“It took two months to really hone and craft that scene, with many different writers,” Matalas reveals. “All of us contributed to it, including Patrick [Stewart] and Gates [McFadden] and Jonathan [Frakes, who directed the episode]. We rehearsed it many times. It was the most difficult scene of the season to get right. But it was important to get it right because it’s a pivotal scene for Jean-Luc and Beverly as characters, Matalas notes: “It needs to do quite a bit. You need to understand his point of view, which is, ‘My God, what have you done?’ And her point of view is, ‘What do you expect me to do?’ By the time she’s finished with the explanation, you need to truly understand why she would do that, and I think Gates’ performance is just phenomenal in that scene. It did get “emotional” on the set while filming the scene as well, Matalas recalls: “Both Patrick and Gates have strong feelings about their characters, and it’s not a traditional Star Trek: The Next Generation scene.” 
— Terry Matalas, on Picard and Crusher's pivotal scene in Episode 3

PATRICK STEWART as JEAN-LUC PICARD
& GATES MCFADDEN as BEVERLY CRUSHER
in STAR TREK: PICARD S03E03 “Seventeen Seconds”

When Jack was on his way, I was terrified. All I knew was if you're the son of Jean-Luc Picard, there's a target on your back. I lost my parents, then a husband, then my son Wesley all to the same stars that own you. As a mother, your whole being is about protecting your child.

PATRICK STEWART as JEAN-LUC PICARD
& GATES MCFADDEN as BEVERLY CRUSHER
in STAR TREK: PICARD S03E03 “Seventeen Seconds”

I think our link is getting stronger. Maybe if we put some distance between us, that might weaken it.

Picard/Crusher

A connection so deep, no words are needed.

Star Trek: The Next Generation / Star Trek: Picard