Surprising Twist: How Star Trek Insurrection Could Have Saved Picard in Season 3

Admiral Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) could have sought medical assistance from the Ba'ku, a group of ageless colonists he previously defended, during the events of Star Trek: Picard season 3. This would have been a logical choice considering Picard's potential neurological disorder, Irumodic Syndrome, which was mentioned in the series finale of Star Trek: The Next Generation. After over two decades, it was confirmed at the beginning of Picard season 1 that Jean-Luc was indeed suffering from a degenerative brain issue, likely Irumodic Syndrome.

Throughout Star Trek: Picard season 1, Jean-Luc's terminal diagnosis casts a shadow over him as the renowned Starfleet figure gradually deteriorates. This condition reaches a critical point in the season finale, "Et in Arcadia Ego," where Picard's consciousness is transferred into an advanced artificial body known as a golem, saving him from certain death. However, had Picard considered the Briar Patch, a region of space, he may have been able to postpone his biological demise.

Star Trek: Insurrection’s Briar Patch Could Have Cured Picard In Season 1

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The Briar Patch, established in Star Trek: Insurrection, is a volatile region of space. Within it lies an idyllic planet inhabited by the Ba'ku, a group of benevolent and seemingly uncomplicated individuals. Surprisingly, the planet's atmosphere possesses remarkable healing and regenerative properties, granting its inhabitants virtual immortality. Captain Picard valiantly fought to preserve the Ba'ku's right to remain on their cherished planet, despite facing significant resistance from Starfleet. Given the circumstances, it is understandable that the Ba'ku would offer Picard an extended shore leave on their remarkable world as a gesture of gratitude.

However, the profound significance of what the Ba'ku planet potentially represented to the Federation during the devastating Dominion War was abruptly disregarded when it was discovered that Starfleet had been manipulated by the malevolent Son'a. With the removal of these sinister forces, exploring the ethical conundrum presented by the planet could have been a fascinating narrative avenue for Star Trek: Picard to delve into during its early stages. Nonetheless, it was ultimately unveiled that the Ba'ku would not have provided the cure for what truly ailed Picard.

Picard Season 3’s Borg Retcon Means Insurrection’s Briar Patch Couldn’t Save Picard

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The Briar Patch was initially considered as a possible solution to Picard's supposed Irumodic Syndrome in Star Trek: Picard season 3. However, it was revealed that this syndrome was never the actual cause of his degenerative brain issue. In reality, Picard's condition stemmed from a biological alteration inflicted upon him when he was assimilated into the Borg as Locutus. This same alteration was also passed on to his son, Jack Crusher, who was manipulated by the Borg Queen in an attempt to create a new form of the Borg. Fortunately, Picard and the crew of the USS Enterprise-D were able to thwart her plans.

The death of Picard in season 1 of Star Trek: Picard, followed by his transfer into a synthetic body, remains a highly controversial plot point. However, the ingenuity of Terry Matalas, the showrunner for season 3, has managed to transform this divisive narrative into an essential component of what is arguably one of the most compelling Jean-Luc Picard stories to date. Instead of revisiting Star Trek: Insurrection, season 3 of Star Trek: Picard discovered a much more satisfying approach to exploring Jean-Luc's ailment.