Though not a Mirror Universe episode, the dark reality created by Q is as close to it as we’ve gotten for an adventure of Jean-Luc Picard, and Q’s subtle homage wasn’t the only nod. The portrait of Picard as a war hero, clad in all black, and the Confederation as an organization of anti-alien conquerors feels straight out of “The Original Series” episode “Mirror, Mirror.” In the “Star Trek: Enterprise” episode “In A Mirror, Darkly,” we even got a twisted, darker opening sequence that turned the series’ upbeat intro on its head, subverting its message of hope and optimism into one of fascism and war.
In the second episode “Star Trek: Picard” Season 2, we get something similar: A message from this dark Picard giving an inverted version of the classic “Star Trek” narration. Instead of seeking out new life and new civilizations, and boldly going where no one had gone before, this Picard “sought out and subjugated savage civilizations, boldly conquered warlike alien worlds, increased the wealth and resources for future generations of humanity.”
At the end of the message, this evil iteration of Picard even gives a similar gesture that he was known for on “The Next Generation” when giving his order to engage. But this time, rather than waving to his helmsman the sign to go to warp, Picard is pointing to potential soldiers and encouraging them to join the fight against alien worlds.