Captain Jean-Luc Picard is one of the most beloved characters in the long history of Star Trek. His tactical skills, bravery, diplomatic talents and iron determination have cemented him as the mode of what a starship captain should be. So, how do you improve upon a character this well established and adored? You give him a cute as all hell dog, that’s how.
CBS has just released a new poster for Star Trek: Picard, showing Jean-Luc relaxing in the Picard vineyard alongside his new canine companion (who’s sporting a delightful Federation delta marked ‘1’ on his collar). This combination of Star Trek and dogs has naturally set the internet on fire, with fans all over the world collectively squealing over this new addition to the universe.
Here’s a selection of some of the reactions:
CBS EXEC: Look, Picard is a beloved character, so this show should sell itself.
PRODUCER: We think we can amp up his likability factor even more.
CBS EXEC: How would you even—
PRODUCER: SPACE DOG!
CBS EXEC: OMG!!!!
SECRETARY (listening in): ✨✨✨ZOMG!!✨✨✨ https://t.co/oCs38nfTQK
— Daniel W. Drezner (@dandrezner) July 10, 2019
I would be one hundred percent okay with this series just being hours of Picard sitting in his vineyard, petting his dog, sipping wine, and telling tipsy exaggerated stories from his years in Starfleet. https://t.co/E4ViJMl6jS
— @rob-sheridan.com on BSky (@rob_sheridan) July 10, 2019
https://twitter.com/mistertodd/status/1149020022477660161
INTERIOR: The Enterprise
Cadet: Admiral Picard, what’s your dog’s name?
Picard: Riker.
Cadet: What made you choose that name?
Picard: He humps.
*the dog frantically mounts the cadet’s leg*
Picard: My God, he’s so hairy and charming. pic.twitter.com/7qj8zeWCD4
— The Dark Room 🔜 #edfringe + #worldcon (@Robbotron) July 10, 2019
I have needs. As in I need for Picard's doggo to be called 'Number One' #StarTrekPicard https://t.co/MT0qqGzlko
— Markeia @ GenCon (@markeiamccarty) July 10, 2019
So yeah, the dog is being received pretty positively. While there’s a debate going on as to what the canine will be called (with “Lo-Cute-Us” a pretty strong suggestion), it seems from its collar that its name is Number One. And if you don’t feel a little warm feeling in your heart imagining Picard solemnly calling his new Number One over for some skritches behind the ear, get yourself checked out for a lack of humanity.
Everything we’ve heard about the story of Picard indicates that he won’t be spending too much time relaxing in his winery, and will be summoned into space for some exciting action. But, and I can’t stress this enough, if that dog isn’t going on space adventures alongside him then you can count me out. Having said that, if the show’s writers even dream of having something nasty happen to the animal I will not forgive them.
Reports indicate that Star Trek: Picard will air in late 2019 and while I didn’t think anything could make me want to see this more, that dog has just upped the ante. Well played CBS, well played.