Unveiling the Mysteries: Geordi's Glorious Command of the Iconic USS Enterprise-D in Star Trek Picard Season 3

Summary

Geordi being left in command of the USS Enterprise-D in Star Trek: Picard season 3 made sense because he is a Starfleet Commodore, the most senior officer after Admiral Picard.

Geordi, being the sole active Starfleet officer among the Enterprise crew members remaining, was deemed the best choice to helm the rescue operation from the commanding position on the Enterprise. Given Geordi's higher rank in the Starfleet hierarchy compared to Captains Riker and Worf, as well as his ongoing dedication to active duty, he proved to be the most fitting individual for the command role.

Commodore Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton) was entrusted with the command of the newly refurbished USS Enterprise-D in season 3 of Star Trek: Picard for a compelling reason. During the finale, the crew from Star Trek: The Next Generation reunited with the Enterprise for a final battle against the Borg. Admiral Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) led an away team into the heart of the Borg Cube to rescue his son Jack Crusher (Ed Speleers), leaving Geordi in charge of the Enterprise.

This was not the first time Geordi had assumed command of the USS Enterprise-D in Star Trek, as he previously did so in the episode "The Arsenal of Freedom." In the absence of Picard, Commander Riker (Jonathan Frakes), and Lt. Commander Data (Brent Spiner) during an away mission, Geordi was left in control. This mirrors how Lt. Hikaru Sulu (George Takei) occasionally took command of the USS Enterprise in Star Trek: The Original Series. Although Captains Riker and Worf (Michael Dorn) were potential candidates to stay behind and take charge of the USS Enterprise-D in the Picard finale, there was another reason beyond their concern for Jean-Luc.

Picard Leaving Commodore Geordi La Forge In Command Of USS Enterprise-D Made Sense

Picard could have required Riker or Worf to remain on the Enterprise to take command, similar to how he refused Data and Dr. Beverly Crusher's involvement in the rescue mission. Instead, he entrusted the USS Enterprise-D to Geordi, which was a logical decision. Geordi, as a Starfleet Commodore, held the highest rank after Admiral Picard, making him the appropriate choice to lead the ship.

Commodore La Forge was also the only remaining Enterprise crew member who still actively served in Starfleet. Data had just been revived in a new body without a Starfleet commission, and Dr. Crusher had resigned from Starfleet. Deanna Troi-Riker, on the other hand, was in a state of partial retirement on Nepenthe. Being the sole active Starfleet member and the most senior, Geordi was the perfect candidate to lead the rescue mission from the captain's chair of the Enterprise.

Why Commodore Geordi La Forge Outranks Captain Riker & Worf

Commodore Geordi La Forge holds a higher rank than Captains Riker and Worf in the Starfleet hierarchy. Geordi's position as a Commodore places him between the ranks of Captain and Admiral, making him the most senior officer compared to Riker and Worf. Geordi earned this position by progressing through the ranks and accepting a promotion to oversee the Athan Prime Starfleet Museum. In the timeline of Star Trek: Picard, Riker serves as a Captain-at-large, stepping in as needed, such as when he takes command of the USS Zheng He in the season 1 finale. In contrast, Geordi remains an active member of Starfleet, fully dedicated to his responsibilities for his fleet of historic starships, including the Enterprise-D.

Captain Worf, on the other hand, works with Starfleet Intelligence as a freelance contractor. After the tragic loss of the USS Enterprise-E, Worf has chosen to step away from commanding a starship, recognizing that it is not the right fit for him. Riker also faced similar challenges while temporarily commanding the USS Titan-A, grappling with his own grief and fear of death. With both Worf and Riker no longer seeking the position of commanding officer, and given his seniority, Geordi is the ideal candidate to take command of the USS Enterprise-D in season 3 of Star Trek: Picard.