Gates McFadden's Surprising Response to Crusher's Star Trek TNG Ghostly Affair: "Unbelievable!"

Gates McFadden, like many fans, had a similar reaction to her eerie love story in Star Trek: The Next Generation. Serving as the Chief Medical Officer on the USS Enterprise-D for six of TNG's seven seasons, Dr. Beverly Crusher shared a will they/won't they dynamic with Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) throughout the series, never officially becoming a couple. Despite having other romantic interests on the show, none were as peculiar as the one featured in TNG season 7, episode 14, "Sub Rosa."

In "Sub Rosa," Beverly attends her grandmother's funeral on Caldos IV, where she discovers that her 100-year-old grandmother had a relationship with a 34-year-old "man" named Ronin (Duncan Regehr). Upon finding a mysterious candle among her grandmother's belongings, Dr. Crusher unknowingly summons Ronin, who manipulates her emotions. Ultimately, Beverly realizes the truth and destroys the candle, Ronin's vessel, but not before the ghost inhabits her deceased grandmother's body. Widely regarded as one of TNG's weakest episodes, "Sub Rosa" left both viewers and Gates McFadden bewildered by its bizarre storyline.

Gates McFadden Doesn't Like TNG's "Sub Rosa," Either

That time Dr. Crusher fell in love with her grandmother's non-corporeal lover.

Star Trek TNG Sub Rosa Dr Crusher - That time Dr. Crusher fell in love with her grandmother's non-corporeal lover. - Gates McFadden Doesn't Like TNG's "Sub Rosa," Either

On the second day of Star Trek: The Cruise VII, Gates McFadden, alongside Brent Spiner, John De Lancie, LeVar Burton, Denise Crosby, and Wil Wheaton, participated in a Star Trek: The Next Generation reunion panel. According to TrekMovie, the TNG actors engaged with fans by answering their questions. During the panel, McFadden was questioned about her experience with "Sub Rosa." Check out her amusing response below:

Gates McFadden's apparent misgivings about the unconventional script for "Sub Rosa" did not deter her from delivering a solid performance, which helped elevate the strange storyline. However, the episode itself is often considered one of TNG's weaker moments, highlighting the ongoing issue of female characters receiving fewer and weaker storylines compared to their male counterparts. Despite being portrayed by skilled actors, characters like Dr. Beverly Crusher and Counselor Deanna Troi often struggled with underdeveloped storylines and lack of agency. Crusher's questionable romance with Picard and Troi's more interesting relationship with Commander William Riker were not always given the attention they deserved in the series.

Dr. Crusher and Troi both had their shining moments in various episodes throughout the Star Trek series. Crusher impressed fans with her standout performance in season 4's "Remember Me," while Troi captivated audiences in season 6's "Face of the Enemy."

Beverly finally became the badass mother/doctor she was always meant to be.

Star Trek Picard season 3 Dr Beverly Crusher entrance - Beverly finally became the badass mother/doctor she was always meant to be. - Dr. Crusher Is A Fully Realized Character In Star Trek: Picard Season 3

Dr. Beverly Crusher makes a comeback in Star Trek: Picard season 3, reuniting with her USS Enterprise-D crew members after two decades. She initiates the main storyline by seeking help from Admiral Picard, who then enlists Captain Riker for a rescue mission aboard the USS Titan. This mission escalates into a quest to save the entire galaxy. Upon joining the Titan, Beverly drops a bombshell - her adult son, Jack Crusher, is also Picard's son. This revelation leaves Jean-Luc in disbelief, leading to a confrontation with Beverly over her decision to keep Jack's existence a secret.

In a standout moment from Star Trek: Picard season 3's third episode, "Seventeen Seconds," Beverly discloses her motive for concealing Jack from Jean-Luc - to protect him from Picard's adversaries. Since parting ways with Picard, Dr. Crusher has been traversing the galaxy with her son, aiding those in need. Not only is she still renowned as one of Star Trek's top doctors, but Crusher has also honed her skills with a phaser and a ship's weapons system. Throughout Star Trek: Picard season 3, Dr. Beverly Crusher is given a greater role than she had in many of her previous appearances on Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Star Trek: The Next Generation & Star Trek: Picard are available to stream on Paramount+.

Source: TrekMovie.com

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights an odd episode from Star Trek: The Next Generation, "Sub Rosa," which left both fans and actress Gates McFadden perplexed. McFadden herself expressed her distaste for the episode's bizarre storyline, echoing the sentiments of many viewers who found it one of the weaker moments of the series. This highlights the ongoing issue of female characters in Star Trek often receiving underdeveloped storylines compared to their male counterparts.

However, the article also acknowledges the standout performances of Gates McFadden and other female characters in the series, including Denise Crosby and Marina Sirtis. It celebrates Dr. Beverly Crusher's transformation in Star Trek: Picard season 3, where she emerges as a badass mother and doctor, finally given the agency and depth she deserved in previous seasons.