The anticipation surrounding the inclusion of Robert Picardo in the forthcoming Star Trek: Starfleet Academy has sparked intriguing discussions among fans. As a derivative of Star Trek: Discovery, this new series is set in the 32nd century while simultaneously featuring characters from the 22nd century, such as Lieutenant Sylvia Tilly, played by Mary Wiseman, and Commander Jett Reno, portrayed by Tig Notaro. These legacy characters will play crucial roles in revitalizing Starfleet, which suffered significant losses due to the catastrophic event known as the Burn that occurred a century prior.
The far-future backdrop of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy raises the question of which iteration of the iconic Doctor, originally from Star Trek: Voyager, Picardo will portray. In the episode titled “Living Witness,”from Season 4, we encounter an alternative emergency medical hologram (EMH) that awakens in a future where the history of the USS Voyager has been distorted over time. Yet, according to TrekCulture’s Ellie Littlechild during a recent TrekTalks event, Picardo will be reprising the original version of Voyager’s Doctor, a revelation that excites many fans.
Excitement Around Star Trek: Voyager’s Doctor Being 800 Years Old in Starfleet Academy
How Will Robert Picardo’s Doctor Evolve Over 800 Years?
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It’s thrilling to think about the implications of Star Trek: Voyager’s Doctor taking on the role of an original character who has lived for 800 years in the new series. The exponential growth of the Doctor’s program we’ve seen over time in both Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: Prodigy makes it fascinating to imagine the advancements he might have undergone after such a long period of existence. With perfect recall, this iteration of the Doctor will likely embody a multifaceted skillset, effectively becoming a master at various disciplines and perhaps even acting like this generation’s revered Groundskeeper Boothby (Ray Walston).
Being among the oldest main characters in Star Trek lore, alongside other long-lived characters like Commander Pelia (Carole Kane) from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, the Doctor’s extensive life experiences may bring a unique perspective to Starfleet Academy. Interestingly, despite the substantial enhancements to his programming over 800 years, there’s a possibility that the Doctor’s personality might revert to its early, more irritable state akin to what we saw in Season 1 of Star Trek: Voyager. This could stem from witnessing numerous generations of friends come and go, potentially leading to a more guarded demeanor towards the new Academy recruits.
The Doctor’s Elusive 800-Year Journey: What Was He Doing?
How Did the Doctor Navigate the Burn?
With 800 years of narrative to unpack from the last appearance of the Doctor in Star Trek: Prodigy to his role in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, fans are eager to discover how he spent those centuries. It’s important to note that due to the Doctor’s consistent operation during this timeframe, he could not have been onboard a starship during the Burn, as that would have resulted in his destruction. While the concept of the Doctor serving on every iteration of the USS Voyager since the 2370s is appealing, the circumstances surrounding the Burn make that scenario unlikely.
|
Year |
Event |
|---|---|
|
2371 |
Star Trek: Voyager’s Doctor becomes active |
|
2378 |
The USS Voyager makes its return |
|
2384 |
The commissioning of the USS Voyager-A |
|
2387 |
Romulan Supernova event |
|
3069 |
The occurrence of the Burn |
|
3189 |
The USS Discovery reaches the future |
|
3190s |
Reopening of Starfleet Academy |
Although the upcoming season of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy consists of only 10 episodes, it may still provide insights into the Doctor’s extensive history and how he managed to persevere through this tumultuous period. He might have found refuge on an isolationist Earth, unable to leave until it rejoined the Federation, or perhaps he was employed within the sacred walls of the Eternal Gallery and Archive. It is also plausible that the Doctor spent centuries at Federation Headquarters. Regardless of what transpired during these 800 years, fans are eager to welcome back the original iteration of Star Trek: Voyager’s Doctor in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.
Source: TrekCulture