[Tabaracci_31]

I needed some time to digest the finale yesterday. Overall, I have mixed feelings about it.

Things that were awesome:
- Riker back in the chair. Booyah!
- Data’s death. Very well-played. I hadn’t even considered that Data would want to die but it makes sense to me, in terms of his quest to experience being human.
- Stewart was great.
- I liked the different character groups and the race to make a plan to stop the oncoming chaos. I always enjoy that aspect of Trek.

Things that were not awesome:
- Oh and the Romulan fleet backing down so easily. It was cool that they didn’t resort to all-out battle and on the other hand, I don’t buy Oh giving up so easily, given the significance that plot was given for much of the season.
- Soooo, is Jurati still getting turned in? Or are we a big happy family now?
- What about the Borg cube? I thought the Borg would have an interesting backstory...or something significant this season. I guess not. I found this frustrating. Maybe they’re leaving it dangling for Season 2?
- As mentioned, what happened to Narek? Also dangling for Season 2? I can only hope so...the writing couldn’t be that lazy...could it?
- Picard’s death. The crying scenes may have had some more weight if he was really gone...but then he is back (albeit in a slightly different form) shortly after.

Not the worst finale and not the best, IMO. And that’s ok. Each Trek show has taken time to find itself and that’s important to remember. It was still great to have a new episode to look forward to each week. Season 1 was worth it for “Nepenthe” alone. Looking forward to seeing what they come up with for Season 2. Please don’t gloss over the Borg and Narek.