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Star Trek Officially Brings Back Picard's Breakout Star... As a Villain

How much bigger olivier richters’ paulie is compared to alan ritchson’s reacher, one part of bridgerton season 3 hits very differently after queen charlotte.

Warning: SPOILERS for Star Trek: Picard Season 3, Episode 8 - "Surrender". The source of the mysterious powers manifested by Jack Crusher (Ed Speelers) in Star Trek: Picard season 3 could be explained by a Star Trek: Deep Space Nine villain that isn't a Changeling. In Picard season 3, episode 8, "Surrender", Jack affirms that he's not a Changeling, as previously suspected, suggesting there's another explanation for his strange visions and the voices that he's hearing. Captain Vadic (Amanda Plummer) revealed that the Changelings wanted Jack for his " gifts ", so they clearly need an assassin with the ability to control the minds of others for their Frontier Day plan.

In Star Trek: Picard season 3, episode 7 , Vadic implied that Jack had some higher purpose to fulfill, saying that he was " never meant " for his mother, Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden). As Picard season 3 is also a sequel to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine , it's been speculated that this larger galactic purpose could be related to the wormhole aliens, the Prophets of Bajor, and their enemies, the demonic Pah-wraiths. Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis) refers to the voice inside Jack as " ancient and weak ", making it possible that Jack is under the influence of the ancient Pah-wraiths, whom the Changelings hope to unleash against the Federation.

Is Jack Crusher's Mystery Voice A Star Trek: DS9 Pah-Wraith?

Jack Crusher's eyes also go red when he manifests his special abilities, implying that another consciousness has taken over his body, similar to how Gul Dukat (Marc Alaimo) would also have red eyes while under the influence of the Pah-wraiths in DS9 . As the last conflict between the Prophets and Pah-wraiths took place during the Dominion War, it would make sense for a new conflict to manifest during Star Trek: Picard 's Changeling uprising. In Star Trek: Deep Space Nine season 6, episode 21, "The Reckoning", a Pah-wraith took over the body of Jake Sisko (Cirroc Lofton) so there's precedent for the Prophet's enemies weaponizing the sons of legendary Starfleet captains.

The theory that Jack Crusher's powers come from the influence of a Pah-wraith is further enhanced by Troi sensing something " ancient and weak ", the color red, and the images of devastation that Jack sees back up the theory that he's under the influence of the Bajoran fire spirits. However, there's been no evidence to explain how Jack Crusher would have first been exposed to the influence of the Pah-wraiths as Captain Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks) sacrificed his life to seal them within the Bajoran Fire Caves forever.

Star Trek: DS9's Pah-Wraiths Explained

Ancient Bajoran texts tell of how the Pah-wraiths were expelled from the Celestial Temple for some unknown reason and were subsequently banished to the Bajoran Fire Caves. The Pah-wraiths could induce visions such as the ones that Jack Crusher is experiencing in Star Trek: Picard season 3, and took the form of fire spirits. During the Dominion War, Gul Dukat unleashed a Pah-wraith aboard Deep Space Nine, which killed off Jadzia Dax (Terry Farrell) and sealed the wormhole, triggering a celestial war with the Prophets.

Gul Dukat and the Pah-wraiths then set about derailing Sisko's mission from the Prophets, and destabilizing Bajoran society via seducing and misleading Kai Winn (Louise Fletcher). Fighting a war on two fronts, Captain Benjamin Sisko oversaw the surrender of the Dominion before confronting Gul Dukat in the Fire Caves underneath Bajor, giving his life to ensure the Pah-wraiths' continued exile. Those under the influence of the Pah-wraiths, like Jake Sisko, noted feelings of overwhelming darkness while under their influence. It's possible that this is the same darkness that Troi sensed around and flowing through Jack Crusher, meaning that both Troi and Jack could step through the red door into an ancient Bajoran religious conflict in Star Trek: Picard season 3, episode 9.

Star Trek: Picard Season 3 streams Thursdays on Paramount+.

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Published Mar 17, 2023

RECAP | Star Trek: Picard 305 – Imposters

Hopefully Starfleet remembers Picard and Riker have saved the galaxy more than a few times.

StarTrek.com

SPOILER WARNING: This article contains story details and plot points for Star Trek: Picard.

Picard and Riker came together, in the previous episode , to lead the U.S.S. Titan -A out of the nebula and avoid certain destruction, while narrowly evading Vadic and the Shrike . Though, the ship is now in dire need of repairs.

In Episode 5 of Star Trek: Picard , “ Imposters ,” caught by Starfleet and facing court martial, paranoia grows as Picard struggles to uncover whether a prodigal crewman from his past has returned as an ally – or an enemy hellbent on destroying them all.

• Matthew Arliss Mura
• Kova Rin Esmar
• Sidney La Forge
• Jack Crusher
• Jean-Luc Picard
• William Riker
• Seven of Nine (Annika Hansen)
• Dr. Beverly Crusher
• Raffi Musiker
• Krinn (known associate of Sneed)

• U.S.S. Titan -A
• Alpha Quadrant
• District Six
• U.S.S. Intrepid

Out of danger away from the Shrike , the Titan Bridge crew, exhausted but finally serene, analyze samples from the nebula event found in their hull as they await all systems to return online so they return home. As the turbo doors open, Jack Crusher, wearing a Starfleet uniform, picks off each officer present on the Bridge one by one with his phaser. The dying Esmar looks up at Jack and exclaims they know what he really is as red branches grow behind Picard’s son. With tears in his eyes, Jack watches the red branches begin to overtake Esmar’s face and body and fires his phaser. Jack suddenly opens his eyes; he’s standing in the middle of his quarters, sweating from the nightmare and in his civilian clothes, gripping his phaser. He drops the phaser and looks at his trembling hands while he begins to hear voices in his head again urging him to “come home.”

In the present reality, the U.S.S. Titan -A has limped to the edge of the Alpha Quadrant, pausing for much needed repairs on their warp core and other essential systems, and taking a reprieve from Vadic and the Shrike now that they're back in Federation space. In the Observation Lounge, Jean-Luc Picard , Will Riker , Commander Seven , and Captain Shaw question how a Changeling was able to get aboard the ship undetected. Riker recalls that Changelings can mimic most species on sight alone, but not their internal physiology. Seven asserts that standard protocol dictates, since the Dominion War , every crewmember passes through an internal imaging chamber before reporting. Riker notes that Starfleet will want to investigate that, as well as his and Picard’s actions in commandeering the Titan and endangering its crew. Standing to face Shaw, Riker officially returns command of the Titan back to its captain. Energetically, Shaw informs the room he has already alerted Starfleet and they’re on the way before giving Seven the option to face the music stated or un-instated as first officer. As a “courtesy” for all of them surviving the harrowing ordeal together, he gives the three officers time to get their story straight before Starfleet’s arrival. Picard tells Seven and Riker he will bear the brunt of situation, taking responsibility for his actions.

Meeting Beverly and Jack Crusher in the corridor, Picard informs them that Starfleet is on their way, and he’ll handle the situation the best he can. He reminds them the most important thing is that they’re both safe, with the opportunity to return to their lives, which he hopes to be a part of them. Beverly requests to examine the Changeling saboteur’s body to see how it was able to bypass the ship’s internal security scans, providing Jack and Picard another opportunity to connect. Recalling his time on the Brig, Jack quips if he should find himself a pair of comfortable restraints, to which Picard states that Starfleet’s an organization “built on the ideals of reason,” and he can be persuasive when he needs to be. The admiral makes his case to his son that rebels from all reaches of the galaxy have found their way into Starfleet, and perhaps he would consider choosing a more “honest vocation.” Jack dismisses the idea and chides Picard for not paying attention; he intends to be on his way after this entire ordeal, which wounds his father.

Aboard La Sirena , Worf and Raffi spar with a kur’leth and fighting sticks. Worf states that an enemy’s aggression will always reveal their weakness, noting that Raffi’s weaknesses are her impulsiveness, stubbornness, and shortsightedness. They’re interrupted by a priority communications alert; an encrypted message from Worf’s Starfleet Intelligence handler. Worf once again urges Raffi to exercise patience due to her eagerness to prevent another Changelings terrorist attack. Worf informs her that he requested access to Daystrom Station so they can investigate what else the Changelings stole from the vault. Unfortunately for the duo, the decrypted message reveals that Worf’s handler has denied his request. Before ending the transmission, the handler tells them to “find another way.” Raffi is frustrated by Worf’s acceptance of Starfleet Intelligence’s denial believing he has not sacrificed as much as she has. Worf tosses his dagger to floor in anger, telling her never to presume to know what he has or hasn’t sacrificed for this. On the monitor, Worf pulls up a hologram of the Daystrom Station, which details its heavily fortified series of security chambers. It’s guarded by a sophisticated AI system and access is impossible without authorization from Starfleet Command. Wondering how a couple of low-life goons were able to break in, Worf pulls up Sneed’s known associates and the two decide to return to District Six for answers — from Krinn, Kingpin of the V’Lashi crime syndicate.

As Worf and Raffi walk the streets of District Six, several denizens spot them and quickly scatter, perplexing Raffi. Worf explains that they are feared because they’ve destabilized the criminal element; they’re now the alphas of District Six. Taking advantage of the situation, Raffi fires her phasers into the air and announces on the main drag that they’re looking for Krinn; what happened to Sneed will happen to every person in District Six unless they turn him over. As the locals remain hidden, Worf kneels and begins to meditate, waiting for “the ecology of District Six to right itself.”

Meanwhile, the U.S.S. Intrepid warps near the Titan , commanding them to power down and to await further instructions. The Intrepid ’s security officers insist on sending over a shuttle instead of transporting over. Concerned with the strange circumstances, Picard turns to Seven asking for another favor. In the turbo lift, heading down to meet Starfleet, Shaw gleefully hums as Picard and Riker stand tense. Shaw muses that he’s just chipper, not for any reason, particularly not because they’re about to have their “asses handed to them.” Riker asserts that they’ve saved the galaxy more than a few times, which Picard hopes they remember. The amused Shaw then recounts other instances that Starfleet may call upon, such as the time “someone hot-dropped the saucer section of the Enterprise -D onto a planet,”* the time someone threw the Prime Directive out the window so “they could snog a villager on Ba’ku,”** or the time they "nearly wiped out all of humanity by creating a time paradox in the Devron system.”*** As they exit the turbo lift, Commander Ro Laren ,**** flanked by two security officers, approach them in the corridor, stopping Riker and Picard in their tracks. Looking to Shaw, Ro requests permission to come aboard the Titan . Commander Ro informs Admiral Picard and Captain Riker that Starfleet requests they submit to questioning, and charges of treason may be introduced against them.

Elsewhere on the ship, Seven pulls Jack aside telling him he's going somewhere Starfleet can’t find him. Jack doesn’t think this is necessary as he’s fully capable of handling the situation at hand by himself. Seven states that his father asked her to hide him, handing him a duffle bag. Looking in the bag, Jack’s mood darkens as he refuses. Seven demands he just do it stating that when security comes looking for him, it’s easier to hide him in plain sight. As she exits the quarters, Jack pulls out a Starfleet uniform, reminiscent of the one he was wearing in his nightmare.

In Sickbay, Beverly, Dr. Ohk, and Sidney La Forge stand over the body of the dead shapeshifting saboteur, which still resembles the ensign, on the exam table. Performing an autopsy, Beverly asks Sidney to confirm, on record, that the corpse before them is not her. Cupping her mouth, Sidney pukes. Beverly notes that upon death, Changelings typically revert to their liquid state; however, the corpse before them still retains its last replicated form. Examining the epidermis, Beverly takes a scalpel and slices the corpse’s forearm as blood begins to run. Curious and concerned, the good doctor runs her tricorder and discovers there is no DNA represented whatsoever but the presence of the blood-like plasma would allow the Changeling to pass a traditional blood test.

Despite over 30 years since he last saw Ro, Jean-Luc’s unresolved hurt, anger, and betrayal bubbles over as he paces the Observation Lounge. He cannot comprehend how she’s back in Starfleet instead of in prison. Will states the Maquis are no longer an enemy, before reasoning that Ro had always been an outsider, and his former captain sent her on a mission, despite knowing the strong likelihood she would empathize with the Maquis’ cause.***** Unable to let go of her actions decades prior, Jean-Luc does not believe she will treat them justly — he mentored her, trusted her when no one else would, and she broke their bond.

As Ro Laren enters the room, Will tells Jean-Luc that he will do the talking. Ro informs her two former commanding officers that the Titan is under official security review, and most of the crew will be transported over to the Intrepid for reassignment, and Picard and Riker will be each questioned separately. Ro has her security escort Riker out as she elects to begin proceedings with Admiral Picard. In a tense exchange, Picard wants to know how a lieutenant who betrayed Starfleet was able to get reinstated. Dismissing his question, Commander Ro begins her formal questioning regarding his actions aboard the Titan . Unable to temper his anger, Picard questions how a traitor could stand there before him as a Starfleet commander. Ro scoffs in disbelief at Picard’s assessment that she’s posing as an imposter , remarking that she was briefed on Shaw’s report of the Changeling saboteur. She draws her dagger and slices her hand, showing her bloody palm. Suddenly, Picard notices that the commander is not wearing her Bajoran earring, the mention causes Ro to pause, before chiding her for turning her back on another institution. Ro coldly tells him to save his animosity as this investigation isn’t entirely about him. She then states they should talk about his son, leaving Picard speechless.

In his quarters, Jack wears a Starfleet officer’s uniform, shaking, as he’s overwhelmed and fighting the voices that beckon him to find her, hear her, connect them. He soon walks the hallway in a trance-like focus towards the Transporter Room. He watches as five officers step onto the transport pads. As the transporter begins to energize, Jack witnesses the red branches materialize and engulf them within the beam, hearing their violent screams. He’s interrupted by a security officer asking if he was ordered to beam aboard the Intrepid . Out of his trance, he pleads with the officer if there’s anywhere he can go that’s not a Starfleet ship. Upon hearing the officer’s “no,” Jack shoots him with his phaser. Jack realizes that was a waking nightmare and not reality, as the officer, still alive, asks him if he’s alright. Fighting whatever’s happening to him, Jack backs away and quickly exits.

Back on the main drag of District Six, when green targeting lasers appear on Worf and Raffi’s chests. As Worf rises to his feet, the two intelligence officers are surrounded by a cadre of Vulcan gangsters with their rifles trained on them. Krinn emerges from the group talking about how a Vulcan master once cautioned him about pride, “the natural evolution of pride is downfall,” before commenting on their very public killing of Sneed. Worf states he wants information regarding Krinn's criminal activities before demanding they yield their weapons. Krinn then shoots Raffi revealing that she’s a hologram, and she’s safely hidden on a roof nearby, covering Worf with a scoped phaser rifle. Unfortunately, one of Krinn’s henchmen sneers at her from behind and takes her weapon. Krinn comments how it would be illogical not to suspect they would prepare for him, so he prepared for them.

Back in Sickbay, furthering their autopsy, Beverly and Ohk discover the Changeling was able to evade detection because it had the ability to fully replicate internal human organs, and it’s only under intense dissection that the tissue reverts to its natural state. Beverly doesn’t think it’s a new species; it’s evolution , which means they can be anywhere or anyone.

Commander Ro continues her official questioning wanting to know more about Jack Crusher. Picard deflects saying he does not have much to say as he's only known him for a few days. Beverly then pages Picard alerting him of his test results. Reviewing his “private” matter at a terminal, Jean-Luc heeds Beverly’s warning, “Changelings can pass the blood test. Capabilities beyond superficial – trust no one.” Ro informs Picard that Jack is now central to her investigation since he’s avoiding her questions. Picard pushes once more how she was able to “claw” her way back into Starfleet. Ro relents, revealing she was with the Maquis for years before she turned herself in. She was court-martialed and imprisoned again. Due to her experience with terrorist groups, she was recruited into Starfleet Intelligence, which included an arduous rehabilitation program. She proved herself and worked her way up slowly. Jean-Luc states that’s not what he wants to know; instead, he wants to know why she joined the enemy and betray her honor. Ro counters that “blind faith in any institution does not make one honorable.” She then demands to know everything about the Changeling saboteur. Giving nothing, Picard tells her they don’t know anything because they killed it. Ro then requests to see the remains.

The two Intrepid security officers parole the Titan searching for Jack Crusher. As Picard and Ro head towards Sickbay, the admiral suggests they alert Sickbay of their arrival. Suddenly, Ro points her phaser at Picard and directs him inside a holodeck and locks entry. Leveling the playing field, Picard discreetly disables the holodeck’s safety protocols and then pulls Guinan’s concealed phaser from the 10 Forward holodeck simulation on Ro. In a tense and emotionally loaded volley, Picard and Ro unleash the hurt and betrayal they’ve carried with them from the last 30 years, while also trying to determine if the other has been compromised as a Changeling. Picard reveals he’s been waiting and rehearsing for a long time for this conversation, speaking in Bajoran and telling Ro it was her “ego that would lead [her] to betray [him],” breaking their bond “based on mutual respect.” Picard unable to voice into words their mentor-mentee/father-daughter-like relationship they shared. Ro asserts that he tried to mold her into his image, that his mentorship and affection was conditional . She joined the Maquis because she saw it as standing up to injustice, admonishing him for “confusing morality with duty,” which represents his dishonor. Ro exclaims that if she meant anything to him, he would have understood. Laying everything on the table, Picard states that she broke his heart, and she retorts that he broke hers. Emotionally and vulnerably laid bare, they set their phasers on the bar leaving both defenseless. Acknowledging their mutual raw pain, Picard is convinced they’re both who they say they are. He then questions why she is here. Absorbing then addressing him as Jean-Luc, Ro reveals that Starfleet is compromised at the highest level, and she desperately needs to know if he trusts her. He nods his head and tells her “yes.”

In District Six, Krinn’s crew push Worf and Raffi to their knees with Krinn revealing that he considered Sneed a brother as they grew up together in District Seven, protecting each other like family. Loyalty is what passes for family, and they had made a blood oath. Krinn sneers that Starfleet “Intelligence” thanks them for their service as Raffi ridicules him for being a Vulcan dumb enough to become a gangster. Krinn explains, “There can be no utopia without crime. Ergo, an organized criminal enterprise is logical .” Encircled by Krinn’s men, two daggers are thrown at Worf and Raffi’s feet. Krinn states that his associates have wagered a bet between the Klingon and the human on who would be able to kill the other within 30 seconds. If they do not act, both will be killed in 60 seconds. Worf addresses Raffi that sacrifice is required again and picks up a dagger, alarming Raffi. Both begin to spar aggressively, not holding anything back. Raffi stabs Worf in the gut, unable to hold back her tears, apologizing. Worf tells her to not be, today was a good day to die. She is a warrior, and this is a worthy death.

The Intrepid officers enter the Observation Lounge and realize Ro and Picard are gone, exchanging chittering noises. In the 10 Forward holoprogram, Ro shares her intel with Picard, stating that Changelings have infiltrated Starfleet in all levels of power and replacing key personnel, including Admiral Janeway and Chancellor Roll. Not only that, but she also believes they’re on the Intrepid and she doesn’t trust the transporters on the ship, which was why she took a shuttle over to the Titan . She reveals there’s been fleet-wide issues, suspecting it will culminate into something for Frontier Day, which is days away and she still hasn’t been provided access to the security preparations. She discloses that the Titan is not the only starship with a Changeling problem; 12 other incidents occurred across multiple starships, and it’s all been swept quiet. How it connects to Jack? Ro is unsure; all she knows is that Starfleet has been insistent that she retrieve him before revealing that she’s heard his name mention amongst Intelligence chatter. She informs Picard that a Starfleet recruitment center was attacked with a portal weapon like the one used by Vadic. She’s been denied opening an investigation; all she has is a pair of intelligence assets on the ground trying to link the portal weapon to something else the Changelings want.

Krinn’s men check Worf’s pulse and breathing and confirm his death to Krinn, who concludes the outcome as most unexpected . Disgusted by the smell of Klingon blood, Krinn orders his crew to discard his body. Krinn informs Raffi that she works for him now before threatening those she cares about — her ex-husband, son, granddaughter. Defiantly, Raffi asserts he’ll never own her. Suddenly, the lights go out around them as Krinn’s crew is taken out by Klingon throwing blades. Worf, then, appears from behind holding a blade to Krinn’s throat. Raffi is relieved, worried that she went too deep. The Klingon warrior states he’s lost a considerable amount of blood. He wasn’t dead; he merely has mastered the Kahless technique of regulating his heart rate. However, he is in desperate need of medical attention and demands information from Krinn now. Krinn relents. Daystrom Station is guarded by a highly sophisticated AI system, but it has flaws that are most illogical . He had brokered a device that exploits them, without it, no one can get it. Raffi demands the device, and Krinn concludes that course of action would be logical .

Exiting the holodeck, with time of the essence, Ro urgently tells Picard she’s transferred most of the Titan personnel onto the Intrepid , leaving them with a skeleton crew, that he needs to make sure they’re loyal. She urges him to take the ship and run. She’s heading back to the Intrepid now to buy him some time. As her security officers approach, Ro commands them to prepare the shuttle; they’re leaving, causing her officers to exchange looks. Ro pulls her former mentor aside, with tears in her eyes, expressing her regret for their lost time, wishing that he could look into her heart and understand she did what she thought was best. As she tells him goodbye, she discreetly slips her Bajoran earring into his hand . Her officers push back that they were instructed to return with Jack Crusher. Pulling rank, she orders them to leave with her. Urgently entering the Bridge, Picard tells Captain Shaw, Seven, and Riker that they must run. Without much time to explain, he states that Starfleet is compromised and so is the Intrepid ; it’s all much worse than they thought. Shaw calls security on Picard, as the admiral pleads with Shaw to trust him.

Ro’s shuttle is cleared to approach starboard bay when suddenly the two Intrepid officers place a bomb on the shuttle and beam away. The Intrepid does not respond to her hails. They materialize back on the Titan , revealing themselves to be Changelings, as they take on appearances of Titan crew and continue to search for Jack Crusher. Commander Ro hails the Titan , informing them that her officers know and planted an explosive on her shuttle. Resigning to her fate, Ro tells Jean-Luc it’s up to him now to carry on what she started. She’s heading to the Intrepid ’s port nacelle; she’s giving him what he gave her all those years ago — a fighting chance. Overcome with emotion, Jean-Luc asks for her forgiveness for taking so long; he does see her, everything. Their connection is lost as she explodes into the Intrepid ’s nacelles. The Bridge falls silent.

With little time to process, Mura informs the Titan that the Intrepid is raising shields and arming torpedoes. Seven states they’re being ordered to surrender; Riker realizing they’re being framed for what just happened. Stunned, Shaw refuses to run and turn the entire ship into fugitives. Seven reminds the captain that most of their crew is aboard the Intrepid . Picard pleads if they don’t run, Ro died for nothing, and she won’t be the last. As the Intrepid prepares to attack, Shaw issues a red alert and orders La Forge to get them out of there, alerting the entire ship that Starfleet has been compromised.

The two Changelings find Jack and raise their phaser at him as two additional Intrepid officers beam onto the Titan . They attempt to attach a transport beacon onto him. Unable to fight the dark places in his mind and the red branches, Jack gives in and lets go as the red branches explode. Jack swiftly, with intense focus and precision, kills the four officers in front of him. As the red branches swell around the corridor, Jack sees a red door at the end. Shaken, Jack closes his eyes and opens them to see the door has disappeared, before turning around and walking away.

Issuing a final warning, the Intrepid fires their torpedoes just as the Titan ’s warp core comes online, narrowly missing the gun fire. Riker remarks everyone will be coming for them now.

Will finds Jean-Luc alone in the Observation Lounge and places his hand on his friend’s shoulder, both mourning the loss of someone they used to care about. Jean-Luc laments how he didn’t even realize how much Ro meant to him before showing Will that Ro left him her earring. Smiling, Riker shows Jean-Luc what it really is — old-school spycraft. Suddenly, a series of holo-images appear in front of them; her entire investigation, which shows the Changeling conspiracy going all the way up to Starfleet Command. They're overwhelmed by the scale and depth of her investigation when they suddenly receive an encrypted incoming transmission. To everyone’s surprise, it’s their old friend and colleague – Worf! The Enterprise -D’s former chief of security questions where is Commander Ro, leaving both Riker and Picard to regretfully look down.

In Sickbay, Shaw, Ohk, and Jack are present as Beverly examines the four Changeling bodies. Incredulous, Shaw comments how one Starfleet ship was able to have four Changelings on board before commenting on Jack’s impressive shooting. Beverly requests a moment alone with her son, who remains back in the room lost in thought. Concerned, the worried mother tells Jack that he can’t hide from her; she knows when he’s not sleeping. She recalls a time when he was little and decided to stop sleeping because he was afraid of his visions when he did. An alarmed Jack doesn’t remember having nightmares when he was younger. She assures him he got through it then, and he’ll get through this as well. She pleads with him to talk to her because he’s not okay, recognizing all the stressors currently placed on him — his father, being hunted — she needs to know what’s happening. On his silence, Beverly notes the odds of him eliminating four Changelings and inquires how he knew they were all Changelings. Shaken, with tears in his eyes, he tells his mother he didn’t before breaking down and sharing his worry that there’s something very wrong with him.

* Star Trek Generations – The U.S.S. Enterprise -D’s saucer crash lands on the inhabited Veridian III.

** Star Trek Insurrection – Picard had a romantic encounter with a Ba’ku villager despite knowing they were not a pre-warp species.

*** “ All Good Things… ” – In the series finale of Star Trek: The Next Generation , Picard experiences a time paradox after learning from Q that he's the cause of humanity's annihilation.

**** “ Ensign Ro " - The Enterprise takes on Ensign Ro Laren for a crucial mission despite her previous court-martial and imprisonment. Picard ultimate sees potential in the Bajoran officer, asking her to remain on the Enterprise , and allowing her to break Starfleet dress code and wear her Bajoran earring.

***** " Preemptive Strike " - Lt. Ro returns to the Enterprise after training at Starfleet Tactical on Picard's recommendation. Ro is sent on an undercover mission to infiltrate a Maquis cell. She ultimately turns her back on Starfleet believing in the Maquis' cause, deeply betraying and affecting Picard.

• "White Rabbit" – Jefferson Airplane

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Christine Dinh (she/her) is the managing editor for StarTrek.com. She’s traded the Multiverse for helming this Federation Starship.

In addition to streaming on Paramount+ , Star Trek: Picard also streams on Prime Video outside of the U.S. and Canada, and in Canada can be seen on Bell Media's CTV Sci-Fi Channel and streams on Crave. Star Trek: Picard is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

‘Star Trek: Picard’: Everything We Know About Jack Crusher

Ed Speleers plays Jack Crusher, the son of Beverly Crusher and Jean-Luc Picard

While “Star Trek: Picard” Season 3 has been a reunion of sorts for the cast of “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” there is one new character that has a major impact on at least two Enterprise crewmen.

Enter Jack Crusher. The brash young man wasn’t even given a name in the season premiere, where he dramatically revealed he’s the son of Dr. Beverly Crusher.

Episode 2 revealed even more about Crusher and his lineage, which is confirmed in Episode 3. As the season unfolds, we’ll unravel the mystery of this newcomer.

Warning, major spoilers ahead.

Who is Jack Crusher?

Dr. Beverly Crusher and her son Jack make up the two-person crew of the S.S. Eleos, a medical aide vessel.

In Season 3, Episode 1, Beverly is critically injured in an alien attack. She sends a distress call out to her former captain and close friend, Jean-Luc Picard. Although she hasn’t been in contact with Picard or her Enterprise crewmates for over 20 years, they’re the only people she can trust.

Picard enlists the help of his former first officer, Will Riker, to stage a rescue mission. They hatch a plan to bring the U.S.S. Titan, Riker’s former command, to the Eleos. With the help of Seven of Nine, the Titan’s first officer, Picard and Riker steal a shuttle and board the Eleos.

There they discover Beverly in a medical stasis pod and a man who claims to be her son.

In Episode 2, the Eleos soon comes under attack from Vadic, the captain of the heavily armed warship Shrike. Vadic says that there’s a bounty on Jack and the Titan has one hour to turn him over or be destroyed.

Liam Shaw, the captain of the Titan, throws Jack in the brig while they debate what to do. They discover Jack has a checkered past; he’s a conman who has committed multiple crimes under several aliases. Is he really who he claims to be?

Shaw is inclined to turn over Jack; after all, one life isn’t worth the lives of 500, including Beverly’s. Jack escapes confinement and plans to transport himself over to the Shrike. Right before he does, Beverly appears and nods to Picard, confirming to him that Jack is his son.

Who are Jack Crusher’s parents?

Jack Crusher is the son of Beverly Crusher and Jean-Luc Picard.

He is named after Beverly’s first husband, Jack R. Crusher. Her husband served under Picard on the U.S.S. Stargazer and was killed on a mission. Beverly and Jack had a son, Wesley.

While serving aboard the Enterprise, Beverly and Picard had a close relationship that bordered on romance, but they never acted upon it.

At one point they were mentally linked via alien technology, and Beverly learned that Picard had romantic feelings for her while she was married to Jack, his friend and crewman. He never acted on them and tried to deny her application to the Enterprise. After the alien technology is removed, they shared a kiss, but that was it.

When was Jack Crusher conceived?

In Episode 3, Beverly and Picard finally have a one-on-one conversation about Jack.

It turns out Jack was conceived the old-fashioned way.

Two months before leaving the Enterprise, the on-again-off-again couple took shore leave to Casperia Prime, a vacation world known for its natural beauty.

Apparently, the couple was taken away by the beauty of a waterfall and then taken by each other.

Beverly became pregnant that night but decided not to tell Picard.

She tried several times, but Picard was involved in some dangerous situation or another. Beverly realized that she could protect her son, but not Picard’s son. So she hid his identity from birth on.

What is Jack Crusher’s relationship with his parents and crewmates?

Jack has a close relationship with his mother Beverly, who he says taught him everything he knows.

In Episode 2, when asked by Picard who his father is, Jack shouts, “I never knew my father!”

It takes Jack’s near-death in Episode 3 from verterium poisoning for fatherhood to sink in for Picard.

In Episode 4, with the Titan sinking further into a gravity well, Picard tries to make up for lost time for inviting Crusher to have a drink in Ten Forward. He tells Jack about his namesake and Beverly’s first husband, Jack R. Crusher. Picard and Jack R. were best friends on the U.S.S. Stargazer, and had to pilot a meteoroid shower in a damaged shuttle together.

Picard and Jack essentially recreate this at the end of the episode, with Crusher calling out navigational coordinates while Picard directs thrusters, allowing the Titan to escape the nebula.

At the very end of the episode, it’s revealed that Jack did meet his father once before, in a bar five years prior. After listening to Picard regale Starfleet cadets about his past adventures, Jack asked Picard about family. Picard replied that he considered Starfleet to be all the family he ever needed, crushing Jack.

Jack and Sidney La Forge strike a bond in Episode 6 with both feeling the pressure from their famous fathers. There seems to be a bit of a flirtation growing between the two. But Geordi quickly quashes it, telling Jack to “stay away from my daughter.”

He also bonds with Seven of Nine, with whom he shares a rebellious streak.

He has a love-hate relationship with Vadic, who teases him about his true identity and the red door he sees in his visions. He pleads with Vadic to tell him who he really is, but kills her before she can give him any answers.

How old is Jack Crusher?

Beverly was in her fifties by the events of “Star Trek: Nemesis,” the last time her character was last seen on screen.

“Picard” Season 3 takes place approximately 23 years later, but Jack Crusher appears to be a bit older than that (actor Ed Speleers is 34 years old).

Twitter users had some theories that Jack was actually born when Beverly left the Enterprise in Season 2 (Gates McFadden was written out of the show and later brought back). That would make Jack in his early 30s — which he appears to be — rather than his early 20s.

However, that theory was debunked in Episode 3. Jack Crusher is just a hard-looking (but handsome) 23-year-old. Living with your mom full-time and running rescue missions apparently ages you prematurely.

Episode 4 confirms Jack’s age when Picard asks him if he’s about 23 or 24 years old. This ends up being a major plot point towards the end of the season.

Jack Crusher’s visions — what lies behind the red door?

While exposed to toxic verterium gas, Jack has visions of a woman (in the form of Seven of Nine) who beckons to him “Find me!”

At the end of Episode 4, Jack has a similar vision in his quarters, with a female voice once again calling out, “Find me!” He also has visions of roots growing on the walls and a glowing red door.

Episode 5 opens with a disturbing vision of Jack on the Titan bridge, massacring all of the bridge crew. Fortunately, it’s just a vision and Jack snaps back to reality inside his quarters. He drops the phaser and his eyes glow red.

At the end of the episode, he has another vision and kills four Changelings disguised as humans with ease.

One leading theory is that Jack is possessed by the Pah Wraiths, non-corporeal beings and enemies of the Bajoran Prophets from “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.” Since the Changelings were also introduced in “Deep Space Nine,” the two species may have some connection.

In Episode 6, it’s revealed that Jack inherited irumodic syndrome from Picard, a neurological disorder that causes hallucinations.

Warning, major spoilers ahead

In Episode 9, Troi and Jack open the red door in his mind. Behind they find a Borg Cube. The female voice calling out to Jack is the Borg Queen (Alice Krige).

Troi runs and tells Beverly and Picard what she sees. Picard talks to Jack, who deduces it’s the Borg and then flees the Titan in a shuttle. He is drawn to the source of the voices — the Queen.

This is where it gets slightly complicated/technical. 35 years ago, the Borg assimilated Picard and introduced dormant code into his DNA — code that was passed on to Jack.

Whereas all assimilated Borg “receive” commands from the collective/Queen, Jack’s unique DNA makes him a “transmitter.”

What are Jack Crusher’s special abilities and powers?

In Episode 7, Jack taps into several new powers.

While flirting with Sidney in the turbolift, he is able to read her mind telepathically, proving this is no case of irumodic syndrome. Later, when Changelings board the Titan, Jack “possesses” Sidney’s body, allowing her to take down her attacker.

In Episode 8, he “possesses” Mura in an attempt to regain control of the bridge, which Vadic has commandeered.

In Episode 9, we learn that due to his Borg code, he is able to “transmit” to anyone who has Borg code in their system.

How does Jack Crusher fit in with Frontier Day?

The Borg and Changelings have secretly been infiltrating Starfleet, adding Borg code to the transporter system. Anyone who uses the transporter has the code spliced into their system, becoming a “receiver.” This only works on younger crewmembers before their brains stop developing.

The code lies dormant until activated via a transmitter. Jack is that transmitter.

When the Borg Queen captures Jack, she uses him to transmit to all the ships gathered at Frontier Day. Any crewmember under 25, including the La Forge sisters and Mura, is immediately assimilated and activated as Borg drones.

The Queen is able to take command of all of Starfleet without even having a ship nearby.

Jack is assimilated and is hesitant to separate himself from the collective despite his father’s pleas. Eventually, Picard is successful, averting the destruction of Earth by the assimilated fleet.

Where is Jack at the end of the series?

In a proud send-him-off-to-college moment, Beverly and Jean Luc travel with Jack to his first Starfleet posting aboard the U.S.S. Titan, which has been renamed the U.S.S. Enterprise.

His new commanding officer? Captain Seven of Nine, who appoints the ensign as special counselor.

Later, as he’s unpacking his belongings in his quarters, he is visited by Q. We break down the post-credit scene between Jack and Q here .

Who plays Jack Crusher?

As previously mentioned, British actor Ed Speleers plays Jack Crusher.

Speleers is best known for playing Jimmy the footman on “Downton Abbey,” Stephen Bonnet on “Outlander” and Rhys Montrose on “You.”

His big break came in 2006 when he played the title role in the fantasy feature film “Eragon.”

New episodes of “Star Trek: Picard” air Thursdays on Paramount+ .

What's the deal with Jack Crusher in 'Star Trek: Picard'?

Jean-Luc Picard and Beverly Crusher's son had always known he was "different". Here's everything you need to know about Jack Crusher.

• Connection to the Borg
• Joining the Borg
• Picard's body
• Changelings interest in Jack
• Rescuing Jack
• What's next?

Warning: Spoilers ahead if you haven't watched "Star Trek: Picard" episode 9, 'Võx' and episode 10, 'The Last Generation' .

As soon as Jack Crusher turned up in "Star Trek: Picard season 3", his place in franchise history was assured – after all, as the son of Jean-Luc Picard and Beverly Crusher, he's effectively Starfleet royalty.

But there's more to Jack than the compassionate but morally flexible doctor we first encounter on board the SS Eleos XII. Over the course of the season we've seen visions and inner voices evolve into full-on superpowers, but the cause of his "gifts" remained a tantalizing mystery… until Deanna Troi took a peek behind the locked red door in his mind. 

In episode 9, 'Võx', we finally learned why there was "something very wrong" with Jack – and why Vadic and the Changelings were so obsessed with tracking him down. It turned out his powers are the direct result of his father's assimilation by the Borg 35 years earlier, and he became the cornerstone of the Collective's latest assault on the Federation. 

"I always thought if people could only see each other, hear each other, speak in one voice, act in one mind together…" the altruistic Jack explained in the episode. "Who knew a little cybernetic authoritarianism was the answer?"

Here's everything you need to know about Jack Crusher and his Borg heritage in "Star Trek: Picard season 3".

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Watch all three seasons of Star Trek: Picard on Paramount+, along with almost every other Star Trek show and movie.

What are Jack Crusher's abilities?

We saw Jack Crusher's (Ed Speleers) superhuman abilities evolve throughout the course of "Star Trek: Picard" season 3. Early on, these traits manifested themselves as voices, visions and unexplained fighting skills. We've since seen him listen to crewmates' thoughts and take control of their minds and bodies, remote-controlling them in hand-to-hand combat against the Changelings.

When Counselor Deanna Troi arrived on the USS Titan, however, she realized that Jack's gifts were not necessarily a good thing. "There's a darkness with that boy," she pointed out. "Not in him but around him, passing through him. And a voice inside him, ancient and weak, but a voice that isn't his own." 

Jack eventually admitted that his recurring visions of spooky red vines represent connection, something he saw as "right, true, purposeful… perfect." And when he allowed Troi to open the imposing red door lurking in his mind's eye, the shock prompted her to run away from their consultation. Understandable, perhaps, seeing as it was a Borg Cube. 

What was Jack's connection with the Borg?

It's something Jack inherited from his dad.

When Jean-Luc Picard was assimilated by the Borg in classic "Star Trek: The Next Generation" two-parter 'The Best of Both Worlds', he briefly became part of the Collective as Locutus. He was subsequently rescued by the Enterprise crew and, after his cybernetic implants were removed, cleared by Starfleet to return to active duty. 

But Starfleet's doctors didn't realize that the Borg had also made some biological adaptations to Picard's DNA. "I survived without scars," he explained, "but not, it seems, unchanged." These modifications would come to manifest themselves in symptoms misdiagnosed as Irumodic Syndrome, the degenerative neurological condition that wound up killing Jean-Luc's human body in the first season of "Picard". These genetic alterations were also the reason Picard could still "hear" the Borg in "Star Trek: First Contact".

In 'Võx', set some 35 years after Picard's close encounter with the Collective, it emerged that he inadvertently passed his Borg DNA onto his long-lost son – and that the traits Jack inherited were no longer dormant. It was also apparent that the Collective no longer required electronic components to operate as a hive mind.

Did Jack willfully join forces with the Collective?

Yes and no. 

It's undeniable that the lure of the Borg Queen's voice (which, for most of Jack's life, has sounded like his mother's) was strong, and that he used his aforementioned powers to escape custody, steal a shuttlecraft and jump into one of the Borg's transwarp conduits for a journey "home". But this course of action initially owed more to Jack's desire to find some answers – and avoid a lifetime of mind melds and lobotomies in a Vulcan institution – than embracing an opportunity to betray his shipmates 

When Jack found the Borg Queen (voiced by Alice Krige, who originated the role in "First Contact") on a derelict Borg space station, she explained that in contrast with his father – who, as Locutus, was the "one who speaks" – he was "the voice itself". She also persisted with her Latin naming convention, telling Jack his Borg self would be known as Võx.

Jack wasn't on board with the plan, however, and tried to shoot her – an act he described as "mercy" – but his in-built programming prevented him from doing so. He was quickly hooked up to some prehensile Borg cables to connect with the Collective – though it's unlikely that was his intent when he left the Titan.

Why was Jean-Luc Picard's human body so important?

When Picard's (misdiagnosed) Irumodic Syndrome became terminal in "Picard" season 1, Data 's human "brother" Dr Altan Soong gifted him an advanced cybernetic "golem" body. After Picard had died, however, Soong realized there was an "anomalous form" inside his body and ordered his remains be preserved at Daystrom Station for further study. 

This "anomalous form" was, of course, the result of the Borg's genetic tinkering – and the central pillar of their plan to assimilate Starfleet. The Borg's plan was to spread Picard's Borg-altered DNA throughout Starfleet using the transporters.

Why did the Changelings want to get their hands on Jack?

The entire season was an unexpected team-up between "The Next Generation" era's most iconic villains.

The late Vadic and her new-and-improved Changeling forces were the perfect allies for the Borg. As well as sharing the Collective's hatred for the Federation, their shapeshifting abilities ensured they could infiltrate all levels of Starfleet. 

Changeling operatives deployed throughout the fleet then incorporated the Borg DNA recovered from Picard's deceased body into starship transporter systems. As crew members beamed on and off their ships, the computers recognized this new genetic code as "common biology" and integrated it into the DNA of every officer in the fleet. 

The Changelings wanted Jack because of they needed his Borg-altered DNA, though they later ended up acquiring this from Picard's body.

What was the Borg's plan?

They wanted to assimilate Starfleet by stealth – and Starfleet unwittingly made it easy for them. Not only were numerous starships gathered in one place to celebrate Federation Day – the 250th anniversary of Starfleet – but they also showcased the new "Fleet Formation Mode", in which their computer systems were integrated as one. 

More importantly, with Jack hooked up to the Collective, the Borg Queen was in prime position to implement her masterplan. When the assimilation signal was activated, it allowed her to activate the dormant Borg DNA lurking inside unsuspecting crewmembers. In an instant, hundreds of officers – including Geordi La Forge's daughters, Sidney and Alandra – were transformed into drones. They subsequently assimilated every ship in Starfleet.

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There was a flaw in the Borg Queen's evil scheme, however. Thanks to a classic (and arguably over convenient) piece of "Star Trek" pseudo-science, Data explained that the "Borg genetic material doesn't propagate in a species past a certain point in the development cycle", meaning it affected younger members of the crew, but not their more senior counterparts. In other words, if ever there was a time for the veteran "TNG" crew to come into their own, this was it. 

Picard and the crew subsequently returned to the Fleet Museum where Geordi La Forge revealed he'd rebuilt their old ship, the USS Enterprise-D, last seen crash-landing on Viridian III in "Star Trek: Generations". Because it's systems were too old to connect to Starfleet's networked computers, they were able to infiltrate the Borg Queen's vessel and destroy the signal beacon assimilating Starfleet's kids.

Rescuing Jack from the Borg

Jack was given Borg implants much like his father's and became the central processing unit of the hive mind. He wasn't overly eager to leave, either, as he found peace in the Collective, a place where there was no loneliness, no fear and no suffering. 

When Picard plugged himself into the hive mind, however, he managed to convince Jack of the importance of family, and remind him that he didn't have to feel alone. Jack then disconnected himself from the Borg voluntarily, and was beamed onto the Enterprise (along with Picard, Riker and Worf) before the Cube exploded.

What's next for Jack Crusher?

Jack was fast-tracked through Starfleet Academy and posted to the USS Titan, now renamed the USS Enterprise-G in honor of Picard and co's efforts saving Earth and the Federation from the Borg and the Dominion. Newly promoted captain Seven of Nine appointed him as special counselor to the captain, giving him a spot on the bridge. 

That's not the end of Jack's story, however. In the end credits of the season finale, Jack received a visit from everyone's favorite omnipotent super-being, Q, who's not quite as dead as season 2 led us to believe. When Jack pointed out the ongoing trial of humanity (which had begun in "TNG" pilot 'Encounter at Farpoint') was supposed to be over, Q confirmed it was for Picard – but that Jack's "has just begun". 

It feels like the set-up for a spin-off featuring Seven, Raffi, Sidney and Jack, but don't get your hopes up just yet – showrunner Terry Matalas has stated "there is nothing in development at Paramount."

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Star Trek: Picard finale post-credits scene explained: Showrunner confirms big things to come

Showrunner Terry Matalas says Ed Speleers is gonna be a busy man after Picard.

Warning: Spoilers from Star Trek: Picard 's series finale are discussed in this article.

There might be another Star Trek series coming our way — or at the very least, another home for Ed Speleers ' Jack Crusher.

The series finale of Star Trek: Picard , which dropped on Paramount+ Thursday, came with a post-credits scene that teases big things ahead for the character. Showrunner Terry Matalas confirms in an interview with EW, "Jack's got a lot to do, let me tell you."

He wouldn't tell us exactly what, of course, but the producer — who has guided the Patrick Stewart -led spin-off to break into the Nielsen Top 10 ratings for the first time with season 3 — confirms his story isn't over.

After Jean-Luc Picard (Stewart) and Beverly Crusher ( Gates McFadden ) save their son from the Borg Queen with help from their longtime comrades, the finale episode jumps forward a year to see where these characters ended up. Among the reveals is the U.S.S. Titan, which has been rechristened as the Enterprise-G in recognition of Picard and his crew's efforts.

Seven of Nine ( Jeri Ryan ) has been promoted to captain, with Raffi (Michelle Hurd) as her No. 1. A few members of the Titan join them, including Sidney La Forge (Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut). Jack is now Ensign Jack Crusher, as he was placed on an accelerated track by Starfleet.

The post-credits scene cuts to Jack in his quarters on the Enterprise-G. He settles into his room when Q (John de Lancie) makes a surprise appearance.

"Young mortal, you have much ahead of you," he tells Jack.

"You told my father that humanity's trial was over," the young Crusher replies.

"It is... for him," he clarifies. "But I'm here today because of you. You see, yours, Jack, has just begun."

Matalas had the idea for this moment deep into season 2 when he was mapping out the trajectory of season 3. "Once I had the genesis of this idea and I knew it would be about Picard's son, I had envisioned a post-credit sequence in which you passed the torch to [him]."

He points to "Encounter at Farpoint," the first episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation season 1. "The first major interaction is Q and Picard," he says. "Where better to end than at the beginning?"

A Star Trek: Legacy series has been rumored for some time, with a few of the Picard actors teasing how season 3 leaves the door open to continue that story with the next generation of characters. Alex Kurtzman , who's been shepherding the new golden age of Trek, had even teased during San Diego Comic-Con last year that fans should expect more shows with female leads. So, perhaps, we're getting a Seven of Nine series for Ryan, with Jack as part of her crew.

The only new Trek titles that have been formally announced so far are Star Trek: Starfleet Academy , which Matalas says is part of a different timeline than Picard ; and Star Trek: Section 31 , the event movie starring Michelle Yeoh as Emperor Philippa Georgiou from Star Trek: Discovery .

Matalas won't disclose what the plans are for Speleers as Jack moving forward, only that he knows what they are. "Oh yes. I do [know]," he says. "Oh yes."

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Jack Crusher

• View history

Ensign Jack Crusher is a 25th century Human Federation Starfleet officer assigned to the USS Enterprise -G . He is the son of Admirals Beverly Crusher and Jean-Luc Picard .

• 1.1 Criminal record
• 2 Starfleet career
• 3 Key dates
• 4.1 Appearances
• 4.2 Background information
• 4.3 External link

Early life [ ]

Crusher was conceived on Casperia Prime and attended school in London , England , on Earth . He acquired his English accent while there and according to his mother , never quite shook it. ( PIC : " Seventeen Seconds ")

When he was a boy, Crusher took Jack to the Crimson Arboretum on Raritan IV . ( PIC : " Võx ")

When he came of age, he was given a choice by his mother to meet and get to know his father, but to her knowledge he did not take her up on the offer. ( PIC : " Seventeen Seconds ") Indeed, however, in 2396 , Crusher visited 10 Forward Avenue where Picard was having lunch but didn't reveal himself. While there, he inquired if Picard ever regretted not having a family , and Picard boasted that Starfleet was all the family he ever needed. Unbeknownst to Picard, at the time, his answer was why Crusher chose to not pursue a relationship with his father. ( PIC : " No Win Scenario ")

In 2401 , he was tracked by Vadic , which led to his rescue by Jean-Luc Picard. Afterwards, he was trapped on the USS Titan -A during the evolved changelings' attack and subsequent commandeering of the ship. Jack was confined to quarters when it was learned that the changelings were interested in dormant Borg biological components in his DNA. Jack was able to escape, stealing a shuttle in order to seek out the Borg Queen . Once he arrived at her location, he was captured and assimilated under her supervision. ( PIC : " Vox ")

Criminal record [ ]

He was known as a criminal and con artist in both Federation and non-Federation space , and was associated with the aliases based on his given initials, including Jack Canby , John Carson , James Cole , Jarlis Carvel , Jeff Croosh , and Juddah Crusser . ( PIC : " The Next Generation ", " Disengage ", " Imposters ")

Crusher was a wanted criminal on numerous Federation and non-Federation worlds under a number of his aliases. As Jack Canby, he was wanted on Risa and Betazed . As John Carson, he was wanted on Trill , Cardassia Prime , and Rigel IV . Using the alias James Cole, Crusher was wanted for fraud on Minas V , possession of unregistered liquors on Bajor , and possession of unregistered arms on Archer IV . He also faced charges under the alias Jarlis Carvel. Captain Liam Shaw would later note the name "Jarlis Carvel" was his personal favorite, sarcastically remarking, " That one took a lot of imagination . " ( PIC : " Disengage ")

Images of Crusher's various mugshot were utilized during his recovery by the crew of the USS Intrepid . The same images also appeared in Commander Ro Laren 's undercover research implicated as being compromised by suspected Changeling infiltration into Starfleet, as it was included in the data files hidden on her Bajoran earring , she had managed to get to Admiral Picard shortly before her death . ( PIC : " Imposters ")

Crusher was later incorrectly diagnosed with Irumodic Syndrome after he told his mother about the nightmares and delusions he saw during the day. ( PIC : " The Bounty ")

Jack as Vox

Võx was the designation given to Crusher by the Borg Queen . Prior to this choice, she had considered such names as " Regenerati " and " Puer Dei ". ( PIC : " Võx ")

However, after Picard linked with his son, he was able to reach Jack inside of Võx and Jack rejected his Borg identity just before the Borg cube was destroyed by the USS Enterprise -D . ( PIC : " The Last Generation ")

Starfleet career [ ]

Crusher was later placed in an accelerated program and within a year was commissioned with the rank of ensign , serving as the special counselor to Captain Seven of Nine on the USS Enterprise -G .

While in his quarters on the ship, Crusher was approached by Q who revealed that while the trial of Humanity was over for Picard, it had only just begun for his son. ( PIC : " The Last Generation ")

Key dates [ ]

• 2396 : Attempts to visit Jean-Luc Picard but fails to reveal himself
• Turn into a Borg drone briefly
• Joins Starfleet
• 2402 : Assigned to the USS Enterprise -G as special counselor to the captain.

Appendices [ ]

Appearances [ ].

• " The Next Generation "
• " Disengage "
• " Seventeen Seconds "
• " No Win Scenario "
• " Imposters "
• " The Bounty "
• " Dominion "
• " Surrender "
• " The Last Generation "

Background information [ ]

Jack Crusher was portrayed by English actor Ed Speleers .

In " No Win Scenario ", Crusher agrees with Picard's supposition that he was 23-24 years old. Given that he was conceived after the events of Star Trek Nemesis (set in 2379), he can be no more than 22 years of age. Dialog also established that Picard and co. had been out of touch with his mother for "over 20 years," suggesting that he was no younger than 19/20 years of age.

External link [ ]

• Jack Crusher at Memory Beta , the wiki for licensed Star Trek works
• 3 Star Trek: Discovery

Every Theory About What's Going On With Jack Crusher In Star Trek: Picard Season 3

This post contains spoilers for "Star Trek: Picard" season 3 episode 8.

Jack Crusher (Ed Speleers) is straight-up not having a good time. The long-lost son of Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) and Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden) has gone full post-Upside-Down Will Byers in the latest episodes of "Star Trek: Picard." He's haunted by visions of branch-like tendrils and a red door, plagued by nightmares, and in possession of some strange energy that turns his eyes red. He also seems to be developing superpowers; Jack took down a whole crew worth of Changelings as if on autopilot, and he can talk to Sidney La Forge (Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut) with his mind.

With Deanna (Marina Sirtis) finally on the case, it looks like we'll find out about Jack's mysterious past next week, and if "Star Trek: Picard" keeps up the trend its established in its first two seasons, a major Trek-verse reveal is sure to follow by the finale. At the end of episode eight, Deanna proclaims: "there's a darkness with that boy." She clarifies that he's not to blame, saying that the voice is "not in him but around him, passing through him, and a voice inside him, ancient and weak, but a voice that isn't his own." Then she sits with Jack in hopes of figuring out once and for all what's behind the red door.

Theories about Jack's true nature abound among "Star Trek" fans, ranging from the likely to the outlandish. While we'll have to wait at least a week to get to the bottom of Jack's backstory once and for all, that just gives us even more time to parse through every possible option. Here's every theory we can think of about what the heck is up with Jack Crusher.

Jack has Borg genetic material

Back in 2366, Picard was forcibly assimilated into the Borg Collective, the powerful, dangerous cyborg hive mind that is constantly in world domination mode. There, Picard's body was taken over and renamed Locutus, and while he has long-since shed his Borg status, the Starfleet officer has been haunted by his experiences with the Borg ever since. While the Borg got a positive PR makeover at the end of last season after Alison Pill's Jurati took over as Borg Queen, season 2 co-showrunner Terry Matalas has since confirmed on Twitter at the time that hers was an alternate timeline offshoot , meaning the real Borg is still a real threat.

One of the most popular and evidence-backed theories about Jack Crusher is that Picard's biological material was altered by his Borg experience, leading to his conceiving a baby with latent Borg-like abilities. We've seen before that Borg are capable of assimilation on a microscopic level via nanoprobes, and it's possible that a bit of Borg remained in Picard even after he left the collective behind.

This would explain a lot of things about Jack, including his ability to have a hive mind-like experience with Sidney, his ability to take over a crew member's motor functions, and Vadic's (Amanda Plummer) comment in response: "Look at you, finally living up to all your potential." There's also the quickly-glossed-over fact that Data (Brent Spiner) tells the crew that Altan Soong (also Spiner) found an "anomalous form" in Picard's body that makes his initial Irumodic Syndrome diagnosis questionable. Could the form be residual Borg material?

Jack is related to Project Khan

There's also the possibility that Jack's origin could herald back to another great "Star Trek" character; Khan. While Khan Noonien-Singh has been dead for a long time when "Star Trek: Picard" picks up, the villain's name appeared on a paper file that Soong appeared interested in during the show's season 2 finale. It was labeled "Project Kahn," and we haven't heard anything about it since. Is it possible that Soong or someone who worked under him purposely created a genetically modified human with special abilities?

While season 3 hasn't mentioned Khan at all, "Star Trek: Picard" co-creator Alex Kurtzman did compare this season's villain to Khan at Comic Con last year. While he appears to have been referencing the mind games unfolding between Vadic and Picard, it's possible the reference was more literal than Kurtzman was willing to let on. If Jack did have these shadowy origins, it would make sense for him to lead a planet-hopping life, for Vadic to have a vested interest in finding him, and for him to end up with a unique, still-mysterious medical diagnosis like Irumodic Syndrome.

In this theory, as with several others, the red door in Jack's head is simply a mental block keeping his repressed memories in check. This type of mental visualization is commonly used in regression therapy and other methods used to dive deep into past traumas.

Jack is a Changeling (in either sense of the word)

With all the talk of Changelings this season, it would be weird to not explore the possibility that they may have something to do with Jack Crusher. After all, they went to great lengths to hunt the man down, and Vadic said she wants to bring Jack to "where he most belongs." If he somehow has Changeling-related genetic material, that would be in the Great Link, the place where all Changelings live in their liquid form.

If Jack were somehow part-Changeling, his ability to control others' bodies would make sense, as would the voices that seem to urge him to come to them. In this case, the red door that haunts his subconscious mind could be the entryway to the Great Link, a place that some part of him knows he needs to return to even as he remains in human form. This isn't the tidiest theory (how would Jack have become part-Changeling in the first place?) and it's also not the most interesting, but it's nonetheless a slight possibility.

Pretty much every theory on this list could also be supplemented by the idea that Jack is the traditional type of Changeling — a baby who was swapped at birth for an imposter. If the real Jack Crusher was switched out for a genetically modified baby (whether he's part-Changling or part something else entirely), it would make sense that the people who put him there long ago would come looking for him years later.

Jack is the key to Picard's future evolution

It would also make sense for "Star Trek: Picard" to bow out with something huge, giving the beloved captain a send-off that rocks the world of "Star Trek" forever. So why not ascension? Often portrayed as a sort of evolutionary leveling-up into pure energy, ascension is a beautiful transformation that also looks like a death of sorts. It's appeared a few times throughout "Star Trek," though it's sometimes called transcendence, too.

In one of many Reddit posts in which fans have theorized about Jack's true nature, user Lokan posited that Picard might be experiencing Irumodic Syndrome because his synthetic body is unable to ascend. If any main character in "Star Trek" history seems wise enough to unlock the secrets to the next step of evolution, it might be Picard.

As another Reddit user points out , Q ( John de Lancie ) may have hinted at some grand purpose for Picard in the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" series finale, when he told Picard that his future entails "charting the unknowable possibilities of existence." Could Picard be on track to join the Q continuum? And while Picard 2.0 might not be able to evolve, perhaps Jack can — or his genetics can help his father figure out what's stopping the process.

Does this explain Jack's powers? Not in the slightest. Is it still a cool idea that gets to the heart of the compassion, curiosity, and limitless horizons that "Star Trek" is often all about? Definitely!

Jack is a human with a powerful genetic mutation

There's also a decent chance that Jack is actually fully human, but simply possesses a unique mutation that the Changelings have deemed important. We haven't heard about examples of Irumodic Syndrome outside of the Picard family, so there's a chance the disorder could actually be something genetic and unique that allows Jack to experience the world on a higher level than those around him. When Picard and Beverly point out Vadic's "advanced physiology," she shoots back, "What about your son? Do you know all about his physiology?"

Picard's own working theory around the time of Vadic's death was that the Changelings had a plan for him and Jack that involved his body (as in, the stolen one) and Jack's blood. This combination would be used to do something dastardly and potentially world-changing on Frontier Day. Is it possible that Picard has recessive traits that appeared in Jack, allowing him to either save or destroy humanity depending on who unlocks them first? It's a huge guess, but the fallout of another attack on Frontier Day could also be huge.

Jack is being controlled by the Pah-Wraiths

One of the most fun answers to Jack's mysterious visions would be one that doubles as a deep-cut reference to a totally different "Star Trek" show, and one that "Star Trek: Picard" has been paying homage to all season: "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine." In that series, a rather metaphysical presence called the Pah-Wraiths often took to possessing people, giving them dark visions and dreams not unlike the ones Jack has been experiencing all season.

The Pah-Wraiths first appeared in "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" as a sinister offshoot of the Bajoran Prophets. Those mystical beings live outside of time and have the god-like ability to see the future. Their enemies, the Pah-Wraiths, have similar powers but seem to have become corrupted along the way.

The only problem with the potential inclusion of the Pah-Wraiths in "Star Trek: Picard" is that the show hasn't dropped hints about them at all, unless Commander Ro Laren's Bajoran earring — in which she hid a chip including secret research on the Changelings — counts. Eight episodes into the season, a Pah-Wraith appearance in a show that's never acknowledged their existence might feel a bit like a deus ex machina.

Jack is related to Species 8472

Physical mimickry has been a hot topic in "Star Trek: Picard" this year thanks to the Changelings, so it only makes sense that other species capable of impersonating their enemies have come up frequently in chatter around the show. Since the season's mysteries began to unfold, several Reddit users have name-dropped Species 8472, a powerful, Borg-killing alien race that appeared in "Star Trek: Voyager." Though members of Species 8472 look a lot more like a classic sci-fi movie alien than a humanoid being, they're also capable of communicating telepathically and disguising themselves as other life forms through advanced technologies.

The going theory among fans doesn't seem to be that Jack is actually part of Species 8472, but that he's perhaps been modified or infected by the ruthless and highly evolved species as a pawn in some larger conflict. This would align with Deanna's assertion that there's darkness "with" him but "not in him." However, this theory doesn't seem likely for the same reason that the Pah-Wraith theory seems doomed to fail; "Star Trek: Picard" hasn't re-introduced us to Species 8472, and it would be weird to drop them in at the last minute.

Jack is the Dawn Summers of it all

This whole season of "Star Trek: Picard" has hinged on our instant acceptance of Jack Crusher as Picard's long-lost son, but his appearance felt sudden. In fact, it was so sudden that it got me wondering: what if the series is taking a page not out of the "Star Trek" rulebook, but the "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" one?

In the fifth season of "Buffy," our hero suddenly gained a little sister, Dawn (Michelle Trachtenberg), whose inexplicable appearance remained unexplained for several episodes. While most "Trek" fans agree that it's likely that Jack's physiology was altered at some point, the common consensus seems to be that it was when he was a baby or before his birth. But what if Jack still is technically a baby? Is it possible that he blipped into existence a few years before we met him, just long enough ago to earn his reputation as a Federation criminal?

I'll be honest; there's really very little to support this theory besides my own distrust of main characters who appear way late in the game claiming to have a long history. If Jack were created as a teen or young adult, be it by a mad scientist or enemy of Picard, he and Beverly's actions would only make sense if they were lying or had their memories wiped (the latter of which might explain Beverly's voice in Jack's dreams ).

Still, with so much timeline fiddling in the show's second season, not to mention both the vision whispers and Vadic referencing Jack's return to a place he's seemingly meant to be, it's possible Picard's offspring could have an inorganic origin story that doesn't line up with what we've heard so far. 

It's probably the Borg thing, though.

Den of Geek

Star Trek: Picard Season 3 Episode 9 Will Reveal Something Shocking About Jack’s Red Door

A clip released ahead of the next episode of Star Trek: Picard, which is titled "Vox," teases what's behind Jack Crusher and the Red Door.

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This Star Trek: Picard article contains spoilers.

With only two episodes to go before the series finale, Star Trek: Picard seems ready to wrap up its big storylines. In “Surrender,” season 3 antagonist Vadic finally met her demise, thanks to a very clever maneuver by Jean-Luc and company, closing one of the many arcs introduced this season. But there’s still plenty the Next Generation team and the crew of the USS Titan need to solve before this story can truly wrap up.

For one thing, our heroes still need to figure out how to stop the elusive Changeling plot that’s set to unfold during Starfleet’s big Frontier Day celebration. Whatever they have planned, it’s clear these shapeshifting terrorists intend to change the Star Trek universe as we know it. But there’s yet one other mystery the group needs to solve before it can truly turn its attention to Frontier Day: what’s going on with Jack Crusher (Ed Speleers) and what do the Changelings want with him?

Over the last eight episodes, we’ve watched Jean-Luc’s surprise son with Dr. Beverly Crusher go through some big changes. From a smart-talking scoundrel on the run from bounty hunters to some sort of mutant who can control other people with his mind, Jack’s life seems all over the place at the moment. His strange abilities and visions of a vine-covered Red Door (and the voices calling out to him from the other side) have made it clear that he isn’t just the offspring of two of our favorite TNG characters but something more. While season 3 has been happy to drag out the big reveal about what Jack really is, it seems like next week’s penultimate episode, which is called “Vox,” will finally give us the answers we’ve been waiting for.

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Paramount+ was nice enough to drop a new clip at the end of this week’s The Ready Room after show that picks up where the final scene of “Surrender” left off. Check it out below at 29:34:

In the clip, Deanna Troi is using her telepathic abilities to delve into Jack’s darkest thoughts in order to finally open the mysterious Red Door that’s been haunting Jean-Luc’s son. But when she finally turns the knob and opens that door, Deanna is terrified by what she sees inside, so much so that she immediately pulls out of Jack’s mind and warps the hell out of the room. What did the veteran counselor of the USS Enterprise see that scared her so much? When Jack asks what she saw, he receives no answer from Deanna as she rushes off, presumably to deal with the aftershocks of the revelation. End scene.

Yes, this is yet another tease for an admittedly way-too-drawn-out mystery, but hopefully it’s the last after “Surrender” promised but didn’t deliver the answers. Surely “Vox” will finally reveal what’s what? There are plenty of fan theories concerning Jack, including the obvious Borg suspicions as well as the much more interesting Pah-wraith allegations, which would provide another way Picard season 3 ties into Deep Space Nine . There’s certainly some very captivating evidence connecting him to the latter, including the red eyes and his ability to possess others…

Star Trek: Picard season 3 streams Thursdays on Paramount+.

John Saavedra | @johnsjr9

John Saavedra is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of Den of Geek. He lives in New York City with his two cats.

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‘Star Trek: Picard': Everything We Know About Jack Crusher

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While “Star Trek: Picard” Season 3 has been a reunion of sorts for the cast of “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” there is one new character that has a major impact on at least two Enterprise crewmen.

Enter Jack Crusher. The brash young man wasn’t even given a name in the season premiere, where he dramatically revealed he’s the son of Dr. Beverly Crusher.

Episode 2 revealed even more about Crusher and his lineage, which is confirmed in Episode 3. As the season unfolds, we’ll unravel the mystery of this newcomer.

Warning, major spoilers ahead.

Who is Jack Crusher?

Dr. Beverly Crusher and her son Jack make up the two-person crew of the S.S. Eleos, a medical aide vessel.

In Season 3, Episode 1, Beverly is critically injured in an alien attack. She sends a distress call out to her former captain and close friend, Jean-Luc Picard. Although she hasn’t been in contact with Picard or her Enterprise crewmates for over 20 years, they’re the only people she can trust.

Picard enlists the help of his former first officer, Will Riker, to stage a rescue mission. They hatch a plan to bring the U.S.S. Titan, Riker’s former command, to the Eleos. With the help of Seven of Nine, the Titan’s first officer, Picard and Riker steal a shuttle and board the Eleos.

There they discover Beverly in a medical stasis pod and a man who claims to be her son.

In Episode 2, the Eleos soon comes under attack from Vadic, the captain of the heavily armed warship Shrike. Vadic says that there’s a bounty on Jack and the Titan has one hour to turn him over or be destroyed.

Liam Shaw, the captain of the Titan, throws Jack in the brig while they debate what to do. They discover Jack has a checkered past; he’s a conman who has committed multiple crimes under several aliases. Is he really who he claims to be?

Shaw is inclined to turn over Jack; after all, one life isn’t worth the lives of 500, including Beverly’s. Jack escapes confinement and plans to transport himself over to the Shrike. Right before he does, Beverly appears and nods to Picard, confirming to him that Jack is his son.

Who are Jack Crusher’s parents?

Jack Crusher is the son of Beverly Crusher and Jean-Luc Picard.

He is named after Beverly’s first husband, Jack R. Crusher. Her husband served under Picard on the U.S.S. Stargazer and was killed on a mission. Beverly and Jack had a son, Wesley.

While serving aboard the Enterprise, Beverly and Picard had a close relationship that bordered on romance, but they never acted upon it.

At one point they were mentally linked via alien technology, and Beverly learned that Picard had romantic feelings for her while she was married to Jack, his friend and crewman. He never acted on them and tried to deny her application to the Enterprise. After the alien technology is removed, they shared a kiss, but that was it.

Also Read: ‘Star Trek Picard’ Season 3: All the Easter Eggs Explained, From the Red Door to Frontier Day

When was Jack Crusher conceived?

In Episode 3, Beverly and Picard finally have a one-on-one conversation about Jack.

It turns out Jack was conceived the old-fashioned way.

Two months before leaving the Enterprise, the on-again-off-again couple took shore leave to Casperia Prime, a vacation world known for its natural beauty.

Apparently, the couple was taken away by the beauty of a waterfall and then taken by each other.

Beverly became pregnant that night but decided not to tell Picard.

She tried several times, but Picard was involved in some dangerous situation or another. Beverly realized that she could protect her son, but not Picard’s son. So she hid his identity from birth on.

What is Jack Crusher’s relationship with his parents and crewmates?

Jack has a close relationship with his mother Beverly, who he says taught him everything he knows.

In Episode 2, when asked by Picard who his father is, Jack shouts, “I never knew my father!”

It takes Jack’s near-death in Episode 3 from verterium poisoning for fatherhood to sink in for Picard.

In Episode 4, with the Titan sinking further into a gravity well, Picard tries to make up for lost time for inviting Crusher to have a drink in Ten Forward. He tells Jack about his namesake and Beverly’s first husband, Jack R. Crusher. Picard and Jack R. were best friends on the U.S.S. Stargazer, and had to pilot a meteoroid shower in a damaged shuttle together.

Picard and Jack essentially recreate this at the end of the episode, with Crusher calling out navigational coordinates while Picard directs thrusters, allowing the Titan to escape the nebula.

At the very end of the episode, it’s revealed that Jack did meet his father once before, in a bar five years prior. After listening to Picard regale Starfleet cadets about his past adventures, Jack asked Picard about family. Picard replied that he considered Starfleet to be all the family he ever needed, crushing Jack.

Jack and Sidney La Forge strike a bond in Episode 6 with both feeling the pressure from their famous fathers. There seems to be a bit of a flirtation growing between the two. But Geordi quickly quashes it, telling Jack to “stay away from my daughter.”

He also bonds with Seven of Nine, with whom he shares a rebellious streak.

He has a love-hate relationship with Vadic, who teases him about his true identity and the red door he sees in his visions. He pleads with Vadic to tell him who he really is, but kills her before she can give him any answers.

How old is Jack Crusher?

Beverly was in her fifties by the events of “Star Trek: Nemesis,” the last time her character was last seen on screen.

“Picard” Season 3 takes place approximately 23 years later, but Jack Crusher appears to be a bit older than that (actor Ed Speleers is 34 years old).

Twitter users had some theories that Jack was actually born when Beverly left the Enterprise in Season 2 (Gates McFadden was written out of the show and later brought back). That would make Jack in his early 30s — which he appears to be — rather than his early 20s.

However, that theory was debunked in Episode 3. Jack Crusher is just a hard-looking (but handsome) 23-year-old. Living with your mom full-time and running rescue missions apparently ages you prematurely.

Episode 4 confirms Jack’s age when Picard asks him if he’s about 23 or 24 years old. This ends up being a major plot point towards the end of the season.

Jack Crusher’s visions — what lies behind the red door?

While exposed to toxic verterium gas, Jack has visions of a woman (in the form of Seven of Nine) who beckons to him “Find me!”

At the end of Episode 4, Jack has a similar vision in his quarters, with a female voice once again calling out, “Find me!” He also has visions of roots growing on the walls and a glowing red door.

Episode 5 opens with a disturbing vision of Jack on the Titan bridge, massacring all of the bridge crew. Fortunately, it’s just a vision and Jack snaps back to reality inside his quarters. He drops the phaser and his eyes glow red.

At the end of the episode, he has another vision and kills four Changelings disguised as humans with ease.

One leading theory is that Jack is possessed by the Pah Wraiths, non-corporeal beings and enemies of the Bajoran Prophets from “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.” Since the Changelings were also introduced in “Deep Space Nine,” the two species may have some connection.

In Episode 6, it’s revealed that Jack inherited irumodic syndrome from Picard, a neurological disorder that causes hallucinations.

Warning, major spoilers ahead

In Episode 9, Troi and Jack open the red door in his mind. Behind they find a Borg Cube. The female voice calling out to Jack is the Borg Queen (Alice Krige).

Troi runs and tells Beverly and Picard what she sees. Jack flees the Titan in a shuttle without knowing what’s behind the door. He is drawn to the source of the visions — the Queen.

This is where it gets slightly complicated/technical. 35 years ago, the Borg assimilated Picard and introduced dormant code into his DNA — code that was passed on to Jack.

Whereas all assimilated Borg “receive” commands from the collective/Queen, Jack’s unique DNA makes him a “transmitter.”

What are Jack Crusher’s special abilities and powers?

In Episode 7, Jack taps into several new powers.

While flirting with Sidney in the turbolift, he is able to read her mind telepathically, proving this is no case of irumodic syndrome. Later, when Changelings board the Titan, Jack “possesses” Sidney’s body, allowing her to take down her attacker.

In Episode 8, he “possesses” Mura in an attempt to regain control of the bridge, which Vadic has commandeered.

In Episode 9, we learn that due to his Borg code, he is able to “transmit” to anyone who has Borg code in their system.

How does Jack Crusher fit in with Frontier Day?

The Borg and Changelings have secretly been infiltrating Starfleet, adding Borg code to the transporter system. Anyone who uses the transporter has the code spliced into their system, becoming a “receiver.” This only works on younger crewmembers before their brains stop developing.

The code lies dormant until activated via a transmitter. Jack is that transmitter.

When the Borg Queen captures Jack, she uses him to transmit to all the ships gathered at Frontier Day. Any crewmember under 25, including the La Forge sisters and Mura, is immediately assimilated and activated as Borg drones.

The Queen is able to take command of all of Starfleet without even having a ship nearby.

Who plays Jack Crusher?

As previously mentioned, British actor Ed Speleers plays Jack Crusher.

Speleers is best known for playing Jimmy the footman on “Downton Abbey,” Stephen Bonnet on “Outlander” and Rhys Montrose on “You.”

His big break came in 2006 when he played the title role in the fantasy feature film “Eragon.”

New episodes of “Star Trek: Picard” air Thursdays on Paramount+ .

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‘Star Trek: Picard’ Season 3 Episode 5 Recap: Old Friends Deliver Fighting Chances

An unexpected face from 'The Next Generation' turns up to give Picard a fighting chance against the Changelings.

With Vadic ( Amanda Plummer ) and the Shrike far behind them, one might assume that Jean-Luc Picard ( Patrick Stewart ) and the crew of the U.S.S. Titan are finally on the path to safety in the fifth episode of Star Trek: Picard ’s final season, but that isn’t the case. The full scale of the Changelings' plot begins to come into focus in the aptly titled “Imposters,” and no one could have predicted just how widespread the danger is—both near and far.

The episode, directed by Dan Liu and written by Cindy Appel and Chris Derrick , opens quite serenely with the bridge crew of the Titan making preparations to get the starship back into working order after their near-death stint in the nebula, but the peace is quickly shattered when a Starfleet uniform-clad Jack Crusher ( Ed Speleers ) steps onto the bridge to murder everyone. Luckily, for everyone involved, this terrifying episode is just a nightmare, but when Jack awakens from it, he is clutching a blaster, which suggests that maybe, just maybe, there’s something very real—and very wrong—at play. To his credit, Jack seems rightfully disturbed by the situation, but after two episodes of ominous red doors and creepy voices , Star Trek: Picard seems to be making a point that there’s something larger at play here for Jack. Just when it seems like he may be past this weird incident, his eyes turn red and that same creepy voice whispers: “Jack, come home.”

Elsewhere aboard the Titan , Picard, Riker ( Jonathan Frakes ), Seven ( Jeri Ryan ), and Captain Shaw ( Todd Stashwick ) convene to discuss the Changeling situation aboard the ship. After Riker hands control back over to Shaw, Shaw reveals that he already took the liberty of contacting Starfleet to report everything that has happened, including their misdeeds. He asks Seven if she wants to face the music reinstated, and she doesn’t even hesitate to ask to be reinstated. Picard vows to bear the brunt of the punishment since he was the one that orchestrated the whole takeover, and Shaw seems mightily pleased with the prospect that Picard might finally have to pay for his actions.

RELATED: 'Star Trek: Picard' Season 3 Showrunner on Getting an F-Bomb Into the Series

Picard sets off to tell Beverly ( Gates McFadden ) and Jack that Starfleet are on their way to question the crew of the Titan , and Beverly is quick to point out that this situation with the Changelings is far from over. After all, how did the Changelings get onboard the Titan weeks before Picard was even made aware of the situation that Beverly and Jack were facing on the fringes of Federation space? Keen to continue investigating the situation, Beverly sets off back to the sick bay, while Jack lingers to speak with his father. In the wake of his nightmare, Jack clearly seems nervous about anything to do with Starfleet, which makes Picard’s suggestion that he should consider a life within Starfleet after the dust has settled even more alarming. Even without the nightmare, Jack has good reason to turn it down—Starfleet would put a crimp in his lifestyle as a rogue medic. While Picard very clearly wants to stay in Jack and Beverly’s lives, Jack doesn’t seem as excited by the prospect.

When the U.S.S. Intrepid arrives to investigate the situation aboard the Titan , something seems immediately off about the whole thing. Seven and Shaw are the first to find it suspicious that, rather than using the transporter to beam aboard, the Intrepid sends over the investigators on shuttles. With a very uneasy vibe setting in, Picard asks Seven for one more favor—which turns Jack’s nightmare into reality. Taking heed of Beverly’s warning that the Changeling plot is far from over, Picard’s plan with Seven is to help Jack blend in right in plain sight—which means dressing him up in a Starfleet uniform, which he does put on.

Picard is ever-hopeful that he and Riker won’t get into too much trouble, banking on their vast career as galaxy-savers to smooth things over. Shaw, given the bad blood between him and Picard, isn’t as convinced that their legacy is enough to save them. Especially not when they’ve made a lot of mistakes which they had to save the galaxy from too. Picard’s hope for a smooth investigation quickly vanishes when he recognizes a familiar face among the Intrepid ’s crew: Ro Laren ( Michelle Forbes ). Picard is immediately on the defensive, still clearly troubled by what went down on Star Trek: The Next Generation , when she was just Ensign Ro.

Picard and Ro had a complicated relationship during her time aboard the Enterprise , a fact that still seems to weigh heavily on both of them. Despite being the driving force behind Ro defecting to the Maquis, Picard still sees it as an ultimate betrayal—further compounded by the fact that Ro has come aboard the Titan now to claim Picard is a traitor. To her credit, Ro tries to be reasonable with Picard, explaining what their plan is for interrogation, what his rights are, and that they plan to transport most of the crew over to the Intrepid . In an attempt to convince Picard that she isn’t a Changeling, Ro slices her hand open to prove that she bleeds, but he’s fully aware the Changelings they’re dealing with might be capable of bleeding like anyone else.

In sickbay, Beverly and Dr. Ohk ( Tiffany Shepis ) have brought Ensign La Forge ( Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut ) in to confirm that the dead Changeling that looks like her, is indeed not her. Unlike previous run-ins with Changelings, this particular Changeling has retained its previous form after being killed—instead of turning back into goo. Beverly discovers that this new breed of Changeling has blood, which allows it to pass the required Starfleet blood testing, meaning anyone aboard the Titan could be a Changeling: confirming Picard’s concerns on the other side of the ship. As they continue running diagnostics on the corpse, they discover that not only can this newly evolved species pass blood tests, but they can replicate human organs.

After making this discovery, Beverly reaches out to Picard who is still being interrogated by Ro. Picard quickly makes it clear that their conversation is not private, and Beverly smoothly explains that she’s relaying some sort of medical test to him, which he claims are personal health scans. With the brief reprieve that Ro allows him, Picard retrieves Beverly’s message, which once again urges him to “trust no one.” With this new knowledge, Picard is even more suspicious of Ro and the fact that she isn’t asking any hard questions about the situation. Recognizing that he thinks she may be a Changeling, she dives into their history and fills in the blanks between the last time they saw each other now, but still, she sidesteps the more personal questions Picard tries to strike at. Shifting gears, Ro requests to see the Changeling remains they have aboard the Titan , which is all a ruse to get Picard alone and far away from prying eyes. In a very surprising turn, she pulls her phaser on him and herds him into the holodeck which is still set up to look like 10 Forward. Despite having a phaser trained on him, Picard slides behind the bar and offers to make her drink, which is a ruse in and of itself. The holodeck is a perfect replica of 10 Forward, including the phaser that Guinan had stashed behind it.

Once again, Picard brings up the fact that Ro isn’t wearing her Bajoran earring, which was a source of great controversy because it technically broke Starfleet protocol, though he had bent the rules for her when she was aboard the Enterprise . Their conversation shifts quite sharply, with Picard claiming that this is a conversation he has been waiting to have for thirty years. He’s quick to lash out and tell her that she betrayed everything he had ever believed in, but Ro meets his words with harsh truths of her own. She accuses him of trying to mold her in his own image, something that she was never going to be able to achieve—which is evident in how their arc played out on The Next Generation . The betrayal was mutual, but Picard set her up to fail by expecting more than she could give. After a heartfelt confession that they both broke each other’s hearts, Ro and Picard lower their weapons and return to the far more pressing matter at hand. Locked away on the holodeck, far from suspicious ears, Ro admits that Starfleet has been compromised all the way to the highest levels and, despite everything that has happened between them, she asks Picard to trust her again.

Ro goes on to explain that she has been investigating what appears to be a widespread Changeling plot, though every time she gets close to finding answers she’s locked out. For months there have been fleet-wide issues, which have been covered up, and she is convinced that something is going to happen on Frontier Day when all the fleets are present. Despite the grandeur of the event and the all-hands nature of it, she has found herself largely locked out of the planning—leading her to believe the Changelings are behind it. She also tells Picard that she has been hearing Jack’s name on intelligence chatter for months: someone wants something from him, and it all seems connected.

Speaking of Jack, he is doing a terrible job of keeping a low profile while a pair of security engineers from the Intrepid are prowling the ship looking for him. With most of the crew of the Titan being transported aboard the Intrepid , Jack finds himself in the transporter room fantasizing about killing the transporter officer. He is still hearing voices, though now the voice is saying “Find me. Connect us. Do you hear me?” It’s all very ominous stuff, especially with the glowing red eyes, and the unsettling desire to kill Starfleet officers. On the other side of the galaxy, Raffi ( Michelle Hurd ) and Worf ( Michael Dorn ) are training aboard La Sirena . Worf is still intent on figuring out what the Changelings stole from Daystrom, but their investigation is coming up short for two, very different reasons. Sneed was their only lead and since Worf had to kill him to save Raffi’s neck—they can’t pursue that lead anymore. Also, Starfleet is continuing to deny them access when they try to investigate that avenue, leading them to believe that someone wants to keep them out. Worf deduces that their only remaining lead is a criminal by the name of Krinn who worked alongside Sneed.

When they arrive at District 6, they very quickly realize that something is amiss. Everyone is running and hiding and clearing out the streets. It would seem that after killing Sneed, everyone in the city fears them now. Raffi attempts to take advantage of the situation, shouting that they’re looking for Sneed’s associate Krinn, but it backfires. Quite a bit. Krinn does show up, and he’s furious that they killed Sneed, who was essentially his brother even though he is a Vulcan and the latter was a Ferengi. Krinn swiftly sees through the little trap that Worf and Raffi set for him and takes them hostage, with a plan to force them to fight to the death.

Leaning back on their training sequence from the top of the episode, Raffi and Worf reluctantly engage in combat, which leads to Raffi gaining the upper hand and stabbing Worf. In a heart-wrenching moment, Worf says the iconic line, “Today was a good day to die.” and seemingly keels over dead. Luckily, “Imposters” doesn’t make the audience wait too long to learn that they didn’t actually kill off one of the most beloved characters in the franchise. But what’s important is that Krinn believes that the Klingon is dead just long enough to be lulled into a false sense of security, allowing Worf to come through and kill everyone. Krinn was the one that orchestrated the break-in at Daystrom and, at knifepoint, he reveals that the facility is guarded by a flawed and illogical AI system. He happened to find a device that exploits its flaws, and without this device, no one else can get into Daystrom undetected. And, as any intelligent Vulcan would realize, he admits that providing them with the device would be the most logical course of action.

On the Titan , things are starting to reach another crisis point. Ro informs Picard that her plan is to leave them with a skeleton crew of hopefully non-Changeling crewmembers, and tells him that they are going to have to run. Before they part ways, in the midst of a tearful goodbye, Ro leaves Picard with the earring that has been such a hot topic throughout the episode. Befuddled, but recognizing the peril they are most likely in, Picard goes straight to Shaw to inform him that they’re going to have to run away because things are so much worse than they could’ve imagined.

Aboard Ro’s shuttle back to the Intrepid , she realizes that her two security engineers (the pair that has been looking for Jack on the Titan ) have planted a bomb on the ship, and before she can stop them, or kill them, they beam back onto the Titan . Ro hails the Titan to tell them what happened, but she refuses Picard’s desperate attempts to offer help because there’s no time for her to defuse the bomb. Instead, Ro navigates the shuttle towards the Intrepid , crashing into it as the bombs go off. This, in her own words, is an attempt to give Picard a fighting chance. With part of the Intrepid smoldering in space, the starship turns on the Titan , and they quickly realize they are about to be framed for “attacking” another Starfleet vessel. Before anyone can get too carried away, Seven cautions them that they can’t fire on the Intrepid because they will kill their crew members which were taken aboard it. Riker pleads with Shaw to trust them, just as he trusts what his own eyes have seen, and Shaw informs the remaining crew aboard the ship that Starfleet has been compromised.

As this message is broadcast across the Titan , the pair of Changeling security engineers finally track down Jack and are joined by another set of dubious Starfleet officers. Cornered, and seemingly about to be captured, Jack sees the eerie red door again and—for lack of a better descriptor—goes apeshit on the officers. With super-human strength, he takes out all four of them, as if it were the easiest thing in the world. The door returns again and this time it doesn’t seem like a far-off vision: this door appears to be right at the end of the corridor. But nearly as soon as it appears, it vanishes, leaving Jack to take in what he just did. While this encounter wasn’t exactly what played out in his nightmare, it’s awfully suspicious that he knew he would have to take out a handful of Starfleet officers—Changelings, or otherwise.

The Titan manages to jump to warp before the Intrepid can attack them, and now that things have settled down for a few minutes, Picard and Riker have a little heart-to-heart about Ro. Picard admits that he didn’t realize just how much it would affect him to see her, and perhaps the subtext there is that he also didn’t realize how much it would affect him to lose her too. Riker is sympathetic, as he has always been with the complex connection between Picard and Ro. What confuses Picard the most is that Ro left him with the earring, which Riker quickly recognizes for what it is: a smartly concealed data chip. As they look through all the information that Ro had collected over the past few months, they intercept an incoming transmission from Worf who is both glad to see old friends, but concerned about Ro’s absence.

In sickbay, Shaw commends Jack for being able to take out four Changelings all by himself, which might just be the first nice thing Shaw has said to Jack since he came onboard. Beverly, however, recognizes that something is wrong with her son. She asks for a moment alone with him, wherein she tells him he can’t hide anything from her: she knows he hasn’t been sleeping again. Beverly reminds him of a time, many years ago when he was just a boy, when he was too afraid to sleep because of the nightmares he was having. She goes on to ask him how he knew that the officers he killed were Changelings and, with tears streaming down his cheeks, Jack admits that he didn’t know. As the episode comes to a close, Jack claims that there is something very wrong with him, and it’s easy to agree with him on that front.

As the second act of the final season of Star Trek: Picard begins, it appears the series is prompting its audience to look deeper into what we have already been told. Now that Worf and Raffi’s storyline is finally converging with the plot aboard the Titan , hopefully, more answers will be answered in the following episode—both with the Changelings, and perhaps whatever is plaguing Jack. Why do the Changelings want him, and more importantly, who and what is he supposed to “connect” with?

The first five episodes of the final season of Star Trek: Picard are streaming now on Paramount+.