What to expect after Vadic’s unexpected death
Solving the above problems will be much more difficult than just chasing a single villain into space or destroying a ship. In true Star Trek fashion, the solution will likely be much more nuanced.
The death of Vadic shows in its own way that “Picard” is going more in a “Star Trek” direction than her imagination would suggest. The “lone villain bent on revenge” was an unfortunate trend that started with Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, and it was a trope that Trek has revisited for four more feature films. On the small screen, however, “Trek” has long been more nuanced than that, often solving its problems with wit and/or diplomacy rather than brute force or military tactics. While the Shrike’s explosion may have been emotionally satisfying, it’s a relief that wasn’t the end of the story. After its destruction, all known Next Generation characters gather around a table to discuss what to do next. The episode leans a little heavily on the nostalgic music, but the syrup can be forgiven; After all, that’s why Picard Season 3 even exists.
However, their coming together to discuss next steps not only reveals a larger crisis, but one that needs to be thought about. There is no villain to defeat, but an offended people – the changelings – with an unspoken grudge. “Picard” seems poised to present an ending where the Federation can not only stop the changelings but, Trekkies hope, address their concerns, make amends, and eventually make peace.
The death of Vadic sets up a very “Trek” ending for the season and for the series. Fingers crossed they make it.
