Star Trek: Picard, episode 2, otherwise known as “Maps and Legends”, starts to answer questions, and fill in some of the blanks presented in the first episode, while also cranking up the drama a few notches. Previously, Picard (Patrick Stewart) began having strange dreams involving his dead operations officer, Data (Brent Spiner), who also happens to have been a synthetic being. Simultaneously, a mysterious young woman named Dahj (Isa Briones)was attacked by anonymous armed men, who were attempting to kidnap her. When she fought them off with the skill of an experienced martial artist, even she was surprised. Sensing something was amiss, she found her way to Picard to ask for help. Jean-Luc, retired from Starfleet due to a difference of opinion on whether they should have abandoned a rescue mission to Romulus after the planet met its demise, decided to help Dahj. Unfortunately, before he was able to help her, Dahj was killed by the same troops that attacked her the first time around. Shockingly, Picard also found an old painting of Data’s titled “daughter”, featuring a girl that looked remarkably like Dahj.

Deciding to investigate further, Jean-Luc took a trip to the Daystrom Institute, an advanced robotics facility that did extensive research on Data when he was alive. There, Picard met Dr. Agnes Jurati (Alison Pill), a synthetic research scientist, who recognized the work of her mentor, Dr. Bruce Maddox, in Dahj. Knowing that the young woman Jean-Luc met was a product of Maddox’s work in the field of synthetics, Jurati stated there would be a “twin” out there, and she would be a type of fractal neural clone based off of Data. That twin was then revealed to be living on an inactive Borg cube, being watched by a very suspicious Romulan named Narek (Harry Treadaway). Now, Picard must use all of his resources, and call in every favor he’s got left, to find Dahj’s sister, and save her from the people hunting her down.

This episode continues at a bit of a slower pace than the audience is probably used to from a Star Trek show, but for the most part, it doesn’t suffer from it. Showrunner Michael Chabon keeps the focus on the titular character, giving you more of how Jean Luc got to the place he’s currently at in his life with each chapter. “Maps and Legends” presents a Picard that has burned all of his bridges, and must figure out other ways to accomplish what once would have been done with a few phone calls. Chabon smartly creates obstacles, forcing Jean Luc to adventure outside of his comfort zone, which is something you rarely see of the character. Of course, the creative forces behind the show seem to be wanting to make you wait before you get to see the old captain back on the bridge of a starship, but it’s a safe bet it will be worth it when he finally gets there.

Stewart might be significantly older than when he last played Jean-Luc Picard, but he hasn’t lost any of his acting chops. There’s a particular scene between him and guest star David Paymer that makes you want to give him an Emmy immediately. Meanwhile, the supporting actors seem pretty capable of holding their own, as well. Michelle Hurd and Alison Pill don’t get much screen time this episode, but what little bit they’re given, they use well, making you want to see more of them immediately. Combine these two with the rest of the ensemble of interesting crew members shown in the trailers, and it’s a safe bet the audience is going to be neck-deep in new fan favorites very soon.

All in all, this episode lagged in spots, especially the scene where Picard and Laris (Orla Brady) investigated Dahj’s apartment, expositing endlessly, and using ridiculous pseudoscience to solve their mystery. Fortunately, the sharp and intelligent writing overcame the weaker scenes, and this episode proved the show is on the right track. If you’re a Star Trek fan (new or old) looking for something that celebrates the best of that franchise, this is the show for you.

Grade: A