New ‘Star Trek: Picard’ Episode Brings Back Fan Favorite Characters
As the third season of ‘Star Trek: Picard’ unfolds on Amazon Prime Video, the reunion of the Enterprise crew continues to excite fans. In episode six, titled ‘The Reward,’ LeVar Burton made a return as LaForge and Brent Spiner graced the screen again, this time as Data.
Data’s return came as a surprise to viewers, especially after his apparent death in ‘Star Trek: Nemesis’ and his virtual appearance in season one of ‘Picard.’ In the latest episode, he appears in flesh and circuit, acting as a vital part of the conspiracy at the heart of the show.
But how was Data brought back, considering his double death in the earlier film? Terry Matalas, the showrunner of ‘Picard,’ has an answer. He explains, One of the first questions I had to ask myself was how the hell are you going to make a meeting of Star Trek: The Next Generation without Data being a part of it? Something else has to happen.
Matalas takes inspiration from the film ‘Star Trek: Nemesis’ and the back-up copy of Data made in the B-4 prototype before his sacrifice. He also explores Data’s twin, Lore, who served as an antagonist in the show’s first run, and his creator’s son, Altan Soong, with the Soong legacy running through the series.
For Data’s latest return, Matalas envisions another copy advanced enough to be human until the last consequences. To the point of being able to grow old. With both Lore and Data in the picture, Matalas believes this storyline will give Brent Spiner a chance to showcase his prowess as an actor.
The reunion of beloved characters in the new season has Trekkies buzzing with excitement, and Matalas’s creative vision for Data’s return has piqued their interest even more. Fans can’t wait to see what other surprises the show has in store as it continues to explore its characters’ storied past.
