Stargazer

[Bry_Sinclair]

A stray thought occured to me after reading something on another site, so I thought I would share it.

What if they decided to go back and do a "prequel" to TNG, set aboard the U.S.S. Stargazer, starting with how Picard gained his captaincy in 2333 at just 28.

I know there has been a book miniseries on this, but I think it would be interesting to see how Picard's early career could be developed for an onscreen series.

Aside from Picard himself, only two crewmembers have been named: Jack Crusher (who dies in 2354, though knows Picard from at least the early 2340s if not before) and Vigo (the ships Weapons Officer during their last battle in 2355, though no clue how long he/she was aboard for). So it is very open for casting.

One thing however, what young actor could do Picard justice?

 

[Dukhat]

A stray thought occured to me after reading something on another site, so I thought I would share it.

What if they decided to go back and do a "prequel" to TNG, set aboard the U.S.S. Stargazer, starting with how Picard gained his captaincy in 2333 at just 28.

I know there has been a book miniseries on this, but I think it would be interesting to see how Picard's early career could be developed for an onscreen series.

Aside from Picard himself, only two crewmembers have been named: Jack Crusher (who dies in 2354, though knows Picard from at least the early 2340s if not before) and Vigo (the ships Weapons Officer during their last battle in 2355, though no clue how long he/she was aboard for). So it is very open for casting.

One thing however, what young actor could do Picard justice?

The ironic thing about your post is that Michael Jan Friedman was going to write a new series about the Federation's founding (Starfleet: Year One), but it got nixed with ENTERPRISE. It was too bad too, because I liked the one book he wrote more than ENT itself.

As for a Stargazer TV series...I personally would love to see something like that. But of course I could also give you the laundry list of why it wouldn't have a snowball's chance of being produced. But that's not what you asked

I think Tom Hardy could pull off Picard now (although ironically I didn't think he was believable as Shinzon).

 

[Captain Robert April]

Considering that Nemesis damn near killed Hardy's career, I don't think you'd have a prayer of signing him for Picard. Frankly, they would've done a lot better casting Ben Kingsley as Shinzon, but that's another topic.

For a tv series, Jamie Bamber would be great, but unfortunately, he's already got a gig.

 

[AviTrek]

For a tv series, Jamie Bamber would be great, but unfortunately, he's already got a gig.

Not really. Bamber was just in the 17th Precint pilot. The show wasn't picked up, but if it had been he'd have been on the show. Given the opportunity to return to US TV and Bamber will leave LO UK in a heartbeat. The bigger question is if Bamber would be willing to shave his head.

 

[Skywalker]

Why would he have to shave his head? Picard wasn't born bald.

ETA: Well, he was, but...you know what I mean!

 

[zar]

Yeah. Picard had hair in the Stargazer flashback in Violations.

 

[Bry_Sinclair]

The ironic thing about your post is that Michael Jan Friedman was going to write a new series about the Federation's founding (Starfleet: Year One), but it got nixed with ENTERPRISE. It was too bad too, because I liked the one book he wrote more than ENT itself.

I loved Year One. It had potential and could have made a damn good book series (to this day I still think that "Enterprise" should have been called/set on the Daedalus)

Considering that Nemesis damn near killed Hardy's career, I don't think you'd have a prayer of signing him for Picard. Frankly, they would've done a lot better casting Ben Kingsley as Shinzon, but that's another topic.

I never believed Hardy to be young Picard. He just didn't have the right look for the role I always thought. Though I do think that if a Stargazer series was done, a young Brit should get the lead.

For a tv series, Jamie Bamber would be great, but unfortunately, he's already got a gig.

Mr Bamber would be a great choice for the role, though could he pull off being in his late 20s?

James McAvoy might also be a candidate for the role.

I was thinking that Picard's first "Number One" should be someone older and a little more seasoned. Given that in his youth he was a bit reckless (laughing after getting stabbed through the heart, having the balls to take command after the Stargazer's CO and XO are killed). I think he might benefit from a Vulcan XO. What other races might work well on the show? I've love to see either an Andorian or Bolian as a regular.

When it comes to positions onboard, would the Stargazer have a TOS-style complement (Comm, Helm, Nav) or a TNG-style one (Conn, Ops)? Also Vigo is said to be the Weapons Officer, would he also fill in the role of Security Chief or could those duties be split?

 

[Bry_Sinclair]

Here are my thoughts on a few of the characters:

Commanding Officer - Captain Jean-Luc Picard - Human, Male
Young, impulsive and classed as reckless by a few 'higher-ups' at HQ, though no one can deny his exceptional service record. With a flair for diplomacy and a keen tactical mind, he has beaten the odds many times in the past, but can he now handle the responsibilities of command a starship? Prior to 2333, he was a Lieutenant Commander and served as Chief Helm/Flight Control Officer on the Stargazer.

First Officer - Commander T'Loren - Vulcan, Female
Cool, calm and composed, she is the empitome of Vulcan discipline and control. Having served for fifteen years and with a rich and diverse service history, she had thought that a command of her own would be next. Though serving as XO to a younger Captain wasn't what she expected, she will continue to do her duty in the same methodical and logical manner she always has.

Chief Navigation/Operations Officer - Lieutenant Jack Crusher - Human, Male
Friendly, lightsome, but with the heart of a lion, he is someone who can always be depended on in any situation (except for his terrible track record with women). Though a few years younder than Picard, the two share the same drive and dedication to the uniform, which is why they worked so well next to each other (at the forward consoles prior to 2333) and why they have formed a strong friendship.

Chief Tactical Officer - Ensign Alos Vigo - Bolian, Male
A young, gung-ho rookie. With a great belief in his own abilities and a drive to prove himself, he doesn't always look before he leaps. From a proud Starfleet family, he has a lot to live up to and this weighs heavily on him. Following the crisis that killed the Stargazer's CO, XO and many others on the crew, this newly commissioned officer found himself being put in a position of seniority by Picard, who he looks up to with a great deal of respect and admiration.


Surviving Command Crew:
Chief Engineer Lieutenant Commander Gieraan Va-Enrosh, a long-time friend of Commander Vorg’s, he too is known for his blunt manner and is never afraid to speak his mind; Lieutenant Commander Rosalyn Wilde, the ship’s CMO, a petite woman whose compassion is well known aboard; Lieutenant Diego Ramirez, is in charge of Security and takes his job very seriously, even more so after the deaths of Captain Kane and Commander Vorg. [I would also include a—yet unnamed—female Boslic Science Officer to this list]

New Officers Assigned:
[In addition to T’Loren and Vigo, I’d introduce a male Lieutenant JG to take over at the helm, no idea as to species or name though]

Officers Killed in Action in the Pilot:
Captain Miranda Kane, the Stargazer’s CO, a highly respected officer who is as much a scholar as she is a soldier; Commander Tahr gelsh Vorg, the ship’s pragmatic First Officer; Lieutenant Commander Veronica “Ronnie” Charleston, the steadfast and no-nonsense Weapons Officer.

 

[TheLoneRedshirt]

Bry -

I think a Stargazer series is an excellent idea! While Picard was not my favorite Captain of the Enterprise (he grew on me as TNG progressed, however) it would be interesting to see him in his younger years.

Stargazer was truly a ship of exploration. And, from what I've read here and there, the Constellation-class ships had quirks and issues that would make Stargazer a far-cry from a Galaxy-class cruise ship.

You know, even though another ST series is unlikely (although an animated series would be cool), this would make interesting fan-fic fodder. (Hint, hint)

 

[AviTrek]

Yeah. Picard had hair in the Stargazer flashback in Violations.

Although there is another picture of a bald Picard as a cadet. Apparently the producers weren't consistent with when Picard went bald.

 

[Bry_Sinclair]

Bry -

I think a Stargazer series is an excellent idea! While Picard was not my favorite Captain of the Enterprise (he grew on me as TNG progressed, however) it would be interesting to see him in his younger years.

Thanks TLR. I have to admit, I was the same with Picard. He grew on me as the years went by, though is still my second favourite series Captain (Sisko being #1).

Stargazer was truly a ship of exploration. And, from what I've read here and there, the Constellation-class ships had quirks and issues that would make Stargazer a far-cry from a Galaxy-class cruise ship.

Far more rugged and adventurous, from an unexplored era of Trek. Though it isn't my favourite design of ship, the Constellation-Class does seem very practical--a real workhorse of a ship.

You know, even though another ST series is unlikely (although an animated series would be cool), this would make interesting fan-fic fodder. (Hint, hint)

If I had the finances I would start up a fan film production and make this (though probably wouldn't be able to afford Jamie Bamber unfortunately).

As for a fan fic, I might try and unclog my writers blockage with something like this. Trying to do Picard justice might be interesting.

 

[Bry_Sinclair]

Yeah. Picard had hair in the Stargazer flashback in Violations.

Although there is another picture of a bald Picard as a cadet. Apparently the producers weren't consistent with when Picard went bald.

That was in Nemesis, when Cadet Picard was wearing an enlisted uniform and Beverly apparantly knew him as a cadet (though I don't think she was even born then, or if she was she would have been a child), so I'm not sure how much faith you can put in those events.

 

[Dukhat]

The Stargazer was one of my favorite designs...I always thought the thicker saucer carried many auxiliary ships and instrumentation. Greg Jein really knew how to build Trek models...

One question...was there ever a connection made between Miranda Vigo (who Picard might/might not have had some fling with), and Vigo from the Stargazer?

 

[Captain Robert April]

For a tv series, Jamie Bamber would be great, but unfortunately, he's already got a gig.

Not really. Bamber was just in the 17th Precint pilot. The show wasn't picked up, but if it had been he'd have been on the show. Given the opportunity to return to US TV and Bamber will leave LO UK in a heartbeat. The bigger question is if Bamber would be willing to shave his head.

I'm pretty sure Law & Order: UK has racked up more than one episode...

 

[Bry_Sinclair]

One question...was there ever a connection made between Miranda Vigo (who Picard might/might not have had some fling with), and Vigo from the Stargazer?

I think there was supposed to be a hint of that, but I don't think the timeline works out.

Memory Alpha isn't even sure if they were supposed to be the same person or related. It could just be two people with the same name.

The Stargazer was lost in 2355 (Vigo was aboard at the time), whilst Picard's relationship with Miranda Vigo was in 2346 (on Earth). She had Jason to another man the following year. Then in 2356 she moved to Camor V.

It could be the same person, though seeing that Picard never knew of Jason, I would find it doubtful they would serve together and her son wouldn't come up.

 

[AviTrek]

For a tv series, Jamie Bamber would be great, but unfortunately, he's already got a gig.

Not really. Bamber was just in the 17th Precint pilot. The show wasn't picked up, but if it had been he'd have been on the show. Given the opportunity to return to US TV and Bamber will leave LO UK in a heartbeat. The bigger question is if Bamber would be willing to shave his head.

I'm pretty sure Law & Order: UK has racked up more than one episode...

Of course, I never said it hadn't. What I said was he was in the 17th Precint Pilot(for NBC, a show unrelated to LO UK). If NBC had picked up that show, Bamber would have left LO UK or scheduled around it. The point being that a LO UK commitment would not stand in the way of Bamber doing another show in the US.

 

[Bry_Sinclair]

Been doing a little research and having a think about the possible characters for the Stargazer. Picard was in command for 22 years, now granted there will be those officers that would want to stick by him for a considerable period of time (Riker and Troi sat beside him for 15 years before they finally moved on), but 22 seems a little much.

Also looking at Jack Crusher (and using the actor Doug Wert as a guide) he would have been about 31 at the time of his death--though I do plan to make him a little older, he would have only been a teenager at the time Picard took command of the Stargazer. So for the time being I'm going to leave him and also Vigo out of the cast.

The only ship close to this time available for reference is the E-C (though that is from the 2340s), but I have decided to go with how its Bridge crew were made up. So the senior staff would be something more similar to TNG:
Commanding Officer
First Officer
Chief Engineering Officer
Chief Helm Officer
Chief Medical Officer
Chief Operations Officer
Chief Science Officer
Chief Security/Tactical Officer

Just wondering, would anyone else want to see Rachel Garrett on the crew? Or is that just me?

 

[AviTrek]

Been doing a little research and having a think about the possible characters for the Stargazer. Picard was in command for 22 years, now granted there will be those officers that would want to stick by him for a considerable period of time (Riker and Troi sat beside him for 15 years before they finally moved on), but 22 seems a little much.

Also looking at Jack Crusher (and using the actor Doug Wert as a guide) he would have been about 31 at the time of his death--though I do plan to make him a little older, he would have only been a teenager at the time Picard took command of the Stargazer. So for the time being I'm going to leave him and also Vigo out of the cast.

The only ship close to this time available for reference is the E-C (though that is from the 2340s), but I have decided to go with how its Bridge crew were made up. So the senior staff would be something more similar to TNG:
Commanding Officer
First Officer
Chief Engineering Officer
Chief Helm Officer
Chief Medical Officer
Chief Operations Officer
Chief Science Officer
Chief Security/Tactical Officer

Just wondering, would anyone else want to see Rachel Garrett on the crew? Or is that just me?

Considering that Picard and Garrett never gave an indication of knowing each other, I don't see how you do that without violating canon.

 

[Skywalker]

Did they ever give an indication that they didn't know each other?

 

[Captain Robert April]

Howzabout the fact that they had to introduce themselves to each other in "Yesterday's Enterprise"?