Summary
- Dr. Beverly Crusher's departure from Star Trek: The Next Generation after season 1 didn't make sense considering her vital role as Chief Medical Officer and Captain Picard's trust in her abilities.
- Despite not always being given the opportunity to shine, Dr. Crusher consistently proved herself as a skilled and compassionate doctor, scientist, and single mother throughout her time on the Enterprise-D.
- In Star Trek: Picard season 3, Dr. Crusher returns and finally realizes her full potential, playing a central role in the story, fighting for her son, and showcasing her growth as a character since her days on The Next Generation.
Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden) was fired from Star Trek: The Next Generation after season 1 due to problems behind the scenes, but her departure never made sense. As the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Crusher had one of the most important positions aboard the USS Enterprise-D. Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) clearly trusted and respected her, and Dr. Crusher proved invaluable on numerous occasions in season 1 alone. On top of her duties as a doctor and Starfleet officer, Beverly was also one of the only parents on the show, and a single mother at that.
With everything Dr. Beverly Crusher brought to the crew of the Enterprise-D, it made no sense to let her go after season 1. Another female character, Lt. Tasha Yar (Denise Crosby), was already killed off in TNG season 1, making Dr. Crusher's sudden departure even more glaring. Actress Gates McFadden has spoken about her departure in various interviews, saying that conflict with TNG season 2 showrunner Maurice Hurley led to McFadden being fired. Thankfully, TNG fans had already grown to love the character, and the producers (and Patrick Stewart) asked her to return for season 3.
