Captain Worf (Michael Dorn) declared his love for Counselor Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis) in Star Trek: Picard season 3, but has the Klingon really been pining for her since Star Trek: The Next Generation? Worf and Deanna embarked on a brief romance in TNG season 7 in a storyline that divided fans. TNG had already established that Troi had a romantic past with Commander William Riker (Jonathan Frakes), so pairing her with Worf was unexpected and unwelcome. By the time of the Star Trek: The Next Generation films, however, Worf and Troi appeared to have moved on from their relationship, and Deanna marries Will in Star Trek: Nemesis.
20 years later in Star Trek: Picard, Deanna Troi and Will Riker are still happily married, with a young daughter named Kestra (Lulu Wilson). Although Troi and Riker experience some tension in their marriage after the tragic death of their son, Thaddeus, they work out their differences in Picard season 3. When Vadic (Amanda Plummer) captures Will and Deanna, it gives them the opportunity to discuss their feelings. It’s Worf who ultimately rescues Deanna and Will in Star Trek: Picard season 3, episode 8, “Surrender,” leading to a surprising declaration from the normally stoic Klingon warrior.
Why Worf Still Loves Counselor Troi In Star Trek: Picard Season 3
Worf’s reunion with Deanna Troi in Star Trek: Picard season 3 suggests that the two have not seen each other in a long time, presumably since the events of Star Trek: Nemesis. Upon first seeing Deanna, Worf declares: “Deanna. I have counted the days since I last saw you, like waves in the ocean: constant and unending. I have thought of your empathic gifts often during my self-evaluation.” Worf seems like he could go on about Deanna, but Riker hilariously puts a stop to it, calling Worf’s words “inappropriate” and likening the Klingon’s poetic declarations to “torture.”
While Worf’s words could be taken as a declaration of romantic love, he could simply be expressing his admiration for Deanna and the ways she has helped him throughout his life. Back on Star Trek: The Next Generation, Troi looked after Worf’s son and provided a listening ear when the Klingon needed to vent. It’s also possible that Worf’s journey of self-reflection led him to realize he still has feelings for Troi, although he would never act on them out of respect for her relationship with Riker. Regardless, it’s clear the two had a special connection that Worf, at least, has never forgotten.
Is Deanna Troi The Love Of Worf’s Life (Not Jadzia Dax)?
After Worf left Star Trek: The Next Generation and joined the cast of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, he met Lt. Commander Jadzia Dax (Terry Farrell). Before long, the cool and cerebral Trill and the tempestuous Klingon began a romantic relationship, which eventually culminated in marriage. Not only was Jadzia incredibly smart and skilled in combat, but she also appreciated Klingon culture. Dax’s outgoing personality helped Worf loosen up. Worf and Jadzia even decided to have children just before Jadzia was tragically killed. Worf and Jadzia were perfect for each other at that particular time in both of their lives, but it’s possible Worf had more than one true love.
Worf’s declaration to Deanna Troi in Star Trek: Picard season 3 represents how he was feeling at that particular moment. Worf had undergone self-reflection and considered himself to be a pacifist (despite the many bodies left in his wake). Perhaps Worf came to regret how things ended with Deanna, but it would have been nice for Worf to have mentioned Jadzia as well. Either way, Worf had at least three great loves throughout his life, and he clearly remembers his time with Deanna particularly fondly.
