The Doctor Is In – But Not Always in Charge

Remember Dr. Beverly Crusher from Star Trek: The Next Generation? Played by the lovely Gates McFadden, she had some episodes that can only be described as galactic gems! You had the time-bending “The High Ground,” the heart-tugging “Attached,” and let’s not forget the mind-boggling “Remember Me,” where the good doctor found herself in a warp bubble and had to figure out why everyone suddenly ghosted her.

And Then There’s “Sub Rosa”

Ah, “Sub Rosa,” the infamous “sex candle ghost” episode. Seriously, let’s just say it tipped the scale of strange, and we prefer not to unpack that suitcase! But hey, we love Doctor Crusher for her brilliance, compassion, and the epic wardrobe that definitely turned heads in the 24th century.

Why So Few Commanding Moments?

Despite being the chief medical officer aboard the illustrious Enterprise-D and at the same rank as our favorite space cowboy, Will Riker, why did we not see her commanding a starship as often? Well, at a recent panel at Fan Expo Portland, Gates spilled some tea!

Turns out, the folks behind the scenes were a bit hesitant about giving Beverly too many captain moments. Why, you ask? They were keeping things on the down-low for the cosmic arrival of Voyager and its own female captain. Who were they saving the captain chair for? You guessed it – Kate Mulgrew’s Captain Kathryn Janeway!

Enter Captain Janeway – The Trailblazer!

In 1995, we got the pleasure of watching Kate Mulgrew rock that captain’s chair, blazing a trail as Trek’s first female lead for seven seasons. She described the honor and challenge of stepping into such a significant role, saying it was a fantastic opportunity to break the mold and show the world what a female captain could be! Iconic, right?

Beverly’s Lasting Legacy

Although Beverly Crusher didn’t always get the spotlight she deserved in The Next Generation, she left a lasting impression. McFadden’s return in multi-million dollar films and reboots, including her promotion to Admiral in recent shows like Picard, proves that some stars just can’t be dimmed!