As far as sequel series’ go, Star Trek: Picard’s first season was an immense success. Updated for the next generation of TV viewers, the show seamlessly merged a modern storytelling style and ethos with enough callbacks to make long-term fans feel right at home.
Jonathan Frakes (Riker) talks Q’s return in Star Trek: Picard season 2
One of those fan-pleasing moments was the return of Jonathan Frakes to Star Trek as Will Riker, and Frakes is excited for season 2. Speaking with CinemaBlend, the actor says that the forthcoming season is a personal delight as it’s given him one more opportunities to work with John de Lancie. The actor will be returning to the franchise as the omnipresent Q, and Frakes describes his colleague as both “one of my favorite friends, one of my favorite actors.”
"He’s beautifully cast as Q, and Q is one of the most complicated villains, arguably, with the Borg Queen. It’s always a pleasure to work with John on and off the set. The day I know is going to be fascinating because he’s a fascinating man in terms of his worldview and his experience as a sailor. It’s always a good day in terms of the between shots."
As Q, John de Lancie has been a firm favorite with fans ever since his debut in The Next Generation episode “Encounter at Farpoint” in 1987. Since then, the character has appeared in another 11 Trek episodes, with de Lancie last appearing in Star Trek: Voyager’s “Q2” in 2001.
However, Q is most closely associated with The Next Generation, and Frakes says that John de Lancie should be considered every bit a member of the core cast. The character has always been central to the series, and alongside opening the show, Q also closed it in the finale, “All Good Things….”
"[John] de Lancie has always been a litmus test of–I don’t know how many Next Gens he did–but every time he did, he sort of took the temperature of the company, and we all circled him in a way that we always felt he is a member of our core group."
While not letting slip any new plot details, Frakes did reveal that a very special scene will appear in Picard season 2, one which will include three Next Generation icons.
"I have a scene with [Q] and Soong, who Brent [Spiner] plays on Picard. And it’s one of my favorite scenes of the season."
De Lancie, meanwhile, says that this isn’t quite the Q we remember. “ a little bit of a different Q this time,” he told TrekMovie. “A little more age-appropriate, what can I say? It’s been a long time since I put on that hat, as it were.”
"I must say it’s not the sort of Puck-ish, Mercutio of old. It’s a different Q this time. It’s what they wanted, and I think that it makes sense. But Patrick and I have had nice opening scenes and scenes with Brent and working with Jonathan Frakes. It’s been really interesting, and I am delighted. Who would have thought?"
Seven of Nine and Raffi will explore their relationship in Star Trek: Picard season 2?
Star Trek: Picard season 2 will pick up the unresolved threads from season 1 while taking the crew back in time for a season that has been described as more socially conscious and relevant, something that the original series did very well. And each main character will have their own problems to deal with.
Speaking during an Instagram Q&A, showrunner Michael Chabon said that Agnes Jurati “will put herself in the hands of the law” for the murder of Bruce Maddox. Chabon added that we’ll get a romance between Raffi and Seven, which Michelle Hurd addressed during an appearance at Creation’s “55-Year Mission” convention. “Well, first of all, Seven of Nine. Do I really need to speak on that?” she asked. “But for Raffi, for her to witness this woman who is powerful and strong and confident and bold and brave, and just fearless. I mean, I don’t know how everybody doesn’t just sort of want to fall in love with Seven of Nine?”
"Jeri Ryan is such a phenomenal person and actress and intelligent being, and we get along so well. So you know, to, to explore that is, is a really cool thing. That’s all I’m gonna say."
Jean-Luc Picard will deal with his new body in Star Trek: Picard season 2
Jean-Luc Picard himself, meanwhile, underwent a radical transformation at the end of season 1; he now has an artificial body. Both Chabon and actor Patrick Stewart are keen to explore what this means for the character going forward.
“I wanted to know exactly what they had done to me when they saved ‘s life,” Stewart told Gold Derby. “Was there any chance that this might have an impact on Picard’s personality or behavior? felt it probably wouldn’t, but it lies there as an option should we need to take it. But also, there is another human aspect being introduced in season 2, which I am not allowed to talk about. But it’s going to have, I think, quite an impact.”
Stewart also talked about Picard’s future on the Star Trek: Picard podcast. “ has no idea where he is at because he has no idea what the future now might hold for him,” he said. “He has pulled off a very, very successful mission throughout the first 10 episodes of season 1. And he feels that, therefore, he can be certain that his abilities have not become fractured.”
"His skills as an ambassador, as a negotiator, as a decision-maker are still present. I think he is actually excited by the ignorance that he feels about the future. He doesn’t know, and he would rather be at the point of undertaking something he doesn’t know anything about than sitting on the veranda at his vineyard in France."
Picard is also likely to be put to the test both mentally and physically by the return of the Borg Queen, with co-showrunner Akiva Goldsman warning fans to expect the unexpected. “I think that the Borg Queen’s utility here is probably not what you expect it to be. And I think that what Picard is wrestling with in this season – and this should come as no surprise in a season about time travel – is his own history.”
Star Trek: Picard season 2 will air this February on Paramount+.
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