Purchases made via our links may earn us a commission.
Paramount
As filming commenced for Stuart Baird’s “Star Trek: Nemesis,” it was common knowledge that this would be the last big-screen appearance for the “Star Trek: The Next Generation” cast. The movie is packed with significant, dramatic shifts for its characters and includes several emotional goodbyes. The film starts with the wedding of Will Riker (Jonathan Frakes) and Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis), a love story that has been a part of the franchise since 1987. Additionally, Riker finally accepts his own captaincy, taking the helm of the U.S.S. Titan. “Nemesis” was set to showcase Riker’s last mission as the first officer of the Enterprise.
The conclusion of “Nemesis” was both dramatic and heartbreaking. Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) found himself marooned on a Romulan ship, with the Enterprise on the verge of destruction after a brutal battle. Data (Brent Spiner) courageously traversed through space to board the ship, save Picard, and obliterate it from within, sacrificing his life in the process. “Nemesis” had a higher death toll than any other “Next Generation” film. Once the chaos subsided, the surviving crew members of the Enterprise raised a glass to Data’s memory in a poignant moment.
Soon after, the final goodbye took place when Riker asked for permission to disembark in the captain’s ready room. A conversation filled with shared sorrow ensued between him and Picard. Riker expressed that serving with Picard was an honor, to which Picard responded, “The honor was mine,” as they both fought back tears.
As per the oral history book “The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years: From The Next Generation to J. J. Abrams,” edited by Mark A. Altman and Michael Gross, this scene was challenging for Stewart to film. The actors were aware that this could be one of their last scenes together, possibly forever, causing 15 years worth of “Star Trek” memories to flood back. Stewart confessed to shedding tears on set, much to the surprise of the crew who had never seen the usually stoic Stewart break down, causing some to panic.
Stewart’s tears led to assumptions of intoxication
Paramount
The Enterprise crew, essentially coworkers brought together by the whims of Starfleet command, often form friendships over time. Riker and Picard developed a unique bond, mirrored by the actors who played them. Stewart and Frakes had worked closely on “Star Trek: The Next Generation” for a long time, with Frakes even directing several episodes and two movies. This allowed them ample time to discuss their characters and their craft. The farewell was as hard for Stewart as it was for Picard.
Stewart vividly remembers the scene, particularly the intensity of his tears, which led people to think he was drunk. In his words:
“I must admit, as I said goodbye to Riker at the end of the film, I was completely swept up in the moment. I broke down. Suddenly, my emotions overpowered me. I fell into Jonathan’s arms, feeling foolish. The entire crew watched me weep and began whispering, ‘What’s happening? Has he been drinking?’ But in that moment, all the feelings I had for these people over the years converged. Saying goodbye was absolutely terrifying and excruciating for me.”
“Nemesis” didn’t receive the best reviews, perhaps because everyone knew it was the franchise’s final bow. When “Star Trek: Enterprise” was canceled in 2005, it seemed like “Star Trek” was gone for good.
However, Stewart and Frakes eventually reunited for the revival “Star Trek: Picard” in 2020. In the third season of “Picard,” most of the “Next Generation” cast came together for one last on-screen adventure. While Stewart enjoyed working with his former colleagues again, he also had to endure another poignant goodbye. Only time will tell if another reunion is on the horizon.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
