Star Trek: 10 Most Shocking Returns

2. Wesley Crusher (Star Trek: Prodigy Season 2)

Star Trek Prodigy The Devourer Of All Things Wesley Crusher
CBS Media Ventures

When Wesley Crusher returned in Star Trek: Prodigy's second season episode The Devourer Of All Things Part 1, he revealed himself as a time traveller. When attempting to trace his lifeline, there is simply no better way to understand him than as a man out of time, wearing only the finest of jumpers. 

Technically, Wesley returned first in Star Trek: Picard's second season finale Farewell, picking up Kore Soong (presumably before beginning her shift in The Pitt). Wil Wheaton also returned in Star Trek: Lower Decks, in the fourth season finale Old Friends, New Planets, though in that case he was reprising the role in a flashback.

Other Wesley Crusher's have appeared through the years (including an enigmatic 'Crusher' in OTOY's 765874: Unification short film), yet it was in Prodigy that he received the greatest chance to shine. He was described by that show's creators and writers as the original prodigy in Star Trek, so having him appear on the show was a must. Having him appear as this particular version of the character was simply the most logical move forward while time was circling them all. 

It is also no mere cameo. Wesley is a supporting character in the show's second season, appearing right through the finale, wherein he even gets the chance to meet his mother (and brother) before disappearing off into the winds of time again. 

This was fan service done correctly, logically, and with extremely entertaining payoffs. We're still waiting for that Wesley and Kore spin-off, mind. 

Contributor
Contributor

Seán is the host and head writer/presenter for TrekCulture, as well as a writer/presenter on WhoCulture and WhatCulture Horror. He has authored two novels, dozens of short stories, and hundreds of articles for WhatCulture. He holds a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from University College Dublin. As part of his work with TrekCulture, Seán has been invited to participate in collaborations with Roddenberry Entertainment, as well as contributing to several Star Trek community projects. An avid fan of Star Trek, Doctor Who, and the horror genre at large, Seán's expertise has helped develop these channels to the successes they are today. As host of the Ups & Downs series on TrekCulture, Seán has become internationally recognised for his positive yet critically informed approach to reviewing every episode of modern Star Trek, ensuring he is one of the go-to voices in the Trek community. Favourite Quote to describe himself: "I'm serious about what I do, just not always about the way that I do it"