The 10 best new television shows of 2020
By Shaun Stacy
Star Trek: Picard
Platform: CBS All Access
Cast: Patrick Stewart, Alison Pill, Isa Briones, Michelle Hurd, Santiago Cabrera, Jeri Ryan
Picking up some twenty years after the events of 2002’s Star Trek: Nemesis, the series finds Jean-Luc Picard deeply affected by the death of Data in the film, as well as the complete destruction of the planet Romulus in 2009’s Star Trek. Now retired from Starfleet, Picard finds himself on a new adventure that will bring him back to the depths of outer space and reunite with a few old friends along the way.
The series is definitely more character-driven than what Star Trek audiences are used to, but Picard makes it work by introducing new characters to the Star Trek universe, building on the franchise’s mythology, and giving us updates on what some fan favorite characters have been up to.
Nostalgia, when utilized properly, is a powerful thing in Hollywood. Stewart’s nuanced portrayal as Picard is still as convincing and comforting as it was back at the beginning of Star Trek: The Next Generation in 1987. The show touches on themes of identity, sovereignty, sacrifice, and hope in the face of overwhelming odds. Franchise stars Jonathan Frakes, Marina Sirtis, and Jeri Ryan all reprise their roles as William Riker, Deanna Troi, and Seven of Nine, respectively. New crew members include former Starfleet officers Agnes Jurati (Pill), Rafaella Musiker (Hurd), and Cristobal Rios (Cabrera). Star Trek: Picard has already been renewed for a second season, with production starting in January 2020. Michael Dorn (Worf) and Whoppi Goldberg (Guinan) are reportedly in negotiations to return to the franchise as well.