Star Trek: Voyager Star Opens Up About Fan Favorite Character Return
Robert Picardo has confirmed that he will appear in the second season of Star Trek: Prodigy as Emergency Medical Hologram, the Doctor.
The actor previously portrayed the character, an artificial intelligence designed to act as a short-term supplement to the medical staff of a starship in Star Trek: Voyager, which aired on the United Paramount Network between 1995 and 2001.
Robert Picardo Confirms Star Trek: Prodigy
Robert Picardo’s character is the first Chief Medical Officer in the Star Trek franchise to become acting Captain of a starship, showcasing his journey from a blank slate to a fully realized person with a vibrant personality and hobbies.
The Doctor’s return is exciting, with the story expected to explore the consequences of the holographic rights issue introduced in the first season of Star Trek: Prodigy.
The impending synthetic ban in Starfleet could significantly impact Robert Picardo’s Doctor and may lead to his deactivation. His fight for recognition as a sentient being and Admiral Janeway’s potential involvement could provide an interesting storyline in the upcoming season of the popular animated series.
Star Trek: Prodigy Aimed At Younger Audience
Star Trek: Prodigy was developed by Kevin and Dan Hageman and is produced by CBS Studios and Nickelodeon Animation Studio.
The series is aimed at a younger audience, making it one of the more family-friendly entries in the Star Trek universe.
The story follows a group of young alien characters who come across an abandoned Starfleet ship, the U.S.S. Protostar.
Strikes Impacted The Series
The series debuted on Paramount+ in October 2021, with the initial 10 episodes released through February 2022. Critically acclaimed and honored with a Children’s and Family Emmy Award, a second season was set to air on Paramount+ in late 2023.
However, in June, the planned second outing with Robert Picardo was canceled, leading to the removal of the entire series from the streaming service.
Netflix Steps In
On October 11, 2023, Netflix stepped in to secure distribution rights for the show. According to Den of Geek, the second season of Star Trek: Prodigy featuring Robert Picardo serves as a direct continuation of the Voyager story.
The teaser for Season 2 deepens these sequel ties. Now enrolled as cadets at Starfleet Academy, the youngsters embark on their first mission aboard the Voyager-A.
The Doctor And Janeway
Like its predecessor, the Voyager-A falls under the command of Admiral Janeway, as numerous Captains contend with the evacuation of Romulus, as depicted in Star Trek: Picard.
However, the preview reveals that the youngsters are collaborating not with Janeway but with “a dear friend of Katherine,” the Doctor – instantly recognizable as the voice of Robert Picardo.
Robert Picardo effortlessly embodies the Emergency Medical Hologram’s unique mix of condescension and kindness, even incorporating a nod to Starfleet doctor McCoy.
Despite the Doctor’s charismatic charm, connecting with the youngsters proves challenging. They show no interest in his holonovel authorship and are unlikely to be impressed by his opera singing.
Star Trek: Prodigy Challenges
It is unclear if the Doctor (Robert Picardo ) will assume Janeway’s role for the entire season. Unlike the holographic Janeway with whom the kids bonded on the Protostar, Admiral Janeway has limited availability.
While Dal R’El and Jankom Pog may pose challenges, if the Doctor managed Kes, Tom Paris, and Seven of Nine, he could mold the young cadets into a disciplined crew when the show its Netflix on December 25.
