Why did Picard get promoted to Enterprise?

[Norrin Radd]

Essentially promoted because he got the flagship.

I mean, the whole Stargazer thing wasn't exactly his finest hour...it was destroyed under his watch.

 

[TheGodBen]

Because Commander Adama passed up the opportunity.

 

[Shatmandu]

Essentially promoted because he got the flagship.

I mean, the whole Stargazer thing wasn't exactly his finest hour...it was destroyed under his watch.

He saved his crew by using his wits.

You can win the Indy 500 with your car in pieces, flying upside-down and on fire. As long as you cross the finish line first, you get the milk and the check and the Hawaiian Tropic girl sitting on your face later.

Joe, speeder

 

[captcalhoun]

1. Picard was exonerated of any wrongdoing in the loss of the Stargazer. it wasn't his fault.

2. there were several years between the loss of Stargazer and the launch of E-D. Canonically, we don't know what he was doing then. Maybe it was something that restored any 'loss of prestige' in losing the Stargazer in SF Command's eyes.

 

[The_Beef]

I have kind of wondered this myself. While he may have been found clear of any wrongdoing in the loss of the Stargazer, it is a bit odd that an officer who hadn't held a command in years was suddenly given one of the most prestigious commands in the fleet. My best guess is that he had been very active as a diplomat during this period and this, combined with his (admittedly rusty) record as a starship captain made him a prime choice for the Enterprise's mission, which was supposed to be one of peaceful exploration and first contact. I'm sure there was a fair amount of discussion about it though, and there were probably other, very good candidates. Perhaps his fame for diplomacy made him an excellent symbolic choice, and his prior command just guaranteed that the ship would be in capable hands.

 

[Red Ranger]

I believe there's some speculation in a series of novels -- Lost Era, I think -- about what Picard was doing during the nine years from when he lost Stargazer and when he took command of Enterprise. Haven't read them, but they provide some answers. -- RR

 

[Red Ranger]

Essentially promoted because he got the flagship.

I mean, the whole Stargazer thing wasn't exactly his finest hour...it was destroyed under his watch.

He saved his crew by using his wits.

You can win the Indy 500 with your car in pieces, flying upside-down and on fire. As long as you cross the finish line first, you get the milk and the check and the Hawaiian Tropic girl sitting on your face later.

Joe, speeder

Hawaaiian Tropic girl facesitting! Mmmm! -- RR

 

[EnsignRicky]

'Cause he passed the screen test.

 

[Whoa Nellie]

From early on in TNG, it is insinuated that Picard is a something of a prominent figure in Starfleet. In the first season episode 'The Battle' we are told that the Picard maneuver is required study at Starfleet Academy. Also in that episode LaForge is in awe at actually being on the Stargazer.


Warmest Wishes,
Whoa Nellie

 

[Starbreaker]

Christopher Bennett speculates that Picard did some lecturing and PhD in Archaeology studying before accepting command of the Enterprise. (The Buried Age)

 

[Holdfast]

Picard knows how to schmooze.

Plus, he gave the Admirality the recipe to his aunt's hot milk toddy. That sealed the deal.

 

[Anwar]

I figured he was Admiral Quinn's personal assistant in the years between the Stargazer and the Ent-D.

 

[Bacl]

Picard knows how to schmooze.

Hmmm...why would Picard, an awkward an uncomfortable man, suddenly throw a party? One of the most social events imaginable!

...

It's a trap is why!

Oh, wait, that's Nixon. Same social charisma.

 

[Lt.Cmdr.LaForge]

This is a good question, after first reading I found that I couldn’t actually think why Picard would be promoted after his ‘incident’ on the Star Gazer’. However then I realized the reason Picard is now the Captain of the Enterprise is simply because he is a piece of pure awesomeness. =]

 

[Snaploud]

Christopher Bennett speculates that Picard did some lecturing and PhD in Archaeology studying before accepting command of the Enterprise. (The Buried Age)

He did a lot more for Starfleet in The Buried Age. It's a great book. Highly recommended. [By the way, he never did receive that PhD.]

 

[sbk1234]

Captain Robau wasn't available.

 

[Admiral Buzzkill]

Essentially promoted because he got the flagship.

Diligence and kneepads.

 

[Alpha Romeo]

To THE Enterprise...

 

[Gil T.Azell]

Because he had Polaroids of some high ranking Admirals in compromising positions.

 

[LaBarre]

Because he was the right person at the right time with the right qualifications and the right connections to make him the most suitable of all the candidates put forward.

All that plus a little luck going his way.

At least, that's how it seems to work in real life most of the time.

All that, plus of course the fact that Patrick Stewart had just signed a three year contract with TPTB.