Star Trek: 10 Most Shocking Returns
9. Ro Laren (Star Trek: Picard)
Much has been said about the ending of Imposters, yet the return of Ro Laren was a completely unexpected twist. Her last appearance in Preemptive Strike saw her leave Starfleet to join the Maquis, only for that organisation to be destroyed by the Dominion in Deep Space Nine. All indications pointed to Ro being dead and gone, despite the fans' cries.
Michelle Forbes, striding through the corridors of the USS Titan-A, was shocking, now decked out in a Commander's bars and uniform. In a series that had teased the return of the Changelings, nails were bitten, and seats were very much on edge. However, proofs were given, emotions were high, and the long-awaited reunion between Ro and Picard took place on the holodeck.
Star Trek: Picard's third season saw several returns to the franchise, with this being among the most surprising. Though her screentime is brief, Forbes proves that she can command the stage with as few words as she chooses in any given scene. While her departure from Star Trek wasn't a bitter one, her rejection of a starring role in Deep Space Nine (the role that would then morph to become Kira Nerys) suggested that she was finished with the franchise.
Imposters proved, thankfully, that this conclusion was incorrect. While we will never give up hope on a second return (no body, no death), it was incredible to see her one more time, ridges and all.