Exploring the Role of Beverly in Star Trek Raises Questions about Jack Crusher

Summary

Dr. Beverly Crusher's inclusion on the list of former Starfleet officers in "Star Trek: Lower Decks" season 4 raises speculation regarding the timeline of her son, Jack Crusher's birth. It suggests that Beverly might have departed from Starfleet and severed ties with her acquaintances from the USS Enterprise-E, as indicated by her name's presence on the list.

Beverly Crusher, portrayed by Gates McFadden, is believed to have single-handedly raised her son, Jack, in London and subsequently traveled with him to provide medical aid to non-Federation planets. In the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks, Dr. Crusher's inclusion on a list of former Starfleet personnel requiring protection sparks speculation about the timing of her son's birth. Throughout the fourth season of Lower Decks, a formidable weapon controlled by ex-Starfleet cadet Nick Locarno, played by Robert Duncan McNeill, targets these individuals. In the ninth episode of the fourth season, titled "The Inner Fight," the USS Cerritos receives a roster of potentially endangered individuals, with Beverly Crusher's name among them.

Much to the disappointment of Lt. Brad Boimler (Jack Quaid), the USS Vancouver has been assigned the task of locating Dr. Crusher, while the Cerritos is in pursuit of Nick Locarno. The presence of Dr. Crusher's name on this roster of 4 former Starfleet Officers indicates that she has already departed from Starfleet and likely severed ties with her comrades from the USS Enterprise-E. In Star Trek: Picard season 3, Beverly reconnects with her former colleagues and introduces Admiral Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) to Jack, the son he was unaware of. Due to Picard's hazardous occupation and his lack of interest in having children, Beverly made the choice to raise Jack on her own.

Star Trek: Lower Decks Creates A Beverly & Jack Crusher Question

When was Jack Crusher born?

Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4 occurs from 2381 to 2383, approximately two decades prior to Star Trek: Picard season 3. Given Jack's age in his early 20s during Picard season 3, it can be inferred that Beverly had either already given birth or was heavily pregnant during her time in Lower Decks. As Starfleet remains unaware of Beverly's whereabouts in Lower Decks, it is likely that she is residing off-world. During Picard season 3, Beverly discloses that she and Jack resided in London for a period, where he attended school and adopted a British accent.

In the event that the USS Vancouver locates Beverly Crusher and brings her back to Earth, she may choose to establish herself in London to raise Jack.

Whether or not Beverly intended to raise Jack on Earth, the presence of Nick Locarno as a potential threat may have compelled her to make that choice. Even after neutralizing the danger posed by Locarno, Earth would still be one of the safest environments for Dr. Crusher to nurture her son. Although the precise timeline of Beverly and Jack's lives remains unspecified, the mention of Dr. Crusher's name in Star Trek: Lower Decks suggests that she will eventually return to Earth. Presumably, once Jack reaches a certain age, Beverly and her son embark on voyages across the galaxy, offering medical aid to non-Federation worlds.

Everything We Know About Dr. Beverly Crusher Between Star Trek: Nemesis & Picard Season 3

Dr. Beverly Crusher left Starfleet and became a 'doctor without borders' with her son, Jack Crusher.

Dr. Beverly Crusher embarked on a fascinating journey following her departure from Starfleet leading up to the events of Star Trek: Picard season 3. In addition to unveiling the surprising revelation of Picard's son, Jack, Beverly has also acquired unexpected new skills. While she undoubtedly remains a highly accomplished doctor, Beverly has now familiarized herself with the weaponry systems of a starship. After the events of Star Trek: Nemesis, Beverly and Jean-Luc indulged in a romantic shore leave on Casperia Prime, which resulted in the conception of Jack. However, given Picard's constant exposure to danger as a Starfleet Captain and Beverly's determination to safeguard her son, she made the difficult decision to sever ties with Picard and her Enterprise comrades, embarking on a journey to raise Jack in the best way she knew how.

Considering the previous loss of her older son, Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton), to the Travelers, Beverly's desire to keep Jack close is understandable. As Jack grew older, she began imparting medical knowledge and a range of other skills to him. Together, they embraced the role of "doctors without borders," dedicating themselves to aiding those in need. Throughout this period, Jack accumulated a significant number of criminal charges, likely relating to their medical missions. Following the resolution of the Borg/Changeling plot in Star Trek: Picard season 3, Beverly is reinstated as an Admiral and assumes the position of Head of Starfleet Medical. Although it may prompt certain inquiries, the mention of Beverly Crusher in Star Trek: Lower Decks serves as a heartfelt tribute to a cherished and influential character in the Star Trek universe.

The Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4 finale streams Thursday, November 2nd on Paramount+.