Patrick Stewart wrote a letter in '88 about his ideas for Picard

[Tomalak]

^By that point, the tone of the show had been set and Berman, who saw his role as basically "keeping it Gene" as he perceived that idea to be wasn't about to depart from it.

Berman was not a creative's producer. He was a studio's producer. Keep the budget under control, don't take too many risks and deliver a "consistent" product was his mandate and worldview.

But Berman clearly didn't have a problem with continuing characters having a relationship, as the other shows have plenty of them, and even in TNG they tried to set up Troi and Worf! Plus Data and Tasha on Gene's watch. Eventually Riker and Troi got together, twenty years later, but I do think it's strange it didn't happen on the show.

 

[inflatabledalek]

A great letter, only slightly let down by knowing this is the start of the road that leads to "I think Picard should have a dune buggy chase!".

 

[ManOnTheWave]

I met Patrick Stewart briefly on set in February of 1990 - just after they'd shot "Captain's Holiday." I was anxious for other reasons, intimidated and I think (knowing only the character onscreen and making a naive mistake) expected him to be cool-tempered and solemn. One of the first things I remember him saying was that he was having a wonderful time with recent shows, declaring enthusiastically "Last week I finally got laid!"

Thank you for that. You have brightened my Friday.

 

[Shaka Zulu]

Actors always seem to know what's wrong with a scene, but not many know how to make a show better. Sir Patrick Stewart has always had very good instincts. As to Beverly & Picard hooking up, they should've become a regular relationship, to further separate TNG's format from that of The Classic Series. I wouldn't have cared for them getting married, though. At their age, where was the hype? Roddenberry, et al, could've gone much further than what they did in giving TNG its own identity, especially in that first season. But it's great to see that Sir Patrick Stewart was as concerned about the product as he seemed to be.

These letters only show how out of step Roddenberry was in being involved with TV again, and why he should have been 'kicked upstairs' as he was with the movies. Too bad Berman & Mazlish kept on doing the same thing.

 

[Tomalak]

A great letter, only slightly let down by knowing this is the start of the road that leads to "I think Picard should have a dune buggy chase!".

I'm guessing the conversation went something like this:

"So Patrick, we were hoping to do one more Next Gen film. How about it, get the old gang together again?"

"Hmm, I dunno, I'm pretty busy and in much demand these days, what with my stage career and the X-Men films..."

"Oh. Well we don't really have a film without you. What would it take? Millions of dollars? Executive Producer credit? A percentage of the profits?"

"Meh, I'm really not interested."

"There must be something??"

"Yeah, all those things. And I want to drive a dune buggy with Brent's head in the glove box."

"..."

"Ok Stewart, you have a deal."

(Stewart signs)

"So, looking forward to starting filming. When is Jonathan planning the first read through?"

"Oh, didn't we say? Frakes isn't directing. We got some guy call Stuart Baird."

 

[ModusOperandi]

What a fascinating letter! It's a real treat to see more archival material like this shed some light on TNG's evolution. Stewart again confirms what a diligent and insightful student of character and drama he is. I'm reminded of his notes to Michael Piller that were published in Piller's book about the making of Insurrection -- I was impressed by how well Stewart knew the character and even specific plot points of obscure episodes and names of characters. In this letter I think he also shows a great deal of self-awareness, tact, and good humor by acknowledging that he might come off as stereotypical, ambitious, Shatner-esque scene-stealer, and he diffuses that with the line "However, it is at least a warning of what happens if you give an actor a day off."

One question: does anyone know what "encounter with the knife wielding gentleman" he was alluding to in the third paragraph of page 2?

A greater physical involvement, where possible. Of course the Captain must not be put at risk, nor should he be treated like a Sevre tea service. I still blush at the memory of my encounter with the knife wielding gentleman last week. Not to disparage my all American buddies but I suspect that, physically, there is little that they can do that I cannot.

Did he get mugged? Or is this referring to a TNG episode?

 

[Ryan Thomas Riddle]

What a fascinating letter! It's a real treat to see more archival material like this shed some light on TNG's evolution. Stewart again confirms what a diligent and insightful student of character and drama he is. I'm reminded of his notes to Michael Piller that were published in Piller's book about the making of Insurrection -- I was impressed by how well Stewart knew the character and even specific plot points of obscure episodes and names of characters. In this letter I think he also shows a great deal of self-awareness, tact, and good humor by acknowledging that he might come off as stereotypical, ambitious, Shatner-esque scene-stealer, and he diffuses that with the line "However, it is at least a warning of what happens if you give an actor a day off."

One question: does anyone know what "encounter with the knife wielding gentleman" he was alluding to in the third paragraph of page 2?

A greater physical involvement, where possible. Of course the Captain must not be put at risk, nor should he be treated like a Sevre tea service. I still blush at the memory of my encounter with the knife wielding gentleman last week. Not to disparage my all American buddies but I suspect that, physically, there is little that they can do that I cannot.

Did he get mugged? Or is this referring to a TNG episode?

I believe Stewart is referring to "Elementary, Dear Data," when the beggar threatens Picard and Data over two pence.

 

[ModusOperandi]

Ah, thank you. That makes sense, as in that scene Picard meekly (though not unwisely) asks Data to deal with the physical threat. See the clip at 34:25. It also first aired on December 5, 1988, which would be about right if it was filmed the week before Stewart's letter of October 27

 

[Tulin]

Was Roddenberry the obstacle?

I am beginning to wonder ...

Which was ironic, considering the man was reportedly a walking sex show!

 

[2takesfrakes]

According to Susan Sackett - his secretary and lover for 17 years - Gene Roddenberry was insatiable. Incorrigible. Unquenchable ...

 

[Jedman67]

I'm not convinced that Riker and Troi hooking up and getting married in Insurrection and Nemesis was the best path for the characters. I would not at all be surprised if they did have a couple of "romantic liaisons" over the course of the series; but not overtly - they used to be a thing, but not anymore.
I always imagine that crusher and picard had been lovers briefly, likely before her marriage to jack. The interaction in Farpoint suggests that she hadn't seen him or wanted to see him since Jack's death. I liked their short-lived marriage in AGT, as it suggests very human relationships. They're too attached too their jobs and too stubborn for anything to work out.