Summary
Deanna Troi becomes the true hero in Star Trek: Picard season 3, saving the galaxy and unlocking Borg secrets with her return in the final episodes.
Fans were disappointed by Troi's limited role, but showrunner Terry Matalas alleviated their concerns by highlighting her crucial involvement in the final three episodes.
In the season 3 finale, Troi's empathic abilities were finally put to good use, making her an indispensable character in the effort to save the day.
Counselor Deanna Troi, portrayed by Marina Sirtis, appears in episode 6 of Star Trek: Picard season 3. However, she emerges as the true hero by the end of the season. The original crew members from Star Trek: The Next Generation reunite on the reconstructed USS Enterprise-D to rescue the Federation from the threats of the Borg and the Changelings. Despite her absence in the first half due to scheduling challenges, Deanna Troi plays a significant role in the latter half of the season. Showrunner Terry Matalas and the writing team ensure that the character has ample opportunity to shine in the final episodes.
Prior to the airing of the second half of Star Trek: Picard season 3, fans express their disappointment on social media regarding Deanna Troi's limited involvement. In response, Terry Matalas, the showrunner, reassures fans via Twitter that she plays a vital role in the last three episodes. Troi not only contributes to saving the galaxy in the final battle against the Borg but also assists Jack Crusher, portrayed by Ed Speleers, in unlocking the hidden Borg secrets within his mind. Troi, known as the heart of TNG, continues to embody that role in Picard season 3. Her connection with Captain William Riker, portrayed by Jonathan Frakes, proves to be crucial in achieving victory.
Why Troi Was Star Trek: Picard Season 3 Finale’s Real Hero
Throughout Star Trek: The Next Generation, the writers faced challenges when it came to writing for Deanna Troi and her empathic abilities. Due to Marina Sirtis' limited availability on the production schedule, the creative team of Star Trek: Picard season 3 cleverly structured the latter half of the season to make Troi essential. Not only does Star Trek: Picard season 3 provide Troi with an opportunity to be the hero, but it also allows her to utilize her empathic powers in a way that is meaningful. In the finale of Star Trek: Picard season 3, the Borg Queen launches an attack on the Federation during the Frontier Day celebration and proceeds to assimilate all Starfleet officers below the age of 25. As the Borg assault Earth's defenses, Admiral Picard, Captain Riker, and Captain Worf (Michael Dorn) teleport onto the Borg Cube to deactivate it.
Meanwhile, the officers on board the Enterprise-D make preparations to destroy the beacon responsible for sending the signal to the assimilated Starfleet officers. However, they realize that by doing so, they would also destroy the Borg cube along with everyone on board, including Picard, Riker, and Worf. Eventually, Riker and Worf catch up to Picard but the Enterprise fails to locate their transporter signal for beaming them back. In a moment of acceptance, where they are prepared to "die with honor" as Worf puts it, Riker bids a final farewell to Troi. Despite remaining on the Enterprise, Troi uses her telepathic abilities to sense Riker's presence and accurately pinpoint their location. Taking control of the ship, Deanna skillfully guides the Enterprise precisely to their coordinates, executing the most impressive maneuver ever performed by a Galaxy Class starship. This allows Picard, Riker, Worf, and Jack to be rescued just in time before the Borg Cube is completely obliterated.
Troi Needs To Return In Star Trek: Legacy
With the proposed Picard spin-off, Star Trek: Legacy, which fans are eagerly anticipating, there is a high likelihood that some of the crew members from TNG will make a return if the show comes to fruition. Deanna Troi has experienced significant character growth since her time on TNG, and it would be fantastic to continue following her and her family's journey. Riker appears to be ready to resume his Starfleet responsibilities at the conclusion of Star Trek: Picard season 3, following a much-needed vacation with Troi. Troi has also returned to her role as a counselor and engages in daily sessions with Data (Brent Spiner) as he explores his newfound emotions with joy.
If the potential Star Trek: Legacy series materializes, it will likely center around the adventures of the newly renamed USS Enterprise-G and its crew, featuring the next generation of Starfleet officers. Ensign Jack Crusher holds a position on the bridge as a Special Counselor to Captain Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan), while Lt. Sidney La Forge (Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut) assumes the role of helmsman. Troi's involvement in Legacy could also introduce another child of the TNG crew into the mix. Kestra Troi-Riker (Lulu Wilson), who has not been seen since Picard season 1, would be a wonderful addition to the Legacy cast. Marina Sirtis' portrayal of Deanna Troi will always be embraced in the Star Trek universe, and hopefully, she will continue to save the galaxy following her heroic actions in Star Trek: Picard season 3.
Get your hands on Star Trek: Picard – The Final Season, now out on DVD, Blu-ray™, and a special limited-edition Blu-ray SteelBook exclusively from Paramount Home Entertainment.
Don't miss out on Star Trek: Picard – The Complete Series, available now as well.
The limited-edition Star Trek: The Picard Legacy Collection will be available November 7.