Thread by @geogramblings

🧵#StarTrekPicard #TransRights etc (#PicardSpoilers)
S3 of Picard is incredible. For me it's a perfect mash of 'traditional' old-school Trek & modern Trek. But the writing, brought alive by stunning acting & directing is something else. Here's one e.g which means a lot to me...

... We're introduced to Captain Shaw, played outstandingly by @ToddStashwick. A character in a position of power and privilege who on first impressions is, albeit totally wrong in his initial exchange with Riker and Picard, is a bit of a dick about it ...

... Our first impression of Shaw actually came ahead of the 'blue steak' scene. When Picard introduces Seven to Riker, she interjects, saying she is referred as 'Commander Hansen' at the wishes of Shaw. Trekkies know the journey Seven has been through with her identity ...

... It's a dick move for many reasons. However, it was felt sharply by #trans and gender non-confirming Trek fans, as Shaw not just effectively dead-naming Seven, he is also casting away a core part of her identity, doing it publicly from a position of power and privilege ...

... @JeriLRyan plays this brilliantly especially in the first three episodes (Seven is a character I can relate to & Jeri's special human being). You can tell Seven is miserable, discontent & a shell of herself. This makes it easy for her to rebel & go against Shaw's orders ...

... Seven's punishment for insubordination is to be confined to quarters. For me, this is analogous to being forced back in the closet & being left without a voice. But Seven has allies, like Ensign La Forge, who drops by to check in, giving Seven some affirmation & validity ...

... The plot sees Seven double down on the insubordination. She won't conform to Shaw's orders & be idle while the situation deteriorates. Jack Crusher, somewhat of an outcast himself, goes to Seven in solidarity to take matters into their own hands ...

... Later, when Seven reports to Riker about the situation, Riker tells her to be quiet about it in case of panic. That was an 'oof' moment for me, because he should be an ally, but it felt analogous to telling a marginised person to quieten down in case it cases upset ...

... But Riker has a tactical reason for the hush-hush. This satisfies Seven as it makes sense, but it still feels like the work must go on albeit behind closed-doors. Keep going but don't tell anyone #DontAskDontTell ...

... Despite having every right to despise Shaw, Seven seeks him out for help. It's an olive branch. It's clear they don't like each other, and Shaw is still being a dick. But they are starting to see the value in each other ...

... Now, the best moment of the season so far. In the holodeck, Shaw confronts Picard and it is revealed why he is so prejudice against not just the Borg, but xBs, too. Stashwick knocks this scene out of the park, and you start to have sympathy for the "dipshit" ...

... The reason for his bigotry is clear as day. Now you feel pity, & see his trauma. You can understand why he acts the way he does. But, thanks to the clever writing, you still feel the behaviour towards Seven is not acceptable. Seven & Picard can't change who they are ...

... There is almost always a reason for someone's bigotry. While those reasons are valid, the bigotry (i.e. the behaviour), is not acceptable. On the Titan, it sowed distrust and discontent in the community which is the crew and prevented Seven fulfilling her potential ...

... And yet, still, rather than shutting Shaw away, he is forgiven (though his behavior not forgotten), when Picard & Seven go to Shaw to entrust him with a plan to save the ship & crew. Picard uses humour to break the ice. All parties have a common goal, to save the ship ...

... There is banter between Shaw and Seven as they work. The dislike is still there, but with a common goal, they use the banter as fuel and work well as a team, seeing each other's value. What comes next is just brilliant *chefs kiss* ...

... Seven deals with the danger to her and Shaw's life by figuring out that the person who comes to help isn't truly who they say they are... because, they deadname Seven.

"How did you know?"
"...calls me Commander SEVEN. Out of respect!" ...

... The little gulp by Shaw, pause for thought before saying "good call" is likely to be the penny-drop moment for him. I think episode 5 onwards is going to see a lot of growth and warming between Shaw and Seven. ...

... That's how I read this narrative as a trans person, anyway. It was excruciating at times, but the pay off and messaging is more than worth it. The writers have done a brilliant job, with @JeriLRyan & @ToddStashwick absolutely nailing it! 🙏

Looking forward to next week!🖖

@threadreaderapp unroll and live, long and prosper 🖖 x