Young Picard concept.

[TerraNovan]

Alright here goes my concept for a new series.

Focus on young picard, several years after becoming captain of the Stargazer. Approximate 30 years before the events of TNG.

Reasons for this is obvious, with the current movies tieing up the TOS characters, and the lack of transition room for these same characters to appear on a television show. I think the Picard is the 2nd most acknowledged character in the franchise.

He also seems to have the characteristic that could translate to a upper tier television network like hbo, where the budget for action adventure is dimished, meaning a partial contribution to drama is necessary.

Furthermore being between TOS and TNG, allows one to have access to as much canon as possible without directly altering the course of canon.

 

[TerraNovan]

It would follow the story of a young picard,(actually 30ish) resigning from his role as captain and reconsidering going to his second passion which is anthropology.

Upon doing so comes into contact with his old anthro professor at the academy whos leaving for an expedition. (actual canon)

It would have an ark of the captain, being amongst the lower ranks of the federation, as he makes a trip to an elder part of the galaxy, that is in contested space between the federation the klingons and the romulans.

Other arcs would include picards involvement in the development of andriods. Specifically with Datas creator.

The ancient aliens subplot his professors later divulged in TNG

Captain picard coming into contact with Worfs father and his connection with star fleet intelligence..

Captain picards role in keeping genetic engineering and by extension augments, bio weapons out of the hands of those less than nice folk.

Add to that picards involvement with a pseudo Section 31, who seem to be altering the course of the federation the ones keeping Khans from reemerging, data type androids from taking over the galaxy.


Picard would be conflicted as his sense of morality and responsibility are at odds.

Add to that his sense of career conflict and romantic relationships which led picard to being afraid of children at the start of TNG.

On top of this would be a memory suppression techniques required by starfleet intelligence, to keep picard from having knowledge that no officer should possess.

 

[TerraNovan]

The tone of this show with be optimistic drama. Where the Utopian vision of the federation is maintained and enhanced by the workers of starfleet intelligence.

It would have a young picard disinterested and frustrated by politics of commands, desiring a simple pursuit of truth and knowledge.

Picard would be recruited by a squad of special investigations officers from the federations. Kinda of an xfiles type group, who are dedicated in uncovering those mysteries which only a select group of officers will ever know.

This show would not feature directly a bridge crew. This would be about the lower desks of a star ship, more specfically about a division that is rarely seen in the open in most star trek shows.

This division would be essentially a bunch of red shirts. Who are volunteering for some of the most dangerous and less famed missions in the federation. All while taking orders from mysterious folk in the higher ups of command.


The show while having a dark mysterious, side to it, would work hard at romanticizing the beauty of the federation.

Although working covertly would consider themselves creators and not destroyers.

There would be plenty of room for action and adventures as much of the squad are thrill seekers.

Danger and excitement would be all around as these are missions where the dangerous is very real.

 

[TerraNovan]

Having a ten episode per season format.

There would be a non linear story arc.

i.e. episodes are shown out of sequence. Although the events in each episode relate to the others directly.

The virus discovered in epsiode 1, will end up being a product of the alien tomb discovered in episode 3.

It would be up to fans(fan porn alerts) to fit together the pieces, while allowing for casual watchers to not be closed out of the loop.

Memory wiping technology would be a commonly used device, so even characters themselves may not be aware of past episodes.

This wouldnt be a cheap plot device to get around canon, but would end up being a fundamental part of the shows arc. Characters would be experiencing side effects of these memory wipes, adding a strong psychological element to it.

Sex would be part of the show. However their would be less of a focus of teasing(underwear shots) nor dramatic relationships.. Instead would be a message that sex is dangerous, and it has consequences even when technology seems to shelter one from these consequences.

Death and dangerous accidents would be all around, and the danger for the charcters would be very real and have consequences. I.e. a character that survives severe phaser burns has severe trauma.

However inspite of serious elements, the show would have a discovery channel type look up. Much like you get when you watch inside the operating room shows.

Again the utopian vision of the future would be crucial to the show, optimistic attitudes would be developed through the show.

 

[TerraNovan]

The show would also explore the idea that legends are made and not born.

Explored would be the idea why picards appears to be the chosen one in later episodes.

1) Why does Q choose picard.
2) Why do the borg choose picard.
3) Why does picard get the flag ship.
4) Why does picard get data(the only one in star fleet).
5) Why does picard get worf(the firs klingon)
6) Why do the Romulans wish to clone him.
7) Why wasnt such a high profile candidate persued by section 31(or was he)
8) Why does picard become involved in one of the most important anthropological discoveries in the history of the galaxy.


This would lead into the invisible hand of the federation, which is its intellgience networks, who are directly involved in grooming picard into being one of the most important people in the galaxy.

 

[Tarek71]

You know we were just discussing a ST show with an investigative, Scooby gang aspect. Multi species group with some Warehouse 13/ X-Files elements. I think it has possibilities. Young Picard as a member of it is an interesting idea.

But I would ditch the memory wiping Men In Black thing. And I would prefer this be an alternate Picard. Possibly in the NuTrek timeline. Allow for the history of the Federation to be quite different. Maybe he does this instead of going back to Starfleet. Q however might still take an interest in him. Indeed stories and evidence of some uber being might be a case the team takes on, and then encounters Q.

You could even have it that Q is aware of alternate universes and timelines and has knowledge of other versions of Picards life, including the Prime Picard we know.

 

[BillJ]

This would put me to sleep.

 

[wulfio]

i think, stay away from established characters.

introduce new characters in to star trek.

 

[VST]

Well none of this is what Star Trek is *about* is it? It's just massive fanwank. Perfect for a prose story or script, but a TV show? No.

The next Trek doesn't need to jump ahead. It doesn't need Picard or massive tie-ins to Prime Universe stuff. As Wulfio said, it needs *new* characters & new ideas that take the franchise in a vibrant new direction, while honouring the old.

 

[BigJake]

Picard's voyage on the Stargazer would be fresh territory to explore, but if one were to do it one should let it be fresh. Don't go trying to tie into later storylines or heavy-handed foreshadowing or Explaining Why Picard Is The Most Important Person Ever.

 

[Bry_Sinclair]

I've thought about a Young-Picard show before, though in a very different direction from this. It would have an established set of main characters and focus more on Picard being a brash, young adventurer, sailing off into the unknown on a ship that's best days are behind it.

It is very much a blank canvas that allows for all kinds of storytelling, so I'd keep clear of any "foreshadowing" plots for what happens in TNG or the films, though maybe the occasional nod or tongue-in-cheek reference, but nothing blatant.

As to the following, here are a few quick thoughts that explain why and wouldn't really need much explanation:

1) Why does Q choose picard.
He's Captain of the ship the Federation flagship, the best that Starfleet has to offer, if anyone is going to be held up as an example of humanity for judgement, then he is as good a candidate as any.

2) Why do the borg choose picard.
He commanded the Federation flagship, the most powerful Starfleet had to offer, his knowledge on the ship and its crew, as well as proposed Starfleet battle plans and tactics, not to mention 40-odd years of experience would be a great source of information for the Collective.

3) Why does picard get the flag ship.
He is one of the youngest officers to be promoted to Captain (an event that would need to be explored in more detail), he commanded the Stargazer for 20 years and would have a list of accomplishments from his tenure onboard, not to mention whatever ship he got after her. The E-D had to go to someone, and with his experience as a diplomat (again these skills would need to be cultivated during his time on the Stargazer) he is a solid candidate.

4) Why does picard get data(the only one in star fleet).
Picard could have requested Data to serve onboard, I'm sure as CO of the flagship he'd have enough pull to gather together the crew he wanted--he had a list of candidates to go through for his First Officer, so why not his Second Officer as well.

5) Why does picard get worf(the firs klingon)
Again, he'd pick his ideal crew--though Worf seems to more an after thought, who then happened to get promoted up since there was no one else around to take over after Yar's death.

6) Why do the Romulans wish to clone him.
Captain of the Flagship. Starfleet tactical and strategic information. 40+ years experience.

7) Why wasnt such a high profile candidate persued by section 31(or was he)
He is too high profile perhaps. His actions and behaviour would be closely scrutinised by the Admirals at HQ and if anything seemed iffy they'd call him on it. That being said, the less done about S31 the better.

8) Why does picard become involved in one of the most important anthropological discoveries in the history of the galaxy.
He only takes on the challenge after his mentor and friend needlessly dies and feels compelled to complete his life's work. Had any of Professor Galen's other students been there at the time, I'm sure they would've done the same thing--Picard just happened to have better resources at had to see it through (seeing as how all the legwork had already been done).

Just some thoughts.

 

[2takesfrakes]

The version of "Young Picard" who could pique the most interest, unfortunately, got stabbed through the heart, before he could even get assigned to a ship, for the first time. He still had adventures and whatnot, afterwards, but his having to get an artificial heart influenced him greatly into being more responsible and considered in his decisions and that's not as much fun as what he was like, before.

 

[CorporalCaptain]

Picard's voyage on the Stargazer would be fresh territory to explore, but if one were to do it one should let it be fresh. Don't go trying to tie into later storylines or heavy-handed foreshadowing or Explaining Why Picard Is The Most Important Person Ever.

Would that it could...

 

[T'Girl]

who are dedicated in uncovering those mysteries which only a select group of officers will ever know

This is the Federation? Better still, this group would uncovering these mysteries and divulge them to the people of the Federation.

Memory wiping technology would be a commonly used device

No.

Why wasnt such a high profile candidate persued by section 31

During this time period, section 31 was focusing all of their attentions on capturing moose and squirrel.

 

[TerraNovan]

You know we were just discussing a ST show with an investigative, Scooby gang aspect. Multi species group with some Warehouse 13/ X-Files elements. I think it has possibilities. Young Picard as a member of it is an interesting idea.

But I would ditch the memory wiping Men In Black thing. And I would prefer this be an alternate Picard. Possibly in the NuTrek timeline. Allow for the history of the Federation to be quite different. Maybe he does this instead of going back to Starfleet. Q however might still take an interest in him. Indeed stories and evidence of some uber being might be a case the team takes on, and then encounters Q.

You could even have it that Q is aware of alternate universes and timelines and has knowledge of other versions of Picards life, including the Prime Picard we know.

A new timeline type stuff is what Id like to avoid. Having a well thought out technology be used I feel is the best way to keep from messing with canon. And to avoid, lazy ideas like alternative timelines etc.

Also the ability to add to tng is a major bonus.

I think picard is simply the best to put the show back on track in contrast to the star wars type movies going.

I have to be clear as much as the back story, is that of an xfiles type conspiracy the actual episodes would be pretty start forward trek.

It would be rather adrenaline packed, as each epsisode would focus on the red shirts, going on away missions.

The lack of bridge politics, and ship to ship battles, would not make the show more boring.

 

[TerraNovan]

Picard's voyage on the Stargazer would be fresh territory to explore, but if one were to do it one should let it be fresh. Don't go trying to tie into later storylines or heavy-handed foreshadowing or Explaining Why Picard Is The Most Important Person Ever.

Your right itd be very subtle foreshadowing. Again much of this back story Im suggesting would be fan porn.

The average watcher would not even notice. Its the kind of back work that would require a fan to re watch episodes again and again to pick up on the little easter eggs.

I like the idea that picard would be going under the alias galen for atleast the first season.

Him being picard I think would make for an awsome season finale.

 

[TerraNovan]

the entire show would be focused on one away team division.

Bravo group(insert random name here) a group where being a capable pilot and tactical officer is a basic requirement.

The leader of the group would be a doctor of law, a legal experts whos responsible for safety and is knowledgeable of anything that can kill you. The paranoid leader, obsessed with safety and yet equally focused on completing the missions asigned to the team.

The doctor of the group who is simply an away team medic. whos job it is to clean up the mess when people go splat. Played by a general martok type, fat jolly, supportive, and surprisingly capable. . A kind of guy when push comes to shove can carry you out of battle, and instinctively remember to grab your severed limbs.

Analyst Galen, picard giving up his rank is simply known as cultural analyst, where his knowledge of anthropology is used to profile unique cultures and partly explain why he is such a good diplomat.

Junior leutenant(code name johnny-kirk) your unhinged comedic sociopath who happens to study power engineering . Morally challenged yet greatly valued for his ability go cowboy on a situation. Explored will be the methods used by starfleet to keep these mavericks on the good side. Hes the humor, the action guy, the ladies man, and ultimately a major source of conflict as his ego has no bounds. Basically a spoof of shatner.

Tinkerbell, a small petite woman who is the groups robotics expert. The younger member of the team, she suffers from great amounts of fear, related to working in a highly dangerous job..


non com vulcan, who happens to be a psychiatrist. As the team is a highly competitive unit, and in constant danger. Their role is to teach people in high stress environments to handle their stress, while competing with the other junior divisions all seeking the limited number of promotion positions. Through this we would learn more about vulcan culture and philosophy, while showing even vulcans capable of being bad asses. Influenced by the guy currently playing hannibal.

Biochemist lieutenant, the forensics officers, knowledgeable in genetics, chemistry, and some portions of physics. The oddball alien of the group. Completely detached from human emotions, is the kind of guy who could spend hours staring a patterns of spilt blood.

 

[Tarek71]

A new timeline type stuff is what Id like to avoid. Having a well thought out technology be used I feel is the best way to keep from messing with canon. And to avoid, lazy ideas like alternative timelines etc.

Great story ideas are great story ideas. You can have them in the Prime universe or not. That isn't the dividing line between lazy and not lazy or great stories and crappy stories. The reason for keeping this out of the Prime universe is that you are not in any way restricted as to what can happen. You have an open-ended frontier to unfold the characters and the action. I would want that.

But if the idea is to have the Prime universe back, the best way to not have to worry about canon is to set it in 2391 and go forward from there.

I think picard is simply the best to put the show back on track in contrast to the star wars type movies going.

There is no show at the moment. I think there are a lot of ideas out there for how to bring it back to TV, including some mixed genre concepts that might have promise. Picard could play a role, but moving forward into the future seems like the best route for the Primeverse.

It would be rather adrenaline packed, as each epsisode would focus on the red shirts, going on away missions.

There are lots of non ship based ideas that could have a lot of action. So that's good. Again, IMHO you could do all of that in 2391.

The lack of bridge politics, and ship to ship battles, would not make the show more boring.

There is no doubt that action, great stories, great drama and good characters are possible in any number of formulations that don't involve ship to ship battles or the traditional large starship setting.

 

[BigJake]

During this time period, section 31 was focusing all of their attentions on capturing moose and squirrel.

After all, you never know when an irate Moose Probe might show up from the outer darkness and Earth's up.

 

[TerraNovan]

But if the idea is to have the Prime universe back, the best way to not have to worry about canon is to set it in 2391 and go forward from there.

There is no show at the moment. I think there are a lot of ideas out there for how to bring it back to TV, including some mixed genre concepts that might have promise. Picard could play a role, but moving forward into the future seems like the best route for the Primeverse.


There are lots of non ship based ideas that could have a lot of action. So that's good. Again, IMHO you could do all of that in 2391.
.

Being after voyageur wont work.
Holo technology, borg technology, post dominion war, opens a can of worms of technology.

Magic was essentially introduced to the series, I really cant see how someone could make a series in that timeline, without having to go out of their way to debuff the technology.

Aside from that your not really getting much to work with in terms of source material. I.e. your getting the worst end of canon, and not the good end.

Im not really set on picard, but it seems like its the only way you can connect to the best part of canon, without interrupting the star trek 2009.

Again a subtle connection to canon is best, hardcore fans pick up on it, however non fans dont really need to know much about it.