As a long-standing Star Trek enthusiast who’s seen more than my fair share of galaxies far, far away, I can wholeheartedly say that the tribute to Annie Wersching in “Star Trek: Picard” is not only a heartwarming nod but also a fitting testament to her unforgettable performances. The USS Wersching, an Akira-class vessel, proudly displayed in the Starfleet History Museum, serves as a poignant reminder of her indelible mark on the franchise.
Longtime fans of “Star Trek” were in for a delightful surprise with the Easter egg-filled final season of “Star Trek: Picard,” especially at the Starfleet History Museum. This museum, among other things, safeguards significant spaceships, both from Starfleet and those outside it, that hold historical value.
For eagle-eyed viewers with a desire to look closely at the details housed inside the storied museum, it’s a veritable treasure trove of “Star Trek” references and hidden bonuses. Included among them is an Akira-class vessel with the hull number NCC-63328, formally named the USS Wersching — a worthy tribute to the late Annie Wersching, who appeared as the Borg Queen in “Picard” Season 2. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), “Picard” production designer Dave Blass drew attention to the ship, writing, “On Display now on the lower level, replacing the USS Pioneer, we have a special treat. The USS Wersching. A very, very, special ship, that we hope visitors will appreciate.#StarTrekPicard.”
In a second stint for the Star Trek franchise, Kate Wersching portrayed the Borg Queen. Her initial role within the universe was in the “Star Trek: Enterprise” episode “Oasis,” where she brought Liana, a Kantare woman stranded on an unidentified planet since her childhood, to life. In 2019, following René Auberjonois’ passing, Wersching disclosed that this was her debut on a soundstage. She fondly remembered the late actor, expressing gratitude for his warmth and kindness during their first encounter. Tragically, Auberjonois’ performance in the “Picard” episode “Penance,” released in 2022, would be his last. Heartbreakingly, Wersching’s career with the franchise began and ended prematurely as she passed away from cancer at age 45 in 2023.
The USS Wersching is a powerful ship
In the universe of “Star Trek”, the Starfleet History Museum is not unfamiliar territory for 24th-century Starfleet personnel, who recall past visits to it in shows like “Star Trek Enterprise”, “Star Trek: The Next Generation”, and “Star Trek: Lower Decks”. However, an episode of “Picard” titled “The Bounty” offers viewers a rare opportunity to glimpse this famous museum and its exhibits. As mentioned by Dave Blass in another post, the Wersching was on display on the lower level of the museum, close to a Romulan warbird (USS Defiant), the Saber Class USS Argo. At that time, the USS Pioneer was under repair, and observant viewers might have spotted it in the end credit sequence. The Pioneer remained on exhibit as a temporary feature, returning to its original location three episodes later in “Vox”.
It’s fitting that a starship named after Wersching, who devoted so much effort into her portrayal as the Borg Queen, would be an Akira class vessel. Known for its strength, the Akira class is one of the most formidable ships to carry the prefix “USS” in the Star Trek universe. This ship was a common sight in 24th-century battles, often joining armadas and taking up positions on the front lines during wartime, as demonstrated in both “Star Trek: First Contact” and numerous episodes of “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.”
Growing up, Wersching, self-proclaimed sci-fi enthusiast and ardent fan of “Quantum Leap,” felt thrilled about joining the “Star Trek” universe. In an interview with Star Trek Explorer, he expressed his excitement, stating, “[It’s] mind-bending yet exhilarating – incredibly exciting! Just receiving the audition for Picard made me think, ‘Wow, this could be a memorable and iconic series and character to contribute to.'”
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2024-08-11 21:59