Star Trek: Picard Review: Maps and Legends (Season 1 Episode 2)

Star Trek: Picard Season 1 Episode 2, “Maps and Legends,” is another strong episode, following the series’ opening and laying the groundwork for the adventure that the show is about to take us on. “Maps and Legends” dives deep into the lore this new world is presenting. A lot has changed in the 20 years since we last saw Picard and all of our Starfleet friends, and there’s a lot of information that we need to have before we set off once more into the stars. 

While delivering a considerable amount of information, the episode again does a very good job of not feeling like it’s entirely exposition. Each scene reveals something key to the show and the story, everything means something and no words feel wasted.

I feel like I could watch “Maps and Legends” another 15 times and I would still learn something entirely new each time I watch it. From the first flashback to Utopia Planitia on the day of Mars’ destruction to the witty banter between Picard and Laris, everything on this episode tells me something important about this world. 

Written by Akiva Goldsman and Michael Chabon, and directed by Hanelle Culpepper “Maps and Legends” does a great job of moving us into this new world. Where “Remembrance” lured us in with nostalgia and a taste of something new, “Maps and Legends” takes us by the hand and whispers let’s boldly go somewhere new. 

We open with a fascinating flashback to the destruction of Mars from the perspective of those who were on the planet, working at Utopia Planitia, when the Synths went rogue and attacked. It’s worth noting that this attack takes place on First Contact day, leaving only a skeleton crew working on the planet. Did whoever those this day to attack do so to minimize the loss of human life? Or did they choose it as a particular “screw you” to the Federation by attacking on a beloved holiday?

It appears as if someone essentially hacks the Synths working on Utopia Planitia, using them to deliver an absolutely devastating blow to the Federation while also making Synths out to be a vicious villain. 

My current theory, given the information we get from Laris about the Zhat Vash, is that it’s the Zhat Vash. Their hatred, fear, and loathing of synthetic life would make the androids working on Mars a target they’d want to destroy, and if they control the Synths and turn them against their masters, so to speak, they also manage to turn all of society against synthetic life in the process. I could totally be wrong here though, so please tell me your theories in the comments below! 

Speaking of Laris, you guys, I’m in love with her. “Maps and Legends” further fleshes out characters we were introduced to on ” Remembrance,” perhaps Laris best of all. We get to see more of the unabashed banter she has with Picard and we also get to see her be a tech genius. Laris reveals some key information about a new, deeper, darker Romulan secret society with malicious intent, who appears to be one of the season’s biggest bad guys. 

Picard: Romulan methods of forensic molecular reconstruction are illegal in the federation.  

Laris: Really? I had no idea. 

Picard: They’re also unreliable, and the results are dubious at best. 

Laris: Ah yeah, that’s exactly what we wanted you to think. 

We also learn that she and Zhaban are former Tal Shiar members. It’s interesting that Zhaban doesn’t think the Zhat Vash exists. Someone pointed out that Number One might not completely trust Zhaban, so if and when he turns out to be a secret agent baddie I am going to be devastated. 

Picard is determined to pursue the mission to find and protect Soji, Maddox, and if at all possible, Data. He’s invigorated for the first time in years and nothing is going to stop him from doing what he believes is right, least of all Starfleet. This is quintessential Picard, he’s going to try to do it above board but if he has to go rogue he will because he knows in his heart that this is the right thing to do. 

Laris: No one but the Tal Shiar can protect you against the Tal Shiar.

Zhaban: She’s right, you can’t go without us.

Laris: Idiot! He cannot go at all!

Just like Picard, I am ready to fight wars to protect Soji. I was hesitant to decide if she was as in need of our protection as Dahj was but after this episode, I’m sure that she deserves it at the very least. Like all of my favorite Star Trek characters, Soji has an open bleeding heart with a desire to help every living creature she comes in contact with. She’s a savant for languages (probably because she’s an android) and she’s filled with a hope far beyond her station. 

I don’t trust Narek as far as I could airlock him, and I know that we’re not supposed to like him anyway, but boy does that pointy-eared bastard make me uncomfortable, (to quote Bones circa Star Trek 2009).

I am far more interested in his even more evil sister, because well, I’m predictable and gay. Something tells me that when Rizzo, or whatever her real name is, arrives on the borg cube things are going to go from bad to worse for Soji. I’m just hoping she manages to team up with our good friend Hugh before that happens. 

Speaking of our friends from the past, Picard knows he needs a crew but he’s not going to ask our friends from Star Trek: The Next Generation and the show does a very good job of explaining why in-universe. Picard won’t ask his crew from the Enterprise because they’re family to him, they would do anything he asks out of loyalty, and he can’t lose any of the rest of them the way he lost Data. 

Zhaban: You can’t do it alone. You need help. You need Protection. You need a crew. Riker. Worf. La Forge. 

That isn’t to say that he values the lives of those he plans to bring on any less, but these new people are people that he can trust to call him out when he needs them to, and they’re people that don’t have a lot to lose, people that will fight by his side but protect themselves over him if it becomes necessary. Riker and Troi have a family, Worf, Geordi, and Beverly all have something to lose, these new characters have little more than a cause to fight for and a whole lot of bravery and I am excited to get to know them. 

I already love the dynamic between Picard and Raffi. I don’t know what he did to her or why she doesn’t want to hear from him unless it’s about secret Romulan assassins operating on Earth, but I trust her with my life and I respect her taste in fine wine. 

“Maps and Legends” brings us to the first peak of a roller-coaster that I cannot wait to go spiraling down. I love these characters, I love this world, and I am ready for this adventure. Let’s go. 

STARFLEET COMMUNIQUE

• I love how instantly Jurati is ready to be ride or die for Picard. Same girl, same. 
• I am loving that this show is airing week to week so that I have time to obsessively watch it and come up with theories and ideas and headcanons, and am simultaneously devastated that I cannot sit in front of my television for 10 hours straight and mainline every single episode. It’s that good. 
• I want Raffi’s tank top, and also Soji’s underwear. Also, can I just say thank god that this show is letting its women wear practical, comfortable clothing? I am so glad to be past the age of corsets and catsuits. 
• Soji speaks to an unknown species in their language. I am intrigued.
• Shout out to known genius, Agnes Jurati, saying the words “secret planny.” Love that gal. 
• It’s been exactly 14 years since the attack on Mars. 14 years that the ex-Borg they were working on spent in regenerastasis. And 14 years since the borg cube’s last assimilation. Coincidences? I think not! 
• If Picard is dying I don’t want to hear it. I will protect that man with my life. Which is probably why I’m not invited on this new mission. 

What did you think of this episode of Star Trek: Picard? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Star Trek: Picard airs Thursdays on CBS All Access.

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