The post contains spoilers from the Star Trek: Picard episode “Dominion.”
Star Trek: Voyager fans got a welcome surprise on the recent episode of Star Trek: Picard when Tuvok appeared on the viewscreen in front of Commander Seven of Nine. Though showrunner Terry Matalas had mentioned cameos, no one had been expected Tim Russ’ character to appear. In fact, most of us have been expecting cameos from Star Trek: The Next Generation characters only like we got from Michelle Forbes’ Ro Laren.
And, as it turns out, we’re in luck because Tim Russ has confirmed via Twitter that he will be returning for another episode of Picard this season.
It was all top secret up till today. But my character, TUVOK will be appearing on two episodes of “Star Trek: Picard” starting today! :) pic.twitter.com/rDWNSZzGWZ
— tim russ (@timruss2) March 30, 2023
Will Star Trek: Picard give us the real Tuvok when Tim Russ returns?
When Russ made the announcement on Twitter, Star Trek: Voyager fans made it known that they wanted to see the real Tuvok and not a Changeling.
Terry Matalas told Collider [via superherohype.com] that Tuvok was the perfect character to use as a Changeling because he is a Vulcan
"“[Tuvok]’s the perfect character to do it with because he is a Vulcan. So, an is-he-or-isn’t-he is inherent in how he’s going to portray the character, and there’s something so juicy and delicious about the reveal being a smile for a Vulcan. They had a very special relationship, Tuvok and Seven. And I love a Vulcan, and as someone who worked on Voyager back in the day, Tim Russ is just a wonderful human being. So it was just the perfect opportunity for that.”"
This was certainly a great shout-out to fans of Star Trek: Voyager and a way to let them know that they haven’t been forgotten, the series hasn’t been forgotten, and these characters are still a part of the Star Trek universe. Hopefully, Tuvok’s next return will be as the straight-laced Vulcan we knew so well on Voyager. Otherwise, with Tuvok being a Changeling in this instance, it might be time for Admiral Picard and the crew of the Titan to start looking outside Starfleet for assistance in defeating the Changelings.