Star Trek Picard: Does Q mark the end of Jean-Luc Picard?

For new fans, John de Lancie may just be another legacy actor returning to the franchise to boost interest in Star Trek: Picard. For older fans, his return carries significant weight. Unlike other characters who can/could/will return to the universe of Star Trek, de Lancie’s Q is the only character that brings with him the cosmic weight to be a series ender.

We know this, as he’s already ended one series before.

So what does the return of de Lancie to Star Trek and more importantly Picard really mean for the series? Well, we know that Picard star, Patrick Stewart, is pushing 80 years old. Trying to plan out a multi-year, multi-season show with him is tricky. There are rumors that ViacomCBS has informally given the green light for a third season to be shot in step with the second season but it’s nothing more than a rumor at this point.

Executive producer, writer, and director Akiva Goldsman have said that they envision Picard ending after the third or fifth season; or whenever Picard is just done with the role. So if Q is coming back in to end Picard (the character and series), it probably wouldn’t happen until season three at the earliest.

He also may not be the final hurdle for Picard. There are always other dynamic villains and foils that could finally spell the end for Picard. Namely, the Borg. Perhaps the return of Q, and Whoopie Goldberg as Guinan could be setting up the true series ender in season three, with a final dance with the Borg?

Either way, it’s going to be a while because season two of Picard isn’t going to be out until 2022 and if the turnaround for past shows is any sign of things to come, a potential third season wouldn’t be ready until 2023.