The seventh episode of Star Trek: Picard season 3 titled "Dominion" opened with a major cameo as Star Trek: Voyager cast member Tim Russ returned to reprise the role of Tuvok during a video call with Seven of Nine. However, it wasn't the same character that we know as they revealed that it was actually the Changeling version of the beloved Vulcan.
The fate of the real Tuvok remains unknown as a result and the scene hints that the character is also in big danger just like William Riker and Deanna Troi. Fortunately, we will be seeing more of the character this season as Russ revealed on Twitter that he will appear in another episode aside from this.
"It was all top secret up till today. But my character, TUVOK will be appearing on two episodes of Star Trek: Picard starting today!," he tweeted.
In an interview with Collider, showrunner Terry Matalas discussed why Tuvok is the Voyager character that they decided to bring back for the episode's opening scene and interact with Seven of Nine.
"He's the perfect character to do it with because he is a Vulcan. And so, an is-he-or-isn’t-he is inherent in how he's going to portray the character, and there's something so juicy and delicious about the reveal being a smile for a Vulcan," he said.
"And they had a very special relationship, Tuvok and Seven. And I love a Vulcan, and as someone who worked on Voyager back in the day, Tim Russ is just a wonderful human being. So it was just the perfect opportunity for that."
Matalas also explained how the moment proved that Seven of Nine is suitable to be a captain at some point in the future.
"When the Voyager theme comes on, you drop your guard, you feel the swell of emotion, of reconnection. And then, what I love is Seven's really clever, and she's like, 'I'm going to give this one more try. I need to be really sure it's him," the showrunner discussed.
He added that it's the instinct that puts the character "suitable for being a captain of a starship" and pointed out that "she learned from the best."
It really is exciting to see Tuvok appear in the episode even if it's a quick cameo and a Changeling version of the character. Hopefully, we will be able to see the real version in his next appearance and actually reunite with Seven of Nine.
Also Read: Star Trek Producer Teases Plans for Character-Focused Limited Series
New episodes of Star Trek: Picard season 3 premiere every Thursday on Paramount+. You can check more details about it here.
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