Unraveling Star Trek: Picard's Synthetic Body

Article Key Points

Star Trek: Picard is the only series set in the present timeline of the Star Trek universe, bringing back beloved characters and plot points from The Next Generation.

The initial season chronicles Admiral Jean-Luc Picard's journey as he aids a woman with whom he shares an enigmatic bond, entrapping him in a web of Romulan conspiracy.

With his fresh synthetic physique, Picard embarks on a "resurrection arc," presenting the potential for ongoing escapades devoid of the peril posed by his degenerative neurological condition.

Star Trek: Picard stands out as the only Star Trek series currently on air that is set in the present timeline of the Star Trek universe. Being one of the most revered Starfleet captains, it was only fitting for Captain Jean-Luc Picard to have his own television series. In a brilliant move, the show's first season cleverly brings back beloved characters and storylines from The Next Generation era, ultimately leading to an unexpected twist at the season's end.

Throughout the first season, Admiral Jean-Luc Picard embarks on an adventure to assist a woman who strangely knows him, despite him never having met her before. This journey takes him away from Earth and thrusts him into the midst of a long-standing Romulan conspiracy spanning decades. Along the way, he forges new friendships and reunites with old allies. What truly captivates viewers is the revelation that Picard undergoes a transformation, his physical form changing by the end of the season, granting him a fresh start in life.

Did Picard Die in His Series?

In the first season of Picard, it was revealed that the titular character was not in good health. The show chose to reintroduce an illness from Picard's past, making something from a deleted alternate future timeline come to life. In order for Picard to command a starship on an off-world mission, he required medical clearance from a Starfleet doctor. However, Picard's old friend Dr. Moritz Benayoun diagnosed him with Irumodic Syndrome, a neurological disorder that deteriorates synaptic pathways.

Fans of The Next Generation were already familiar with this disease. In the finale episode, "All Good Things," Picard experienced multiple points in time simultaneously. In one possible future, he learned that he developed Irumodic Syndrome. However, when it was revealed that it was only a potential future, fans thought he had escaped the illness. Throughout four subsequent movies, the neurological disorder was never mentioned again as the Enterprise crew embarked on various adventures. Nonetheless, when Picard discovers his ailment, he is not entirely surprised.

How Did Picard Get a Synthetic Body?

In the finale, Picard finally succumbs to Irumodic Syndrome while on the surface of the planet Coppelius. Prior to his passing, he valiantly thwarts an attack orchestrated by a formidable Romulan fleet and a formidable army of extra-dimensional synthetic beings. Surrounded by both long-standing allies and newfound companions, Picard breathes his last breath, staying true to his life-long mission of safeguarding the less fortunate and upholding his unwavering principles.

Beside Picard on Coppelius stood a familiar yet unfamiliar face. Altan Soong, the son of Dr. Noonian Soong, who was the renowned creator of the android Data, had crafted a remarkable civilization of advanced androids, following in his father's footsteps. Among the diverse androids present on Coppelius, Altan had also devised an entity called a golem. While not entirely different from the conventional concept of a golem, Altan's creation served a unique purpose - to house his consciousness upon his eventual demise, granting him a form of eternal existence.

Altan and Dr. Agnes Jurati, in agreement, decided to utilize the golem to transfer Picard's consciousness into a synthetic body. This new body replicated his physical appearance, matching the exact age at which he had passed away, and preserved all of his physical imperfections and signs of aging. However, it is important to note that possessing a synthetic body does not grant Picard eternal life or extraordinary strength. In reality, he will experience the same lifespan as an ordinary human being.

So, why opt for Picard to become synthetic? Akiva Goldsman, the executive producer of Picard, provides an explanation:

And we actually follow that approach, with no secret or extraordinary events happening to Picard, or any special abilities tied to his new body… it was done to create a resurrection storyline.

By the end of the show's finale, Starfleet has lifted its ban on synthetic life forms, which would have been awkward if they hadn't, considering Picard, their most renowned admiral, now inhabits an artificial body. The body is in perfect health, with only the risk of Picard facing mortality from a phaser blast or old age. This isn't Picard's first encounter with cybernetic enhancements either. He was briefly assimilated by the Borg during his time on the Enterprise, and his heart is also artificial. While there's nothing particularly remarkable about Picard's new body, and assuming Sir Patrick Stewart is willing, he could continue portraying Picard for another season of the show or even make appearances in movies.

Star Trek: Picard

Follow-up series to Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987) and Star Trek: Nemesis (2002) that centers on Jean-Luc Picard in the next chapter of his life.

Editor's P/S

As a hard fan of Star Trek, I have mixed feelings about the direction the show has taken in recent years. On the one hand, I appreciate the return of beloved characters and plot points from The Next Generation era. Seeing Picard, Data, and Seven of Nine back in action has been a real treat. On the other hand, I'm not entirely sold on the show's new direction. The introduction of synthetic bodies and the resurrection of Picard have left me feeling a bit uneasy. I'm not sure if this is the right direction for the franchise.

Overall, I think Star Trek: Picard is a well-made and entertaining show. However, I'm not sure if it's the Star Trek show that I want to see. I'm hoping that the show will find its footing in the next few seasons and become the show that I know it can be.