Does the imminent return of a certain Beverly Crusher already tell us just how badly Star Trek: Picard's season 2 romance story will end? After regaining his position as a Starfleet admiral and receiving the mother of all hip replacements from Altan Inigo Soong, Jean-Luc Picard now faces the final frontier, the road not taken, where most men have gone before - the tricky world of love. Though Picard spent an entire lifetime exploring the galaxy, opening his heart to romance presents his toughest challenge yet - especially if he keeps spurning advances from Romulan housekeeper, Laris. Patrick Stewart's Jean-Luc plainly harbors feelings for Laris, but would seemingly rather she label his wine and pour the Earl Grey than spend cosy nights together by the château fire.

Even as late as episode 6, Star Trek: Picard continues to push a potential liaison between Jean-Luc and Laris. In "Two Of One," Picard teams up with Tallinn - a mysterious alien Watcher occupying Laris' physical form. When a curious Tallinn asks about her lookalike from the future, Picard tries dismissing Laris as "No one of importance," but is immediately accused of lying, confirming the Admiral's fondness for his Romulan employee. As Star Trek: Picard season 2 keeps driving forward its romance angle, however, season 3 apparently has other ideas...

Related: Picard's Adam Soong Reveal Risks A Star Trek Story Problem

As per an official announcement from Paramount, Star Trek: Picard season 3 will reunite the entire main cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation. That includes Gates McFadden as Dr. Beverly Crusher - the Enterprise's chief medical officer, not seen since Star Trek: Nemesis in 2002. Throughout their time on Enterprise-D, Picard and Crusher developed a simmering romance, never acted upon due to the former's friendship with Beverly's late husband. Friends first and foremost, Star Trek: The Next Generation left Jean-Luc and Beverly's potential for romance painfully unrealized - a lingering thread still dangling precariously in hopes of one day meeting the fingers of resolution...

Laris Picard 2

Gates McFadden's Beverly Crusher appearing in Star Trek: Picard season 3 surely throws a cold bucket of water over any love sparks between Jean-Luc and Laris. Terry Matalas (Star Trek: Picard showrunner) has teased a significant role for Dr. Crusher in season 3, suggesting her relationship with Starfleet's bald bachelor is high on the narrative menu. The potential for rekindling old embers is undoubtedly Beverly's most obvious storyline in Star Trek's modern era, and that doesn't leave Laris' chances looking especially strong. As a flame-haired physician looms in the background, Star Trek: Picard season 2 must surely now end with Jean-Luc and Laris choosing not to pursue a relationship. Alternatively, season 2's finale could bring the pair together, only to break them up in the gap before season 3 - just as we saw with Star Trek: Picard's previous pairings, Jurati/Rios and Seven/Raffi.

Laris' relative newness works against her in the race to win Picard's heart. For 6 entire seasons, Star Trek: The Next Generation teased its captain's engaging with Crusher, always leaving audiences wanting more. By contrast, Laris and Picard's romantic angle is only 6 episodes old. Given a choice between love interests, Beverly Crusher is a natural pick as the character most will want Jean-Luc to settle down with by the end of Star Trek: Picard season 3. Although the reunion rumors have sparked huge excitement online, the timing (with Star Trek: Picard season 2 still airing) does feel somewhat odd. Laris - her romance with Jean-Luc Picard now the dampest of squibs - looks to be the biggest victim.

More: Picard: We Already Know If Peace With The Borg Happens In Season 2

Star Trek: Picard continues Thursdays on Paramount+.