Unveiling the Ultimate Power of Dr Crusher: Top Episode Gems in TNG and Star Trek Picard

Dr. Beverly Crusher, portrayed by Gates McFadden, served as the Chief Medical Officer aboard the USS Enterprise-D in Star Trek: The Next Generation. Despite temporarily leaving the show in season 2, she returned in season 3 and remained until the end of the series. Throughout her time on the show, Beverly Crusher became a beloved character in the Star Trek universe, capturing the audience's attention with her on-off relationship with Captain Jean-Luc Picard, played by Patrick Stewart. Known for her unwavering morals, Dr. Crusher consistently fought for what she believed in and advocated for the vulnerable.

In Star Trek: Picard season 3, Beverly Crusher's character took on a more intricate role. While she maintained her compassion and dedication as a doctor, she now commanded a non-Starfleet medical ship and possessed knowledge of weapons systems. It was also revealed that Beverly and Jean-Luc had a son named Jack Crusher, portrayed by Ed Speleers, whose existence had been kept a secret from Picard. Gates McFadden has expressed her enjoyment in portraying this multifaceted version of Beverly, and the character had several remarkable moments in Picard. Nevertheless, Beverly Crusher's character also had significant moments in The Next Generation, and the following list showcases 10 of her best episodes from both shows.

10 Star Trek: TNG Season 4 - "The Host"

Not only did "The Host," an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, introduce the Trill species, but it also provided a rare opportunity for Dr. Crusher to take center stage. When Odan, a Trill mediator, boards the Enterprise to assist with a negotiation, he and Beverly Crusher form a romantic relationship. However, tragedy strikes when Odan is gravely injured, causing the host body to perish while the Trill symbiote survives. In a gesture of selflessness, Commander Will Riker offers to temporarily become the new host until the Enterprise can reunite with the ship carrying the replacement. Throughout the episode, Beverly must navigate her complex emotions as she grapples with the presence of the person she cares for in different physical forms.

9 Star Trek: Picard Season 3 - "Võx"

In a pivotal moment of Star Trek: Picard season 3's penultimate episode, Beverly Crusher takes center stage. After Deanna Troi stumbles upon the presence of the Borg in Jack Crusher's mind, Beverly deduces that Picard inherited something from his time as Locutus of Borg. As the episode progresses, Beverly unravels more of the Borg and Changelings' sinister plan. She discovers that the Changelings tampered with the transporters using Picard's DNA, intending to assimilate anyone under the age of 25. Not only does Beverly play a crucial role in exposing the Borg/Changeling conspiracy, but she also aids in the intense firefight that erupts when the youngest members of the Titan's crew fall victim to assimilation.

8 Star Trek: TNG Season 7 - "Descent, Part 2"

The two-part episode that connects seasons 6 and 7 of TNG presents a rare opportunity for Dr. Beverly Crusher to take command of the Enterprise. With most of the crew on a mission to locate their missing crewmember, Data (Brent Spiner), Beverly assumes control of the ship when a Borg cube launches an attack. In her role as acting Captain, she prioritizes the safety of the away teams and decides to seek refuge in a nearby sun instead of leaving the star system. Thanks to the newly developed shield technology introduced in the season 6 episode "Suspicions" by a Ferengi scientist, the Enterprise can withstand the proximity to the sun, unlike the Borg ship. Dr. Crusher's ability to command the starship with compassion and competence is just as remarkable as her skills as a ship's doctor.

7 Star Trek: TNG Season 7 - "All Good Things..."

In the highly acclaimed finale of Star Trek: The Next Generation, each character has an opportunity to showcase their talents. Dr. Crusher, like many others, appears in two different versions in this episode - one from the present and one from the future. As Captain Picard traverses between two distinct timelines, his friends strive to unravel the mystery. In the future timeline, Beverly takes command of the USS Pasteur and extends her assistance to Picard. In this future, she and Jean-Luc were previously married but have since divorced. "All Good Things..." delivers poignant moments between Picard and Crusher, ensuring that every character receives a fitting farewell.

6 Star Trek: TNG Season 5 - "Ethics"

In the opening scene of "Ethics," Lt. Worf (Michael Dorn) suffers a severe injury that leaves him paralyzed. Dr. Crusher is forced to seek the help of a specialist who proposes an experimental treatment to heal Worf's damaged spine. However, due to the potential risks involved, Beverly hesitates to use Worf as a test subject for this unproven procedure and instead suggests an alternative course of action. At one point, Worf contemplates performing a ritualistic suicide as he believes he can no longer fulfill his role as a true Klingon warrior with his debilitating condition. Eventually, Worf decides to undertake the surgery, and although it initially appears to be successful, he faces a near-death experience on the operating table. Dr. Crusher's unwavering commitment to ethics and morality is evident throughout this episode, as she reprimands the specialist for prioritizing research over the well-being of their patients.

5 Star Trek: Picard Season 3 - "Seventeen Seconds"

In Star Trek: Picard season 3, Gates McFadden delivers a compelling performance as Dr. Crusher. The third episode showcases her exceptional acting skills as she engages in a heartfelt conversation with Picard about their son, Jack. Beverly's decision to keep Jack's existence a secret from Picard is explained, revealing a deeper understanding of her character. Later in the episode, Dr. Crusher's medical expertise shines through when she successfully identifies internal bleeding in Captain Liam Shaw, the injured Captain of the Titan. Her quick thinking and astute observations save his life, highlighting not only McFadden's talent as an actor but also Beverly Crusher's prowess as a doctor. "Seventeen Seconds" is a testament to McFadden's dedication and the multifaceted nature of Beverly Crusher's character.

4 Star Trek: TNG Season 6 - "Suspicions"

When Dr. Crusher suspects foul play in the death of a visiting Ferengi scientist, she goes to great lengths to prove her suspicion. At the beginning of "Suspicions," Beverly finds herself relieved of duty and facing a court-martial. She recounts the events to Guinan (Whoopi Goldberg), describing the field test of the Ferengi's shield technology and his apparent suicide. However, Beverly firmly believes that the Ferengi was murdered. Encouraged by Guinan, she continues her investigation and eventually manages to prove her theory correct. This episode once again showcases Dr. Crusher's unwavering morality and strong sense of justice, even in the face of a court-martial.

3 Star Trek: TNG Season 7 - "Attached"

In the episode "Attached," Dr. Crusher and Captain Picard find themselves abducted and stranded on a planet together. To compound their predicament, they have been implanted with devices that enable them to hear each other's thoughts. This installment finally delves into the underlying attraction between Picard and Crusher that has been hinted at throughout the series. They openly acknowledge their feelings for each other and discuss the possibility of further exploring them. Picard contemplates his connection with Beverly Crusher's family and his friendship with her late husband, Jack Crusher (Doug Wert). "Attached" offers a glimpse into the inner thoughts of both characters and compels them to have a heartfelt conversation about their emotions.

2 Star Trek: TNG Season 3 - "The High Ground"

Beverly Crusher showcased her unwavering moral compass in Star Trek: The Next Generation, and this particular episode stands as a testament to that. During a visit to a war-torn planet, Beverly finds herself abducted by a rebel leader. Initially reluctant to engage with the rebels, she eventually puts her medical skills to use in treating their wounded. Her dedication to providing aid transcends any boundaries, as she firmly believes in helping those in need. As the tension escalates between the rebels and the Enterprise crew, Dr. Crusher begins to empathize with some of the rebels. Towards the climax of the episode, she successfully convinces a young rebel to disarm, offering a glimmer of hope for a more peaceful resolution in the future.

1 Star Trek: TNG Season 4 - "Remember Me"

"Remember Me" stands out as one of Beverly Crusher's most unforgettable episodes. The story revolves around the doctor finding herself trapped within a rapidly shrinking Warp bubble. Initially, Wesley Crusher's attempt to create a static Warp bubble appears to have failed. However, Beverly soon realizes that individuals aboard the Enterprise have mysteriously vanished. Despite the obliviousness of the remaining crew members, the number of disappearances steadily increases. Faced with these puzzling circumstances, Beverly reaches the conclusion that perhaps the problem lies not within herself, but within the fabric of the universe. Throughout the episode, she maintains her composure despite the disbelief of others, employing her sharp intellect to deduce the truth just in the nick of time. Gates McFadden's performance in this captivating Star Trek: The Next Generation installment is a prime example of her exceptional talent.