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In the premiere of Picard, "Remembrance," a frantic dashing up several flights of stairs leaves the once-spry Starfleet officer winded. He ducks for cover near a bench, letting his decidedly more agile companion, Dahj, handle the phasers and martial arts. In the second episode, a patronizing whippersnapper at HQ tells the retiree, "It's good to see you up and around again," prompting a scowl that might once have been reserved for Jean-Luc's banter-loving adversary, Q.

Picard doesn't shy away from its protagonist's age. Instead, it acknowledges the limitations that come with it and embraces this new phase of life as an opportunity to tell a different kind of story. (It's worth noting that Patrick Stewart is 79, while the character he's playing is – believe it or not – in his early 90s. Jean-Luc was born in 2305, Picard takes place in 2399.)

It's an example from which that other massive spacefaring franchise could stand to learn a thing or two. Just weeks after the release of The Rise of Skywalker, the contrast between Star Trek and Star Wars' treatment of older characters couldn't be more stark.

The first episodes of "Star Trek: Picard" have aired and are now being scrutinized on social media and countless threads across the internet.

But let's not forget about Season 3 of "Star Trek: Discovery" and the new spin-off show, which may or may not officially be called "Section 31" — although that title does seem likely.

CardsofSTL wrote:

New 'Star Trek' series 'Section 31' to start filming when 'Discovery' season 3 wraps

The first episodes of "Star Trek: Picard" have aired and are now being scrutinized on social media and countless threads across the internet.

But let's not forget about Season 3 of "Star Trek: Discovery" and the new spin-off show, which may or may not officially be called "Section 31" — although that title does seem likely.

Yes, over at Star Trek Wines, which is an actual website for discerning connoisseurs of science fiction-themed wines, you can pick up a bottle from Chateau Picard. If you thought getting drunk was fun before, just wait until you're getting hammered with booze made by your favorite fictional character. According to the description this Cabernet Sauvignon-merlot blend has notes of "blueberries, dark plum and blackberries." After a few glasses of this stuff, you'll start seeing five lights when there are only four.