A Promising Wesley Crusher TNG Episode Foreshadowed His Remarkable Star Trek Fate

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Wesley Crusher's character development in TNG season 1, episode 17 showcases his leadership skills and empathy, making him more likable to viewers.

Wesley Crusher's reappearance in Star Trek: Picard season 2 as Kore Soong's mentor creates possibilities for future narratives that delve into their roles as Travelers and their interactions with the rest of the cast. This occurrence also highlights Wesley's inherent benevolence and his ability to maintain humility despite possessing great power.

In Star Trek: The Next Generation season 1, Wesley Crusher's fate is foreshadowed. Although Wesley isn't always a fan favorite, his character shines in TNG season 1, episode 17, "When the Bough Breaks." While tracking strange energy readings, the USS Enterprise-D stumbles upon the mythical planet Aldea. Despite being dismissed as mere legend, Aldea is a real place inhabited by highly advanced Aldean people. Their advanced computer called the Custodian tends to their needs, allowing them to focus on the arts and culture.

Captain Jean-Luc Picard and Commander William Riker are greeted by the Aldeans, who reveal their inability to have children and propose an unfair trade with the Enterprise. Picard and Riker fiercely reject the idea, but the Aldeans disregard their wishes and beam Wesley and a group of children to their planet. As Picard works persistently to retrieve the children, the Aldeans attempt to help the young ones adjust to their new life. Wesley, being the oldest, assumes a leadership role, offering solace to the youngest children and formulating a plan to escape and return to the Enterprise.

Star Trek: TNG Season 1 Set Up Wesley Crusher's Traveler Potential

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 1, Episode 17 - "When the Bough Breaks"

Wil Wheaton delivers a stellar performance in episode 17 of TNG season 1, not only showcasing his acting abilities but also revealing a previously unseen aspect of Wesley Crusher's character. Instead of being portrayed solely as a brilliant prodigy, Wesley finds himself in a daunting situation where he must protect and reassure younger children who are even more frightened than he is. This episode presents Wesley at his most endearing, demonstrating his admirable qualities as a leader and role model for the other children.

In "When the Bough Breaks," Hannah Louise Shearer, the author, praises Wheaton's exceptional ability to create a tight-knit family dynamic among the children on the set, which is reflected in the final product.

In an earlier episode of TNG season 1, Wesley is told by the Traveler (Eric Menyuk) that he is destined for greatness. Wesley's intelligence and cleverness have been showcased numerous times, but his empathetic and kind nature also shines through. He remains composed throughout the ordeal, understanding that panicking would only escalate the situation for everyone else. While he trusts Captain Picard and the crew to find a solution, Wesley is still determined to contribute however he can. As a Traveler, Wesley gains control over time and space, yet he only employs this power to observe and ensure the proper flow of time. "When the Bough Breaks" highlights Wesley's inherent goodness and his ability to resist the temptation of letting his newfound abilities corrupt him.

Picard Already Showed Wesley Crusher Can Be A Star Trek Mentor

Star Trek: Picard Season 2, Episode 10 - "Farewell"

In the upcoming second season of Star Trek: Picard, Wesley Crusher is set to make a brief return. He appears to Kore Soong (played by Isa Briones) in the form of the Traveler. Despite no longer going by the name Wesley Crusher, he still embodies the same compassion and understanding that made him beloved in Star Trek: The Next Generation. The Traveler extends an invitation to Kore to join their ranks, offering her the opportunity to transcend the limitations of space and time. This paves the way for Wesley to guide Kore as she embarks on her journey to comprehend the essence of being a Traveler. Born as an experimental clone engineered by Adam Soong (portrayed by Brent Spiner), Kore has faced numerous challenges in her life and embraces this chance to explore the vastness of the universe.

Wesley's absence in Star Trek: Picard season 2 has left fans eager for more glimpses into his life as a Traveler. It remains uncertain whether he has reconnected with his mother, Dr. Beverly Crusher, or met his half-brother, Jack Crusher. While Traveler Wes is not supposed to engage with individuals from his past, there's a possibility that he may break that rule. The Next Generation first introduced Wesley as a sometimes bothersome prodigy, but "When the Bough Breaks" hinted at the significant path that awaited him.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about Wesley Crusher's character in Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG). While I appreciate his intelligence and potential, I often find him to be a bit too precocious and know-it-all. However, I do believe that he has the potential to be a great leader and mentor, as demonstrated in TNG season 1, episode 17, "When the Bough Breaks."

In this episode, Wesley is forced to take on a leadership role when the Enterprise-D crew is stranded on the planet Aldea. He quickly proves to be capable and resourceful, and he is able to help the other children cope with their situation. This episode shows that Wesley has the potential to be a great leader, and I hope that we will see more of this side of him in future Star Trek projects.

I am also intrigued by Wesley's reappearance in Star Trek: Picard season 2. His brief appearance as the Traveler suggests that he has become a powerful and wise being. I am excited to see what role he will play in the upcoming season, and I hope that he will continue to be a positive influence on the other characters.