Who doesn’t love a good family reunion? Okay, well, a lot of people, I suppose, but it’s hard not to love it when that reunion involves nearly the entire main cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation. That’s exactly what fans got yesterday at NYCC 2022 as Sir. Patrick Stewart reunited with Jonathan Frakes (Riker), Marina Sirtis (Troy), Gates McFaddden (Dr. Crusher), Brent Spiner (Data), Lavar Burton (Geordie LaForge), and Michael Dorn (Worf). Together with showrunner Alex Kurtzman and Rod Roddenberry, they discussed the upcoming, final season of Picard.

Mind you, getting this entire cast back together may seem like a massive display of fan service. It will be much more than simply getting the proverbial band back together, however. Patrick Stewart (Picard) was adamant that it “had to be something new” this time. It could not just be a regurgitation of things past. According to Alex Kurtzman, the show’s final season will be akin to The Next Generation’s final movie…. Only it would play out over a “ten-episode blowout.” From what we saw and heard, it will be just that.

Picard final season will be quite the adventure

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Patrick Stewart (together with Lavar Burton (L) and Jonathan Frakes (R) address the crowd at NYCC 2022. (Image: Tom Craven)

Season Three kicks off with a distress call from Beverly Crusher. By this time, according to McFadden, she’s bringing necessary care to the outreaches of the galaxy via a futuristic form of Doctors Without Borders. When she falls under attack, Picard, of course, must answer the call. He then rallies his old command crew for the task. Together they’ll face old enemies and new, including one big surprise blast from the past.

Amanda Plummer joins the cast as captain of the starship Shrike. Hellbent on seeking revenge on Picard, she’ll make things perilous for Jean-Luc and his friends. The big shocker, however, is the return of a favorite TNG nemesis in Moriarty. Daniel Davis will reprise the role with no doubt the same aplomb with which he played the character the first time.

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Amanda Plummer appears in Picard Season 3. (Image: CBS/Paramount)

While this final season may be a swan song, of sorts, it will nonetheless be an exciting one. From hinted conflict between Picard and Riker (which producer Terry Matalis said would harken to the conflict shown in Crimson Tide) to Worf now being a pacifist, there’s going to be a lot to unpack. Oh, and Data’s brother Lore is returning too, for good measure.

It’s going to be one hell of a ride. Picard returns February 16, 2023 on Paramount+.