The first season of Star Trek: Picard largely restrained itself from relying on overt references to Star Trek: The Next Generation as Jean-Luc Picard embarked on a new mission to save the galaxy, with only a handful of familiar faces resurfacing during the ten-episode run.
Among the most prominent absences in the inaugural season was Geordi LaForge, the chief engineer under Picard's command when he captained the Enterprise. Now, after a brief attempt to play coy about his return, actor LeVar Burton has confirmed he will reprise his role as LaForge on Picard.
"How do I say this without getting in trouble...I think that is reasonable to assume that those people are still a part of Picard's life and -- sure, what the hell -- yeah, absolutely!" responded Burton in an interview with Entertainment Tonight when asked if he would make an appearance on the show. "You'll see us all, probably not all at the same time but, you know, never say never."
Burton had appeared as LaForge on all seven seasons of The Next Generation and reprised his role in all four films starring the series' cast. With Picard facing a new status quo by the conclusion of Season 1, a reunion between the two old friends has gone from a hopeful fan wish to an inevitable happening.
Star Trek: Picard stars Patrick Stewart, Alison Pill, Michelle Hurd, Evan Evagora, Isa Briones, Santiago Cabrera and Harry Treadaway. The first season is available on CBS All Access.