John de Lancie reveals that it was his idea for Q to drag and slap Jean-Luc in a crucial Star Trek: Picard season 2, episode 1 scene.
John de Lancie says it was his idea for Q to give Jean-Luc a slap in episode 1 of Star Trek: Picard season 2. Season 1 of Paramount +’s Picard Centered Star Trek the show brought back several fans favorite characters from Star Trek: TNG in addition to Picard himself. And even more TNG characters are returned for Picard season 2.
Of course some of them Picard season 1 returns – especially Riker and Troi – were little more than cameo appearances that had only a minor impact on the actual story. However, the return of the Lancies Q in season 2 has been a different story. Picard’s longtime antagonist not only appeared shocking at the end of episode 1, but his actions were actually the catalyst for the entire season’s story.
Exactly what goes on with Q in Picard season 2 is something that the program has not yet answered. However, it was clear from Q’s actions in episode 1 that the character is not the same as he was on TNG. As it turns out, Q’s most surprising act – dragging and slapping Jean-Luc Picard across the face – was specifically intended to convey that Q is not his usual self. According to Q actor de Lancie, it was actually his own idea to come across Q’s greater sense of urgency in this blunt and physical way. As de Lancie told fans during one Twitter Spaces chat (via TrekMovie.com):
That was something I added … It should be shocking. I hope so. And then it should mostly show that it’s not playtime. I do not have time for this to become an extended back and forth between Picard and me. I have come there to be helpful in the most profound way for him. But there is also a motivation for me.
Long time Star Trek fans were actually shocked that Q would resort to such a basic human trait as hitting someone in the face to get their attention. Q is, of course, known for being much more subtle in his actions, as he messes with people’s heads to better study their behavior (and get a sadistic thrill out of being a joker). But it’s clear that Q is not back to playing games like in the classic TNG episode “Qpid”, in which he memorably forced the crew of the Enterprise to live out a scenario from the story of Robin Hood. This time, the stakes are much higher for the character, hence his need to cut through all the usual teasing and get Picard to listen.
The idea that Q should hit Picard in the face would, of course, have been unthinkable TNG, but that is precisely why the moment is so effective. That de Lancie would grasp this and even come up with the slap idea only shows how thoroughly he has come to understand the character over the years. The fact that Q seems to be in such desperate trouble really makes the character’s return more interesting, which helps elevate it above a standard fan service move. It will be interesting to see what other unusual behavior Q engages in Star Trek: Picard season 2 unfolds.
Source: Twitter Spaces (via TrekMovie.com)
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