John De Lancie Reveals His Condition for Returning as Q in Star Trek: Picard
In the captivating second season of “Star Trek: Picard,” fans witnessed the return of the mischievous space entity Q, portrayed by John De Lancie, as he presents a formidable new challenge to the beloved Captain Picard, played by Patrick Stewart. In a dramatic twist, Q snaps his fingers and thrusts Picard into a dystopian alternate universe where Earth has ascended to a ruthless galactic power, systematically eradicating its foes. The story unfolds amidst a backdrop of despair, with Earth responsible for the annihilation of the Romulans and Klingons, now targeting the last remaining Borg.
As Picard steps into the shoes of his tyrannical counterpart, he assembles his friends, whom Q conveniently transports to this dark universe, embarking on a time-traveling quest back to 2024 to unravel the origins of this dire reality. The season culminates in a poignant revelation: Q’s elaborate time-travel game was nothing more than a heartfelt farewell, as the seemingly immortal being confronts his own mortality, using his dwindling powers to reach out to Picard. Their emotional parting, marked by a warm embrace, highlights the character’s growth and depth, a stark contrast to Q’s past antics.
De Lancie, known for injecting humor into the character, expressed a desire for a more subdued portrayal this time around. He stipulated one significant condition before agreeing to return: no more tights. Reflecting on his tenure, De Lancie shared that at this stage in his life, he did not want to be associated with the over-the-top antics he had previously embodied. In a candid conversation with the producers, he made it clear that if he were to don a costume reminiscent of his earlier days, he would have to decline the opportunity altogether. Fortunately for him, the show’s creators reassured him that they were aiming for a more mature and grounded approach, allowing De Lancie to appear much as he does today, complete with a distinguished beard.
Given that “Star Trek: Picard” serves as a nostalgic revival of Picard’s journey two decades post his last cinematic appearance in “Star Trek: Nemesis,” it was vital to return familiar characters, including Q and Guinan, played by Whoopi Goldberg. While Stewart readily embraced the chance to reprise his role, De Lancie required some convincing to step back into the shoes of the enigmatic Q.
As Q’s arc concludes at the end of season two, he meets his end, satisfied to have bestowed a final challenge upon his old ally. His return was characterized by a mix of menace and sentimentality, departing from the flamboyance of previous seasons. Wearing a refined black overcoat, Q’s demeanor shifted from whimsical to serious, a reflection of the passage of time.
In an intriguing twist, Q’s journey doesn’t end there. He makes a surprising return in the third season of “Picard,” this time to interact with Picard’s grown son, Jack. As always, Q’s non-linear relationship with time leaves the door open for further appearances, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the future. The prospect of Q returning in the potential “Star Trek: Legacy” remains uncertain, but as they say in the universe, only time will tell.
