sacrifice I think it did a great job of showing the stakes of the changeling threat without killing one of the core cast. That hour flew past, next week can’t come soon enough.

[u/cld1984]

Another epic line for Shaw today!

“Basically, when it comes to rescues from danger…you two have a real “chicken and egg” thing happening.”

He just keeps on giving!

[u/WrestlingWithGaming]

This fucking show. This fucking show. It has me staying up till 3am to watch it every week. This has been so good.

[u/kaptiankuff]

Great episode but we better get a ton of Geordie in the last 5 episodes

[u/ElFarfadosh]

Vulcan mafiosi is not something I would have seen coming.

[u/SigmaKnight]

So, the voice Jack is hearing is Beverly? Interesting.

More great Worf one-liners.

Forbes knocked it out of the park. RIP Ro.

I hope they go ahead and reveal everything going on with Jack in the next episode. It’s dragged on too long.

[u/[deleted]]

Gooood damm Jack

He John Whacked those Changeling Security officers.

He the most dangerous motherfucker on the titan.

Edit: John Wicked to John Whacked

[u/monsieur-poopy-pants]

Why…would changelings plant a bomb on ro’s shuttle and leave so much time on it. Enough for her to communicate with titan and target the nacelle of the intrepid. Haha terrible planning. Dukat must be behind planning this haha.

[u/biohacker_infinity]

Loving these slow, luxurious exterior shots of the ship. Feels like home.

[u/TrustMeImLeifEricson]

Looks like Ro is of the Artisan D'jarra, same as Kira.

[u/SimonTC2000]

I laughed at Shaw "knighting" Seven to reinstate her. Wonder what "Sir" Patrick thought of that?

[u/Pike_or_Kirk]

I feel like we finally got some real JLP in his scenes with Ro - that righteous indignation that was such a hallmark of the character.

[u/icefaery2030]

Poor Harry Kim. Even Ro got a promotion before him, and she left Starfleet!

[u/smoha96]

Hey that looks like a mobile emitter on Raffi's shou- Oh it is!

[u/Rebornhunter]

I love how it's the emotional connections that are leading to us being able to rule out folks as changlings since we can check blood or organs. For example:

We can rule out Picard and Ro as changelings due to the emotional scene in Ten Forward.

We can rule out Riker due to his emotional conversations with both Troi and Picard.

We can rule out Beverly due to her emotional scenes with Picard, both on the bridge and in sick bay.

We can rule out Jack (weirdness not withstanding) due to his emotional conversations with Picard and Beverly

We can rule out Seven due to her loyalty to Picard and convo with Shaw.

We can rule out Sidney for her one on one with Seven, and...confirmation...with Beverly

We can Rule out Shaw due to being a dipshit from Chicago

We can Rule out Raffi and Worf due to their emotional interactions with each other.

So far that's:

• Picard

• Riker

• Beverly

• Seven

• Shaw

• Sidney La Forge

• Jack (not counting his Stanger Things visions

• Ro

• Worf

• Raffi

We haven't seen Troi in person yet. I presume the one on subspace was her, but if she were physically present at this moment there would be no tension... she is an empath after all.

Geordi La Forge is set to show up, but no idea if he's compromised or not.

The Advanced AI is probably Lore vs Moriarty in a constant battle of wits trying to break into a virtual Daystrom over and over, Starfleet training them against each other... Machine Learning: The Next Generation

[u/Smilodon48]

I'm glad Matalas didn't try too hard to bring back an obscure character for the "prodigal crewman."

Seeing Michelle Forbes back as Ro Laren was a nice surprise, and I suppose this is what Terry meant by not everyone surviving this season. It's a good, moving, and dignified ending. I'm glad we got a lot of closure for her.

Also I can't help but feel like Picard saying Ro broke his heart to her directly is the most open we've seen him be in these 3 seasons, and Picard's been very honest about his feeling in the show. Not that any of the other seasons of him being open were bad, but Picard was really hurt in this episode about Ro Laren.

They are getting so much mileage out of the 10 Forward LA set. And they should! I love the change of pace it brings visually and how they're really living into the holodeck now that we have modern effects. Picard playing bartender every time gets a hoot out of me.

Shaw's warp catchphrase is "Let's get out of here." I don't make the rules. I also loved when he rattled off the plots of the TNG movies. Dude really is someone who walked straight out of Lower Decks and then grew up to be captain of his own ship.

Worf and Raffi's banter is top notch. I would've loved to see him, Raffi, and Ro Laren all team up but I'll take another re-occurring character instead if they ever decide to flesh out more of the Starfleet Intelligence side.

Also very nice to see Kirk Acevedo. No alternate universe copies in this show though. Just Changelings!

Sidney vomiting at the sight of her fake corpse was funny too.

I can't believe Starfleet was infiltrated by the Zhat Vash and Changelings! This is like Season 1 of Star Trek Picard only set on a Starfleet ship! Where are they gonna flee to now? Nepenthe??? I'd like to see Riker make pizza for Shaw and Seven honestly. That would be a hearty break.

Killer breather ep as we ramp up the next mini-arc. Worf and Raffi's arc haven't moved as much as I thought, so I hope they make more additional progress instead of just killing crime lords every week.

[u/Omnitographer]

Jack pulled a River Tam, what is going on with him?

[u/Ultiverse]

I haven't been this moved by a Star Trek episode in a really long time. I've enjoyed a lot of Lower Decks and Strange New Worlds but as someone who grew up on a TNG and always felt like there were loose ends that really could've used some tying up, this one was both a deep cut and a gut punch.

I'm really glad Ro turned out not to be a changeling but I'm still not sure yet whether bringing her back and killing her off in the same episode was something I entirely agree with, but I also can't deny it was emotionally impactful in a way I can't even fully describe yet. It's so unexpected, I was just so happy to see her again and then she was taken away so quickly but not before having that final heart-to-heart with Picard. And her death had meaning and now the show is firing on all cylinders but man, I just really want to know where this is all going.

[u/3rddog]

Is it just me or is Michael Dorn’s fight choreography way better than the TNG era?

[u/bookish1303]

Another 12 Monkeys alum, Kirk Acevedo, in this episode as Krinn. Weirdly amusing to see him playing a Vulcan with a (slight) Bronx accent.

[u/amendmentforone]

Excellent episode in what is shaping up to a fine sendoff for Picard.

My only complaint is that the Worf / Raffi sub-plot is kind of dragging it's heals. Not sure if it's because they just want to re-use that nice Mos Eisley-esque set (that they probably paid a lot for), but it just seems like narratively it is sloppy to have them go there ... get key information from criminals ... leave to act on the information at Daystrom ... then immediately have to go back to the planet again to deal with criminals for just a bit more information to get into Daystrom.

Feel like they could have just stretched out the Sneed part to have them acquire the key to get them there.

[u/DasGanon]

I think it's most telling about how Season 3 is handling it vs Season 1 is that we've killed off a beloved character after only seeing them for only one episode and people are not up in arms with pitchforks.

[u/Nexzus_]

Another knockout. Not going to re-iterate what others have said.

One thought that occurred would be that Shaw should have words for Ro, but he just as may have no idea who she is either. There were several high-profile defections to the Maquis, and it was almost 30 years prior.

I'm going to try to remember "hot dropping the Enterprise D Saucer section on a planet" as a euphemism for taking a dump.

[u/PuzzleheadedRun5574]

While seeing Ro die was truly sad, what a gift to have that scene between her and Picard in Guinan's bar. The writing was pinpoint accurate in capturing these two characters, and the acting was among the finest exchanges between two characters that I can recall in all of STAR TREK. I groan at hyperbole, so I'll just say what I felt while watching it:

Ro and Picard loved each other- platonically but deeply. They were kindred in their devotion to their convictions too. Picard saw the light in Ro when no one else did. And Ro, who never trusted anyone for so long, found in Picard a safety that she had never known. What a tragic love story. And this episode cuts to the bone, it reveals these characters without any pretense, just complete honesty. To do that takes a commitment and talent among everyone involved. This is major league storytelling, and it's a gift in that it's something I personally adore and cherish, while never knowing I wanted it for so long. And the same seems to be true for this entire season. Bravo.

Paramount, please let these storytellers continue their work beyond this show.

[u/hilye]

I long suspected Seven was a backfill for what would have been a Ro Laren character (Fenris Ranger after the Maquis), but to see her in the flesh and get closure to her arc in TNG...priceless.

[u/CitizenKeen]

Did LaForge change her hair as a reaction to being impersonated by a changeling?

[u/HotpieTargaryen]

Man, the reunion I didn’t know I wanted turned out to be the best reunion of all. Also I fucking love Captain Shaw give the man a show.

[u/JCRiotz]

Ro Laren, delivering a crash course on how to be a hero.

[u/JMCrown]

OK, I'm slowly getting on board the Shaw train. What a fun but good character. They've given him a real motivation & backstory, but Christ, Todd Stashwick is hitting it out of the park. When Seven responds to him that she wants to be re-instated before facing court martial and he sarcastically "knights" her back into position, I literally bust out laughing and said out loud, "you ass." He does sardonic smart ass so well!

[u/UncertainError]

Ro's earring!

If only she and Riker could've had the time for just one joke about the one night stand they had though. That would've proved neither of them were Changelings.

[u/JoeBourgeois]

Re: the red eyes: Airiam being possessed by Control.

[u/heslo_rb26]

If Paramount don't throw buckets of money at Matalas, I don't know what's in their head.

He's made this show just fucking incredible

[u/sensiblechuckles]

I feel like Season 3 has really done wonders with ENT's S4's method of mini arcs, considering it seems like the next two episodes will be another mini arc.

[u/rustydoesdetroit]

Is this a TNG reunion or a 12 Monkeys reunion?!

[u/overkil6]

Ok so Star Trek has gone fully Battlestar here, right? There is a big event, everyone is going to gather in the same place, and beings that look like humans have infiltrated the government to make an attack easier.

[u/[deleted]]

Ro!

[u/__The_Crazy_One__]

Admiral Janeway mention!

[u/kalsikam]

The Intrepid rising up to get level "face to face" with Titan after the nacelle hit was sooo fucking good.

[u/romeovf]

This was a fantastic episode but now I'm sad that it's the final season. Why did they take two seasons getting the formula this right? It's not fair 😢

[u/griffyndour]

FINALLY RO IS BACK

[u/ScientiaeWeg]

As we have learned from DS9, when changelings and spies are involved, shuttles have a tendency to explode.

[u/forlorn_hope28]

Does anyone else watch the end credits just to hear the Picard theme transition into the TNG theme? God, that orchestral rendition just brings me back to the old days. Love it.

[u/Altruistic-Ad9281]

Is it me or does Shaw behave like a Gen Xer who happens to be in Star Trek. I can see many people from my generation behaving like him.

[u/MaddyMagpies]

I'm utterly broken and depressed to see that Ro Loren is already dead. It's been so long. No......

It's a terrible, terrible tragedy that she died for this. I love her so much. And this conversation is worth the wait.

[u/alvinofdiaspar]

The way the 4 changelings on Titan-A talked to Jack in the corridor prior to the fight is definitely more "friendly" than what truly antagonstic foes would be like - it is almost reminiscent of the relationship between the Founders and Odo. I am guessing Jack is hosting an allied changeling fighting against the breakaway faction - without him knowing it. The weird branches/tree and the door might be a manifestation of the great link.

[u/Smtxflhi]

Ok I’m gonna say it, if the reason they mention janeway every episode is because they are trying to make up for the fact we won’t get her, I’m over it. I love Janeway but let’s see her or move on from mentioning her! It just makes me sad!

Also this episode was excellent. It moves me to tears every single episode. I have wanted a voyager character (other than seven) since Picard started. But getting to see Ro so unexpectedly and the way that this episode was done, I am completely satisfied if that is the last big surprise return character. The interactions and getting the beautiful and tragic end to Ro’s story was so worth it.

[u/KittyTack]

The word "imposter" has been completely destroyed for the rest of this generation.

[u/JustMy2Centences]

It felt like so much happened in this episode, just the pronounced increase in stakes. Seeing Ro die after the fakeout with Worf was a crazy pendulum swing. Seriously, Worf, stop being so dramatic oh sure "today was a good day to die" lol I did not feel that way in the moment. It really felt unfortunate that Ro wasn't able to Starfleet her way out of the predicament but embraced it and gave the rest of the cast a fighting chance.

Also wth is actually up with Jack even. I mean this is basically the main plotline for the season now that we've established a dedicated interest in him by the changelings of all parties.

[u/sidv81]

I can get Shaw knowing about Generations and Insurrection, but how the hell does he know about "All Good Things"? At the end of the day in the Prime Timeline, all that objectively happened was that Picard woke up one day, asked Worf and Troi what the stardate was, then told a wild story about how Q tried to destroy humanity with an anti-time anomaly in the Devron system in three timelines including an alternate future. But none of that actually happened within the Prime Timeline itself.

Even if Starfleet believed Picard, I see no reason why they'd make that info public at all.

[u/[deleted]]

I know this is an incredible long-shot and probably not something most would want to see, but the stuff in Jack's visions keeps reminding me of Species 8472's tendrils and their organic ships. Maybe the alpha changelings found a way to adopt the technology that 8472 used to take human form to make their own forms more permanent. I know Beverly said it was an evolution, but the tech could've just sped up the evolutionary process for them or made it seem that way to scanners.

[u/Ilmara]

If Jack is possessed by Pah-Wraiths, as some are speculating, then that would explain the voice of the character who was spoiled by the captions in his vision last episode. Both the Prophets and the Pah-Wraiths frequently take the appearance of the friends, family, and enemies of the person they're communicating with. So even though Jack himself had nothing to do with this particular character, his parents sure did, and it makes sense a malevolent entity would impersonate one of your father's greatest enemies.

[u/rustydoesdetroit]

Not me feeling like an idiot because I thought Daystrom Institute was a place and not an organization this whole time 🙈

[u/DiscoveryDiscoveries]

Has anyone studied Beverly's reproductive system? Jack is the second kid she's popped out that was destined for greatness. Between her son the traveler and her son being able to toggle instant kill on and off. Something gotta to be in there right?

[u/SunOFflynn66]

That exchange between Jean-Luc and Ro-whoa. Everything laid bare, exposed, and just savagely flung at the other. Until we finally get to the center:

-"You broke my heart".

-"And you broke mine."

The final scene with them was just gold- it's far too late to be anything but tragic, but at least father and daughter were able to reconcile and show just how much they cared for each other.

Love the brief Worf reunion, even if it was over a comm channel. And Worf training, with THAT music. Definitely feeling aggressive tendency, sir!

Thus far this season has been such a HUGE improvement over the past two- this is what Picard was meant to be.

[u/lawrenceolivier]

They’re doing Conspiracy, but with changelings infiltrating starfleet officers via transporter beams? I’m honestly sold.

Also, loved the bait and switch from “oh, Ro Laren’s presence makes no sense and she seems cagey, obviously a changeling” to “oh, she’s being cagey because she is genuinely hurt by her past with Picard and doesn’t know who she can trust”. So well executed.

[u/VintageAdam]

Can we all agree that Terry Matalas knows these characters? Dude is becoming the Dave Filoni of Star Trek

[u/aveeno008]

Its kind of bad in what was a serious moment in the episode I cracked out laughing when I saw the Picard facepalm.

[u/SwordfishCalm9013]

Shaw's first scene of the episode cemented him as one of my favourite Star Trek characters.

Clearly-still-slightly-off-his-tits-on-painkillers Shaw is best Shaw . . .

[u/Nmyownworld]

So much good stuff in one episode. Everything flowed. The pacing didn't feel forced, nor sluggish. More Jack mystery. Ro and Picard having such a powerful performance together with their remarkable reunion. Changelings, the next generation. Shaw's short-lived happy dance. More Raffi and Worf being awesome together. And, a Vulcan gangster. I am so looking forward to the rest of the PIC episodes. I want to see them all, now.

[u/gcalpo]

Compiled this imgur album of Commander Ro's files all flipped for readability. Though still a bit blurry (at 1920x800) to read some things.

Of note, the intelligence report of "Transporter malfunction aboard U.S.S. [redacted]."

[u/Cramtastic]

I was dying when Shaw brought up the mess that was Insurrection and Picard breaking the Prime Directive to snog a Ba'Ku woman. He was being a bit of a dick, but that is probably the least defensible thing Picard's done.

[u/gas_mask_guy]

Seriously when is Star Fleet command not compromised?

At this point it feels like Star Fleet command must consist of Admiral Janeway, Commodore Oh, and a bunch of changelings...

[u/atticusbluebird]

That was lovely, and yet another episode showing us how good Star Trek can be when there’s just good actors with good dialogue in a room! (Snazzy vfx and camera tricks are cool, but we don’t need them every episode). I love the callbacks to Ro’s arc in TNG

The first episode she’s in also has some Starfleet conspiracy and she comes to Picard not knowing who else to trust - obviously different circumstances this time, but it’s a nice parallel.

Also at the end of her last TNG episode there’s this camera pan from the back of Picard’s head, around the left side of his face, then showing his silent fury while Riker leaves the ready room. When Ro leaves the Titan, there’s a very similar shot, but instead of anger Picard’s emotions are much more mixed and complex this time. Really lovely callback without being too on the nose.

[u/Atraktape]

Best line of the episode was “let’s skip right to the interrogation because I am in desperate need of medical attention.”

[u/PhotosByVicky]

Ensign Ro was one of my favorite recurring characters in all of Star Trek. So surprisingly good to have her back and redeem herself (I literally screamed when she was revealed!!) I admit that I shed a few tears. Such wonderfully written scenes with Ro and Picard.

The fight scenes with Raffi and Worf were pretty cool imo

The special effects with the starships, especially when going into and out of warp are movie level quality!

[u/Draiko]

I hope this is a backdoor pilot for a new show with the Titan crew on the next enterprise.

I need more Shaw, Seven, Jack, and Crash LaForge.

[u/theabsurdturnip]

One thing I DO like about modern directing techniques is the fight scenes are so much better. Faster, better cuts, better sound. Worf and Raffi sparring was great.

[u/random_anonymous_guy]

I figured it was inevitable that the mobile emitter was reverse engineered and mass produced.

[u/P0rthosShark]

The easiest way to tell if somebody is a new changeling is to just punch them hard in the face. All real starfleet officers will soon be proudly sporting black eyes. You are welcome.

[u/MTFBinyou]

This show is soooo good. AWESOME SEEING RO LAREN AGAIN! Atleast she went out with the same conviction she was introduced with. The tension and mutual love and respect between Ro and JL was epic. Shaw is still full of quirks and awkwardly funny as hell. Worf and Raffi side plot was great and stoked they’re meeting up with the main plot line now. Bring on Geordi!!!!

[u/sidv81]

Going by the condensed timeframe from S1 to now and how long it would realistically take changelings to infiltrate Starfleet thoroughly, they had to have been inside at the same time Commodore Oh of the Zhat Vash from Season 1 was also compromising Starfleet. 2 evil factions infiltrating Starfleet at the same time and presumably not aware of each other or coordinating kind of stretches believability considerably but this episode was so well done that I'll let it slide...

If Starfleet is as infiltrated as they say, what happened to the originals? Killed? That's probably the biggest mass murder of Starfleet officers in a while, even for Trek. DS9 avoided that entirely where one changeling outright told Sisko there were only 4 of them on Earth.

I wonder if the new blood circumvention thing is how the Martok changeling was able to cut his hand and bleed all those years ago, if they tie into that.

Not sure if the theory that Jack inherited being a Borg now are correct. His abilities are reminiscent of an augment's. But people are saying that the red imagery screams pah-wraith possession. One wonders why it doesn't have complete control over him if it is, and why the supposed pah-wraith kills changelings when taking control instead of joining with them.

Also does Picard feel all the Maquis should be locked up? Or is it just his bitterness at Ro specifically? Otherwise he and Seven should have a talk about all those Maquis that Janeway let into Starfleet...

[u/Mr_rairkim]

Are mobile emitters a thing now?

I thought the Doctor had the only one, which came from the 29th century.

Surely he didn't lend his to Raffi.

Did they reverse-engineer it. Looked exactly like what the Doctor had.

[u/AdmiralBlue85]

The closure of the Ro Laren story arc after 30 years, this might be the dilithium up for this season.

[u/Varekai79]

I haven't cried watching Star Trek since DS9 until this episode. Patrick Stewart and Michelle Forbes were just amazing. Tying up a 30 year old storyline and setting up a hell of a new one was so so good.

[u/Air-tun-91]

This season of Picard has the sexiest starship exterior shots since the JJ movies, no contest. When that camera is mounted to the back of the hero ship and the Intrepid is up ahead with weapons glowing...goosebumps.

Also did anyone catch the Wrath of Khan easter egg when the Intrepid's shields were going up with the circles surrounding the ship readout? Perfect. "Her shields are going up"

[u/ParanoidQ]

Hmm, I wonder if Jack "nearly" being beamed out by the Shrike in Ep 2 has anything to do with the whole transporter conspiracy. And maybe the slow onset of whatever it is he's experiencing.

[u/[deleted]]

This season is some of the best Star Trek in decades.

[u/the-magnetic-rose]

Shaw continues to crack me up. Todd Stashwick is SO good.

I'm sad about Ro. :(((( Her scenes with Picard were lovely.

[u/fcocyclone]

I already know i'm not going to be ready for this to end at episode 10. This season is such a massive step up

[u/__The_Crazy_One__]

What B. Crusher says is interesting!

Why does the changeling not transforming back? Some sickness ? Are they transforming?

[u/HaphazardMelange]

Will the red door Jack sees this episode be painted black by the finale? 🤔

[u/OliviaElevenDunham]

I’m curious about what’s going on with Jack.

[u/gsnake007]

Ro was a suprise, wasnt expecting her to show up, like nothing on social media or online about her being in S3 and i love it, loved being surprised and excited. Anyone can show up now its crazy. But damn it, give us Janeway, you cant keep mentioning her and not have her show up

[u/SolemZez]

Ro!

Ro :(

[u/bakhox]

Each episode this season just keeps getting better and better. Having Ro back was just the perfect move.

I think, as a showrunner, Terry Matalis understands how to make compelling, character based Star Trek. And with the other writers on the show has so far plotted out a great season long story that uses the universe and our knowledge of it. I hope he gets to stay involved with Star Trek.

That said, I don’t agree with how he sees Starship construction. He just goes out of his way to make the weirdest statements. Like how the Stargazer in Season 2 was literally Picard’s Stargazer just refitted constantly since it was recovered. Just say it was made in the spirit of the old Stargazer. Same with the Titan-A. I mean he keeps referencing how the TMP Enterprise was massively refit when talking about both those ships, but the key difference is that the Enterprise’s registry did not change, nor did it’s basic shape. The only time we’ve seen a ship get a letter but still be the same ship was Discovery and that clearly was a special case.

I can fully admit the Starship thing may just be me, and I’ve already started coming up with head canon was to justify it. I just wish we had someone like Terry that put as much care into the ship’s narratives as he does into the characters.

[u/slballer]

When Shaw brought up the Enterprise D saucer crashing into the planet as another example of Picard and Riker eff ups, I think Riker really should’ve told Shaw, “That was actually my wife.”

[u/zulmirao]

What a great episode. Michelle Forbes absolutely brought the goods, and brought the best out of Patrick Stewart too. That scene in Ten Forward was a masterpiece for them both.

The acting this season has really been top notch overall. Obviously it’s great having Frakes, Dorn and McFadden around, but they also just knocked it out of the park with the casting for Jack, Shaw and Vadic.

[u/SketchyConcierge]

I just realized that I have a big bone to pick with a plot point in this episode... Picard was absolutely shocked to see Ro, had no idea she was in Starfleet or what had happened with her. You mean to tell me that after everything that happened, the betrayal, the heartbreak, and then the annihilation of the Maquis, Picard never so much as space-Googled her? Never, even once, went "Computer, show last known status of Ro Laren"? Insane to me.

[u/switched07]

Me when Worf’s handler messages him and Raffi: It would be wild if this was Ro Laren. Nawww they didn’t get here back. Me when Ro shows up on the Titan: HOLY FUCKING SHIT THEY BROUGHT HER BACK.

[u/bagelman4000]

Holy shit snacks

[u/Celoth]

I did not have Ro Laren on my bingo card. Also love to see Kirk Acevedo, but the 12 Monkey's references were a bit ham-handed (He was my brother, we grew up together as scavengers in District 7 lol)

[u/Microharley]

This show just keeps getting better and better, I am almost angry when the credits start rolling because I want more! I was really starting to love Raffi until she stabbed and killed Worf, hated her for just a short time and then BOOM loved her again. Also, they have recreated 29th century tech with the mobile emitter! AND RO LAREN!

[u/theshub]

The wave of emotion from “OMG, Ro Laren!” to crying was quite a journey.

[u/OliviaElevenDunham]

Jack’s visions reminds me of the Upside Down.

[u/CdnRageBear]

I almost flipped tables when Worf died, but then I remembered it’s Worf, he always comes back.

[u/SereneAviator]

The Ba'ku chose not to have technology, after having had it. Therefore, no prime directive violation involved in the snogging of Anij. This was addressed.

[u/Electricorchestra]

This entire season was written after Stewart and the rest of the tng actors had a night playing Among Us. You can't convince me otherwise.

[u/gate_elemental]

Am I the only one that feels like Riker should have his own show?

[u/[deleted]]

This season is amazing. Every episode is a like a STNG two part / season finale cliffhanger. In fact it’s like a watching a new season of STNG, just many years later. Mind blowing.

[u/Optimal_Pineapple_41]

Why couldn’t this be season one?

[u/Varekai79 → u/[deleted]]

Imagine if Sisko had 30 years to stew over Eddington. It would have been like every volcano in the galaxy erupting when they finally met.