Unveiling the Enigmatic Ro Laren: Star Trek's Complex Character

Star Trek has a long history of transforming challenging characters into fan favorites, and this was certainly true for one particularly complex Starfleet officer. In Star Trek: The Next Generation, Ro Laren (played by Michelle Forbes) was introduced as the first Bajoran in a recurring role. Right from the start, she clashed with Commander William Riker (portrayed by Jonathan Frakes), while he didn't like her, she had even less affinity for him. When Ro Laren made her debut appearance in season 5, episode 3 titled "Ro Laren," she already had a reputation for causing trouble.

Her path to promotion took a detour when she faced a court-martial after refusing to follow an order, resulting in the deaths of eight Starfleet officers. Riker's insistence on her removing her traditional Bajoran earring seemed excessive, especially considering its cultural significance. However, Riker was not alone in his initial mistrust of Ro, and it took a few episodes for her to change their opinions. Despite constantly conflicting with her stubbornness and hidden agendas, Ro managed to earn the goodwill of fans and transcend the limitations of her character.

Ro Laren’s Childhood

Ro's childhood was filled with turmoil, much like many other significant Star Trek characters. Alongside her parents, Ro Talia and Ro Gale, she was among numerous Bajoran families who were forced into refugee camps due to the Cardassian Occupation. In a deeply impactful moment from The Next Generation, Ro recounts the horrifying memory of witnessing her father's murder at the hands of the same Cardassian officer who had enticed her into the room with candy moments before. Ro's life became a constant shuffle from one place to another until she finally made the decision to run away.

The reasons behind Ro's decision to join Starfleet remain a mystery, but it is possible that she saw it as a means to distance herself from her Bajoran heritage and the traumatic experiences associated with it. In many ways, her story can be viewed as a constant struggle to navigate the aftermath of the occupation. Ro often displayed hostility in her interactions with others, and similar to her fellow Bajoran Major Kira Nerys, she had a tendency to come across as confrontational. If Starfleet's security matched the strength of her emotional walls, many conflicts within the franchise may have never even begun.

Ro Laren's Complicated Relationship with Starfleet

Ro’s friendship with Guinan was unexpected but endearing, bringing a heartwarming scene to The Next Generation. In season 6, episode 7, titled "Rascals," the crew of the Enterprise is transformed into 12-year-olds due to a transporter accident, forcing them to defend the ship. Initially resistant to Guinan's attempts to let loose and embrace innocence, Ro eventually gives in and joins her in jumping on a bed, realizing that she needs this moment of carefree joy. This experience, while unable to erase the pain of her past, allows Ro to create a childhood memory untainted by trauma. It deepens her connection with Guinan, providing her with a much-needed sense of catharsis.

Yet despite these friendships, her relationship with Captain Jean Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) was undoubtedly the one that defined Ro's Starfleet career throughout Star Trek.

Ro Laren & The Maquis

When Ro initially joined Starfleet, her presence was met with resistance from both the Enterprise crew and herself. She had only become an officer to avoid imprisonment for her past crimes, a confession that Riker found unsettling when she disclosed it to Picard. However, after embarking on numerous missions alongside the crew, Ro's rough exterior began to soften, making it easier for others to collaborate with her. Despite this transformation, her primary focus remained on serving the needs of her fellow Bajorans. It was this dedication, combined with her exceptional tactical training, that positioned her as a strong candidate for Admiral Kennelly's covert operations, conducted discreetly under Picard's watchful eye.

Ro's effectiveness in unofficial missions led Picard to reluctantly approve her infiltration of the Maquis. In episode 24, "Preemptive Strike," of season 7, she was assigned to gather intelligence on the rebel group and find a way to neutralize them from within. However, Ro came to realize that her dedication to her homeworld, Bajor, aligned more with the Maquis' goals. Making the difficult decision, she turned her back on Starfleet and joined the Maquis.

While this choice was not easy and came with sacrifices, it provided Ro with the opportunity to pursue a life where she could make her own decisions rather than merely reacting to others'. She believed that this new path would allow her to make a real difference, though she soon discovered it was not as straightforward as she had hoped.

Ro once confided in Picard, stating, "While I am devoted to the Federation, my heart remains with Bajor." This perspective was shaped by years of feeling ashamed of her heritage prior to her involvement in Star Trek and reflects the intricate layers of her personal journey. Despite her immense potential as a Starfleet officer, exemplified by her deep bond with Picard akin to that of a father and daughter, Ro always harbored a grander ambition that diverged from the expectations placed upon her. In The Next Generation, she aligned herself with the Maquis, as they exhibited a greater willingness than Starfleet to make the difficult choices necessary to safeguard innocent lives. When questioned about her decision to join the Maquis, she responded:

Ro Laren's journey in Star Trek: Picard showcases her rise through the ranks and eventual recruitment by Starfleet Intelligence. Despite the challenges she faced, Ro's determination to survive and her unwavering moral compass serve as an inspiration to fans. Her story emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself, even in the face of adversity.