77 episodes

Formerly known as The Line, this podcast follows the story of Jean-Luc Picard, one of Starfleet’s most beloved and decorated figures, and the many faces—familiar and new—who surround him in the early 25th century. Join hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing for discussion of each new episode as Season 2 and the fight to save the future unfolds.

The Artificial Tango: A Star Trek Picard Podcast TFM

    • TV & Film
    • 4.3 • 40 Ratings

Formerly known as The Line, this podcast follows the story of Jean-Luc Picard, one of Starfleet’s most beloved and decorated figures, and the many faces—familiar and new—who surround him in the early 25th century. Join hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing for discussion of each new episode as Season 2 and the fight to save the future unfolds.

    Bye Bye Borgie

    Bye Bye Borgie

    “The Last Generation“
    Everything old is new again as the story that began 35 years ago concludes with one final adventure for some but the start of a new one for others.
    In this episode of The Artificial Tango, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing conclude our week-by-week examination of Star Trek: Picard Season 3 with Part 10, “The Last Generation.” We discuss the paths the characters followed, how the story was resolved, why the writing goes well beyond nostalgia, the potential of a spinoff series, ships named Enterprise, and why everything comes back to ALF.
    Chapters
    Intro (00:00:00)
    How Do You Feel? (00:02:56)
    Storytelling Success (00:09:04)
    Not Simply Nostalgia (00:15:53)
    Jack's Path (00:18:27)
    Looking for Connections (00:26:23)
    Q Tip (00:38:10)
    Spinning a Spinoff (00:42:31)
    Putting the Borg to Bed (00:44:54)
    Captain Seven (00:54:53)
    The Past Matters (01:01:38)
    Escaping the Cube (01:04:11)
    A New Enterprise (01:12:44)
    A Joyful Ending (01:16:42)
    Final Thoughts and Ratings (01:19:09)
    Closing (01:21:22)
    Hosts
    C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing
    Production
    C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer)

    • 1 hr 25 min
    The Best of All Worlds

    The Best of All Worlds

    “Võx“
    At long last, we learn what Jack is (although not without further delay) and, well, resistance is futlie. But fireworks in space are cool, right?
    In this episode of The Artificial Tango, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our week-by-week examination of Star Trek: Picard Season 3 with Part 9, “Võx.” We ignore the weird tilda to discuss the impending resolution of the story and look beyond the superficial fan complaints to embrace the real message of the story in true Star Trek fashion. We also recognize that the Enterprise-E's fate was not Worf's fault.
    Hosts
    C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing
    Production
    C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer)

    • 1 hr 20 min
    Evolution, My Dear Watson!

    Evolution, My Dear Watson!

    “Surrender“
    As the Titan crew plot to retake the ship, many storylines reach their apex while a big one continues to drag us so very slowly toward a terrifying red door.
    In this episode of The Artificial Tango, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our week-by-week examination of Star Trek: Picard Season 3 with Part 8, “Surrender.” We discuss how the TNG crew are finally brought back together, our evolving theories about Jack, a possible beer-drenched clue, and Worf’s love sonnet.
    Chapters
    Intro (00:00:00)
    Little Story … about Will and Deanna (00:01:34)
    The Worf in the Room (00:12:25)
    Respecting the Audience (00:15:44)
    A Piece of Parietal Lobe (00:19:03)
    Pah-wraiths, Borg, and Armus (00:25:04)
    Jack in the Box (00:29:30)
    Arcanis Lager (00:36:39)
    Connect the Branches (00:40:39)
    Things Past (00:50:28)
    Shaw and Seven (00:52:02)
    Data and Lore (01:00:30)
    Bye, Bye Vadic (01:08:40)
    Together Again (01:11:48)
    Final Thoughts and Ratings (01:13:06)
    Closing (01:17:41)
    Hosts
    C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing
    Production
    C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer)

    • 1 hr 22 min
    Many Ways to the Ocean

    Many Ways to the Ocean

    Dominion.
    A visit to the Chin’toka system, one of the most pivotal battlefields of the Dominion War, helps shed light on some of the mysteries surrounding the Changelings, but raises even more questions about Jack and brings some of our heroes to rethink which lines should not be crossed.
    In this episode of The Artificial Tango, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our week-by-week examination of Star Trek: Picard Season 3 with Part 7, “Dominion.” We discuss plausible misdirections, the connection to Greek mythology, internal voices, and where the story may be going as we enter the home stretch.
    Chapters
    Intro (00:00:00)
    The Surprise Vulcan (00:01:19)
    More Cameos? (00:06:04)
    A Trail of Clues (00:13:27)
    Playing the Long Game (00:27:48)
    Project Proteus (00:25:45)
    Why No Transporters? (00:31:21)
    Picard Mystery Box (00:36:12)
    Time Has No Meaning (00:45:07)
    Crossing the Line (00:48:56)
    The Enemy Within (00:54:06)
    Two Sides to Everything (01:00:43)
    Inside Out (01:04:38)
    Many Ways to the Ocean (01:08:02)  
    Final Thoughts and Ratings (01:13:19)
    Closing (01:18:30)
    Hosts
    C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing
    Production
    C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer)

    • 1 hr 24 min
    Poetic Drive-By Observations

    Poetic Drive-By Observations

    “The Bounty“
    As the plot—and goo—thickens, the Titan visits the Fleet Museum to meet an old friend while Worf, Raffi, and Riker burgle the very institution that is hunting them. The layover leaves ample time for nostalgia, Easter eggs, and a leisurely, but meaningful, walk down memory lane.
    In this episode of The Artificial Tango, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our week-by-week examination of Star Trek: Picard Season 3 with Part 6, “The Bounty.” We discuss the unexpected reactions and discoveries, the rich tapestry of Trek past, the prevelant themes of family and replacement, and the many attempts at misdirection.
    Chapters
    Intro (00:00:00)
    The Plot Thickens (00:01:11)
    Starship Cell Towers (00:06:06)
    Irumodic Herring (00:11:18)
    A Reluctant Geordi (00:27:48)
    What We Leave Behind (00:38:58)
    Chock-Full of Nostalgia (00:42:12)
    Data 3.0 (00:53:12)
    We’re the Replacements (00:59:33)
    Grease Monkey Hero Worship (01:04:05)
    Riker Captured (01:07:06)
    Final Thoughts and Ratings (01:13:27)
    Closing (01:16:45)
    Hosts
    C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing
    Production
    C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer)

    • 1 hr 20 min
    Visions from the Fire Caves

    Visions from the Fire Caves

    “Imposters“
    An unexpected visitor boards the Titan and reveals the extent of the threat facing the Federation. Meanwhile, Jack Crusher struggles with his continuing visions and comes to realize that there is something very wrong with him. Worf and Raffi fight logical crime.
    In this episode of The Artificial Tango, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our week-by-week examination of Star Trek: Picard Season 3 with Part 5, “Imposters.” We discuss the surprising appearance of an old friend, the evolving nature of the Changeling infiltration, how the core story relies heavily on Deep Space Nine, and share our theory for what is really happening with Jack.
    Chapters
    Intro (00:00:00)
    Preemptive Strike (00:01:33)
    You Can't Act on Blind Faith (00:12:01)
    Just How Deep Does the Rabbit Hole Go? (00:17:39)
    Who Handles the Handlers? (00:21:31)
    Logical Crime (00:24:34)
    Advanced AI Cameos? (00:28:29)
    The Neverending Sacrifice (00:32:04)
    Changeling Continuity (00:36:16)
    The Pah-Wraiths' Anti-Emissary (00:42:21)
    A Heavy Reliance on DS9 (00:52:42)
    Shaw Gotta Be Shaw (00:57:13)
    Why So Dark? (01:04:14)
    Final Thoughts and Ratings (01:10:03)
    Closing (01:14:07)
    Hosts
    C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing
    Production
    C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Cornelia Reutner (Associate Producer)

    • 1 hr 18 min

Customer Reviews

4.3 out of 5
40 Ratings

40 Ratings

sjsharksfan39 ,

Podcast is Great but Does it Need to be 2 Hours?

I've been enjoying The Line quite a bit, as I feel that of all the Picard podcasts I listen to, this is the one that really delves into the details of the episodes and had a serious, but casual discussion on the topics and issues that each episodes raise. I love the chemistry of the hosts, and I love how dedicated they all are to this podcast. Justin brings a certain analytical quality to to the show, Brandon brings passion and a little bit of a critical need so we can hear both positive and negative, and I really enjoy the historical context that Crissie brings with each episode. On this current one talking about episode 5, I love the new history segment because I think it is important for the issues that Picard does bring up.

However, this show only gets 4 stars for one reason. The length of each episode is getting to be a little long. Again, it's nothing against the dedication, but I wonder if the episodes could be cut by like 20 minutes and you still can get everything that is said in each episode. I think one way to do this is to merge the predictions/comments and concerns into the main meat of the show. It might make the conversation flow better and I've noticed that once we get to the prediction portion of the show, things have already been said and you don't need to repeat it.

Other than that, I really do enjoy this companion peice to Star Trek Picard and its allowing me to think about each episode some more. I'm looking forward to finishing the season with this podcast and what is to come into the future.

JBFan010 ,

Thoughtful Star Trek commentary!

This podcast is one of the most thoughtful and intellectual out there reviewing Star Trek Picard S3. Of particular interest at least to me is the hosts actually think the Picard/Beverly relationship is interesting and worthy of discussion.

Reflector75 ,

One of the best Trek podcasts

From the prolific podcasters of the Trek.FM network, the hosts are some of the most knowledgeable fans and experienced in covering the Trek universe. I appreciate the thoughtful discussion, always Trek positive even when critical of some aspect. Professionally produced and regularity cadences - which are huge pluses for me.
I would also recommend Warp 5 and The Orb for the anniversary chapter by chapter rewatch coverage of Enterprise and DS9.

Top Podcasts In TV & Film

Who Killed the Video Star: The Story of MTV
Audacy Studios
Just B Divorced with Bethenny Frankel
iHeartPodcasts
Watch What Crappens
Ben Mandelker & Ronnie Karam | Wondery
FX’s Shōgun: The Official Podcast
FX
WHAT WENT WRONG
Sad Boom Media
Pop Culture Happy Hour
NPR

More by Trek.fm

Mission Log: A Roddenberry Star Trek Podcast
Roddenberry Entertainment
Mission Log Live: A Roddenberry Star Trek Podcast
Roddenberry Entertainment
The Ready Room: A Star Trek Podcast
Trek.fm
The Trek Files: A Roddenberry Star Trek Podcast
Roddenberry Entertainment
The Orb: A Star Trek Deep Space Nine Podcast
TFM
Literary Treks: A Star Trek Books and Comics Podcast
TFM