STACK #195 Jan 2021

TV FEATURE

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Patrick Stewart had always said that he had no desire to return to the role of Star Trek ’s Captain Jean-Luc Picard. But never say never… Words Scott Hocking O ne of Star Trek’s most loved and respected captains, Jean-Luc Picard guided the Starship Enterprise through seven seasons of The Next Generation (1987– 1994) and four feature films (1994–2002). Having boldly gone where no one had gone before, Patrick Stewart felt that his time with Star Trek had run its natural course. However, upon reading the script for proposed new series Star Trek: Picard , and discovering it was

not the same world he had previously charted in TNG, he was convinced to once more ‘engage’ with the iconic character. “As the subject matter of this new proposed series became clearer to me, and when I met the incredibly distinguished writing team, I knew that something unusual was going to happen and I wanted to be a part of it,” said Stewart of signing on to the new series. “It is, therefore, an unexpected but delightful surprise to find myself excited and invigorated to be returning to Jean-Luc Picard and to explore new dimensions within him. Seeking out new life for him, when I thought that life was over. “During these past years, it has been humbling to hear many stories about how The Next Generation brought people comfort, saw them through difficult periods in their lives or how the example of Jean-Luc inspired so many to follow in his footsteps, pursuing science, exploration and leadership,” he continued. “I feel I’m ready to return to him for the same reason – to research and experience what comforting and reforming light he might shine

14 JANUARY 2021

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