The Unforgettable Connection: Seven of Nine's Impact on Picard's Journey Beyond the Borg Queen
The Borg's evolution takes a surprising turn in Star Trek's 25th century as Seven of Nine's rise on the Enterprise hints at a future where Jurati embraces her role as the new Borg Queen in Picard Season 3
Summary
The ascension of Captain Seven of Nine to commanding the USS Enterprise-G in season 3 of Star Trek: Picard establishes a revolutionary model for the acceptance and recognition of other former Borg individuals within the Federation, such as Agnes Jurati.
After merging with the Borg Queen, Jurati successfully transformed the once menacing Borg Collective into valuable allies of the Federation. This alliance has the potential to completely eradicate the original Borg threat.
A potential spinoff series called Star Trek: Legacy could delve into the future of the Borg, specifically exploring their integration into a Federation that no longer regards them with fear. The show would also emphasize how the Borg can surpass their previous aspirations of galactic conquest and evolve into something greater.
The rise of Jeri Ryan's character, Captain Seven of Nine, in the final season of Star Trek: Picard hints at what the future holds for Alison Pill's character, Agnes Jurati, who becomes the Borg Queen. After the death of Captain Liam Shaw, Commander Seven temporarily takes over as Acting Captain of the USS Titan-A, successfully defending against the Borg's assimilated Starfleet. With the help of Admiral Jean-Luc Picard and the USS Enterprise-D, they are able to destroy the Borg Queen. Seven's bravery earns her a promotion to Captain of the USS Enterprise-G, where she now commands the flagship of the United Federation of Planets.
In Star Trek: Picard, viewers witness Seven of Nine's tumultuous journey after she arrives on Earth with the USS Voyager, following a 7-year voyage through the Delta Quadrant. Despite Admiral Kathryn Janeway's support, Seven faces discrimination on Earth as a reclaimed Borg Drone. Choosing to return to space, she joins the Fenris Rangers in the Beta Quadrant, working as a peacekeeper during the upheaval caused by the Romulan sun's supernova. However, she is given a second chance at Starfleet when she meets Admiral Picard, who grants her a field promotion at the end of season 2. In season 3, Seven proves her leadership skills in Starfleet and now commands the newest Enterprise as a result.
Seven Of Nine’s Enterprise Promotion Foreshadows Jurati Borg Queen’s Acceptance
Following Star Trek: Picard season 3, the same level of acceptance received by Captain Seven of Nine could also be extended to another Borg Queen in the galaxy. Dr. Agnes Jurati, in Star Trek: Picard season 2, was assimilated by the Borg Queen from an alternate reality. However, an interesting transformation occurred when Jurati merged with the Borg Queen: her goodness influenced the formerly oppressive cybernetic entity. Departing Earth in the 21st century at the end of Star Trek: Picard season 2, the new hybrid 'Borgarti Queen' returned as a benevolent leader of a Borg Collective in the early 25th century of the restored Star Trek Prime Timeline. The Jurati-led Borg even secured provisional membership within the Federation, committing to safeguarding the galaxy against an unidentified threat.
Although the Jurati-led Borg did not make an appearance in Star Trek: Picard season 3, it is presumed that they continue to act as the guardians of their mysterious enemy's transwarp conduit. Alternatively, it is possible that the benevolent Borg successfully defeated their unseen adversaries off-screen. Regardless, the destruction of the original Borg and their Queen effectively eradicates the Federation's biggest adversary, while the Jurati Borg Queen transforms her Collective into valuable allies. With Captain Seven of Nine leading the way in promoting a new perspective on the Borg's capacity for change, and most of Starfleet consisting of former Borg who were reclaimed after Star Trek: Picard season 3, the hybrid Jurati Borg Queen and her Collective may now find acceptance from the Federation, a notion previously unimaginable when Earth lived in the fear of a Borg invasion.
The Future Of The Borg After Star Trek: Picard Season 3
Star Trek: Legacy, the proposed spinoff and continuation of Star Trek: Picard season 3, is awaiting approval, putting Star Trek in a holding pattern. This new series focuses on Captain Seven of Nine and the voyages of the USS Enterprise-G. An intriguing aspect that could be explored in Star Trek: Legacy is the fate of Agnes Jurati's Borg, who were never mentioned and did not fight for the Federation against the evil Borg in Picard season 3. The unfortunate loss of Annie Wersching in early 2023 may dampen the return of her character, the Borg Queen, but there is still potential for Alison Pill to portray the hybrid Jurati Borg Queen in Star Trek: Legacy.
Although Star Trek: Picard season 3 concludes the Borg-as-villains story that has long been prevalent since Star Trek: The Next Generation, the Borg are not completely excluded from future narratives. Star Trek: Legacy has the opportunity to present a fresh Borg narrative, focusing on their integration into a Federation that no longer harbors hatred or fear of assimilation. It would be fascinating to explore how the Borg can evolve their society beyond a hive-mind obsessed with galactic conquest. Captain Seven of Nine can serve as a guiding example for the Borg, showcasing the qualities they could emulate in a post-Star Trek: Picard era.
