Despite only appearing in nine total episodes ofStar TrekbetweenStar Trek: The Next GenerationandStar Trek: Picard,Michelle Forbes' Ro Laren remains one of the franchise’s most popular secondary characters. In 1987,TNGintroduced the world to Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) and his crew aboard the USS Enterprise-D.TNGnot only ushered in a golden era ofStar Trek,but also introduced some of the franchise’s most enduring and beloved characters. Almost all ofTNG’smain cast members becameStar Trekgreats, but the show also introduced some pretty phenomenal secondary characters.
One of these characters wasMichelle Forbes' Ensign Ro Laren, who joined the crew of the Enterprise-D in the aptly titled “Ensign Ro,” the third episode of season 5. With her complicated past and tumultuous relationship with Starfleet,Ro was unlike any of the other officers serving on Picard’s Enterprise.Prior to joining Picard’s crew, Ro had been court-martialed and demoted after she disobeyed direct orders on an away mission, resulting in the deaths of eight Starfleet officers. Ro got a second chance on the Enterprise and she appeared in eight episodes throughoutTNG’sfinal three seasons.
Michelle Forbes Played Ro Laren In Star Trek: The Next Generation
Ro Laren Was The First Bajoran Seen On Screen
WhenStar Trek: The Next Generationbegan, Gene Roddenberry implemented a rule that there would be no interpersonal conflict among the Enterprise crew.Ensign Ro was brought in to disrupt this status quoand the character quickly became a success. Ro appeared in some ofTNGseason 5’s most memorable episodes, and Michelle Forbes truly made the character her own. She played well againstTNG’smain characters, and Captain Picard even took her under his wing, believing that she had the potential to be a great Starfleet officer.
After appearing briefly as Dara inTNGseason 4, episode 22, “Half a Life,“TNG’sproduction staff was so impressed by Michelle Forbes' performance that they cast her as Ro the following season.
Michelle Forbes began acting in 1987when she landed the role of Sonni Carrera Lewis (and later Solita Carrera) on the soap operaGuiding Light. In between her appearances as Ro,Michelle Forbes starred in 1993’sKaliforniaand in 1994’sSwimming with Sharks.Forbes had an 18-episode stint on24as Lynne Kresge and portrayed Admiral Helena Cain in Ronald D. Moore’sBattlestar Galactica. She has also had significant roles inTrue Blood, The Killing, Chicago Fire, Berlin Station,andNew Amsterdam.However, forStar Trekfans, her performance as Ro is easily her most enduring legacy.
What Happened To Ro Laren In Star Trek?
Ro Laren Almost Became A Main Character On Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Ro Laren’s last appearance inStar Trek: The Next Generationcame in the show’s penultimate episode whenshe defected from Starfleet to join a group of resistance fighters known as the Maquis.InTNGseason 7, episode 24, “Preemptive Strike,” Ro was assigned to infiltrate the Maquis, and she became sympathetic to their cause, saying:“It’s been a long time since I really felt like I belonged somewhere.“Captain Picard was particularly heartbroken by Ro’s decision, as he had placed his faith in her and vouched for her with Starfleet.
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Incorporating elements from bothStar Trek: VoyagerandStar Trek: Deep Space Nine,“Preemptive Strike” was partially meant to boost interest in those shows. Lt. Ro herself was originally meant to be thefirst officer on Deep Space Nine, but Michelle Forbes turned down the role to pursue a film career. The character was later adapted to become Major Kira Nerys (Nana Visitor).TNG’s"Preemptive Strike” remained the last viewers saw of Ro Larenuntil her return many years later inStar Trek: Picardseason 3.
Ro Laren’s Star Trek: Picard Comeback Explained
Picard & Ro Reunited For The First Time In Over 30 Years
Star Trek: Picardseason 3 saw the return of the Enterprise-D bridge crew, as well as several other legacy characters, including Michelle Forbes' Ro Laren. After spending some time with the Maquis, Ro Laren eventually turned herself in to Starfleet. Because of her experience with rebel groups and terrorist organizations, Starfleet Intelligence recruited Ro and put her through a rehabilitation program.By 2401, she had achieved the rank of commanderand was investigating a Changeling infiltration of Starfleet. After Admiral Picard andCaptain William Riker (Jonathan Frakes)commandeered the USS Titan-A, Ro came aboard to inform Picard that Starfleet had been compromised.
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Picard finally confronted Ro about her betrayal inTNG’s"Preemptive Strike,” andRo apologized for hurting Picard while still defending her decision.When Ro’s security team betrayed her, she gave the Titan time to escape by sacrificing herself in a shuttle suicide run. Before departing the Titan, Ro had given Picard her Bajoran earring, which contained the files from her investigation and a hidden communicator. Picard was greatly affected by Ro’s death, lamenting all the time together that they missed out on.
Why Ro Laren Is A Popular Star Trek Character
Michelle Forbes' Performance Has A Lot To Do With Ro’s Popularity
Although Ro Laren has only appeared in nine episodes ofStar Trek,she remains one of the franchise’s most memorable secondary characters. A complex character wonderfully portrayed by Michelle Forbes, Ro has been popular among fans since her introduction onStar Trek: The Next Generation.She shook up the dynamic ofTNG,something that was needed by the show’s fifth season.Ro was bolder and more reckless than any ofTNG’sother female characters,and her presence helped even out the often male-dominated series. Ro also had an interesting dynamic with Picard and the captain’s faith in her likely helped endear her to fans.
Michelle Forbes' Ro Laren remains one ofStar Trek’sbest secondary characters, even 30 years after her debut onStar Trek: The Next Generation.
WhileTNG’smain characterscould sometimes seem too perfect,Ro was a flawed character who still tried to do what she thought was right.Ro had some great moments with Picard, but also with Commander Riker and Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton). She made a perfect addition to the cast precisely because she was so different, and her presence helped add more depth to the characters around her. Michelle Forbes' Ro Laren remains one ofStar Trek’sbest secondary characters, even 30 years after her debut onStar Trek: The Next Generation.
