Comic-Con 2020 'Star Trek: Picard': 5 characters from the franchise who need to make a comeback
Where 'Star Trek: Discovery' brought a whole new audience to the 'Star Trek' fandom, it was 'Star Trek: Picard' that brought of the old fandom back. Patrick Stewart, who hadn't officially played Jean-Luc Picard in 'Star Trek: Nemesis' in 2002, was back on screen in what is perhaps his most iconic role. He wasn't the only character the show brought back, as it featured Will Riker (Jonathan Frakes), Data (Brent Spiner) and Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis). With Season 2 already promising to bring back Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton), we look at the top 5 characters from the 'Star Trek' universe that we want to see 'Picard' bring back.
Kathryn Janeway ('Voyager')
The very first female Captain featured on 'Star Trek,' and the only one to be featured on television, this tough-as-nails lead is our first pick among characters to be brought back. Played by Kate Mulgrew, Kathryn Janeway was instrumental in helping Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan) de-assimilate from the Borg Collective. With Seven of Nine now an indispensable member of Picard's crew, it would make sense for Janeway to at least make an appearance on the series.
Hikaru Sulu ('Star Trek')
Though he's performed many roles since, the role of Hikaru Sulu will always be one that fans remember George Takei most fondly for. Takei has remained in the public consciousness for years after his portrayal on the original 'Star Trek' series and the fans would no doubt welcome him back to the series with open arms. In addition, his return to the show might allow for him to follow his movie counterpart and make Sulu's homosexuality canon in both universes, once and for all.
Worf ('The Next Generation,' 'Deep Space Nine')
The most famous Klingon in the 'Star Trek' universe, Worf (Michael Dorn) holds the distinction of having the most appearances of any 'Star Trek' character on television and there's no reason not to see that streak continue. A fierce warrior and leader, Picard's tactical officer is a welcome addition to any team, even if it's just for the space of a single episode. Having prevented a civil war on his homeworld, Worf is a major player in galactic politics now, something that 'Picard' seems quite interested in exploring.
James T Kirk ('Star Trek')
The Captain who started it all. It's hard for 'Star Trek' fans to agree on their favorite 'Star Trek' Captain between Picard and James Tiberius Kirk (William Shatner) - so why make them choose at all? Kirk and Picard have already met in 'Star Trek: Generations,' but there's no reason not to bring him back on the show again. Granted, Kirk's character would be significantly older, especially given the advanced age of Picard himself, but in a sci-fi universe, where there's a Will, there's a way.
Q ('The Next Generation,' 'Deep Space Nine,' 'Voyager')
There is no creature more enigmatic, entertaining or as challenging as the entity known as Q (John de Lancie and others). This extra-dimensional member of the Q Collective was one of Picard's first major challenges. The very first episode of 'The Next Generation' featured Q putting all of humanity on trial, leaving it up to Picard to defend the human race in an eloquent speech of the kind that Picard soon became famous for. While his appearances ranged from the overly dramatic to the silly, there is still room for a character like 'Q' on 'Picard', especially with the universe having so recently been saved from other extradimensional beings summoned by the synth in the season finale.
The Star Trek Universe Virtual Comic-Con Panel happens on July 23, at 10 am - 11am. You can read additional details here.