Boldly Evolving: The Astonishing Transformation of Jean-Luc from TNG to Picard Season 3

Summary

Star Trek: Picard season 3 sees Jean-Luc's story come full circle as he returns to the captain's chair on the Enterprise-D and confronts the Borg head-on.

Over time, Picard has undergone a transformation, leading to a diminished belief in Starfleet and a preference for relying on individuals.

Through his journey in season 2 of Star Trek: Picard, Picard was able to confront the traumas of his past and make a firm decision to embrace vulnerability and detachment less.

In Star Trek: Picard season 3, Admiral Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) undergoes a significant transformation compared to his earlier days in Star Trek: The Next Generation. While he remains fundamentally the same person, age and various experiences have altered his perspective on the world. Previously, as a Starfleet captain in TNG, Picard was unwavering in upholding Federation laws and doing what was right. However, in Picard, he has become disillusioned with Starfleet and now places his trust more in individuals.

In seasons 1 and 2 of Star Trek: Picard, Jean-Luc explores his past with Starfleet and confronts childhood traumas, preparing him for the eventual reunion with his former USS Enterprise-D crew in season 3. This season represents a complete circle for Jean-Luc's journey as he reclaimsh his position as captain on the Enterprise-D and faces the Borg head-on. Throughout the 7 seasons and 4 films of TNG, Picard has encountered mind-controlled aliens, assimilation by the Borg, and numerous other potentially traumatic events. With such experiences, it is unsurprising that Picard has evolved and transformed over time. Here are 7 notable ways in which Jean-Luc Picard has changed from Star Trek: The Next Generation to Star Trek: Picard season 3.

7 Picard Has A Synthetic Android Body That Ages

At the end of Star Trek: Picard season 1, Jean-Luc Picard succumbs to a brain abnormality, which is later revealed to be dormant Borg DNA from his time as Loctus. Renowned scientist Dr. Altan Soong (portrayed by Brent Spiner) has been diligently working on a synthetic golem body, capable of hosting Picard's consciousness. Miraculously, he successfully transfers Picard's essence into this organic android counterpart, which remarkably mirrors his human form, save for the aforementioned brain irregularity. Despite this extraordinary second chance at life, the golem body does not grant him immortality; rather, Picard will age normally and experience the remaining years he would have had pre-Borg defect.

6 Picard Is A Retired Starfleet Admiral

Picard, suited in the captain's chair, served as a Starfleet captain for an exceptional duration, surpassing the average tenure of most officers. However, he eventually embraced a promotion to Admiral. In his new role, Picard assumed responsibility for the evacuation of the Romulans during the cataclysmic supernova of their planet. Following the Martian assault, Starfleet abruptly ceased the Romulan evacuation, prompting Jean-Luc to sever ties with the organization. Subsequently, he rejoined Starfleet and assumed the esteemed position of Chancellor at Starfleet Academy before retiring once again after the notable events of Star Trek: Picard season 2. In Picard season 3, when Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden) sought his aid, Jean-Luc enlisted the assistance of Captain William Riker (Jonathan Frakes) to help him seize control of the USS Titan-A for a daring rescue mission. Jean-Luc Picard appears to be incapable of prolonged tranquility, whether as an active Admiral or a retiree. Nevertheless, he finally discovers contentment in the culmination of Picard season 3.

5 Picard No Longer Commands The USS Enterprise

4 Picard's Feelings About His Enemies Have Changed

Admiral Picard's legacy is often associated with one less pip, while his years as the captain of the USS Enterprise-D and USS Enterprise-E will forever define him. In Star Trek: Generations, Captain James T. Kirk (portrayed by William Shatner) advises Picard to remain as captain of the Enterprise for as long as possible. However, in Star Trek: Picard, Picard no longer commands the Enterprise or any other ship. Throughout the three seasons of Star Trek: Picard, Picard has various opportunities to occupy the captain's chair once again, including his return to the renowned Enterprise-D. Following his leadership in the intense battle against the Borg on Frontier Day, Picard ultimately steps away from the captain's chair, likely for the last time. Nevertheless, the legacy of the Enterprise lives on as Seven of Nine (played by Jeri Ryan) assumes the role of captain on the newly christened USS Enterprise-G.

During the three seasons of Star Trek: Picard, Jean-Luc faced his two greatest adversaries: the Borg and Q (John de Lancie). Throughout TNG and its subsequent movies, Picard harbored a deep hatred for the Borg, a sentiment that hasn't completely changed. However, he finds himself able to collaborate with a faction of the Borg after Dr. Agnes Jurati (Alison Pill) becomes the Borg Queen. In a surprising turn of events, Picard even grants Jurati and her Borg Collective provisional membership in the Federation, a decision he would have never made in the past for any Borg individual. Additionally, in season 2 of Picard, Picard encounters the omnipotent being, Q. Initially, Picard still perceives Q as a bothersome presence; however, he later embraces him as a friend when Q reveals he is facing his own mortality.

3 Picard Is Now Open To A Romantic Partner

Jean-Luc Picard had limited romantic encounters during his time in TNG, but he made a conscious decision to prioritize his career over personal relationships and starting a family. Although there was a flirtation between Picard and Dr. Beverly Crusher throughout the seven seasons of TNG, their relationship never progressed beyond that (although they did become physically intimate at some point after Star Trek: Nemesis).

In Star Trek: Picard season 3, Beverly and Jean-Luc reconnect, and while they may not reignite their romantic relationship, Picard appears more receptive to the idea. In season 2, Laris (Orla Brady) reveals her feelings for Jean-Luc, and after confronting his past, he finally acknowledges his own feelings for her. Unfortunately, their potential romance is disrupted by the events of season 3, but there is still a chance for them to come together in future Star Trek projects.

2 Picard Has A Son

One of the most delightful twists in Star Trek: Picard came when it was revealed that Picard and Dr. Beverly Crusher had a son named Jack Crusher (played by Ed Speleers). Dr. Crusher had her own personal reasons for keeping Jack a secret from Jean-Luc, and Picard had always prioritized his career above all else. When Picard first meets Jack, it becomes apparent that forging a connection with him won't be easy, as Jack remains distant. However, over time, the two of them gradually spend more time together and begin to build a real understanding. Despite never aspiring to be a family man, Picard still longs to connect with his grown-up son. By the end of Picard season 3, Jack Crusher followed in his father's footsteps and joined Starfleet, even earning a coveted position on the bridge of the USS Enterprise-G. It seems that Jack has also inherited one of his father's old adversaries, Q, as he appears to inform Jack that his journey is only just beginning.

1 Picard Resolved His Childhood Trauma

In Star Trek: Picard season 2, viewers are taken back to Jean-Luc's childhood, exploring the heartbreaking events that caused him to isolate himself emotionally. The season delves into Jean-Luc's memories, transporting him to his time at Château Picard with his mother, father, and brother. Among them, his bond with his mother, Yvette (Madeline Wise), was particularly strong, while his relationship with his father, Maurice Picard (James Callis), was more tumultuous. During his formative years, Jean-Luc was unaware of his mother's mental health struggles and his father's attempt to support her. Ultimately, tragedy struck when, entrusted with unlocking her bedroom door, Jean-Luc inadvertently set in motion Yvette's fateful decision to take her own life.

Picard would carry the burden of guilt for his mother's death, blaming himself for years to come. This led him to commit fully to Starfleet and distance himself from meaningful connections. Though he can never fully heal from his troubled past, the events of Star Trek: Picard season 2 offer him an opportunity to confront and reinterpret his childhood memories. As the season concludes, he makes a resolution to be more accessible and engaged with those in his life.