Star Trek Picard Season 2: Q Slapping Jean-Luc was John de Lancie's Idea
John de Lancie says it was his idea for Q to slap Jean-Luc in episode 1 of Star Trek: Picard season 2. Season 1 of Paramount+’s Picard-centered Star Trek show brought back several fan favorite characters from Star Trek: TNG in addition to Picard himself. And even more TNG characters have returned for Picard season 2.
Of course some of those Picard season 1 returns — particularly Riker and Troi — were little more than cameo appearances that had only a minor impact on the actual story. The return of de Lancie’s Q in season 2 has been a different story however. Picard’s long-time antagonist not only showed up shockingly at the end of episode 1, but his actions were in fact the catalyst for the entire season’s story.
Related: Picard’s Major Character Death Fixes A Season 1 Failure
Exactly what is going on with Q in Picard season 2 is something that the show has yet to answer. However, it was clear from Q’s actions in episode 1 that the character is not the same as he was on TNG. As it turns out, Q’s most surprising action – hauling off and slapping Jean-Luc Picard across the face – was specifically intended to convey that Q is not his usual self. According to Q actor de Lancie, it was actually his own idea to get across Q’s greater sense of urgency in this blunt and physical way. As de Lancie told fans during a Twitter Spaces chat (via TrekMovie.com):
That was something that I added… It should be shocking. I hope so. And then mostly it should show that it’s not playtime. I don’t have the time for this to be an extended back and forth between Picard and I. I’ve come there to be helpful in the most profound sort of way for him. But also, there’s a motivation for me as well.
Long-time Star Trek fans were indeed shocked that Q
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