The 7 Best Episodes Of Star Trek: Picard, Ranked

After almost twenty years away from Starfleet, Sir Patrick Stewart returned to the role he’s most famous for: Captain Jean-Luc Picard, the surprisingly British Frenchman. For many fans, this role truly defined Stewart’s career. Over seven seasons of The Next Generation, he brought a sense of dignity and quiet power to Picard, making him one of the most beloved captains in the Star Trek universe. When Star Trek: Picard was announced, fans were thrilled to have one last adventure with such an iconic character. The new series aimed to explore Picard’s lasting impact and give him and the original Next Generation crew a fitting farewell.

The show had a rocky start, with some fans finding the early storylines too complicated. However, over its three seasons, it ultimately reshaped how we view Jean-Luc Picard’s story. By bringing back the beloved crew from The Next Generation and venturing into new areas of the Star Trek universe, the series managed a satisfying conclusion. The third season was an emotional and exciting send-off, reminding viewers why Star Trek remains popular and giving Picard and his crew the ending they deserved—a truly moving finale.

Here’s a ranking of the seven best episodes of Star Trek: Picard, featuring everything from emotional character moments to thrilling space battles.

7. “Nepenthe” (Season 1, Episode 7)

The first season of Picard surprised many fans. Some viewers were initially disappointed to see the usually calm and thoughtful Picard depicted as weary and disheartened. However, the season showed him rediscovering his purpose, proving that Star Trek can be most compelling when it focuses on quieter, more personal stories. A standout episode, Season 1’s “Nepenthe,” slowed the pace to bring Jean-Luc Picard together with Will Riker and Deanna Troi, who are enjoying retirement on the peaceful planet Nepenthe with their daughter, Kestra. It’s a heartfelt and relatable episode where Picard seeks comfort with old friends while protecting Soji, a synthetic being considered Data’s “daughter,” from dangerous Romulan assassins who oppose synthetic life.

Watching Riker and Troi enjoy their family life provides a heartwarming contrast to Picard’s isolation, and their encouragement helps him regain a sense of direction. The story also delivers plenty of exciting Starfleet action when Riker requests backup, bringing in a fleet to rescue Picard, Soji, and all of Data’s synthetic children. It’s a good reminder that the true strength of Starfleet has always been its crew.

6. “Seventeen Seconds” (Season 3, Episode 3)

This week’s episode was a powerful and emotional rollercoaster. Picard was stunned to learn that Jack Crusher is his son, a secret Beverly had kept for years. While escaping the dangerous Vadic and her crew aboard The Shrike, the crew of the Titan-A struggled to survive, with Picard determined to protect both them and Jack. The episode’s most painful moment came when Picard and Riker, after a brief reconciliation where Picard took on the role of Riker’s second-in-command, had a devastating fight after the ship sustained critical damage, ending with Riker forcibly removing Picard from the bridge. It was a welcome departure from the often optimistic and harmonious family dynamics typically seen in Star Trek.

The episode’s title refers to a harrowing turbolift ride Commander Riker once experienced – a frantic seventeen-second journey to sickbay when his son, Thaddeus, was born unexpectedly. This memory becomes disturbingly relevant when Jack’s life is threatened by a Changeling who has taken on someone’s form. With excellent timing and powerful acting, “Seventeen Seconds” gets to the emotional core of the series.

5. “Imposters” (Season 3, Episode 5)

The episode “Imposters” was both heartwarming and deeply unsettling. Worf and Raffi secretly investigated a dangerous plot against Starfleet and discovered that a new type of Changeling was secretly infiltrating the organization. At the same time, Picard and Riker, accused of treason for taking the USS Titan-A, unexpectedly ran into Ro Laren – a former member of Picard’s crew who had betrayed him years ago by joining the Maquis. Surprisingly, they learned that Ro had been working undercover for a long time, also trying to expose the same conspiracy.

This episode gave Picard the opportunity to move past the hurt caused by her betrayal, and their meeting – marked by both regret and forgiveness – is a standout performance from Patrick Stewart. Ro’s ultimate sacrifice, when her shuttle is destroyed, is particularly impactful, finally giving her character the meaningful ending she deserved after her time on The Next Generation.

4. “The Bounty” (Season 3, Episode 6)

It’s easy to overdo fan service – constantly referencing the past can actually hurt a new show or movie. By the third season of Picard, some viewers felt the show was relying too much on fans’ existing fondness for the original series. However, the episode “The Bounty” is a great example of how to do it well. The episode takes the crew of the Titan to the Fleet Museum, first seen in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock. Geordi La Forge now works there as curator, overseeing a collection of famous Starfleet ships – including the HMS Bounty, a Klingon Bird of Prey stolen in Star Trek IV.

In an exciting episode, Jack Crusher, Sidney La Forge, and Alandra La Forge attempt a daring theft – they try to steal the cloaking device from the Titan. Meanwhile, Riker, Worf, and Raffi stumble upon an incredible find: a new body containing both Data and his dangerous twin brother, Lore. “The Bounty” is a fast-paced adventure that combines thrilling action with the spirit of classic Star Trek, feeling like a tribute to the show’s rich history.

3. “No Win Scenario” (Season 3, Episode 4)

The episode “No Win Scenario” truly embodies the heart of Star Trek. When the Titan is marooned by the Shrike – initially believing they’re in a nebula, but discovering it’s actually the birthing place of an alien creature – the crew finds themselves in a seemingly hopeless situation. Facing overwhelming odds and a ticking clock, they rely on teamwork and clever technical solutions to escape, ultimately succeeding through classic Star Trek ingenuity.

This episode truly captures the spirit of classic Star Trek. The discovery that the nebula is a place where new life is born – watching these ‘space babies’ venture into the cosmos – evokes that familiar feeling of awe the show is known for. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, Starfleet’s crew never gives up on finding new life and fresh starts, and it’s comforting to know we can always count on them.

2. “Võx” (Season 3, Episode 9)

The second-to-last episode of Picard finally reveals the shocking truth behind the season’s central mystery: the Borg have returned and have been secretly plotting to take over Starfleet. The episode connects the Changelings’ scheme and Jack’s unique abilities, creating a frightening and deeply personal discovery for Picard. It turns out that the neurological condition Picard was diagnosed with at the end of The Next Generation – Irumodic Syndrome – wasn’t what doctors thought. Instead, it’s a result of genetic changes made by the Borg when they assimilated him, changes that were then passed down to Jack.

The Changelings are secretly altering the DNA of promising young Starfleet officers, preparing them for immediate assimilation when Jack gives the order. However, a highlight for many viewers was seeing Geordi finally reveal the fully restored USS Enterprise-D, a project he’d dedicated years to. The moment the familiar crew returned to the bridge was deeply moving – a truly emotional scene and a powerful setup for the series’ final chapter.

1. “The Last Generation” (Season 3, Episode 10)

While “All Good Things…” offered a fantastic finale for The Next Generation, “The Last Generation” beautifully honored the show’s history and gave Picard a fitting farewell. The Enterprise-D embarks on one last adventure – a massive battle with the Borg, as any great finale should have! It’s hard to imagine a more satisfying conclusion than seeing the Enterprise-D destroy a huge Borg cube by flying straight through it!

The show features some incredible moments. Seven of Nine steps up as a brilliant captain, successfully retaking the ship from the Borg without any violence, and bringing the crew back together. Picard’s decision to stay with his dying son, Jack, even if it means risking his own life, perfectly captures the heart of Star Trek: kindness, selflessness, and the importance of family. Luckily, the series doesn’t end in sadness, but with a strong feeling of optimism as the crew, predictably, arrives just in time to save everyone. This is the send-off this beloved crew – and their fans – always wanted.

Star Trek: Picard is streaming now on Paramount+.

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2025-10-29 20:16