There’s a sense of relief that Star Trek: Picard decided to move away from the narrative arc involving Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan) as the Borg Queen. This storyline was initially teased in season 1, specifically in episode 8, titled “Broken Pieces.”In that episode, Seven temporarily assumes the role of the Borg Queen aboard the Artifact, a Borg Cube retrofitted for reclaimed Borg drones. This pivotal moment sees Seven re-engaging with her past to reactivate dormant drones to protect the Artifact and its inhabitants from the Romulan Zhat Vash.
After the mixed reception of its first two seasons, Star Trek: Picard season 3 felt like a refreshing transformation. The show pivoted towards an entertaining, character-centric reunion of the Star Trek: The Next Generation cast aboard the USS Titan-A, rather than revisiting the setup from previous seasons. Although the series dropped intriguing characters like the Romulan cadet Elnor (Evan Evagora) and the new Borg Queen, Agnes Jurati (Alison Pill), I found the new trajectory for Seven of Nine deeply satisfying.
Why Seven of Nine’s Absence as Borg Queen is Beneficial
Reverting to the Borg Would Have Undermined Seven’s Journey
The decision to prevent Seven of Nine from permanently becoming the Borg Queen was crucial. It underscores that her trajectory in Starfleet signifies meaningful character growth stemming from her time in Star Trek: Voyager. Despite her ongoing challenges in adaptation, Seven’s previous experiences adequately prepared her to excel in Starfleet. As First Officer of the USS Titan-A, she had the audacity to challenge Captain Liam Shaw’s (Todd Stashwick) overly cautious decisions and confront xB discrimination. Commander Seven emerged as a powerful leader, just as the Voyager crew inspired her throughout their adventures.
Seven’s evolution into a Starfleet captain reinforces her overarching narrative—breaking free from the clutches of the Borg Collective. Even if the story had taken a route where she became Queen of a new type of collective, akin to Agnes Jurati in season 2, reverting to her Borg origins would have cheapened the monumental steps Seven took toward regaining her humanity. This reluctance to return to the Borg, even on a temporary basis, further exemplifies her awareness of her identity and history.
Seven of Nine’s Role as Captain Aligns with Star Trek’s Core Values
Her Narrative Embodies Empathy Triumphing Over Fear and Prejudice
Seven’s ascendance to Starfleet Captain at the conclusion of season 3 resonates powerfully with Star Trek’s foundational themes. Historically, the Borg represented an anomaly to the ethos that enmity can be overcome through understanding and communication. You cannot negotiate with a relentless force driven by assimilation—unless you are Cap. Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) from Star Trek: Voyager. She recognized that beneath Seven’s exo-plated exterior lies a victim yearning for recovery.
I perceive Seven of Nine’s liberation from the Borg as akin to an individual breaking free from a cult or oppressive circumstance. This perspective continues to hold significance in Picard, especially in light of traumatic memories, such as the Battle of Wolf 359, and the recent de-assimilation of Borg drones. Individuals like Seven, now termed xBs, often face skepticism. Yet, Seven becoming a Starfleet Captain illustrates her thriving individuality, overshadowing her past and public perception.
Star Trek: Legacy Could Fulfill Seven of Nine’s Character Arc
Seven’s Transformation Mirrors Star Trek’s Reinvigoration
If Star Trek: Legacy materializes, it may bring Seven of Nine’s journey to a comprehensive and fulfilling closure. Gaining command of a Starfleet vessel represents just the dawn of her adventures, not their conclusion. Her journey stands as a testament that no one is bound by their past traumas. I am eager to witness how Captain Seven will influence the Star Trek universe positively.
Additionally, Captain Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) from Star Trek: Discovery showcases a similar evolution, having turned from a perceived adversary into a celebrated Starfleet leader. Initially, Star Trek: Picard portrayed a much darker tone, presenting Starfleet as beleaguered and hesitant to explore. Seven of Nine’s experiences, including the traumatic loss of her adopted son Icheb (Casey King), reflect a gritty approach to storytelling that risks overshadowing her character arc. However, the decision to forgo the Borg Queen route to elevate Seven to the captaincy of the Enterprise emphasizes her resilience as a survivor, a choice worth celebrating.