Star Trek: Insurrection presented a unique narrative that, while engaging, overlooked a significant romantic opportunity for Captain Jean-Luc Picard (portrayed by Patrick Stewart). Following the adrenaline-fueled events of Star Trek: First Contact, the film transported The Next Generation’s captain and his loyal crew to the enchanting world of Ba’ku. Here, the United Federation of Planets conspired with the Ba’ku’s adversaries, the Son’a, aiming to dislocate the Ba’ku population due to the planet’s remarkable regenerative properties that both factions coveted.
During their visit to Ba’ku, the planet’s mystical qualities had various effects on the crew. For instance, Lt. Worf (Michael Dorn) experienced a resurgence into Klingon adolescence, Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton) unexpectedly regained his sight, and Commander Will Riker (Jonathan Frakes) along with Counselor Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis) rekindled their romance. In contrast, Picard found himself enchanted by Anij (Donna Murphy), a Ba’ku native. While their budding romance had its charm, the narrative would have benefited significantly by placing him alongside Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden).
Star Trek: Insurrection Should’ve Given Picard & Dr. Crusher Their Star Trek Romance
Beverly Crusher Lacked a Significant Role in Insurrection
While Star Trek: Insurrection successfully reignited feelings between Riker and Troi, it neglected the possibility of a deeper connection between Picard and Crusher. Throughout Star Trek: The Next Generation, there were consistent hints of romantic tension between them, starting from the first season. Their emotional exchange in season 7’s “Attached”did not culminate in an official relationship, leaving many fans yearning for more.
Remarkably, all four films featuring The Next Generation cast, especially Insurrection, missed the chance to explore Picard and Crusher’s complex dynamic further. Although Jean-Luc had other pressing matters in Star Trek Generations and Star Trek: First Contact, Insurrection could have been a poignant moment to delve into their relationship. The unique regenerative environment of Ba’ku also presented a narrative tactic to allow them to explore their feelings without committing to permanence afterward—should the writers choose this direction.
A notable moment hinting at what could have transpired occurs early in the film. During a diplomatic dinner, Crusher jokingly refers to the mambo, reminiscing about Picard’s dancing skills. Later, influenced by the planet’s properties, Picard humorously dances alone to a mambo track. This scene could have been a sweet interaction highlighting their unresolved feelings.
The Star Trek: TNG Films Underutilized Dr. Beverly Crusher
Dr. Crusher Deserved Greater Recognition
Within Star Trek: Insurrection and its related films, Dr. Beverly Crusher’s role was regrettably limited. As the Chief Medical Officer of the USS Enterprise-D, she contributed significantly to the series. Her intelligence and compassion consistently shone through, allowing her to challenge Captain Picard and advocate for the well-being of others, even at the expense of Starfleet protocols.
The compelling backstory of Captain Picard and Dr. Crusher—including the tragic loss of her husband, Jack Crusher, while under Picard’s command—provided rich narrative soil for further exploration in the films. The missed opportunity in the films to examine their complicated relationship and mutual feelings stands out as a significant oversight.
Captain Picard & Dr. Crusher: A Relationship Left Unexplored
Picard & Crusher Have a Son and Yet Remain Unofficially Together
Gates McFadden, the actress who brought Dr. Crusher to life, has shared insights into her evolving character in season 3 of Star Trek: Picard. A poignant exchange between Picard and Crusher in “Seventeen Seconds”illustrated their intricate relationship further. Despite having a son together, viewers have yet to witness them as an official couple, making the lack of a romantic development in Star Trek: Insurrection a notable omission that deprived fans of the chance to see their romance come to fruition on screen.