How Patrick Stewart's Picard Ending Could Address Terry Matalas' Major Season 3 Regret

Summary

Terry Matalas regretted the lack of romance in season 3 of Star Trek: Picard, despite opportunities for romantic subplots between various characters.

Patrick Stewart had envisioned a different conclusion that aimed to address Matalas' regret by showcasing Jean-Luc Picard with a romantic partner in the concluding scene. Regrettably, this planned ending was unable to be filmed due to conflicting schedules, resulting in the final scene instead featuring the crew engaging in a poker game, ultimately leaving the season devoid of romance.

Patrick Stewart had initially envisioned a different ending for Star Trek: Picard, one that would have rectified showrunner Terry Matalas' main regret from season 3. The explosive final season, which aired in early 2023, showcased the complete main cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation, an exhilarating plot centered around a Borg-Changeling conspiracy infiltrating Starfleet, and the introduction of Jean-Luc Picard and Beverly Crusher's son, Jack Crusher. While season 3 received enthusiastic praise from viewers, there were certain storylines that the show was unable to explore in its concluding installment.

Following the series finale of Picard in April 2023, Terry Matalas openly shared his regrets regarding elements that were not included in the show, particularly the lack of romantic narratives in season 3. Despite numerous opportunities for romantic subplots, whether between Picard and Crusher or the series' beloved couple, Seven of Nine and Raffi Musiker, season 3 prioritized the overarching action and plot. However, a recent revelation by Patrick Stewart indicated that Matalas could have easily addressed his main regret.

Patrick Stewart’s Picard Ending Would Have Fixed Matalas’ Season 3 Romance Regret

In his memoir, "Making It So", Patrick Stewart discusses a potential alternative ending for Star Trek: Picard that would have portrayed Jean-Luc as romantically involved with someone. The envisioned final scene would have depicted Picard at his chateau in France, standing outside with his dog as the sun set. A woman's voice would have called him inside for dinner, leaving her identity open to interpretation. Although Sunny Ozell, Stewart's wife, was intended to voice the character, this scene was ultimately never filmed due to scheduling conflicts. Instead, the actual ending of Picard season 3 showcased the former USS Enterprise-D crew enjoying a celebratory drink and game of poker, serving as a nostalgic homage to Star Trek: TNG's finale. While the poker game carried its own significance, Stewart's preferred ending would have provided a resolution for Picard's romantic journey and addressed the perceived lack of romance in season 3. By revealing that Picard did, indeed, end up with someone, particularly following his romance with Laris (Orla Brady) in the previous season, the series would have concluded on a more comprehensive note.

Why Star Trek: Picard Season 3 Was Such An Unromantic Season

Picard season 3, despite its complexity and the significance of the Enterprise-D crew destroying the Borg, prioritized action and adventure over interpersonal drama, resulting in a notable absence of romance. This lack was particularly evident in the relationships of already-established couples like Seven of Nine and Raffi. Considering the opportunity, a final scene in Star Trek: Picard addressing this absence could have greatly benefited the series as a whole.