In Review: Star Trek: Picard (S2 – EP6) Two of One

Synopsis: In Two of One. With the help of Tallinn, Picard and the crew infiltrate a gala on the eve of a joint space mission, to protect one of the astronauts they believe to be integral to the restoration of the timeline — Renee Picard. Kore makes a startling discovery about her father’s work.

The Story

Picking the story up from last week. Picard and his crew have infiltrated an extravagant Gala with a little help from Tallinn. However, Jurati is not completely on the mission as she struggles to wrestle with the consciousness of The Borg Queen, which essentially makes Jurati Two of One. Luckily for Picard and his party. Jurati is able to hold it together long enough to upload their security credentials.

After mingling somewhat with the crowd. Picard decides that he needs to intercept his ancestor Renee and give her a pep talk. Tallinn reluctantly and allows him to do so. However after his talk with Renee. Picard finds himself the victim of a hit and run when Adam Soong, who is working for Q runs Picard down.

Meanwhile, The Borg Queens’ consciousness and taken over Jurati’s body and is roaming the streets of Los Angeles.

The Acting

The Borg Queen prepares to take control of Dr. Agnes Jurati

We get some really strong acting in this week’s episode. Particularly noteworthy were the scenes between the Borg Queen (Annie Wersching) and Agnes Jurati (Alison Pill). The acting chemistry between the two really clicks as the Borg Queen continues to rather seductively taunt Agnes, which builds to a real show-stopping moment as Agnes breaks out into song to create a distraction. 

Orla Brady continues to give us an authoritative Supervisor as Tallinn, but we get a subtle hint of doubt from her when Jean Luc asks who her supervisor is. However, later in the episode when Jean Luc is in a coma. Tallinn assumes control when she suggests a plan that might help to Picard’s crewmates.

We also get a solid performance from Isa Briones as Kore. The moment where Kore realizes that she is not what or who she appears to be is well handled.

Overall

At a running time of 38 minutes. This episode probably has the shortest run time of the season thus far. Despite this, the writers manage to pack quite a bit in. Although most of it does take place at the Gala and most of the important scenes are played out between Picard and Tallinn.

The scene where Picard gives his Ancestor Renee a pep talk is brilliantly performed and shows us why Jean Luc is such a good leader as he inspires others to take accountability and have confidence in their actions.

Overall. A pretty solid episode that gets the story to where it needs to go.