In a particularly emotional moment during the production of “Star Trek: Nemesis,” Patrick Stewart found himself in tears to the extent that it unsettled the crew. This film was a significant chapter, signaling the culmination of the “Star Trek: The Next Generation” saga. The narrative brought substantial transformations for beloved characters and was rife with poignant farewells. It opened on a high note with the wedding of Will Riker and Deanna Troi, establishing a romantic thread that had lingered since the franchise’s inception in 1987. Riker was finally stepping into a captaincy, taking charge of the U.S.S. Titan, but this film would also showcase his farewells as he faced his final mission aboard the Enterprise.
The climax of “Nemesis” was nothing short of heartbreaking. Captain Picard found himself trapped on a Romulan ship, while the Enterprise faced impending destruction in battle. In a hero’s act, Data bravely maneuvered through space to rescue Picard, sacrificing himself to save the crew. This film stood out for its somber tone, with more fatalities than any other “Next Generation” installment. After the chaos subsided, the remaining crew gathered to honor Data’s life, sharing a glass of wine in a touching tribute.
The final scene that left a lasting impact on Stewart was a farewell between Riker and Picard. As they exchanged heartfelt sentiments in the captain’s ready room, both actors struggled to maintain their composure. Riker expressed the honor of serving alongside Picard, to which Picard responded, “The honor was mine.” It was a moment thick with nostalgia and emotion.
In “The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years: From The Next Generation to J. J. Abrams,” it’s revealed that Stewart found the filming of this scene particularly challenging. Knowing it could be one of their last interactions, a flood of memories from their 15-year journey together washed over him, resulting in an overwhelming emotional response that left him visibly distressed. Stewart openly admitted to breaking down on set, crying loudly and drawing concern from the crew. Some crew members even speculated whether he had been drinking.
The on-screen camaraderie between the characters paralleled the real-life bond between Stewart and Jonathan Frakes, who portrayed Riker. Their close friendship developed over years of collaboration, which made the goodbye all the more poignant for Stewart. He recalled collapsing into Frakes’ arms, feeling utterly exposed. “In that moment, everything coalesced; the feelings I had for these people over the years. Saying goodbye was terrifying and agonizing for me,” he reflected.
Though “Nemesis” didn’t garner critical acclaim, it closed a chapter for the franchise that many assumed would be permanent. In 2005, following the cancellation of “Star Trek: Enterprise,” it appeared that “Star Trek” had reached its conclusion. However, Stewart and Frakes found a reunion of sorts in the revival series “Star Trek: Picard,” which premiered in 2020. Season 3 brought back much of the original cast for one last adventure, allowing Stewart to relive those cherished connections, albeit with the lingering weight of saying goodbye once more. As fans hope for future gatherings, only time will tell if the stars align for yet another reunion.
