'Star Trek Picard': What led Jean-Luc Picard to retreat to an isolated life away from the Federation?
There is a feverish sense of excitement in the air, as CBS's 'Star Trek: Picard' is all set to release in January 2020. The series marks the return of Patrick Stewart's famous starship fleet captain Jean-Luc Picard, after 17 years. In the trailers, we can see that he is living a lonely and isolated life back in France.
While there's still a bit of a wait, fans have something else to look forward to, which is the four-issue prequel series, written by Star Trek: Picard producer Kirsten Beyer and Titan Comics' Blade Runner 2019 co-author Mike Johnson.
The events in the series explain the premise of the television show. The plot tells the story of Picard, and the internal conflicts he faces as the respected officer in Starfleet. A Romulan mission turns his life upside down, thus making the way for the TV series and explaining why he chose to steer clear of the Federation, something that had defined him for decades.
'Star Trek: Picard Countdown's events take place 15 years prior to 'Star Trek: Picard', and Jean Luc is still considered as one of the most decorated officers of the Starfleet. According to the prequel comics, Picard has given up the command seat of the USS Enterprise. Picard is certain that he has left the Federation's flagship in reliable hands. However, the Romulan rescue mission needs to be conducted, and Picard commands the Sovereign-class USS Verity. His First Officer is Lieutenant Commander Raffi Musiker, who is a crucial analyst on Romulan affairs.
The year is 2385, which is two years before the destruction of Romulus in the supernova. While the Romulan empire has been struggling to keep this unfolding disaster as a secret, the Federation discovers the ugly truth and Picard is determined to bring the people from the empire to safety. Picard is sure about his cause and believes that they are doing everything they can to save lives. It is a difficult and Herculean task, as the Romulans do not trust anyone.
Yet, an unpleasant revelation awaits him when he visits the hidden colony world of Yuyat Beta. The ugly reality of the Romulan empire rattles him, as he realizes that most of the Romulan population has been kept as slaves. He slowly realizes that slavery is not unusual and that in rescuing Romulans, they are leaving other races to die, as they are being left behind. His ideals and faith in the Federation are shattered.
This acts as the turning point in Picard's life, and why he chooses to retire with his family in La Barre, France.
'Star Trek: Picard' trailers show that Romulan survivors have been doing their bit in enslaving Borgs, and Picard is going to step up and get them off their chains. He emphatically says he stands for what the Federation should still represent.
'Star Trek Picard' will air on CBS, January 23, 2020.
