The celebrated third season of Star Trek: Picard, largely praised for reuniting the cast of The Next Generation, appears to have left a bittersweet taste for at least one of its stars. Marina Sirtis, who reprised her role as Counselor Deanna Troi, recently described the experience as “depressing,” citing a shift in the cast’s dynamic compared to their time on the original series. The revelation, shared on The Display People Podcast, has prompted reflection on how evolving social habits impact even the most iconic of ensemble casts.
Sirtis, who has spoken positively about Picard acknowledging it as some of her best work in the franchise, explained that the camaraderie that defined The Next Generation was noticeably absent during filming. The core of the issue, she said, stemmed from the pervasive presence of mobile phones and the resulting disconnection among the actors. “I have to be honest. I was so looking forward to it, I really was,” Sirtis stated on the podcast. “Because we laughed for seven years on TNG. Absolutely laughed. But what’s happened since then? Mobile phones. Everyone is stuck behind their screens. I’ve come all the way from bloody England, and you can’t come out from behind your scenes to freakin’ talk to me? So yeah, it really changed the whole atmosphere on set. Very, very different. No one talks. Everyone’s looking at their screens. The sense of community is gone because you’re not talking. I found it quite depressing, actually.”
A Changed Dynamic on Set
The contrast Sirtis draws between the sets of The Next Generation and Picard highlights a significant cultural shift. During the seven-year run of TNG (1987-1994), the absence of ubiquitous mobile technology fostered a more engaged and present environment. Actors interacted directly with one another during downtime, building the strong bonds that fans often remarked upon. The Picard set, although, presented a different reality, with cast members frequently absorbed in their phones, creating a sense of isolation even amidst a group.
This observation resonates with broader discussions about the impact of technology on social interaction. Studies have shown that increased smartphone employ can correlate with feelings of loneliness and decreased social connection, even although providing a sense of constant connectivity. While not inherently negative, the shift in how people spend their downtime can alter the dynamics of group settings, as Sirtis’s experience suggests.
Personal Context and a Return to the UK
The emotional weight of the experience for Sirtis may have been compounded by personal circumstances. The Season 3 reunion held particular significance as it followed a period of profound personal loss. Sirtis moved to the United Kingdom full-time after the death of her husband, Michael Lamper, in 2019, just prior to her initial return as Deanna Troi in the first season of Picard. The full reunion with her TNG colleagues didn’t occur until Season 3, the planned finale of the streaming series.
The move to the UK represented a significant life change for the actress, and the opportunity to reconnect with her former castmates likely carried a strong emotional resonance. The disappointment of finding a diminished sense of connection on set, may have been particularly acute.
The Future of Star Trek and a Legacy Unfulfilled
While Star Trek: Picard Season 3 was widely lauded by fans and critics, hopes for a direct continuation of the story, potentially in a series titled Star Trek: Legacy, have largely been dashed. Sirtis herself has publicly expressed skepticism about the prospect of another series featuring the Next Generation cast, stating during a recent fan cruise panel that “no studio would want to take on a cast who is mostly north of 70,” as reported by Den of Geek.
Interestingly, Jeri Ryan, who played Seven of Nine in Picard, was reportedly approached by Paramount with a pitch for a follow-up series but ultimately declined, believing the proposed direction didn’t align with fan expectations, according to Cinemablend. The future of Star Trek remains in flux, particularly following Paramount Skydance’s merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, with Alex Kurtzman acknowledging it may be some time before new series are announced, as Cinemablend reported.
For now, Star Trek: Picard remains available for streaming with a Paramount+ subscription. While the possibility of revisiting these characters remains uncertain, Marina Sirtis’s candid reflection serves as a poignant reminder of the human element behind even the most futuristic of franchises.
As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, the challenge for creators will be to foster genuine connection and community, both on and off screen, in an increasingly digital world. The next major Star Trek project, whenever it arrives, will undoubtedly be watched closely for how it navigates this new terrain.
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