In the latest episode of Star Trek: Picard, fans were treated to a surprise appearance from Ro Laren, a fan-favorite character from Star Trek: The Next Generation. Showrunner Terry Matalas explains that bringing back Ro Laren was a story that felt like it needed to be told, and it turned out to be a thrilling paranoia thriller. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the return of Ro Laren and how the Picard writers crafted a compelling story that engaged audiences.
Who is Ro Laren?
For those unfamiliar with Star Trek: The Next Generation, Ro Laren was a Bajoran lieutenant who appeared in the show's fifth season. She was a complex character who challenged the status quo and was often at odds with Captain Picard and the rest of the Enterprise crew. After a series of events, Ro left Starfleet to join a group of Bajoran freedom fighters, leaving a bitter taste in Picard's mouth.
Why Ro Laren's Return Was Important
The return of Ro Laren was a storyline that the Picard writers felt like they had to explore. According to showrunner Terry Matalas, it was one of the last great unexplored stories from The Next Generation. The writers wanted to address the rift between Ro and Picard, which ended in a tragic way. Bringing back Ro also allowed the writers to tell a thrilling paranoia thriller that kept audiences on the edge of their seats.
The Paranoia Thriller
The Picard episode featuring Ro Laren was essentially a paranoia thriller. Jean-Luc and Ro were both unsure if they could trust each other, and they held phasers on each other while discussing their old rift. The intense conversation allowed them to work through their feelings and ultimately convinced Jean-Luc that Ro was the real deal. The writers wanted to explore the idea of identity and how our past can affect our perception of others.
Ro Laren's Sacrifice
By the end of the episode, Ro Laren nobly sacrificed herself to expose the changelings within Starfleet. She piloted a shuttle carrying a bomb into another ship, giving Jean-Luc and the Titan time to escape. Her sacrifice set them on the path to potentially saving the galaxy. This storyline was a fitting end for Ro Laren's character and allowed her to go out on a high note.
Conclusion
The return of Ro Laren was a welcome surprise for Star Trek: The Next Generation fans. The Picard writers crafted a compelling story that allowed them to explore the past and tell a thrilling paranoia thriller. Ro Laren's sacrifice was a fitting end for her character, and it sets up exciting possibilities for future episodes.
FAQs
Q: Who played Ro Laren in Star Trek: The Next Generation?
A: Ro Laren was played by Michelle Forbes.
Q: Will Ro Laren be appearing in future episodes of Star Trek: Picard?
A: It's unclear at this time if Ro Laren will be appearing in future episodes.
Q: What is a paranoia thriller?
A: A paranoia thriller is a story that centers around characters who are unsure if they can trust each other.
Q: What was Ro Laren's ultimate fate?
A: Ro Laren sacrificed herself to expose the changelings within Starfleet.
Q: What other Star Trek: The Next Generation characters can we expect to see in Star Trek: Picard?
A: It's been confirmed that other Next Generation characters will be making appearances in future episodes.