30 Years Later, Star Trek’s Greatest Movie Still Has the Darkest Picard Line in Trek History

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Patrick Stewart became a pop culture icon in 1987 when he started playing Captain Picard in The Next Generation, a continuation of the classic Star Trek adventures aboard the Enterprise. Building on the work of Gene Roddenberry and William Shatner, the show quickly gained a dedicated following and, for many, even eclipsed the original series. A particularly impactful episode in 1996 presented Captain Picard with his most harrowing challenge, and it remains a powerful and unsettling moment for viewers thirty years later.

As a long-time Star Trek fan, I’ve always felt the movies have been a bit hit or miss – honestly, there have been way more disappointments than successes. Most fans agree there are only a few truly amazing Star Trek films. But thirty years ago, Patrick Stewart came back as Captain Picard in a movie that, looking back now, is probably the best of the bunch. More than anything, it really pushed Picard to his absolute limit and showed us a side of him we hadn’t seen before – a really dark and difficult time for him as a captain.

Star Trek: First Contact Surpassed Wrath of Khan

After a period of weaker films, the Star Trek franchise found new life with First Contact. While some movies were decent, none matched the impact of the 1982 film, known for Kirk’s close call with a powerful enemy. First Contact, featuring the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation, revitalized the series and became its most compelling cinematic installment.

The story takes place years after Picard was rescued from becoming Locutus, a Borg drone. It opens with a fight between the Federation and the Borg, and when the Federation appears to win, they send a ship back in time. This forces the Enterprise to chase after it. Throughout the film, Picard continues to struggle with the trauma of his time with the Borg, swinging between deep fear and intense anger when he thinks about them.

Discovering the cyborgs’ plan to take over Earth before warp technology existed, he sends a small team to prevent it. Determined to safeguard the Enterprise, he puts Riker in command on the planet and leads the fight against the Borg from the ship. Meanwhile, he must also protect a woman from the past, explaining the Borg and the danger they represent.

Following a fight, Data is captured by the Borg and meets their Queen, who reveals she wants to make him more human so they can be companions. The Borg even give him human skin, allowing him to experience feelings for the first time, leaving viewers wondering what Data will do next. Determined to save his friend, Picard launches a risky solo rescue attempt, hoping to return the many favors Data has done for him.

Star Trek: First Contact Almost Broke Captain Picard

After narrowly escaping the Borg’s initial attack, Picard and his crew find themselves in a desperate situation. They understand the Borg will continue fighting until they’ve taken complete control of the ship.

As the crew accepts the difficult decision to destroy the ship to save Earth, Picard struggles with denial and rage. He nearly ruins his relationship with Worf after a harsh accusation of cowardice, then isolates himself. Lily finds him and pleads with him to join the crew in sacrificing the Enterprise for the good of humanity, suggesting he’s secretly satisfied with killing the Borg.

Picard reacted with intense anger to the suggestion, delivering what is considered the most powerful and impassioned speech of any hero in Star Trek. He firmly stated his refusal to give up the Enterprise, explaining that he’d already made too many concessions and withdrawn too often. He declared that they wouldn’t retreat any further – they would make a stand, and this would be the limit of the enemy’s advance.

Any remaining question about the captain’s desire for revenge disappears when we see his face and hear him vow, “I will make them pay for what they’ve done!” As Lily points out his similarity to the vengeful Captain Ahab, he recovers his self-control and accepts the task ahead.

A key strength of the series has always been its portrayal of the enduring human side of even the most advanced characters and civilizations. This theme appeared throughout the show, whether it was the paranoia in “The Drumhead” or Riker’s internal struggles in “Frame of Mind.” For Picard, this was particularly evident in First Contact, where he demonstrated that even with all his experience and growth, he was still susceptible to flaws like pride and a desire for revenge.

Patrick Stewart Ensured Picard Would Become Legendary

Looking back, Patrick Stewart was the perfect choice to play Picard. His performance in First Contact especially showed everyone what a talented actor he is, bringing a powerful and emotional depth to the role.

The episode really highlighted Picard’s strength as a captain – he consistently rises above his own flaws and doesn’t let them dictate his actions. He does need help from his crew to process his past trauma with the Borg and make the right decisions. Ultimately, what makes a great Enterprise captain is their ability to handle difficult situations and lead effectively.

With Star Trek: First Contact, fans received a brilliant blend of exciting sci-fi and thoughtful appreciation for the series. The film cleverly showed just how strong Captain Picard is as a character by putting him through a truly difficult challenge.

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2026-01-29 03:08