Star Trek: Picard

10 Best Episodes of Star Trek: Picard

Star Trek: Picard is an American web television series created for Paramount+ and first aired on 23 January 2020. It follows the adventures of the now-retired Admiral Jean-Luc Picard in the next chapter of his life, set twenty years after the events of Star Trek Nemesis. The series has been a big hit, with four seasons and counting. If you're looking for the best episodes of Star Trek: Picard, you've come to the right place. Here we've ranked the best episodes, so you can put together a great binge-watching list. Whether you're a long-time fan of the series or just starting out, you'll find something to enjoy in our list of the best episodes of Star Trek: Picard.

We've taken into account a variety of factors when making our rankings, including the episode's impact on the overall story, the characters involved, and the lasting impression it made on viewers. Every episode is special in its own way, but these are the ones that stand out. From the show's debut episode to the latest season, these are the best episodes of Star Trek: Picard.

So, settle in and prepare for a journey through time and space. These are the best episodes of Star Trek: Picard, the series that's brought the beloved character of Jean-Luc Picard back to life. Let's explore the universe and rank the top episodes of the show.

Written by Sophie and last updated on may 04, 2023.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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Star Trek: Picard - S1E9

#15 - Et in Arcadia Ego (1) (Season 1 - Episode 9)

In the episode Et in Arcadia Ego (1) of Star Trek: Picard, the crew of the La Sirena arrive on the planet Coppelius, home of Soji, only to find that their arrival brings even more danger. It is a thrilling episode that is filled with references to the Star Trek franchise, from the giant flowers in space to the rocky setting of the android compound. The emotional scene between Picard and Raffi is particularly touching and shows the evolution of Picard's character from his time on The Next Generation.

The surprise appearance of Brent Spiner as another Soong relative brings a feeling of contrivance, yet is still welcomed by the audience. The crew of the La Sirena are endearing and viewers are left wanting more of them. This episode is setting up a strong ending for the show and it leaves viewers with a sense of anticipation for what is to come.

The episode was rated 7.83 from 3103 votes.

Star Trek: Picard - S1E7

#14 - Nepenthe (Season 1 - Episode 7)

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The latest episode of Star Trek: Picard, entitled "Nepenthe", saw Picard and Soji transport to the planet Nepenthe, home to some old and trusted friends. As the rest of the La Sirena crew attempt to join them, Picard helps Soji make sense of her recently unlocked memories. Meanwhile, Hugh and Elnor are left on the Borg cube and must face an angered Narissa.

This episode was widely praised, with many viewers noting the return of Jonathan Frakes as Will Riker and the fantastic dialogue, decor and acting from the family on Nepenthe. Some viewers were less impressed with the plot involving the two Romulans, but overall this episode was the best of the series so far. With the suggestion of spin-off series involving characters such as Laris, Seven and the Fenris Rangers, Elnor the Space Elf and Kestra, the future of the Star Trek universe looks to be in good hands.

The episode was rated 7.93 from 3199 votes.

Star Trek: Picard - S1E6

#13 - The Impossible Box (Season 1 - Episode 6)

In the episode "The Impossible Box" of the show Star Trek: Picard, the crew track Soji to the Borg cube in Romulan space, bringing up haunting memories for Picard. Meanwhile, Narek believes he has found a way to safely exploit Soji for information. Patrick Stewart's performance is on point in this episode, with Picard's emotions ranging from anger to PTSD to genuine happiness. His face lining up with the classic image of Locutus is one of the most arresting shots ever done in Star Trek. The crew of the La Sirena, including Raffi and Elnor, are also well developed and their moments together feel genuine. Agnes is a mystery, but her own emotional turmoil is played well and viewers can expect more to be revealed. The episode also includes a surprise glimpse of the Borg Queen and a reference to the Voyager episode "Prime Factors."

The scenes with Narek and his sister continue to be repetitive, but the Romulan meditation exploring the dream is reminiscent of classic Trek. Narek's pain at [spoiler]leaving Soji to die[/spoiler] is a step up for his character development. Picard's first impression on Soji is strong, and his "please, my friends, choose to live" is an unforgettable quote. The secret Borg room also adds to the Sci-Fi/technology and action of the episode. It is clear that Picard has not yet recovered from his trauma with the Borg, but his strides in overcoming it are evident. The episode is full of emotion and well-crafted backstory, making it one of the most memorable of the show.

The episode was rated 7.94 from 3288 votes.

Star Trek: Picard - S3E7

#12 - Dominion (Season 3 - Episode 7)

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Crippled, cornered, and out of options, Picard stages a gambit to trap Vadic and reveal her true motive – a gamble that puts the Titan in the crosshairs and forces Picard and Beverly to question every moral code they’ve ever held.

The episode was rated 7.94 from 1102 votes.

Star Trek: Picard - S3E3

#11 - Seventeen Seconds (Season 3 - Episode 3)

The seventeenth episode of Star Trek: Picard, "Seventeen Seconds" sees Picard and the crew of the Titan facing off against Vadic in an intense game of nautical cat and mouse. During this, Raffi and Worf uncover a sinister plot from a vengeful enemy Starfleet had forgotten. The episode was well-received by viewers, with some particularly appreciative of Warf's new angle and Picard's look at Beverly.

The viewers also noted the interesting dynamic between Riker and Picard, speculating that Riker may have been replaced with a Founder. Additionally, the episode's space warping weapon was praised and some viewers looking forward to the introduction of more DS9 baddies. Finally, the mysterious alien lifeforms in the nebula also left viewers speculating.

The episode was rated 7.95 from 1264 votes.

Star Trek: Picard - S3E1

#10 - The Next Generation (Season 3 - Episode 1)

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In the latest episode of Star Trek: Picard, Admiral Jean-Luc Picard and his crew are faced with a mysterious distress call from Dr. Beverly Crusher. To answer the call, Picard must enlist help from both old and new generations of Starfleet. As Picard and his crew embark on this daring mission, they will face an adventure that will change Starfleet and his old crew forever.

This episode provides a strong start to Season 1, and fans of the franchise who have been eagerly awaiting the return of Star Trek Riker are thrilled to see the familiar faces they know and love. Those who have seen this episode are touched by the iconic scene in which Picard plays his Ressikan Flute, and it has sparked an emotional reaction from viewers everywhere.

The episode was rated 7.96 from 1443 votes.

Star Trek: Picard - S1E8

#9 - Broken Pieces (Season 1 - Episode 8)

The episode "Broken Pieces" of Star Trek: Picard was filled with suspense and unexpected turns. One of the most unforgettable moments of the episode came when Seven of Nine uttered the words "We are Borg" which gave viewers goosebumps. Despite some reviews that the pacing was slow, many viewers found the episode quite effective in creating tension and intrigue. Elnor's summoning of the Fenris Rangers and Seven of Nine's return was also a welcome surprise. It is also interesting to learn that Narissa's mother is behind the breaking of the Borg cube. Moreover, the warning about the Destroyers seemed quite improbable at first, but became more intriguing as the episode progressed. The episode also features some memorable quotes from Picard, such as "Fear is the great destroyer". The return of the Borg also made for a thrilling scene, even though it was brief.

The episode also features some interesting character development. Raffi proves to be quite productive while sober. Rios is also seen to be slowly healing from his brokenness. Agnes, on the other hand, is still very broken and likely won't get better any time soon. Soji's entrance during the discussion between Picard and Agnes was also well-timed. The conversation between Agnes and Soji was also quite revealing. Lastly, the mention of "somebody really bad" in the discussion about The Destroyers hints at a greater force in the universe, rather than synthetic life forms.

The episode was rated 7.96 from 3163 votes.

Star Trek: Picard - S3E8

#8 - Surrender (Season 3 - Episode 8)

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Vadic forces Picard to make an impossible choice: deliver what he can never give... or watch his crew perish. Their only salvation lies in the mind of an old friend and old foe.

The episode was rated 8.05 from 1011 votes.

Star Trek: Picard - S3E4

#7 - No Win Scenario (Season 3 - Episode 4)

With time running out, Picard, Riker and crew must confront the sins of their past and heal fresh wounds, while the Titan, dead in the water, drifts helplessly toward certain destruction within a mysterious space anomaly.

The episode was rated 8.06 from 1270 votes.

Star Trek: Picard - S1E1

#6 - Remembrance (Season 1 - Episode 1)

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Remembrance, the first episode of the show Star Trek: Picard, opened up to much lower expectations than what it delivered. The story was compelling, and it followed closely to the Star Trek canon. It was the perfect setting to open up a brand new chapter in the world of Star Trek. This episode was aptly titled Remembrance, setting the stage for great stories to come. The tech and places were very cool, and if the show can keep up the enthusiasm and energy, we are in for one amazing show.

The one worry I have is with Patrick Stewart and his health. He is an amazing actor that is driving the story and the show's existence revolves around him. He is one of the legends of the Star Trek world and the show is relying heavily on past relationships to build relevance. It remains to be seen if this will work, and if the new actors will be able to find their chemistry.

Nevertheless, I am going to continue following this show. There is a lot of potential here, and I am going to take it for what it is. All I can say is that I, and many others, are excited to see what the journey of Jean-Luc Picard holds in store for us.

The episode was rated 8.07 from 4509 votes.

Star Trek: Picard - S3E6

#5 - The Bounty (Season 3 - Episode 6)

Now on the run, Picard and the skeleton crew of the USS Titan must break into Starfleet's most top-secret facility to expose a plot that could destroy the Federation. Picard must turn to the only soul in the galaxy who can help: an old friend.

The episode was rated 8.09 from 1196 votes.

Star Trek: Picard - S1E10

#4 - Et in Arcadia Ego (2) (Season 1 - Episode 10)

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The season finale of Star Trek: Picard, Et in Arcadia Ego (2), saw a final confrontation on the synthetics' homeworld, Coppelius, between Picard and his team and the Romulans, as well as the synths who sought to protect their existence. This episode was very emotionally charged, with many viewers expressing how moved they were by the show. There was also much nostalgia for the original series as well as admiration for Sir Patrick Stewart's performance.

The season finale managed to fulfil the themes established in the title sequence of the first episode. Picard, a broken man, needed to find closure, form a new family, and find purpose. The show managed to do this while also introducing a fantastic ensemble cast that viewers have come to love and appreciate. While the character of Commodore Oh was a bit over the top, it did not take away from the emotional power of the episode.

The episode was rated 8.10 from 3199 votes.

Star Trek: Picard - S3E5

#3 - Imposters (Season 3 - Episode 5)

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.

The episode was rated 8.13 from 1217 votes.

Star Trek: Picard - S3E10

#2 - The Last Generation (Season 3 - Episode 10)

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In a desperate last stand, Jean-Luc Picard and generations of crews both old and new fight together to save the galaxy from the greatest threat they’ve ever faced as the saga of Star Trek: The Next Generation comes to a thrilling, epic conclusion.

The episode was rated 8.13 from 15 votes.

Star Trek: Picard - S3E9

#1 - Võx (Season 3 - Episode 9)

A devastating revelation about Jack alters the course of Picard’s life forever – and uncovers a truth that threatens every soul in the Federation. The final battle begins as Picard and his crew race to save the galaxy from annihilation – but not without a gut-wrenching cost.

The episode was rated 8.36 from 934 votes.

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