Summary
Picardo suggested a unique relationship for The Doctor and Seven of Nine after Kes left, with The Doctor becoming her mentor in reclaiming her humanity.
The Doctor considered himself a superior educator to humans and took on the task of instructing Seven of Nine in proper behavior through role-playing.
Their dynamic provided comic moments and reached its climax in an episode where The Doctor unexpectedly develops romantic feelings for his star pupil. #StarTrekVoyager
Star Trek: Voyager's Robert Picardo reveals the backstory of how his character, The Doctor, developed feelings for Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan). Picardo portrayed The Doctor, an advanced holographic doctor, throughout all seven seasons. Ryan joined the cast in season 3, and her character, Seven of Nine, quickly became a fan favorite. While the show hinted at a romantic connection between Seven and The Doctor, fans were ultimately disappointed when Seven ended up with Commander Chakotay (Robert Beltran) towards the end of the series.
During an interview on The Shuttlepod Show, which took place before the SAG-AFTRA strike, Robert Picardo discussed in detail how The Doctor's romantic arc with Seven of Nine unfolded on Star Trek: Voyager after Kes (Jennifer Lien) departed from the show. Check out his quote below and watch the full video from The Shuttlepod Show, starting at 1:04:28.
The relationship I formed with Seven was born from a suggestion I proposed to Brannon Braga, the executive producer. When Kes departed from our show, she held a special place as the Doctor's trusted confidant. Being the youngest character, she treated me as a person, while I mentored her to become my assistant in Sickbay. Surprisingly, she was the one mentoring me in my journey of self-discovery and understanding my worth as an artificial intelligence.
Concerned that I would revert back to my arrogant and self-centered ways without Kes, I expressed my worries to Brannon. I didn't want to lose the opportunity to showcase a different side of the Doctor. In response, Brannon suggested introducing a new character named Seven of Nine and challenged me to find a unique way to connect with her. A week later, I approached Brannon with an idea - what if I were to reverse the dynamic of my relationship with Kes and have the Doctor believe he is a better teacher of humanity than an actual human?
Robert Picardo Returns As The Doctor In Star Trek: Prodigy Season 2
has been assimilated into the Borg collective and now she must reclaim her humanity. It is my responsibility to guide her in behaving appropriately in various professional and social settings. Through role play, I will impart the necessary skills to her. Being a Borg, she lacks social skills and emotional expression, similar to how I was at the beginning of season 1. However, I have since evolved. This offers plenty of comedic potential, which ultimately reaches its peak in the episode where I unexpectedly develop feelings for my most talented student.The Doctor, portrayed by Robert Picardo, is making a highly anticipated return in season 2 of Star Trek: Prodigy. This exciting news was revealed by producers during the STLV: 57-Year Mission event. Fans of Star Trek: Voyager will recall that Picardo's character, the Emergency Medical Hologram (EMH), last appeared in the series, having made a memorable impression in 164 episodes. In Prodigy season 2, The Doctor will be seen guiding the young former crew members of the USS Protostar to their new assignment on the Lamarr Class USS Voyager-A. This starship is under the leadership of Admiral Kathryn Janeway. Notably, the events of Prodigy season 2 take place approximately 5-6 years after the conclusion of Star Trek: Voyager, during which time The Doctor and Admiral Janeway have developed a close and familiar relationship.
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During the conclusion of Star Trek: Picard season 3, it was revealed that Seven of Nine assumed the role of Captain aboard the USS Enterprise-G in the early 25th century. Given The Doctor's immortal holographic nature, there is potential for an encounter with Seven in the planned spinoff, Star Trek: Legacy. Additionally, there is the possibility of Seven making an appearance in the future animated series, Star Trek: Prodigy. However, it is unlikely that any romantic relationship between The Doctor and Seven of Nine will develop following the events of Star Trek: Voyager.