Patrick Stewart’s passing this week is what finally pushed me to start this rewatch from the beginning. Ep 1 “Encounter at Farpoint” is a double-length pilot, and it shows. The first half drags more than it should. Scenes linger, the ship feels like it’s still finding its rhythm, and the whole thing takes its time settling in.
Q shows up here for the first time. After watching him later in Voyager I went in ready to be annoyed, but he’s actually less irritating in this one. Still theatrical, still testing the crew, yet not quite as overbearing as he becomes.
The episode does a solid job introducing the main players. Picard already carries real weight. The others are present and functional, but they still feel like they need more room to grow into themselves. That will come later.
Action-wise it’s fine, yet it doesn’t feel like a huge cinematic jump from the original series twenty-five years earlier. That part is a mild shame. What I did love was the quiet, respectful appearance of Bones. It lands as a genuine connecting thread between the two crews.
On its own this isn’t a great start. It has the right pieces, but the pacing and uneven energy keep it from fully clicking. I know the show gets better. For a first outing, 6/10 feels fair.
Where to watch
Paramount+ lists the series in the US and UK; a subscription is required. JustWatch currently lists no Season 1 streaming option in India. The links open series pages, not direct playback. Check Season 1 Episode 1 and account access before paying; playback was not tested. Others opens JustWatch to choose your country.