There’s something…or someone…missing in Star Trek: Picard.
In Star Trek: The Next Generation, Captain Picard wasn’t at a loss for female companionship when he desired it. Beyond Dr. Beverly Crusher, he developed strong feelings for Vash, Anij, and Nella (Lt. Daren). So why was Picard all alone in France when Star Trek: Picard premiered? Granted, the relationships might not have worked, but it’s unfathomable to believe that Picard would choose to be alone, especially after the electric chemistry he had with both Vash and Nella. After retiring from Starfleet, Admiral Picard had other options besides living with two Romulan assassins. And he certainly deserves a bit more happiness than what he seems to have found on his own.
It would have been difficult for Picard to run off to help Soji if he’d been happily married or involved, unless his significant other was someone who chose adventure with him. Certainly Dr. Crusher would fit that bill as would Lt. Nella Daren and Vash. But leaving behind any chance at happiness after his career ended doesn’t seem like a rational thing to do. And Captain Picard was always, for the most part, rational.
Lt. Nella Darren
Picard and Daren grew to love one another aboard the Enterprise, and it was their careers that separated them. But with Picard’s out of the way, they certainly had a chance at a future together. By the time he retired, odds were good she would have been retired as well. Maybe it’s to be understood that she moved on, but it would be interesting to know if their love ever had another chance.
Vash
Vash was a different story. Drawn to adventure and death-defying action, she was a challenge for Picard. The last time we saw her, she had joined Q to see and do more in the universe than she ever dreamed possible. Perhaps settling down wasn’t in her nature so it’s more understandable why Picard didn’t resume a relationship with her.
Anij
Most fans will say that Anij was a fly-by-night relationship that was never meant to last, but he did promise her almost a year of his leave. But then, if he’d returned to her planet, he would have regressed in age. Then we wouldn’t have Star Trek: Picard.
Dr. Crusher
Lastly, there’s Dr. Beverly Crusher. After so many years of loving one another, why would they choose to remain separate from their feelings? Both of them had gone through near-death experiences and knew that life was short. With Picard no longer captain aboard the Enterprise, why wouldn’t he have gone to Beverly? Did pride keep him from ending up with the woman he loved?
According to Gates McFadden, there is a “good chance” that Dr. Crusher will appear in Season 2 of Star Trek: Picard. So there’s hope for a romantic reunion, but it’s doubtful that it will be a long-lasting one unless the producers are open to adding McFadden to the series long-term which would, of course, be the preference of most fans.
Unless there is some reason why Enterprise captains aren’t allowed to have a happily ever after, Jean-Luc Picard should find his even if it isn’t until the end of the series.