I'm not a fan of Discovery but had reservations about Picard. I needn't have worried. It has attained a far higher standard and is much more like the Trek that I know and love.
The first episode was excellent with a mesmerizing performance by Stewart particularly in the scenes involving Data.
The 2nd episode whilst very good, wasn't as impactful. Stewart was still utterly immense and stole any scene he was in. The strongest scenes in the episode were with Dr. Benayoun, Laris, Zhaban and Clancy. The callback to All Good Things with Dr. Benayoun was particularly good. Despite Stewart's stellar performance, the guests in those scenes all put in great performances though.
As a negative, I felt the narrative was a bit choppy and some of the dialogue was a bit stilted.
Nevertheless, still a strong effort with some amazing special effects work. It's really obvious how far things have come. Earthcentric episodes in TNG consisted of matte shots and set work. Earth in the late 24th century feels far more real and immersive now.
The first episode was excellent with a mesmerizing performance by Stewart particularly in the scenes involving Data.
The 2nd episode whilst very good, wasn't as impactful. Stewart was still utterly immense and stole any scene he was in. The strongest scenes in the episode were with Dr. Benayoun, Laris, Zhaban and Clancy. The callback to All Good Things with Dr. Benayoun was particularly good. Despite Stewart's stellar performance, the guests in those scenes all put in great performances though.
As a negative, I felt the narrative was a bit choppy and some of the dialogue was a bit stilted.
Nevertheless, still a strong effort with some amazing special effects work. It's really obvious how far things have come. Earthcentric episodes in TNG consisted of matte shots and set work. Earth in the late 24th century feels far more real and immersive now.