Why Star Trek: Picard should explore Picard and Laris’ relationship

Star Trek: Picard ended seaon two with the potential for a relationship between Picard and Laris.

When season two of Star Trek: Picard ended, Admiral Picard and Laris shared a tender moment that led viewers to believe a relationship was forming between the two. As of now, though, there’s no indication that Orla Brady, who portrays Laris, is returning to Picard next season. But with Gates McFadden appearing as Dr. Beverly Crusher, it’s important that the series show that Picard has moved on, if he, indeed, has.

Many fans are expecting closure between Dr. Crusher and Picard because of the seven years of teasing that Star Trek: The Next Generation gave us. But if he has arleady found love with Laris, the door would already be firmly closed which would mean there was one less plot point to explore.

Star Trek: Picard needs to give Admiral Picard a happy ending.

Let’s face it. Admiral Jean-Luc Picard hasn’t had an easy life. In all his years in Starfleet, he has been kidnapped, assimiliated, has lost his family, has been tortured, and more. Just since this series began to air, he has endured more trauma, no thanks to Q and the disease that took his life. Yes, his body was replaced with a synth (something we never learned anything else about), but dying is dying regardless.

Though the relationship between Picard and Laris just started in season two, and there was precious little explored, it could be a strong anchor for Picard, even more so than Dr. Crusher as there will always be an elephant in the room when it comes to the two of them. As much as I love Gates McFadden, I just can’t see Crusher riding off into the sunset with Picard. What I can see is Picard finally beginning to enjoy retirement and a new love he’s discovered.

Season three doesn’t need to dwell on the romance, but, at the very least, it should be acknowledged even if Orla Brady isn’t part of the cast. Many shows have continued relationships when one of the actors have left the series. And this is likely the last time we’ll see Patrick Stewart as Jean-Luc Picard. For a moment, we should see him happy and fulfilled, his future secure.