“I do think of myself as the Yoda of the Star Trek”: Robert Picardo draws comparison between the Doctor and the Star Wars character

The Doctor, portrayed by Robert Picardo, is one of the more treasured characters from the Star Trek Universe. After the holographic medical officer first appeared in Star Trek: Voyager, the character became an instant fan favorite. Picardo reflected upon the fact that The Doctor will be about 900 years old, which is similar to Yoda, who was also as old when he passed in Star Wars Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.

During the Trek Talks 4 discussion benefitting the Hollywood Food Coalition, Star Trek: Voyager co-stars Picardo and Kate Mulgrew, who played the role of Captain Kathryn Janeway, spoke about The Doctor being one of the oldest characters in the franchise. Picardo stated,

“You know, Yoda, I think, was 900 when he finally died. So I do think of myself as the Yoda of the Star Trek franchise. And look, it could be worse, I could be short and green and made out of rubber. So I think I do look pretty good.”

The comparison is noteworthy since Yoda had trained Jedis for hundreds of years, and the Doctor is also following a similar path as a teacher to future Starfleet officers. He will be seen mentoring new Starfleet cadets in the upcoming Paramount+ series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. The wisdom and knowledge that the two iconic characters possess set them apart from others. So, it looks like Star Trek has indeed found its own version of Yoda.

Who is The Doctor in Star Trek?

The Doctor is an artificial intelligence holographic projection that helps the spaceship in emergency medical situations. He was part of the USS Voyager’s Emergency Medical Hologram, or EMH, in the sickbay. He is based on the physical appearance of his creator, Dr. Lewis Zimmerman. While he was supposed to be a short-term medical substitute system, over time he becomes an integral part of the ship with some interesting upgrades to his personality.

Picardo has adorned the celebrated role in Star Trek: Voyager from 1995 to 2001. The Doctor also made appearances in Star Trek: First Contact, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Star Trek: Prodigy.

Picardo shared his take on the character’s evolution in the franchise. He said,

“I would say that The Doctor is as we remember him, but deeper. The way he was, but more so, if that makes sense. He still certainly has his sense of humor, but there’s a depth to him now, from that incredible sense of immortality, I think we would all agree it would be a blessing and a curse.”

The Doctor will return in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy

Picardo will reprise the role in the upcoming Paramount+ series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. The series will have 10 episodes and is expected to premiere in 2026. The show from the CBS Studios, will be set in the 32nd century and will follow a new class of Starfleet cadets.

The filming for the first season of the Starfleet Academy wrapped up in February. Picardo’s The Doctor will take on the role of the teacher, who will be welcoming students to the Starfleet Academy after a hundred years. As per trekmovie.com he said,

“The Doctor had an extraordinary arc over the seven years, and brick by brick building a character that was quite human-like from something that had no personality or affect at the start. … This much has been said in the press about the show, Starfleet Academy is set in the far distant future in the 32nd century. “

He added,

“Starfleet, which basically fell apart in this future tragedy called ‘the Burn,’ has been reconstituted, and this is the first entering class at Starfleet Academy in more than a hundred years. And my character is teaching there.”

As per StarTrek.com the show's synopsis says,

“Star Trek: Starfleet Academy introduces viewers to a young group of cadets who come together to pursue a common dream of hope and optimism. Under the watchful and demanding eyes of their instructors, they discover what it takes to become Starfleet officers as they navigate blossoming friendships, explosive rivalries, first loves, and a new enemy that threatens both the Academy and the Federation itself.”

Star Trek: The Original Series was created by Gene Roddenberry in 1966. Despite the show's cancellation after three seasons due to low ratings, it went on to attract global fans because of syndication. This universe went on to spread its wings across comics, animated series, films, and spin-off television shows.

ALSO READ: I just discovered this surprising connection between Star Trek villain V’Ger and a real life space probe

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