The upcoming finale of “Star Trek: Picard” season 3 is generating buzz as the Borg Queen (Alice Krige) makes her move to ensnare young Jack Crusher (Ed Speleers). Admiral Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) and his loyal crew must save Starfleet in the face of this threat. However, the recently released teaser for the finale, titled “The Last Generation,” suggests that Picard may need to reconnect with the Borg Collective to set things right. The possibility of Picard’s re-assimilation raises questions about this beloved character’s fate in the “Star Trek” universe.
In the teaser, Picard is shown standing amidst the pulsing green energy of the Hive with a shadowy figure, possibly Jack or the Borg Queen. In the following shot, Picard is seen screaming in agony while clutching his head, suggesting a distressing turn of events.
Bringing back the “TNG” cast has elicited an emotional response among fans, evoking feelings of nostalgia and excitement. Finally, the Enterprise-D crew is reunited for a final mission, and the ship is restored, thanks to Geordi La Forge. However, the potential assimilation of Picard could unravel the brilliance of Season 3 and lead to the demise of a beloved character.
Could the Borg assimilate Picard once again?
“Star Trek: Picard” Season 3 has exceeded fans’ expectations and received critical acclaim with a near-perfect rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 90% audience score. However, there is still a risk that the Paramount Network could disappoint fans if showrunner Terry Matalas chooses to kill off Jean-Luc Picard. Such a move would likely result in a significant letdown among the fan base.
Let’s dive into the teaser and analyze what it means: the stakes are high, and everyone is on edge. The series finale of “Star Trek: Picard” promises an intriguing dynamic where the fate of Starfleet and humanity hangs in the balance, depending on a psychological battle between Picard and his son, Jack. As mentioned in Season 3, Episode 9, “Võx,” Deanna Troi warns that Jack Crusher is a threat. Although both Picard and Jack have a history with the Borg, there’s a crucial distinction in how they approach the Collective.
According to showrunner Terry Matalas, in an exclusive interview with Screen Rant, Jack Crusher’s Borg transmitter gene represents a type of evolution, as it has the ability to control the receiver gene in others. In contrast, Locutus was only a receiver. While Picard may need to re-assimilate into the Borg in order to save the day, if his sacrifice results in his death, it could tarnish an otherwise outstanding legacy.
Killing off Picard is futile.
The iconic phrase “resistance is futile” is etched in the minds of Trekkies worldwide, particularly from “Star Trek: The Next Generation” Season 3, Episode 26, “The Best of Both Worlds” Part 1, where Jean-Luc Picard is captured and assimilated by the Borg, becoming Locutus. Now, in the series finale teaser of “Star Trek: Picard” Season 3, it appears that the captain may have to undergo re-assimilation with the Borg to save his son, Jack Crusher, and Starfleet. The possibility of Picard’s demise while trying to set things right adds a bittersweet note to his otherwise remarkable legacy.
Paramount made a colossal mistake in 1994 by killing off Captain Kirk (William Shatner) in “Star Trek: Generations,” and allowing Picard to die, even if it’s a heroic sacrifice, would be equally misguided. To avoid repeating the same error, “Picard” showrunner Terry Matalas could instead explore the possibility of Picard and his son combining their minds while connected to the Borg, ultimately defeating the Hive without any unnecessary casualties.
There may be some who argue that it would be noble for Picard to sacrifice himself heroically to save his son. This would nicely conclude the conversation that Picard and Jack had about their father-son relationship, or lack thereof, in Season 3, Episode 9, “Võx.” However, there is no reason to kill off Picard in order to add another emotional moment to an already brilliant streaming series. To sum it up, Picard’s death would be pointless.
