Picard attempts to acquire a warp capable ship in order to find Bruce Maddox.
This is another solid episode that continues to lay groundwork for what is to come.
The story continues to reflect on Picard's departure from Starfleet under a cloud and also develops more intrigue into the mystery surrounding the synthetic life forms and the Romulans. Aside from the rather obviously exposition heavy dialogue I personally enjoyed all the world building that it does, as there is quite a lot to catch up on since the last TNG movie. However, I was definitely relieved by how it ended as a sign that the overarching narrative is about to move on.
It continues the themes introduced in the first two episodes with xenophobia and fear being mentioned explicitly in some of the dialogue. Some of this may not be in line with the Roddenberry vision of the future, but given the way the world is currently, it is far more relevant to be tackling these issues than just presenting a vision of the future based in one man's fantasy.
Production values remain excellent with great visuals and effects.
Patrick Stewart leads the show strongly and the supporting actors, while not as effortlessly charismatic as Stewart, give solid performances.
For me it's a 7.5/10, but I round upwards.
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