In the realm of Star Trek: Picard, Dr. Beverly Crusher (played by Gates McFadden) reveals a shocking revelation about Jean-Luc Picard’s (Patrick Stewart) life: he has two “sons”he was previously unaware of. Over the course of Star Trek: The Next Generation, which spans seven seasons, Picard consistently expressed his unease around children and showed little inclination toward parenthood. Therefore, when the Ferengi Daimon Bok (Lee Arenberg) made his dramatic entrance in TNG’s season 7 episode titled “Bloodlines,”announcing plans to kill Picard’s supposed son as an act of vengeance, Picard’s surprise was palpable.
Following Bok’s alarming statement, Picard sought out Jason Vigo (Ken Olandt), the son of Miranda Vigo, with whom he had once shared a romantic relationship. Initially, Beverly’s DNA tests indicated that Jason was indeed Picard’s offspring. However, it later emerged that Bok had manipulated these results to deceive Picard. Ultimately, Jason was not his son, and tragically, his mother passed away before he learned the truth about his parentage. Similarly, Beverly Crusher had chosen to keep her own son’s existence from Picard, with the son in question being the actual Jean-Luc Picard himself.
Dr. Beverly Crusher’s Parallels with Picard’s Fake Son in TNG
Single Parenthood: Beverly Crusher and Her Son, Jack
Dr. Beverly Crusher’s entrance back into Jean-Luc Picard’s life in Star Trek: Picard Season 3 brings a bombshell: she had given birth to their son, Jack Crusher (Ed Speleers), around twenty years prior. Picard’s reaction was one of understandable distress given Beverly’s decision to conceal Jack’s existence from him, despite his previously expressed disinterest in fatherhood. However, it’s worth noting that Picard’s view on children evolved throughout TNG, exemplified by his earnest attempts to connect with Jason Vigo when he believed him to be his son.
Interestingly, both Jason Vigo and Jack Crusher found themselves embroiled in dubious activities, disappointing Picard in the process. Indeed, the two boys share quite a few traits, initially reluctant to engage with Picard but growing to acknowledge their similarities over time. While the episode “Bloodlines”leaves unexplained Miranda Vigo’s silence regarding Jason’s father, Beverly Crusher’s motivations for keeping Jack’s identity hidden are more understandable.
The Reasons Behind Beverly’s Secrecy About Jack Until Star Trek: Picard
Protective Instincts: Beverly’s Fears for Jack
Upon arriving on the USS Titan with Jack, Beverly and Jean-Luc engage in a poignant conversation about their son in Star Trek: Picard Season 3, Episode 3, “Seventeen Seconds.”This moment, beautifully portrayed by Stewart and McFadden, provides insights into Beverly’s motivations for raising Jack as a single parent.
Beverly shares her internal struggle, revealing that she contemplated disclosing Jack’s identity multiple times. However, each time, Picard was embroiled in perilous missions that jeopardized his safety. Her fear that being recognized as Picard’s son would endanger Jack’s life was not unfounded, especially in light of the fate that befell Jason Vigo. Beverly’s deep understanding of Jean-Luc’s unwavering commitment to his Starfleet duties played a critical role in her decision.
By the timeline of Star Trek: Picard, Jean-Luc has undergone significant personal evolution, asserting that he should have been allowed the choice to be a father. While his perspective holds merit, Beverly faced the harsh reality of having lost both her husband and son, Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton), to the perils associated with Picard’s adventurous life. Ultimately, Dr. Crusher made the most conscientious decision she could with the information available, mirroring choices made by others, such as Miranda Vigo.