WARNING: The article contains spoilers about the final episode of Star Trek: Picard titled "The Last Generation." Read at your own risk.
The final season of Star Trek: Picard has given us a lot of special appearances from various actors throughout the history of Star Trek whether it's Ro Laren (Michelle Forbes), Tuvok (Tim Russ), or Shelby (Elizabeth Dennehy). A lot of fans have been delighted by the surprise cameos and the final episode is no exception to that.
In the opening moments of the final episode titled "The Last Generation," we heard a voice from Federation president Anton Chekov, who issued a planetary distress signal after the Borg assimilation of the younger Starfleet officers.
In his message, he also made a reference to his father Pavel Chekov, who we know was one of the original members of Captain Kirk's Enterprise from The Original Series.
As confirmed by the closing credits, it was The Original Series cast member Walter Koenig who voiced Anton Chekov during the episode's cold open. It marks his official return to the franchise after last appearing in Generations back in 1994 where he played the principal role of Pavel Chekov for the last time.
While the sixth episode had a reference to James T. Kirk, Koenig's voice cameo as the younger Chekov was the final season's biggest easter egg yet from The Original Series and, as a result, it was able to have representation across the first four Star Trek live-action shows that went on air.
As some fans also pointed out, the name "Anton" for the younger Chekov seems to be a tribute to the late Anton Yelchin, who played Pavel Chekov in the Kelvin timeline movies.
Even if Koenig's cameo was just a voice appearance, it was still great to see them bring back the actor for this special moment and reveal that Pavel's descendant became the president of the Federation. This is certainly a full-circle moment in terms of the legacy of Star Trek.
Also Read: Star Trek: Picard Season 3 Showrunner Addresses the Long-Awaited Return of [SPOILER]
All episodes of Star Trek: Picard are available to stream on Paramount+.
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