I firmly believe that Star Trek: Picard’s dig at nepotism in Starfleet shows the controversial side of the illustrious institute

Starfleet Academy in Star Trek is an illustrious institute known for training future officers of the galaxy. The institute has several distinguished alumni, including Captain James T. Kirk (played by William Shatner), Admiral Jean-Luc Picard (played by Patrick Stewart), and Admiral Kathryn Janeway (played by Kate Mulgrew). But it would appear that Starfleet is not all perfect. In Star Trek: Picard Season 3, Jack Crusher (played by Ed Speleers) would lightheartedly refer to nepotism for his speedy training at the Starfleet Academy and earning the rank of Ensign onboard the USS Enterprise-G.

Jack Crusher is the son of Admiral Picard and Admiral Beverly Crusher (played by Gates McFadden). Jack would point out that his rise in Starfleet could have been the result of nepotism, a nod to his influential parents. While the reference to ‘nepotism’ was in passing, it does bring out the possible role of preferential treatment in an organization, which is known for promoting honor and equality.

It is to be noted that Picard does immediately reject his son’s observation and shares that his accelerated training at Starfleet has nothing to do with the family name. But for a training that usually lasts around four years for others, it took him just one year to complete, leaving doubts of credibility in the air.

Jack Crusher’s rise in Star Trek: Picard

One of the more interesting twists in Star Trek: Picard Season 3 was the revelation of Picard and Beverly’s son, Jack Crusher. After the events of Star Trek: Nemesis, Beverly and Picard had spent their shore leave on the planet Casperia Prime. Beverly had gotten pregnant but did not reveal the news to Picard, who continued on his mission across the galaxy.

Beverly kept her son away from Picard’s challenging work life and raised Jack by herself. When Picard learns about his son, he is overwhelmed. There is an anxious energy every time Picard and Jack interact, showcasing the distance between the father and son. In Star Trek: Picard Season 3, episode 9 titled ‘Vox’, Jack is revealed to have inherited Borg DNA from Picard, who was assimilated by the alien entity in The Next Generation and was referred to as ‘Locutus of Borg’ in that role.

Jack would try to stop the Borg Queen (played by Alice Krige), but fails to do so. She assimilates him, and he takes on the role of ‘Vox of Borg’. Picard attempts to reach out to Jack and ends up assimilating himself. Picard would share that he wants to have a relationship with his son. Jack would come out of the Borg Collective and help destroy the Borg Cube.

The final moments of the season finale of Star Trek: Picard, titled ‘The Last Generation’, take a one-year jump. We learn that Jack has gone through an accelerated training program at the Starfleet Academy, which typically takes about four years for most people. And also earns the rank of Ensign on USS Enterprise -G with Captain Seven of Nine (played by Jeri Ryan) at the helm. Jack is appointed as the special counselor to the captain.

During an interaction with his parents, Jack would make a tongue-in-cheek reference to his influential family's part in his speedy training at the Starfleet Academy. Beverly says,

“For Starfleet to put you on such an acceleration track, trust me, it’s an honor.’

To which Jack will teasingly state,

‘Or nepotism…I think the family name might’ve helped just a touch.’

But Picard immediately dismisses the idea. He says,

‘Names mean almost nothing. This is all you, son.’

Picard makes it clear that even though Jack thinks his Starfleet ascent is due to nepotism, it is in fact because of his own abilities. But as a son of two Admirals, the notion cannot be dismissed quickly. It also helps that Picard is the Chancellor of the Starfleet Academy. Nepotism or not, the subject brings out a side of Starfleet that was never seen before.

With the new show Star Trek: Starfleet Academy on Paramount+ in the making, it would be interesting to see if the franchise addresses the ‘accelerated training’ subject again.

Watch Star Trek: Picard on Paramount+

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