Patrick Stewart is teasing a possible romance for Jean-Luc in the upcoming second season of Star Trek: Picard. The series was launched in 2020 as part of co-creator Alex Kurtzman's expanded universe for the beloved franchise and is the second Trek show to be produced by Paramount+. Since its premiere, Picard has aimed to differentiate itself from the rest of the franchise and has pleased audiences with the return of Patrick Stewart, reprising his iconic role. Set 20 years after Jean-Luc Picard's final appearance in Star Trek: Nemesis, the show tracks the character through his retirement. In addition to Stewart, the series' cast includes Alison Pill, Isa Briones, Harry Treadaway, Michelle Hurd, and Evan Evagora.
Picard has had a few romantic interests throughout the history of Star Trek, most notably with Dr. Beverly Crusher, portrayed by Gates McFadden. Fans had been intrigued by the evolving relationship between the two, which made McFadden's absence from Picard, and the ambiguity surrounding the pair's status, noticeable to many. In January, showrunner Terry Matalas indicated that season 2 of the science fiction series will explore why Jean-Luc and Crusher never got married. He revealed that questions pertaining to Stewart's character and his romantic life, including why the two never had a family, would be jumping-off points for the new season.
Now, in a conversation with ComicBook.com, Patrick Stewart is hinting at another type of romance for Jean-Luc in Picard's second season. When asked about what new things he will be getting to do in the show, the actor suggested a "romance of a very different nature." He goes on to say that whatever potential relationship develops would be different than what had previously been explored in The Next Generation. Read Stewart's quote regarding this season 2 possibility below:
"Well, what immediately comes to mind is romance of a very different nature and quality than it might have been in Star Trek: The Next Generation, when really, I had a succession of dates. But this has developed much more in season two."
Given the events of Picard's season 1 finale, viewers will likely be curious about Stewart's comments regarding this supposed romance and what that will look like. They last saw Jean-Luc giving his life to save the synths, resulting in his consciousness being transferred into a new, artificial body. It is yet to be seen how much his new body is like his original one, and if that will lead to any deeper relations with the synths. Stewart could also be hinting that whatever romance ensues will be more definite and serious than that of his with Crusher and others.
While there are still a number of questions surrounding season 2, its trailer alludes to Picard's exploration of time travel, another aspect of the story that could certainly have an impact on any future relationships for Jean-Luc. With nearly two years in-between seasons, fans have got to be excited about the series' return, and perhaps there will be more surprises other than a new romantic interest. They can look forward to finding out just what Patrick Stewart is teasing when the new season of Star Trek: Picard hits Paramount+ next month.
Source: ComicBook.com