Sir Patrick Stewart has played Captain Jean-Luc Picard for decades, starting with Star Trek: The Next Generation. The character was known for his diplomatic leadership style, which preferred talks over mindless action and blind heroism (unlike someone from the original series). However, even he too could not help break one cardinal rule.
Creator Gene Roddenberry was a former military man, and he included many of his experiences in the military in the Starfleet officers. The Enterprise crew had to follow multiple rules, and those were supposed to be taken into account by writers. One of the most important rules was that crew members were not to fraternize with each other.
Patrick Stewart broke a cardinal rule as Captain Jean-Luc Picard
When traveling across galaxies and cooped up in a self-sustaining ship for many years, there are bound to be a few romances among members of the staff. However, Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry had strictly stated that the Federation did not allow Starfleet officers to fraternize on the ship. It was even more taboo for captains.
However, this rule was rarely enforced, as there have been several instances on screen where romances have bloomed and died. From the original series to The Next Generation, there have been couples from the Lower Decks to the bridge. Even the captains could not refrain from following this rule strictly.
TOS’ Captain Kirk is quite the Casanova when it comes to matters of the heart, and he has had several romantic interests. The swashbuckling hero used his charm and charisma to woo several women and while he did remain professional, he was flirtatious and a proper jock. Patrick Stewart’s Jean-Luc Picard, on the other hand, was far more professional.
Picard was known for his diplomacy and Starfleet-approved actions, bringing in a more sophisticated and inclusive style of leadership. However, he, too, could not refrain from breaking Roddenberry’s cardinal rule as he falls in love with the ship’s chief medical officer, Dr. Beverly Crusher, who is also the widow of his former crewmate.
Patrick Stewart imagined a future where Picard is married
While Patrick Stewart’s Captain Picard broke the cardinal rule of fraternizing with crew members, his tragic yet incredible romance with Dr. Beverly Crusher makes it worth all the punishment. Stewart and actress Gates McFadden are seen last in Star Trek: Picard, having had a child already, playing poker with their Enterprise crewmates.
However, Patrick Stewart reportedly had a different ending in mind for Picard and hoped to push it somehow. The series, though centered on Jean-Luc Picard, soon became a nostalgic trip for TNG fans, with most of the cast returning. Stewart wrote in Time,
The writers came up with a lovely scene. It is dusk at Jean-Luc’s vineyard. His back is to us as he takes in the view, his dog at his side. Then, off-screen, a woman’s loving voice is heard: ‘Jean-Luc? Supper’s ready!’ Is it Beverly Crusher’s voice? Laris’s? Someone we don’t know? It isn’t made clear.
While Crusher and Picard have had their differences, knowing that the couple finally got their forever after is extremely pleasing. The two actually do get together in an alternative universe shown in the series finale of TNG, but that is obviously not canon.
Star Trek: TNG is available to stream on Paramount+.
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