'Star Trek': Before Patrick Stewart returns as Picard, here's a detailed primer on the franchise
The 'Star Trek' franchise has taken iconic proportions and spanned over five decades - with five live-action series, one animated one, several films, comics and an astounding fandom that continues to grow by leaps and bounds. For the uninitiated, the franchise does come across as rather intimidating due to its elaborate plot threads, character arcs and layered intricacies. And now, to add to its dense collection, 'Star Trek: Picard' will be released on CBS- All Access on January 23.
So you might need to brush up a bit on the essential 'Star Trek' lore. Here are some important things to know about the franchise before watching Patrick Stewart make a return in 'Star Trek: Picard'.
A sort of Utopia
'Star Trek', is what the creator Gene Roddenberry envisioned for humanity in the future. It's a type of utopia, but it has taken much blood, sweat and tears to get there. Ten years after the end of another world war, which witnessed the collapse of governments and the destruction of cities, contact was made with Vulcans. They were a highly intelligent and logical species, and this interaction forced humanity on Earth to pull itself out of the hole it had dug itself into. After further turmoil, the United Earth Government was established in 2150. And slowly, humanity fought its way back from poverty, hunger and cruelty. Racism was eradicated, and there was a strong desire to work towards the need for betterment of humanity. They have moved past bigotry and greed and live in harmony.
What is the Federation?
Humans and the Vulcans founded the Federation in 2161. It is a composition of various planetary governments that lives under a central body and their goal is to indulge in peaceful trade and encourage intellectual curiosity.
Starfleet
The Starfleet is a sort of Navy service maintained by the Federation, and they work towards establishing peaceful relationships with other worlds.
'Star Trek': The Original Series (1966-1969)
It was the year 1966. The world had already witnessed two devastating wars, and was just trying to emerge from the ashes of the Second World War. The most insidious crimes had been committed on humanity, and millions had lost their lives. The scars continued to burn. Gene Roddenberry found a way to escape from the surrounding darkness, and created 'Star Trek'. It was a Utopian and evolved world. It was detached from the current ghastly scenario. We were introduced to Captain Kirk (William Shatner) and First Officer Spock (Leonard Nimoy) and their friendship which became the rock of the series. The show touched upon war, eugenics with much senstivity. It ran for three years, but started facing problems by the third season including several budgetary issues. Yet, when it was finished, it left behind a profound legacy.
'Star Trek': The Next Generation (1987-1994)
Here is when we meet our hero of the upcoming series 'Picard', Jean Luc Picard, played by Patrick Stewart. 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' takes place a century after the adventures of Spock and Kirk, and sees a new crew aboard the Enterprise. While the original series focussed on space adventures, TNG took on diplomacy, galaxy missions and the interactions with new cultures. We got to learn more about the Romulans and the Klingons. Instead of Kirk, we had the European-based Picard, a polished and articulate gentleman, a lover of philosophy and literature. There was also much focus on family, as the show delved into the lives of the characters. The new crew included First Officer William T. Riker (Jonathan Frakes), Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden) and her son Wesley (Wil Wheaton).
There were also two women (albeit briefly) in the cast, Counselor Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis) and Security Officer Tasha Yar (Denise Crosby). There's Data (Brent Spiner), an android crew member who wants to be human. However in the film 'Nemesis', Data sacrifices himself to save the lives of his crew members.
Data's sacrifice leads to a lasting peace with the Romulans. Here's a little info about the species, as it's crucial to 'Star Trek Picard', and why Jean Luc chose to retire from the Federation.
The Romulans
Initially, the Romulans were worthy foes of Spock and Captain Kirk. However, they evolved into deadly and manipulative enemies, and eager to gain power. They are similar to the Vulcans, except the Vulcans prefer peace, while the Romulans wish to consolidate their power. Yet, relationships between the Federation and the Romulans are mended, after Picard and his team overthrow their genocidal leader. However, things don't look rosy for the Romulans by the 2009 'Star Trek' film, as they're destroyed by a supernova. The prequel comic to the film, 'Star Trek: Countdown', describes the details of the event in vivid detail. These threads have been picked up by 'Star Trek: Picard', and some more details about the Romulans is fleshed out in 'Star Trek: Picard Countdown', a comic book. The comic elaborates on Picard's mission to save the Romulans.
'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 a secret, the Federation discovers the ugly truth and Picard is determined to bring the people from the empire to safety.
This rescue operation has some ghastly revelations and Picard decides to turn away from the Federation, leading to the series 'Star Trek Picard'. His ideals and faith in the Federation are shattered.
Borgs
A race of cybernetic zombies, Borgs have the ability to absorb civilisations into their collective consciousness. Their first appearance is on 'Star Trek: The Next Generation', where they are shown as faceless enemies and are linked in a hive mind called the Collective. In TNG, they invade the Federation and abduct Picard, making him their leader. Unable to have control over his mind anymore, Picard is made into the figurehead Locutus of Borg, and presides over the killings of his comrades. His crew finally wins over the Borgs and rescues Picard, who is left traumatized by the experience. In 'Star Trek: First Contact', the Borgs have a Borg queen as well, who goes on to appear in 'Star Trek: Voyager' series as well.
The Picard trailer shows that the Borgs are back, and will team up for a mission with Picard, Hugh from TNG, and 'Star Trek: Voyager' regular Seven Of Nine (Jeri Ryan). Hugh is a rescued Borg, whom Picard does not trust initially. Yet, Hugh establishes close friendships with the Enterprise crew, and Picard relents. Hugh is the leader of a small group of individualised Borgs.
'Star Trek: Picard' airs on CBS All-Access on January 23.