The One Character in Star Trek That Picard Held a Grudge Against for 31 Years

Captain Jean-Luc Picard, portrayed by Patrick Stewart, is known for his ability to forgive. However, one particular betrayal in Star Trek: The Next Generation left an indelible mark on him for more than three decades. Deeply invested in the welfare of his crew aboard the USS Enterprise-D, Picard often maintained an emotional distance to uphold his commitment to **Starfleet’s noble mission**. His dedication was unwavering, but he soon learned that not all Starfleet officers held the same unwavering faith in the organization.

The original vision for Star Trek: The Next Generation by Gene Roddenberry was to present a cohesive crew without major conflicts. While this approach initially limited storytelling, it gradually evolved over the series’ run. In the early episodes of season five, a new character emerged, one that challenged the established crew dynamic. Throughout his tenure as captain, Picard faced numerous adversities—from being assimilated by the Borg to encountering the omnipotent Q (played by John de Lancie). Yet, no one troubled him quite like Ensign Ro Laren, portrayed by Michelle Forbes.

The Root of Picard’s 31-Year Grudge Against Ro Laren

Ensign Ro Laren’s Introduction

Ensign Ro Laren made her mark in the Star Trek universe during the season five episode titled “Ensign Ro.”Before joining the crew of the Enterprise-D, she had faced serious repercussions in her career, including a court-martial that resulted in her demotion due to a failed mission that cost eight officers their lives. While many crew members viewed her with skepticism, Captain Picard recognized her potential. Following her promotion to lieutenant, Ro was assigned to infiltrate the rebellious Maquis group, where she quickly grew sympathetic to their ideals.

When the time came to set a trap for the Maquis, Ro made the shocking choice to align herself with the rebels and abandon Starfleet. She expressed to Picard that, in the Maquis, she had finally found a sense of belonging, regretting only her disappointment towards him. Picard, who had once walked a path of rebellion himself, took Ro’s betrayal to heart. He envisioned her as an exemplary Starfleet officer, and her decision to diverge from that path felt like a profound betrayal of their shared values.

The Reunion: A Pivotal Moment in Star Trek: Picard Season 3

Ro Laren’s Return

In season three of Star Trek: Picard, fans rejoiced at the return of the original crew, reuniting with Admiral Picard for a significant mission. After Admiral Picard and Captain William Riker, played by Jonathan Frakes, assumed command of the USS Titan-A to rescue Dr. Beverly Crusher (portrayed by Gates McFadden), Commander Ro came to warn him about a new Changeling threat endangering the Federation. Despite carrying the weight of past betrayal, both characters acknowledged the lost potential of their friendship.

This confrontation in a season filled with compelling narratives stood out as one of the most poignant. It allowed Ro and Picard to finally voice their feelings, with Ro helping Picard uncover crucial information about the ongoing Changeling conspiracy. Tragically, her journey ended abruptly when she was killed while departing the Titan, yet Picard finally recognized her for who she truly was. Given the series’ history of character resurrections, fans are left to wonder if Ro will make another appearance in the future.

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