The Artificial Tango: A Star Trek Picard Podcast

“The Last Generation“ Everything old is new again as the story that began 35 years ago concludes with one final adventure for some but the start of a new one for others. In this episode of The Artificial Tango, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing conclude our week-by-week examination of Star Trek: Picard Season 3 with Part 10, “The Last Generation.” We discuss the paths the characters followed, how the story was resolved, why the writing goes well beyond nostalgia, the potential of a spinoff series, ships named Enterprise, and why everything comes back to ALF. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) How Do You Feel? (00:02:56) Storytelling Success (00:09:04) Not Simply Nostalgia (00:15:53) Jack's Path (00:18:27) Looking for Connections (00:26:23) Q Tip (00:38:10) Spinning a Spinoff (00:42:31) Putting the Borg to Bed (00:44:54) Captain Seven (00:54:53) The Past Matters (01:01:38) Escaping the Cube (01:04:11) A New Enterprise (01:12:44) A Joyful Ending (01:16:42) Final Thoughts and Ratings (01:19:09) Closing (01:21:22) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer)

“Võx“ At long last, we learn what Jack is (although not without further delay) and, well, resistance is futlie. But fireworks in space are cool, right? In this episode of The Artificial Tango, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our week-by-week examination of Star Trek: Picard Season 3 with Part 9, “Võx.” We ignore the weird tilda to discuss the impending resolution of the story and look beyond the superficial fan complaints to embrace the real message of the story in true Star Trek fashion. We also recognize that the Enterprise-E's fate was not Worf's fault. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer)

“Surrender“ As the Titan crew plot to retake the ship, many storylines reach their apex while a big one continues to drag us so very slowly toward a terrifying red door. In this episode of The Artificial Tango, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our week-by-week examination of Star Trek: Picard Season 3 with Part 8, “Surrender.” We discuss how the TNG crew are finally brought back together, our evolving theories about Jack, a possible beer-drenched clue, and Worf’s love sonnet. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Little Story … about Will and Deanna (00:01:34) The Worf in the Room (00:12:25) Respecting the Audience (00:15:44) A Piece of Parietal Lobe (00:19:03) Pah-wraiths, Borg, and Armus (00:25:04) Jack in the Box (00:29:30) Arcanis Lager (00:36:39) Connect the Branches (00:40:39) Things Past (00:50:28) Shaw and Seven (00:52:02) Data and Lore (01:00:30) Bye, Bye Vadic (01:08:40) Together Again (01:11:48) Final Thoughts and Ratings (01:13:06) Closing (01:17:41) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer)

Dominion. A visit to the Chin’toka system, one of the most pivotal battlefields of the Dominion War, helps shed light on some of the mysteries surrounding the Changelings, but raises even more questions about Jack and brings some of our heroes to rethink which lines should not be crossed. In this episode of The Artificial Tango, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our week-by-week examination of Star Trek: Picard Season 3 with Part 7, “Dominion.” We discuss plausible misdirections, the connection to Greek mythology, internal voices, and where the story may be going as we enter the home stretch. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) The Surprise Vulcan (00:01:19) More Cameos? (00:06:04) A Trail of Clues (00:13:27) Playing the Long Game (00:27:48) Project Proteus (00:25:45) Why No Transporters? (00:31:21) Picard Mystery Box (00:36:12) Time Has No Meaning (00:45:07) Crossing the Line (00:48:56) The Enemy Within (00:54:06) Two Sides to Everything (01:00:43) Inside Out (01:04:38) Many Ways to the Ocean (01:08:02) Final Thoughts and Ratings (01:13:19) Closing (01:18:30) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer)

“The Bounty“ As the plot—and goo—thickens, the Titan visits the Fleet Museum to meet an old friend while Worf, Raffi, and Riker burgle the very institution that is hunting them. The layover leaves ample time for nostalgia, Easter eggs, and a leisurely, but meaningful, walk down memory lane. In this episode of The Artificial Tango, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our week-by-week examination of Star Trek: Picard Season 3 with Part 6, “The Bounty.” We discuss the unexpected reactions and discoveries, the rich tapestry of Trek past, the prevelant themes of family and replacement, and the many attempts at misdirection. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) The Plot Thickens (00:01:11) Starship Cell Towers (00:06:06) Irumodic Herring (00:11:18) A Reluctant Geordi (00:27:48) What We Leave Behind (00:38:58) Chock-Full of Nostalgia (00:42:12) Data 3.0 (00:53:12) We’re the Replacements (00:59:33) Grease Monkey Hero Worship (01:04:05) Riker Captured (01:07:06) Final Thoughts and Ratings (01:13:27) Closing (01:16:45) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer)

“Imposters“ An unexpected visitor boards the Titan and reveals the extent of the threat facing the Federation. Meanwhile, Jack Crusher struggles with his continuing visions and comes to realize that there is something very wrong with him. Worf and Raffi fight logical crime. In this episode of The Artificial Tango, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our week-by-week examination of Star Trek: Picard Season 3 with Part 5, “Imposters.” We discuss the surprising appearance of an old friend, the evolving nature of the Changeling infiltration, how the core story relies heavily on Deep Space Nine, and share our theory for what is really happening with Jack. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Preemptive Strike (00:01:33) You Can't Act on Blind Faith (00:12:01) Just How Deep Does the Rabbit Hole Go? (00:17:39) Who Handles the Handlers? (00:21:31) Logical Crime (00:24:34) Advanced AI Cameos? (00:28:29) The Neverending Sacrifice (00:32:04) Changeling Continuity (00:36:16) The Pah-Wraiths' Anti-Emissary (00:42:21) A Heavy Reliance on DS9 (00:52:42) Shaw Gotta Be Shaw (00:57:13) Why So Dark? (01:04:14) Final Thoughts and Ratings (01:10:03) Closing (01:14:07) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer)

“No Win Scenario“ As the Titan sinks deeper into the gravity well, only the inginuity that comes with a full head of hair and a grease monkey from Chicago can save the crew the from a no win scenario. In this episode of The Artificial Tango, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our week-by-week examination of Star Trek: Picard Season 3 with Part 4, “No Win Scenario.” We discuss more parallels with the Original Series films, how the story turns death into a fighting chance to live, makes our heroes better versions of themselves, and ask just what is up with the Changelings and Vadic’s hand. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Picard, Jack, and the Hair (00:01:23) Redeeming Beverly (00:5:39) Strength in Simplicity (00:10:19) Earning the F-Bomb (00:14:06) Resurrecting Riker (00:18:29) Beverly Saves the Day (00:29:35) Shaw and Sisko (00:32:42) The Left Hand of Vadic (00:39:51) Jumpin’ Jack Flash … with Changelings! (00:45:09) It's Supposed to Be Fun (00:56:12) Big Ship, Four Rooms (00:58:11) Worf and Raffi, Interrupted (01:03:23) Final Thoughts and Ratings (01:08:24) Closing (01:10:57) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer)

“Seventeen Seconds“ Beverly and Jean-Luc come face to face as the reason for her 20-year absence is revealed. Meanwhile, a more relaxed warrior enters to help Raffi crack the case of the stolen Daystrom goods. In this episode of The Artificial Tango, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our week-by-week examination of Star Trek: Picard Season 3 with Part 3, “Seventeen Seconds.” We discuss Beverly's choice, Jean-Luc’s reaction, characters swapping places, the reveal of the enemy, and sip a cup of Celestial Seasonings Warriortime along the way. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Beverly’s Choice (00:01:15) Jean-Luc’s Reaction (00:13:14) Fear of Loss (00:24:34) Riker’s Transformation (00:31:23) Never Meet Your Legends (00:38:42) The Changing Face of Evil (00:44:16) Escape Plan: Connect the Branches (00:53:08) Celestial Seasonings Warriortime (00:57:41) De-aging Picard and Riker (01:05:28) Final Thoughts and Ratings (01:10:42) Closing (01:16:06) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer)

“Disengage“ The revelation that Beverly’s son, Jack, is wanted on many worlds—under many aliases—puts Jean-Luc Picard into a tough situation, one trumped only by the discovery that Jack is his son. To make matters more difficult, Jack’s pursuer, an unhinged woman named Vadic, arrives aboard the Shrike, a ship armed to the teeth with every sort of weapon known to Starfleet (and few that aren’t). It’s a dangerous situation that puts the Titan on the run. In this episode of The Artificial Tango, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our week-by-week examination of Star Trek: Picard Season 3 with Part 2, “Disengage.” We discuss whether Jack is indeed the offspring of Jean-Luc and Beverly, what that means and why Vadic wants him, Worf’s entrance, Raffi’s demons, a redemption arc for Shaw, and more. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Timey-Wimey Corrections! (00:02:03) The New Starfleet Uniforms (00:11:42) Full of Easter Eggs (00:10:53) The Son in the Room (00:15:06) Is Beverly a Lawbreaker? (00:24:27) Like Father Like Son? (00:30:11) Not Son’a Fast! (00:33:38) The Mysteries of Vadic (00:41:31) Raffi's Demons (00:46:52) What an Entrance, Worf! (00:53:17) Updating the Ferengi (00:57:47) Jeri Ryan Shines (00:59:44) Shaw’s Redemption (01:02:15) Closing (01:09:33) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer)

“The Next Generation“ After receiving a cryptic, urgent distress call from Doctor Beverly Crusher, Admiral Jean-Luc Picard enlists the help of Captain Riker and Seven—or rather Commander Annika Hansen—to attempt a daring rescue. Meanwhile, Raffi, working undercover as a Starfleet Intelligence operative, races to stop an impending terrorist attack by unknown thieves who stole deadly weapons from Daystrom Station. In this episode of The Artificial Tango, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing kick off our week-by-week examination of Star Trek: Picard Season 3 with the premiere episode, “The Next Generation." We discuss the passage of time for the characters, how the series is shifting tone while still honoring its first two seasons, and how the overall tone is a love letter to fans and the entire franchise. We also speculate on where the story may go and dig into the myriad Easter eggs scattered around by Terry Matalas and crew as they deliver the Star Trek that so many have been waiting for. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) The Title (00:01:53) A Love Letter to Star Trek (00:07:41) Full of Easter Eggs (00:10:53) Legacy (00:17:48) A Time to … Find Beverly (00:23:08) Son’a Pursuit? (00:28:37) Raffi’s Handler (00:33:46) A Decade Has Passed (00:39:10) Loving Laris (00:44:22) The Titan Refit (00:47:53) If Jellico and Styles Had a Child … (00:53:52) Jeri Ryan Shines (00:59:44) Masterful Music (01:02:16) Final Thoughts and Ratings (01:15:49) Closing (01:20:46) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer)

Preparing for Star Trek: Picard Season 3 As the story of Picard enters its final chapter, old friends return for one more epic journey together. But will it really be their last? In this episode of The Artificial Tango, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing prepare for Star Trek: Picard Season 3 by looking back at the first two seasons and then ahead to the third. We discuss the lack of cohesion in storytelling from season to season—and how that was by design—and ask what could have been and what is to come as the crew of the Enterprise-D (and E!) reunite. We also reflect on Nemesis, speculate on the Jean-Luc and Beverly relationship, and shower lots of praise on Terry Matalas for honoring the saga of Star Trek. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Making Good on Nemesis? (00:03:21) Disjointed by Design (00:10:15) I'm an Android! Now What? (00:17:52) Honoring Canon (00:23:04) Bringing TNG into the Mix (00:30:07) No Apologies for the Past (00:35:48) Is that Jean-Luc Jr. I See? (00:44:21) Final Thoughts (00:50:59) Closing (00:56:15) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer)

“Farewell” As the Europa mission prepares to launch, Picard and the former crew of the La Sirena must race to prevent Adam Soong from changing their future. Meanwhile, Tallinn fulfills her ultimate mission of protecting Renée and a special guest appears in a park. The end of Q’s game arrives in a heartfelt closure to a relationship that spanned more than three decades as he and Jean-Luc both find closure, the penance paid. But the future isn’t safe yet as a mysterious threat of galactic proportions must be put down. And then, it’s drinks in 10 Forward. In this episode of The Artificial Tango, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing discuss “Farewell,” the final episode of Star Trek: Picard Season 2. We talk about how the characters find closure to the ghosts that have haunted them, reflect on the relationship between Q and Jean-Luc, and connect some final thematic dots. We also explore the winding nature of the timeline and ask whether it does or doesn't all fit together. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer)

“Hide and Seek” On a stormy night in France, storylines converge as Jean-Luc relives the events leading up to his mother’s death and faces what really happened. Seven and Raffi also face death as the Borg Queen takes the La Sirena, but are spared as the power of Agnes overtakes that of the Queen and leads to a new, more compassionate future for the Collective. Soong is also in on the action as Brent Spiner once again leads a group of Borg, and Elnor finds another chance for some screen time despite being dead. In this episode of The Artificial Tango, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing discuss “Hide and Seek,” the penultimate episode of Star Trek: Picard Season 2. We talk about the revelation of what really happened to Yvette Picard, what the merging of Jurati and the Queen means for the future of the Borg, how the story of Rios and Teresa may play out, and Elnor’s latest encounter with Raffi. We also speculate on the roles Soong and Q may play in the finale and what is meant by two Renées. And, through it all, we discuss how this dark episode brings a glimmer of hope. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer)

“Mercy” A childhood encounter with Vulcans can really play with your mind. It might even lead to obsession. Just ask Agent Wells. Convinced that Picard and Guinan are aliens just like those he found in the woods in the early ‘80s, he interrogates the pair about their intentions toward the Europa mission. Meanwhile, Queen Agnes rampages her way through Los Angeles eating batteries and Kore Soong learns the true nature of her existence. Rios serves cake aboard La Sirena and Guinan meets Q a century before their paths were meant to cross and finds that he is dying. But as he slowly disappears into nothingness, he reveals what may be the solution to the puzzle. In this episode of The Artificial Tango, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing discuss “Mercy,” the eighth episode of Star Trek: Picard Season 2. We talk about how the pieces of the story are finally converging, the spiritual implication of Q’s assertion that all humans are stuck in the past, what assimilating mercy might mean for a new incarnation of the Borg, the endgame of the Soong saga, Vulcans visiting Earth and, of course, eating batteries. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer)

“Monsters” Lying in the clinic and near death, Jean-Luc is lost in the recesses of his mind—and we're there with him. Also with him is a Starfleet psychiatrist, in a late 24-century uniform, who is trying to get Picard to open up. He suggests that telling a story might help, and this takes us deep into Jean-Luc's childhood and the struggles of his mother. As light is being shed on this psychological aspect of the story, Raffi and Seven learn of Jurati's assimilation and set out in search of the soon-to-be Queen in what may be a race again time for humanity's future. Meanwhile, Rios channels Kirk as he embarks on his own voyage home. But in which century will he settle down? In this episode of The Artificial Tango, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing discuss “Monsters,” the seventh episode of Star Trek: Picard Season 2. We talk about Jean-Luc’s view of his father and the realization that things were not as they seemed, James Callis as Maurice Picard, Tallinn's revelation that she is actually Romulan (and probably Laris), the birth of a new queen, and Rios’s reenactment of Kirk’s visit to California’s past. We also speculate about the nature of the conflict between the Q and El-Aurians, and introduce our upcoming Q detection workshop. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer)

“Two of One” The gang prepare to enter the Europa mission gala only to find that Agnes has yet to inject their fake IDs into the system. That’s because she is still handcuffed to a chair. To break free, she must give the Borg Queen more power—a move that might break her free in more ways than one. Once in the party, Jean-Luc is able to convince Renée to make the flight, but is injured in the process when he is run down by Adam Soong, working on behalf of Q. After Soong reveals to his daughter that he has failed her, revelations about his true nature and experiments are revealed. And how about that red dress strutting down the nighttime streets of Los Angeles? In this episode of The Artificial Tango, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing discuss “Two of One,” the sixth episode of Star Trek: Picard Season 2. We talk about Jean-Luc’s interactions with Renée, the Borg Queen’s interactions with Agnes, as well as Pat Benatar, Jurati’s love of 1980s' power ballads, and the dark nature of Adam Soong’s real work. We also discuss Rios in the 21st century, the prospects of a Stargazer spin-off, and what may be happening inside Jean-Luc’s mind as he recalls the struggles of his mother. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer)

“Fly Me to the Moon” At last, the focal point of the divergence is revealed as Laris look-alike Tallinn, who may or may not be a cat, brings Jean-Luc to her apartment and reveals that she has devoted her life to protecting one of his ancestors, Renée Picard. When Jean-Luc realizes that Q is trying to talk Renée out of taking part in a pivotal spaceflight, plans are set in motion to make sure that they fly her to the moon. Meanwhile, the Borg Queen discovers the wonders of radio and pushes Jurati a step too far, while Raffi and Seven successfully bust Rios out of the ICE bus. Plus, Brent Spiner is back as the Soong family tree grows new branches. In this episode of The Artificial Tango, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing discuss “Fly Me to the Moon,” the fifth episode of Star Trek: Picard Season 2. We talk about what the introduction of Adam and Kore Soong means for the story, speculate on what Q is really up to, and look at the various threads of Star Trek lore which the writers are pulling on to create a unique story built of familiar elements. We also debate a plot contrivance and enjoy Agnes’s crashing of the Europa mission gala. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer)

“Watcher” What kind of ship is the La Sirena? It’s a ship with a missing man. And while Seven and Raffi search Los Angeles for Rios, Jean-Luc heads to Forward Avenue in search of Guinan, who he believes is the Watcher. Only we find out that isn't the case. She sends Picard to a Supervisor, throwing an unexpected, yet classic, twist into the story. And while all this is happening, the Borg Queen continues to flirt with Agnes back in France. In this episode of The Artificial Tango, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing discuss “Watcher,” the fourth episode of Star Trek: Picard Season 2. We speculate on why Guinan doesn’t recognize Jean-Luc, why the Borg Queen has such interest in Jurati, what is happening to Q, and why Kirk Thatcher still hates us. We also talk about time and why we feel it has been shattered, Seven’s driving skills and, of course, the reveal of the Watcher, their apparent connection to Gary Seven, and why their identity means so much to the story. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer)

“Assimilation” The magistrate’s attempt to stop Picard and his team doesn’t get very far as he is easily dispatched and the La Sirena travels back to 2024 Los Angeles (which, sadly, did not involve styrofoam heads). Of course, this is not without consequences as Elnor is wounded and then dies, making it all the more essential that the crew succeed in their efforts to restore history. Once in the past, Rios finds himself in a difficult situation while Jean-Luc and Agnus negotiate with the Borg Queen and Seven and Raffi use Kevin to their advantage. In this episode of The Artificial Tango, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing discuss “Assimilation,” the third episode of Star Trek: Picard Season 2. We explore the messages conveyed by Q and the Borg Queen, how the characters are reacting to the situation, a slingshot around the sun, living in a world of contradictions, and much more. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer)

“Penance” As Q reveals to Jean-Luc the reason for their latest encounter, Picard learns that he is the most ruthless, bloodthirsty military leader mankind has every known, leading Earth in a charge to rid the galaxy of all non-humans. With the help of his friends, crew, and the Borg Queen, he must make it through Eradication Day to time travel back to 2024 Los Angeles in search of someone called the Watcher, to discover and repair whatever change to history led to this totalitarian future. In this episode of The Artificial Tango, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing discuss the “Penance,” the second episode of Star Trek: Picard Season 2. We explore Q's setup for the trial that lies ahead, how a part of Picard is dying and, as a result, the same may be true of Q. We also discuss how two sets of characters contrast one another, the Borg connection, who the Watcher may be, and pay homage to Queen Liana of Borg. Stay tuned after the closing music for a bonus chat about General Sisko, whether this may refer to Benjamin or Jake, and how DS9 may further tie into the story. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer)