News Brent Spiner Returned for "Picard" (and you could do the CGI better in 15 minutes, we get it)

[WarpFactorZ]

You don't know that. Originally, no one was supposed to be appearing from TNG. Now we have Riker, Data, and who knows who else...

Just because they started in one direction, doesn't mean that things don't change along the way. CBS could've came in and redirected the show. Who knows until it comes out?

We don't KNOW for certain those characters will appear. Second, even if they do appear, it may not be in a recurring capacity. Third, just because they're on the show doesn't automatically make it TNG 2.0, a reunion show, or whatever you want to call it.

It's been established that the show is about Picard dealing with a pretty traumatic incident in his life. One would fully expect individuals who were close to him to appear. Having Riker pop up doesn't mean he's automatically Number One and they're suddenly both on the Enterprise again.

There's way too much closed minded thinking on this board. "What? A TNG character might appear? Well fuck that shit! I was promised a new show, but now I have concluded that it will suck beyond recognition!"

 

[El Maestro]

IT IS NOT JUST A REUNION SHOW!! I give up....

I feel your pain, my dude(tte). This thread (and so many like it) are falling into the classic Internet discussion trap of automatically stating as fact the worst and most extreme version of something based on nothing other than someone's preconceived notions.

Some TNG cameos might happen* = It's going to be nothing but a reunion show!

* nothing is confirmed!

 

[BillJ]

There's way too much closed minded thinking on this board. "What? A TNG character might appear? Well fuck that shit! I was promised a new show, but now I have concluded that it will suck beyond recognition!"

I never said it would suck, but thanks for twisting my words. I'm just not interested in another Discovery game of "How Many References to Other Trek Can We Cram into 45 Minutes?!" every week.

 

[seigezunt]

You know, despite his age, it wouldn't take much creative makeup to give Spiner the Data look from the movies. I think he'd be fine reprising the role.

Especially if it's just going to be his head in a carrying case.

B9? I think that was the original pun name from Nemesis. But they ended up using B4.

IT'S NOT A TUMAH

No, the whole point of the final scene in Nemesis -- with B4 whistling -- was that Data is still alive. He undoubtedbly would have been back to normal in the next film, had it been made. It's identical to the final scene of TWOK where the soft-landed torpedo was meant to tell us "Hey, Spock's gonna be OK!".

OMG is this going to be The Search For Data?

 

[Jedman67]

You don't know that. Originally, no one was supposed to be appearing from TNG. Now we have Riker, Data, and who knows who else...

Just because they started in one direction, doesn't mean that things don't change along the way. CBS could've came in and redirected the show. Who knows until it comes out?

I don't think anyone's confirmed aside from Frakes as a director. And even bringing in occasional TNG cast wouldn't be so bad if it's not designed as a reunion show.

 

[jaime]

I never said it would suck, but thanks for twisting my words. I'm just not interested in another Discovery game of "How Many References to Other Trek Can We Cram into 45 Minutes?!" every week.

I’m ok with that if it’s Trek I like. (Being referenced and making the references)
In fact it’s one of the bits I like in DSC. Probably one the few bits, given how much of the rest of it I find a bit...unlikable.

 

[BillJ]

I don't think anyone's confirmed aside from Frakes as a director. And even bringing in occasional TNG cast wouldn't be so bad if it's not designed as a reunion show.

After 178 episodes, I think I've just had my fill of the TNG cast on TV. I'm actually interested in Trek actually being able to move on, to have a new story about a character that isn't dependent on what came before.

 

[BillJ]

I’m ok with that if it’s Trek I like. (Being referenced and making the references)
In fact it’s one of the bits I like in DSC. Probably one the few bits, given how much of the rest of it I find a bit...unlikable.

I get plenty of that from the novels and comics. I tend to prefer the TV shows work on bringing newness to the franchise.

 

[El Maestro]

I don't think anyone's confirmed aside from Frakes as a director. And even bringing in occasional TNG cast wouldn't be so bad if it's not designed as a reunion show.

Yes, this. Based upon what we canonically know about Picard, it's perfectly in character for him to have at least some connection with at least some of the crew from his command of the Enterprise. It is not at all a stretch, even on a show that is a character study of a hero past his prime dealing with a traumatic event in his life, for Picard to have some kind of interaction with these people. And, you know what? Even if it is a stretch (it isn't), there is nothing wrong with the fan service of small appearances by the other characters in a sequel show about the ensemble lead.

 

[BillJ]

Yes, this. Based upon what we canonically know about Picard, it's perfectly in character for him to have at least some connection with at least some of the crew from his command of the Enterprise.

I remember all the Stargazer folks we saw on TNG. But, he only commanded that ship for twenty-two years.

 

[jaime]

After 178 episodes, I think I've just had my fill of the TNG cast on TV. I'm actually interested in Trek actually being able to move on, to have a new story about a character that isn't dependent on what came before.

True. But look at it this way.

It would be the first time we came back to a set of characters after show much time, and first time ever on TV for Trek. Possibly for anything. Twin Peaks showed how that can work.

 

[El Maestro]

I remember all the Stargazer folks we saw on TNG. But, he only commanded that ship for twenty-two years.

The only things we *canonically* know about JLP's time on the Stargazer was that he commanded the ship for 22 years and got into a costly battle with the Ferengi. We *canonically* know a lot more about his time on the Enterprise and thus in any sane approach that is the operational frame of reference for assumptions audiences make about the background of the character until writers create new canon.

ETA: he also invented a maneuver.

 

[Guy Gardener]

You would think that Picard closer to death, would hate children more desperately, yet feel more desperately compelled to make children.

 

[XCV330]

And it sucks that it didn't work out that way, right?

all is speculation, at the moment.

It's my understanding that Stewart has a lot of creative control over this project, so if someone appears, it's likely with his consent. He's far from a hapless victim here.

He has some control. I hope he sticks to his guns.

I've enjoyed some of his productions like Christmas Carol and his version of Lion in Winter. On the other hand he was associate producer of Insurrection. No one can outrun their IMDB page.

If Spiner IS involved I hope it is in a very limited capacity to keep this from being a reunion show. And since his past writing credits include Nemesis, maybe let Chabon and others tackle the script.

 

[WarpFactorZ]

I remember all the Stargazer folks we saw on TNG. But, he only commanded that ship for twenty-two years.

Yeah, like... um... I dunno.. Jack Crusher? It seems what happened with him made a pretty big impact on Picard's life thereafter, so much so that it created a huge series-long subplot between him, Beverly, and most certainly Wesley.

 

[BillJ]

Yeah, like... um... I dunno.. Jack Crusher? It seems what happened with him made a pretty big impact on Picard's life thereafter, so much so that it created a huge series-long subplot between him, Beverly, and most certainly Wesley.

How many times did we actually see Jack? Once, if my memory serves me. As a holographic message for Wesley. That was it for the Stargazer crew.

That is about the most I want to see the TNG gang in this new show.

 

[XCV330]

True. But look at it this way.

It would be the first time we came back to a set of characters after show much time, and first time ever on TV for Trek. Possibly for anything. Twin Peaks showed how that can work.

Doctor Who has done it a few times (Sarah Jane, multidoctors, Stewart, McGann returning, etc) but its kind of an exception to the rule.

trying to think who else HAS done it. Leave it to Beaver did it in the 80s. Andy Griffith Show did it as well with a one-off TV movie. I think Beverly Hillbillies did something similar around the same time. I think Superstation reruns in the 80's created a kind of demand for that nostalgia, and maybe Netflix is doing the same thing for shows now.

 

[Jedman67]

I remember all the Stargazer folks we saw on TNG. But, he only commanded that ship for twenty-two years.

Jack Crusher?

Honestly, I agree with BillJ. If it's not supposed to be a reunion show or TNG 2.0, then leave the fan service, old cast etc for the Wikipedia entries or Season 2. Let the show find it's footing first.

 

[WarpFactorZ]

How many times did we actually see Jack? Once, if my memory serves me. As a holographic message for Wesley. That was it for the Stargazer crew.

That is about the most I want to see the TNG gang in this new show.

Don't be obtuse. You know that's not what I meant. We didn'tt have to see Jack Crusher to know the degree of impact that incident had on his life going forward.

 

[Jedman67]

Don't be obtuse. You know that's not what I meant. We didn'tt have to see Jack Crusher to know the degree of impact that incident had on his life going forward.

Not really. The Picard/Crusher tension is barely more than a wikipedia entry in Picard's file. It's certainly been touched upon a few times a season, and came to a head in AGT, but honestly it had little impact aside from that.