Ro Laren was my favorite. Michelle Forbes brought her to life in a way you could not ignore. You can feel Picard's sense of loss when he saw her sacrifice herself to save the Titan.
Peter David had the both of them have a conversation over the post. Book is called "Wrath Of The Prophets." She finally joined the Bajoran security and placed in Odo's security spot. Also, don't hate me cos it's in another book. Also also, If Ro had been in the crew..my head would explode when Worf came on board!
@@robertjordan3155 That's Sito Jaxa, the baddest ensin in Starfleet. Cardies may have goten her...but her mission was a success. Even weathered the StarFleet Academy "Locarno Lie" with graceful conviction.
This was one of the best episodes of Star Trek Picard. My soul felt the emotions when Picard told Ro that she broke his heart when she left Starfleet and when she died. I mean, I could feel the sadness in Picard endured - I’ve never seen Picard this broken before.
Seeing Ro and Picard finally come face to face again was a moment I never thought we would get ... but this series of Picard is a GIFT! Forbes knocked it out of the park ... and her heroic death was emotional on a level I haven't felt in Star Trek for decades. "Ro, I do see you" ... Just PERFECT ... Bravo all involved.
Extra kudos to the writers for placing the heart-to-heart reunion between Laren and Picard in 10 Forward. Didn't recognize the significance of that, at the time.
One of my favorite Ro Laren scenes is form the episode where she and LaForge got phased by the Romulan cloaking device experiment and they thought they were dead. Much like the one mentioned here where they were children (Rascals?), you got to see her character development, some Bajoran culture, and her sort of warming up to Geordi. And as usual, LeVar Burton got some good screen time and focus as well. So, win-win there. 😀
Clearly, I'm in the minority here, but I wasn't a big fan of the Ro Laren character and wasn't bothered when she left TNG. Of her episodes on TNG, though, this one with Geordi was the one where I found her most likable.
She was one of my favorites in TNG, so I absolutely loved that they brought her back. I hated Seasons 1 and 2 of Picard, but season 3 is just like old times. Wish they would do more like this.
@@Michaelajacksonfilms Yes, Star Trek: The Next Generation went off the air about 30 years ago. She was one of my favorites on that show (TNG). Picard was one of my favorites on that show as well.
I love that picture of her and Patrick Stewart and they're absolutely beaming with smiles! It was so beautiful! Thank you for showing it. I had always imagined that they'd be at the very least, very cordial with each other, but that was a picture of two people who clearly love each other's company :D
It occurred to me that she didn't get to reunite with Geordie (I think they were extra trauma-bonded from that time they "died" together). Hell, Geordi missed out on Data and Hugh too. I wonder if they'll address that.
I really like the actress playing Ro Laren and her stories, and I know she had a shot at being on DS9 which I hear she turned down, however I think the actress who played Kira did a wonderful job on DS9 and has a full range of acting skills so it turned out okay!
Her character all of it in Picard season 3 was great. I am not bumed by how it ended. She may well save the federation with her actions. That is a amazing ending to a fan favorite.
I got to meet Michele Forbes, along with Michael Hogan (Col. Tigh from BSG) and Matt Frewer at a con one year. All three were great people, especially Michael Hogan who we ran into in the hotel bar. He was a lot like Col. Tigh IRL 😆. Tigh and Admiral Cain at one con was fantastic.
I met her and Hogan as well, at different times though. I ran into Hogan a few times at a local bar when I was in college. He still lives near there in Kirkland, Ontario I think. Wonderful guy.
@@Stonehorn The con was Polaris in Mississauga, 2009 (I think?).. At the time Matt Frewer also had a cottage up in the Kawarthas somewhere and spent a lot of summer time there. All 3 of them were fantastic with the fans, but I got the feeling you could spend a whole Saturday night at the bar with Michael and have a great time.
I always remembered her being in Star Trek. However, I can’t help but to remember her more for her appearance in Battlestar as Admiral Cain. That was a helluva performance.
We may still have a case of no body, no death. If the Changelings on the Intrepid shut off the transport inhibitor, they could have beamed her out of the shuttle before it blew up. The Intrepid is disabled but still intact, so she could be alive on that ship so the Changelings can try to find out what info she passed to Picard.
If the Titan could have beamed her off the shuttle if it had come closer, then certainly she could have been beam off from the ship her shuttle was crashing into. I don't doubt that she had allies on that ship. Plus, was it ever explained why she crossed by shuttle and not transporter?
@@trollson66 Yes, she is now a security officer, so she must have some tricks up her sleeve to turn off or bypass a transporter inhibition and beam back on the Intrepid undetected.
I was lucky enough to pause the episode halfway in, Google who Ro Laren was because she seemed familiar, read the wiki, rewatch preemptive strike and then finish the episode. It was an emotionally riveting experience
Her death was honorable. And most importantly, she was able to make peace with Picard after the Maquis incident. He looked at her as a daughter who broke his heart, but now he can honor her memory. ❤
I’m not 100% convinced she’s gone! There were several seconds between the connection cutting out and the shuttle going boom! I’ve not counted her out yet. Had to get close enough to beam out past the interference. She was very close to a certain ship.. sneaky last second beam out to hinder the Intrepid further..? It’s possible…
I suspect the reason accepts her death here, is from having good creative writing literacy. If they brought her back in this season, it would gut the importance of the episode. She is very dead.
I'm not entirely convinced she's dead, myself. I think the studio is gauging fan reaction to her apparent death. Commander Ro knew her entourage were Changlings, And it's very apparent that she knew she was compromised. The reasons being: 1.) She used the holodeck to cover her conversation with Picard. That conference room was no doubt security monitored closely. She knew that the holodecks in general, for the privacy of the users (and all the shenanigans we all know goes on in them), are not. 2.) She still realized her position was compromised just before handing Picard her earring. Effectively passing her intel off to him alone. 3.) This one is more speculative; but I think it's important that the connection to her shuttle was lost several seconds prior to the shuttle actually impacting the Intrepid's nacelle. Leaving a solid 3-4 seconds before impact. In short, we did not actually see her death. 3-4 seconds is a long time in a fight or flight situation. And it would have only taken a transport pattern enhancer to save herself. That kind of tech can be put in your pocket by the 25th century. Now, I could be completely wrong here, lol. But that's my take.
yes yes yes! she held her own! and she was a wonderful character who beautifully juxtaposed the man picard. no "daddy can I please". This is who she was, unapologetic and I loved when she says "and you broke mine" - that's when we knew she was real
If Ro was combative with Troi over who should be calling the shots while responding to a crisis situation, that would probably be called for if Troi wasn't ceding to Ro's training. Red uniform = command. Troi is a counselor. In a modern military setting a medical doctor who was a Major would be wise to cede command to an experienced 1st Lieutenant unless surgery was the matter at hand.
While I hated Ro in TNG the first time around, I thought it was weird they went with a counselor to lead a ship but felt it was good Marina Sirtis finally got more screen time as a lead.
Ro could easily have become a non-main cast DS9 guest star like Garak or Weyoun. Imagine her in place of Eddington in those pre-war seasons. The entire maquis arc could have gone a whole other direction once the Dominion showed up.
No body, no death. There was moment after losing video transmission before the shuttle blew up, but we didn't see Ro die. I hope she somehow got beamed out to the Intrepid before the crash, and we get to see her again.
I am a nearly 40 year old man, and watched Ro Laren and Jean Luc Picard work through their emotions about what happened 30 years ago with tears in my eyes, and then straight up cried a bit. It was a beautiful scene. And it made me cry like a baby and pause the show when she sacrificed herself to allow the others to escape. You said in Up and Downs that killing her off the way they did was not right, and you have a point. However, it made the bitter sweet reunion of Picard and Ro that much more meaningful and allowed us to see Picard break down on the bridge. I did not expect this much emotional gut punching this season!
There's something about Sean's pacing and cadence in his videos that just pulls you in and keeps you engaged,especially if it's a subject you're interested in like all things Trek
Broke my heart she was killed off in the Picard show. I loved Ro Laren to bits! What a shame Michelle Forbes was not willing to take an ongoing role in Star Trek.
I feel like Kira is such a rich character by herself and her not being in Starfleet added so much, especially early on in DS9 that I'd go with having both separately. It just means we have two badass Bajoran ladies with morally ambiguous pasts.
No, DS9 would have been different, not worse or better. Its clear Nerys was based on Laren, so not that much would have changed story wise. And no, Lucerno would have been worse. Too much specific baggage.
One thing I never understood is that Starfleet prohibited Bajorians (Ro Laren) from wearing their earrings, but other cultures, for example Klingons (Worf) were allowed to wear the sash with his uniform. Was there any kind of explaination for this? I don't think there was.
Cultural items were up to the discretion of the Commanding Officer. It is also why Capt. Jelico wanted Troi in a uniform... Captain's Discretion. I don't have specific examples, but I feel it was spoken about on screen.
Without beating our heads in with it they played up a father/daughter type relationship between to and Picard in their final scenes. It’s was lovely. But also made me made to realize all the Ro stories we missed out on.
Its sad but understandable, that Michelle Forbes didnt want to have a long term role. I hope we will see flashbacks in season 3 or (as Johnathan Frakes hinted) a possible season 4. Would be good to see her again.
We think we see the death of Ro Laren :) But as you stated in this video no body, no death. Ro Laren recruited Worf to go under cover and work for Starfleet Intelligence. Given how high the conspiracy goes in Starfleet it seems logical that Worf would have reached out to Chancellor Martok and asked for a bird of prey to follow Ro Laren around incase things went south. This leaves the door open for Ro Laren to come back in the 9th or 10th episode of Picard to help bring down the Changling infiltration once and for all.
Jean-Luc has always been important to me. But saying goodbye to Ro helps a lot in how I'm getting ready to say goodbye to my captain. I'm not ready to say goodbye to Worf though!
AS the episode was playing, I was thinking about all of Roe's previous appearances. she had such a minor on screen role for a main character I hadn't given it that much thought. Then it dawned on the me, the meaning of their relationship, the pain both charters felt. while they were sitting at the bar, I could feel tears welling up. In the final scene I could not hold back. That is writing I have never once in stark trek history experienced. Terry has made himself a legend in less than half a season, of what was until now a mediocre spin off. I pray they give this man another show when Picard ends.
I'm thinking she only wanted to come back for a one-off, and maybe specified the character died. We know she didn't want to continue to play the character long term (Hello Kira) but may well have agreed to a bit of fan service.
I enjoyed seeing Ro Laren on Picard. I loved how she and Picard spoke of how "my heart was broken". They made up. She died. And they "loved each other" like father and daughter.
Ro was my fave character growing up. I was so sad how it ended for her in TNG. When they said the maquis were wiped out in voyager all I could think was 'i hope Ro was one of the few captured'. I'm so happy they closed off her storyline and gave her an end Picard would be proud of.
In the last episode of Picard, I wanted so bad for Ro to ask Riker what he was going to say about her at the memorial for her and LaForge in the TNG episode "The Next Phase".
Hey Sean. Ro was my all-time fave TNG character. I still have a VHS tape with all her OG eps. (And an unused VHS player to play it!) Also, her TNG trading card from 1992 is STILL on my bedside table 31 years (!?) later.) Like you, I've waited decades for this and I was tearfully thrilled and then SHATTERED! You're absolutely right, she should have popped up earlier in the season. I'm still processing. 😭
Bitter sweet is what I'd call her ending. Would have liked to have seen more of her. Very under used, but I guess that was her choice. I did really enjoy her interaction with Picard and the resolve we got with her arc. About the best writing we've had in Picard, maybe even since DS9. And, as Worf would say, she died well. I'm glad that didn't waste her story and gave her a good ending. But I'm sad she's gone. Suppose that means the writers achieved their goal - we will mourn her loss.
i think .... if you read really deep into the dialogue between picard and ro laren... Picard had an extremly deep and lasting effect on her and what she was like moving forward. i believe she felt he would have been very proud of her exploits over the past 30 years. proud of the woman she became.
The character of Commander Ro was really badass. Like as Admiral Cain on Battlestar Galactica 2004-2009, Michelle Forbes fits perfectly into these roles of tough commanding officers.
I'm glad she didn't take the role on DS9. Kira developed into a completely different character and was also amazing. I just wish they brought Ro back for cameo episodes.
I too am hoping for a case of "no body, no death" ..hope springs eternal ...but if this the last of Ro - it was so very well done and worth the 30 year wait... I am glad that I was completely unspoiled regarding Ro's return.
And Michelle Forbes is simply fantastic, so that made the reunion all the better. I'll confess that I didn't watch all of TNG (I started with Voyager when I was a kid and never stuck to the more "theatrical" beginnings of TNG). But even though I didn't know the character of Ro Laren much, the interaction she had with Picard here was phenomenal. Though nothing will beat Michelle Forbes as Helena Cain in BSG.
My favorite character in all of the series. She was the most interesting and I felt the most relatable. Rodenberry vision of no conflict was seriously flawed and this character shows that the audience wanted this dept in characters.
Michelle Forbes was great and her character of Roe Laren was always one of my favorites in TNG and it was a character that could of been played out alot longer, like putting her on Voyager with the other Marquis, I think she would of been great indeed 🖖.
I’m not sure if I’m ready for this yet…what a great character, especially considering the lasting impression she left from her far too few appearances. Michelle Forbes is so damn good.
I know they're just characters that actors play, but I would be damn proud and honoured if I were Michelle Forbes and had the chance to be bring such a great arc around. Today was a great day to die, Ro Laren, and you died with honour.
Disaster was an amazing episode. The office politics are always the best and Ro's lack of faith in Troi helped Troi discover her untested leadership abilities.
The Ro Laren saga was my #1 wish to be finalized, and it was, it was epic , her and Picard one on one, him telling her he still felt betrayed thirty years later for what she did, her telling Picard why she did what she did, she died a hero, wish there was more to her character in this season, but I like the way she went out...Picard Season #3 is already light years ahead of the first two seasons, In my honorable, logical opinion....
Big fan of the Ro Laren character. She was a great diversion from the homogeneity of regular “go along get along” star fleet types. My only gripe is the inconsistent nose bridge make up.
When I first saw her on TNG in 1991 I loved her. I was very disappointed when she did not appear on each episode as a regular. Great that she came back on Picard. I hope she's really not dead... I hope she was beamed onto the Intrepid at the last second.
Kudos for this list, BTW. I actually did NOT know most of these. The only one I did know (barring the Picard items) was that Kira Nerys was supposed to have been Ro Laren. My only quibble (one that I am happy to ignore, tbh) is that if she's been back with Starfleet all this time (roughly 25 years by your reckoning), how did Picard never catch wind of it? Was it a matter of keeping her identity under wraps because she was with Starfleet Intelligence? Did Picard never use Space Google on the name "Ro Laren" to see if he could find what had become of her? 🤔
Loved Ro Laren... her character was so cool.. she challenged the views of the federation and made it a good counterpoint to "common" way of thinking.
I never really saw that myself
Agreed. Ensign Ro wasn't buying into the supposed pristine image the Federation & Star Fleet were trying to sell.
It's sad that 7 days ago, another video said she had wasted potential. By none other than TrekCulture.
@@JoeWaylo she was a dour self righteous _
That’s exactly what every military in history has never needed.
Absolute respect and admiration for Michelle Forbes for coming back and giving us what is now one of the greatest moments of Trek!
Ro Laren was my favorite. Michelle Forbes brought her to life in a way you could not ignore. You can feel Picard's sense of loss when he saw her sacrifice herself to save the Titan.
Her ending surprised me. I lied of knew, but was still in shock
As much as I loved Ro Laren...it is hard to imagine DS9 without Kira.
Exactly they could still have had Ro Laren and kept Kira
Peter David had the both of them have a conversation over the post. Book is called "Wrath Of The Prophets." She finally joined the Bajoran security and placed in Odo's security spot. Also, don't hate me cos it's in another book. Also also, If Ro had been in the crew..my head would explode when Worf came on board!
Ro kira and the blond cadet lost to the cardasians were fantastic and the best bajorin characters
@@robertjordan3155 That's Sito Jaxa, the baddest ensin in Starfleet. Cardies may have goten her...but her mission was a success. Even weathered the StarFleet Academy "Locarno Lie" with graceful conviction.
If there had never been a Kira, it's easy to imagine the show without her.
This was one of the best episodes of Star Trek Picard. My soul felt the emotions when Picard told Ro that she broke his heart when she left Starfleet and when she died. I mean, I could feel the sadness in Picard endured - I’ve never seen Picard this broken before.
You did not give us a
SPOILER ALERT!
Thanks a lot, ya Sith Lord! 😡 Now go back to a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away . . . .
@@DavidRLentz its in the video with spoiler
@@DavidRLentz also wrong fandom bro
@@ferninthehouse , where some can miss it. Hmmm.
@@ferninthehouse , that was trenchant irony, bro. How had you missed two such obvious things?
Seeing Ro and Picard finally come face to face again was a moment I never thought we would get ... but this series of Picard is a GIFT!
Forbes knocked it out of the park ... and her heroic death was emotional on a level I haven't felt in Star Trek for decades.
"Ro, I do see you" ... Just PERFECT ... Bravo all involved.
Extra kudos to the writers for placing the heart-to-heart reunion between Laren and Picard in 10 Forward. Didn't recognize the significance of that, at the time.
One of my favorite Ro Laren scenes is form the episode where she and LaForge got phased by the Romulan cloaking device experiment and they thought they were dead. Much like the one mentioned here where they were children (Rascals?), you got to see her character development, some Bajoran culture, and her sort of warming up to Geordi. And as usual, LeVar Burton got some good screen time and focus as well. So, win-win there. 😀
I do love that episode
Clearly, I'm in the minority here, but I wasn't a big fan of the Ro Laren character and wasn't bothered when she left TNG. Of her episodes on TNG, though, this one with Geordi was the one where I found her most likable.
She was one of my favorites in TNG, so I absolutely loved that they brought her back. I hated Seasons 1 and 2 of Picard, but season 3 is just like old times. Wish they would do more like this.
Was?
@@Michaelajacksonfilms... she’s dead now........or IS SHE? 🤣
Oops....spoiler? 😮
@@Michaelajacksonfilms Yes, Star Trek: The Next Generation went off the air about 30 years ago. She was one of my favorites on that show (TNG). Picard was one of my favorites on that show as well.
@@476429 Was is past tense "No body, No death"... sometimes even WITH a body trek charactors come back. This time No Ro body = not dead :) Hopefully
Glad they brought back Ro Laren
Seeing Michelle Forbes back in a Star Fleet uniform was uplifting. I want to see her character & Kira have some interactions.
That would be awesome
@@tristinkirby Oohh..on Lower Decks!
They would just argue about who saved who more times back during the occupation.
Kinda late for her to have any scenes with Kira Nerys
@@pyRoy6 The "lower decks" episode of TNG had our 3rd favorite Bajoran. Ensign Sito
No Body, No Death!
Often, even with the body, no death.
@@maxsupernova I mean, they literally did that with Worf this episode
@@thod8820 Not even the first time with Worf, either.
@@maxsupernova True that!
She’s dead. Any other outcome would nullify the sacrifice and completion of her arc. They killed her with intent.
I love that picture of her and Patrick Stewart and they're absolutely beaming with smiles! It was so beautiful! Thank you for showing it. I had always imagined that they'd be at the very least, very cordial with each other, but that was a picture of two people who clearly love each other's company :D
It occurred to me that she didn't get to reunite with Geordie (I think they were extra trauma-bonded from that time they "died" together). Hell, Geordi missed out on Data and Hugh too. I wonder if they'll address that.
I really like the actress playing Ro Laren and her stories, and I know she had a shot at being on DS9 which I hear she turned down, however I think the actress who played Kira did a wonderful job on DS9 and has a full range of acting skills so it turned out okay!
Her character all of it in Picard season 3 was great. I am not bumed by how it ended. She may well save the federation with her actions. That is a amazing ending to a fan favorite.
But why having an ending to a fan favorite? And to the most gorgeous woman in Star Trek? Beauty of that caliber doesn't grow on trees.
I got to meet Michele Forbes, along with Michael Hogan (Col. Tigh from BSG) and Matt Frewer at a con one year. All three were great people, especially Michael Hogan who we ran into in the hotel bar. He was a lot like Col. Tigh IRL 😆. Tigh and Admiral Cain at one con was fantastic.
That must have been pretty awesome
@@ulphil08 Did you catch the bad news about Michael Hogan a couple years back? 😢
I met her and Hogan as well, at different times though. I ran into Hogan a few times at a local bar when I was in college. He still lives near there in Kirkland, Ontario I think. Wonderful guy.
@@Stonehorn The con was Polaris in Mississauga, 2009 (I think?).. At the time Matt Frewer also had a cottage up in the Kawarthas somewhere and spent a lot of summer time there. All 3 of them were fantastic with the fans, but I got the feeling you could spend a whole Saturday night at the bar with Michael and have a great time.
I always remembered her being in Star Trek. However, I can’t help but to remember her more for her appearance in Battlestar as Admiral Cain. That was a helluva performance.
I agree--that particular episode of Battlestar Galactica was one of my top favorites.
Welcome back to the Colonial Fleet!
_40 minutes later_
And target the main guns on Galactica.
... what the hell did I miss?!?
When she appeared on screen I knew it was going to be a really intense episode. So satisfying to see that arc come full circle.
We may still have a case of no body, no death. If the Changelings on the Intrepid shut off the transport inhibitor, they could have beamed her out of the shuttle before it blew up. The Intrepid is disabled but still intact, so she could be alive on that ship so the Changelings can try to find out what info she passed to Picard.
I'm hoping that's the case. We can't see this character after 30 years and just lose her so quick. Icheb, Hugh
If the Titan could have beamed her off the shuttle if it had come closer, then certainly she could have been beam off from the ship her shuttle was crashing into. I don't doubt that she had allies on that ship. Plus, was it ever explained why she crossed by shuttle and not transporter?
@trollson66 yes, she days something about not trusting the transporter when she doesn't trust the person running it.
@Dan Summers
Though I agree we don't need another icheb.
His death was sadly very fitting considering the in real world inspiration.
@@trollson66 Yes, she is now a security officer, so she must have some tricks up her sleeve to turn off or bypass a transporter inhibition and beam back on the Intrepid undetected.
I actually DID NOT KNOW a lot of these! Most of the "you never knew" vids are just retellings of IMDB trivia. This is legit! Sokath, his eyes opened!
I was lucky enough to pause the episode halfway in, Google who Ro Laren was because she seemed familiar, read the wiki, rewatch preemptive strike and then finish the episode. It was an emotionally riveting experience
Her death was honorable. And most importantly, she was able to make peace with Picard after the Maquis incident. He looked at her as a daughter who broke his heart, but now he can honor her memory. ❤
Agree 100%
Yeah I totally disagree with those who think her death was mishandled. It was noble and in character.
Worf would say, 'She died with honor.'
@garyrobbins283 and she did I'm just glad they brought her back and finished her story
Remember no one dies in sci fi!!!
Incredible episode of Picard...I gasped when she showed up on screen!
I’m not 100% convinced she’s gone! There were several seconds between the connection cutting out and the shuttle going boom! I’ve not counted her out yet. Had to get close enough to beam out past the interference. She was very close to a certain ship.. sneaky last second beam out to hinder the Intrepid further..? It’s possible…
Yeah, Sean keeps going on about "no body, no death" with regards to the Maquis, but seems to just accept the death here, despite also having no body
I suspect the reason accepts her death here, is from having good creative writing literacy. If they brought her back in this season, it would gut the importance of the episode.
She is very dead.
I'm not entirely convinced she's dead, myself. I think the studio is gauging fan reaction to her apparent death.
Commander Ro knew her entourage were Changlings, And it's very apparent that she knew she was compromised.
The reasons being:
1.) She used the holodeck to cover her conversation with Picard. That conference room was no doubt security monitored closely. She knew that the holodecks in general, for the privacy of the users (and all the shenanigans we all know goes on in them), are not.
2.) She still realized her position was compromised just before handing Picard her earring. Effectively passing her intel off to him alone.
3.) This one is more speculative; but I think it's important that the connection to her shuttle was lost several seconds prior to the shuttle actually impacting the Intrepid's nacelle. Leaving a solid 3-4 seconds before impact. In short, we did not actually see her death. 3-4 seconds is a long time in a fight or flight situation. And it would have only taken a transport pattern enhancer to save herself. That kind of tech can be put in your pocket by the 25th century.
Now, I could be completely wrong here, lol.
But that's my take.
No body, no death.
Your presentation was by far the most intellectual I have seen in years. Thank You.
First Star Trek crush ❤️
Preemptive strike is one of the best STNG episodes ever made; so it is interesting that it initially had no script other than just getting her back.
Ro is one of my favorite ST characters of all time. My only regret is that she was never made main cast in TNG so we got more of her.
6 1/2 minutes in, I notice the shirt... Very nice.
Ro Laren was always a great character! Really strong, smart, and loved her part in the latest Picard!
A marvelous actress and a beautiful lady...
Heck yeah. Knockout performances from Forbes and Stewart, but the life Forbes breathed into her character was especially unique.
yes yes yes! she held her own! and she was a wonderful character who beautifully juxtaposed the man picard. no "daddy can I please". This is who she was, unapologetic and I loved when she says "and you broke mine" - that's when we knew she was real
Usually, these lists have only 3-4 things I didn't know, but I do enjoy them a lot! 😀
If Ro was combative with Troi over who should be calling the shots while responding to a crisis situation, that would probably be called for if Troi wasn't ceding to Ro's training. Red uniform = command. Troi is a counselor. In a modern military setting a medical doctor who was a Major would be wise to cede command to an experienced 1st Lieutenant unless surgery was the matter at hand.
While I hated Ro in TNG the first time around, I thought it was weird they went with a counselor to lead a ship but felt it was good Marina Sirtis finally got more screen time as a lead.
Ro could easily have become a non-main cast DS9 guest star like Garak or Weyoun. Imagine her in place of Eddington in those pre-war seasons. The entire maquis arc could have gone a whole other direction once the Dominion showed up.
No body, no death. There was moment after losing video transmission before the shuttle blew up, but we didn't see Ro die. I hope she somehow got beamed out to the Intrepid before the crash, and we get to see her again.
I am a nearly 40 year old man, and watched Ro Laren and Jean Luc Picard work through their emotions about what happened 30 years ago with tears in my eyes, and then straight up cried a bit. It was a beautiful scene. And it made me cry like a baby and pause the show when she sacrificed herself to allow the others to escape. You said in Up and Downs that killing her off the way they did was not right, and you have a point. However, it made the bitter sweet reunion of Picard and Ro that much more meaningful and allowed us to see Picard break down on the bridge. I did not expect this much emotional gut punching this season!
Love Michelle Forbes and Ro Laren and glad we got to see her again even if it was just for an episode.
There's something about Sean's pacing and cadence in his videos that just pulls you in and keeps you engaged,especially if it's a subject you're interested in like all things Trek
Broke my heart she was killed off in the Picard show. I loved Ro Laren to bits! What a shame Michelle Forbes was not willing to take an ongoing role in Star Trek.
I keep trying to decide if DS9 would have been better with Laren, and if VGR would have been better with Locarno.
I feel like Kira is such a rich character by herself and her not being in Starfleet added so much, especially early on in DS9 that I'd go with having both separately. It just means we have two badass Bajoran ladies with morally ambiguous pasts.
I guess we will never know. Meanwhile Major Kira is one of my favorite Star trek characters of all time.
No, DS9 would have been different, not worse or better. Its clear Nerys was based on Laren, so not that much would have changed story wise.
And no, Lucerno would have been worse. Too much specific baggage.
The earliest move away from Gene Roddenberry's vision was The Wrath of Khan, a more militarized Starfleet being a main sticking point.
That was a fine tribute / recap for the esteemed Ro Laren
You hit a homerun with the end of this. I wasn't ready. So good, so worth it. Well done, mate.
That episode was more of a gut punch than I ever expected it to be. Well done. This season just keeps getting better and better.
One thing I never understood is that Starfleet prohibited Bajorians (Ro Laren) from wearing their earrings, but other cultures, for example Klingons (Worf) were allowed to wear the sash with his uniform. Was there any kind of explaination for this? I don't think there was.
Cause nobody dare telling a Klingon what to do😜
Cultural items were up to the discretion of the Commanding Officer. It is also why Capt. Jelico wanted Troi in a uniform... Captain's Discretion. I don't have specific examples, but I feel it was spoken about on screen.
Exactly
I loved her character back when on “Guiding Light” soap! Ro Laren story was well written, and it was great to see her back!
Without beating our heads in with it they played up a father/daughter type relationship between to and Picard in their final scenes. It’s was lovely. But also made me made to realize all the Ro stories we missed out on.
Man, the Ro Laren subplot made me delirious with Star Trek joy. It was handled so well. This was some perfect television.
Its sad but understandable, that Michelle Forbes didnt want to have a long term role.
I hope we will see flashbacks in season 3 or (as Johnathan Frakes hinted) a possible season 4. Would be good to see her again.
I love this addendum to Ups and Down, DANG I LOVE THIS CHANNEL
We think we see the death of Ro Laren :) But as you stated in this video no body, no death. Ro Laren recruited Worf to go under cover and work for Starfleet Intelligence. Given how high the conspiracy goes in Starfleet it seems logical that Worf would have reached out to Chancellor Martok and asked for a bird of prey to follow Ro Laren around incase things went south. This leaves the door open for Ro Laren to come back in the 9th or 10th episode of Picard to help bring down the Changling infiltration once and for all.
Jean-Luc has always been important to me. But saying goodbye to Ro helps a lot in how I'm getting ready to say goodbye to my captain. I'm not ready to say goodbye to Worf though!
Picard died in season 1. He's a robot now.
Excellent commentary! I would add the relationship she had with Captain Picard was a model for Captain Janeway and Seven...
AS the episode was playing, I was thinking about all of Roe's previous appearances. she had such a minor on screen role for a main character I hadn't given it that much thought. Then it dawned on the me, the meaning of their relationship, the pain both charters felt. while they were sitting at the bar, I could feel tears welling up. In the final scene I could not hold back. That is writing I have never once in stark trek history experienced. Terry has made himself a legend in less than half a season, of what was until now a mediocre spin off. I pray they give this man another show when Picard ends.
Do you watch lower decks?
I agree 100 percent with Sean. This is one of the best arcs in Star Trek history.
Really enjoyed this video. Love the T-shirt! "Sokath, his eyes open." 😂
It was a welcomed come back and a sad send off but it was very nice.
I'm thinking she only wanted to come back for a one-off, and maybe specified the character died. We know she didn't want to continue to play the character long term (Hello Kira) but may well have agreed to a bit of fan service.
How you know they didn’t beam her aboard….
@@warwickben Aboard the Intrepid? The Intrepid's officers were the ones who put a bomb in her shuttle and were inhibiting transporters.
I enjoyed seeing Ro Laren on Picard. I loved how she and Picard spoke of how "my heart was broken". They made up. She died. And they "loved each other" like father and daughter.
Ro was my fave character growing up. I was so sad how it ended for her in TNG. When they said the maquis were wiped out in voyager all I could think was 'i hope Ro was one of the few captured'. I'm so happy they closed off her storyline and gave her an end Picard would be proud of.
In the last episode of Picard, I wanted so bad for Ro to ask Riker what he was going to say about her at the memorial for her and LaForge in the TNG episode "The Next Phase".
Hey Sean. Ro was my all-time fave TNG character. I still have a VHS tape with all her OG eps. (And an unused VHS player to play it!) Also, her TNG trading card from 1992 is STILL on my bedside table 31 years (!?) later.) Like you, I've waited decades for this and I was tearfully thrilled and then SHATTERED! You're absolutely right, she should have popped up earlier in the season. I'm still processing. 😭
Bitter sweet is what I'd call her ending. Would have liked to have seen more of her. Very under used, but I guess that was her choice.
I did really enjoy her interaction with Picard and the resolve we got with her arc. About the best writing we've had in Picard, maybe even since DS9. And, as Worf would say, she died well. I'm glad that didn't waste her story and gave her a good ending. But I'm sad she's gone. Suppose that means the writers achieved their goal - we will mourn her loss.
I can't watch this without crying
i think .... if you read really deep into the dialogue between picard and ro laren... Picard had an extremly deep and lasting effect on her and what she was like moving forward. i believe she felt he would have been very proud of her exploits over the past 30 years. proud of the woman she became.
The character of Commander Ro was really badass. Like as Admiral Cain on Battlestar Galactica 2004-2009, Michelle Forbes fits perfectly into these roles of tough commanding officers.
Great show Seán. She was always a fave of mine too.
Totally agree, it was the best I have ever seen as well. Had to watch it twice :) Touching and teary. Thanks for the informative vid Sean.
Mr. Reddingtons speech about the federation is the best in all of Trek.
I'm glad she didn't take the role on DS9. Kira developed into a completely different character and was also amazing. I just wish they brought Ro back for cameo episodes.
Me too
Beautiful episode TrekC!!!
Wish we could have had her show up in a cameo arc on DS9 with her and Kira kicking some ass together
I too am hoping for a case of "no body, no death" ..hope springs eternal ...but if this the last of Ro - it was so very well done and worth the 30 year wait... I am glad that I was completely unspoiled regarding Ro's return.
I totally agree with your conclusion. It was great to see Michelle Forbes back on Trek.
I love Michelle and the Ro character. I loved her portraying Commander Cain in Battlestar Razor. She is a exemplary actress.
Great video, she was one of my favorite characters.
And Michelle Forbes is simply fantastic, so that made the reunion all the better. I'll confess that I didn't watch all of TNG (I started with Voyager when I was a kid and never stuck to the more "theatrical" beginnings of TNG). But even though I didn't know the character of Ro Laren much, the interaction she had with Picard here was phenomenal.
Though nothing will beat Michelle Forbes as Helena Cain in BSG.
My favorite character in all of the series. She was the most interesting and I felt the most relatable. Rodenberry vision of no conflict was seriously flawed and this character shows that the audience wanted this dept in characters.
Couldn't have said it better myself. The closure broke my heart but I was glad to get it
That shirt is 🔥🔥🔥🤩
Thanks, Sean and team for a great video. Loved seeing Ro Laren on Star Trek Picard.
Michelle Forbes was great and her character of Roe Laren was always one of my favorites in TNG and it was a character that could of been played out alot longer, like putting her on Voyager with the other Marquis, I think she would of been great indeed 🖖.
I do too
Considering that the writers threw away the Marquis plotline on Voyager, what would have been the point?
One of your best videos 🤩 RIP Ro Laren!
Very good and full of Informations. Thank you very much 🙏🙏🙏🌷🌷🌷😘
Can't believe she was in so few episodes- the character is so memorable.
Ro was always my favorite TNG character. In the early days of the internet I used to search for TNG novels that had her in them.
I really liked the character & always wondered what ro got up when she joined the marquis. Was good to see her again in Picard.
As in depth an analysis as Picard would have wanted. Thank you.
So happy they wrapped it up
I’m not sure if I’m ready for this yet…what a great character, especially considering the lasting impression she left from her far too few appearances. Michelle Forbes is so damn good.
Haven't seen Picard season 3 yet.
Glad she's back.
Terrific job, great analysis!
I know they're just characters that actors play, but I would be damn proud and honoured if I were Michelle Forbes and had the chance to be bring such a great arc around. Today was a great day to die, Ro Laren, and you died with honour.
Disaster was an amazing episode. The office politics are always the best and Ro's lack of faith in Troi helped Troi discover her untested leadership abilities.
The Ro Laren saga was my #1 wish to be finalized, and it was, it was epic , her and Picard one on one, him telling her he still felt betrayed thirty years later for what she did, her telling Picard why she did what she did, she died a hero, wish there was more to her character in this season, but I like the way she went out...Picard Season #3 is already light years ahead of the first two seasons, In my honorable, logical opinion....
Big fan of the Ro Laren character. She was a great diversion from the homogeneity of regular “go along get along” star fleet types. My only gripe is the inconsistent nose bridge make up.
When I first saw her on TNG in 1991 I loved her. I was very disappointed when she did not appear on each episode as a regular. Great that she came back on Picard. I hope she's really not dead... I hope she was beamed onto the Intrepid at the last second.
Kudos for this list, BTW. I actually did NOT know most of these. The only one I did know (barring the Picard items) was that Kira Nerys was supposed to have been Ro Laren.
My only quibble (one that I am happy to ignore, tbh) is that if she's been back with Starfleet all this time (roughly 25 years by your reckoning), how did Picard never catch wind of it? Was it a matter of keeping her identity under wraps because she was with Starfleet Intelligence? Did Picard never use Space Google on the name "Ro Laren" to see if he could find what had become of her? 🤔
'Space Google'. 😂