One day you’re minding your business, saving the universe as usual. Next thing you know, you get poisoned and end up turning into Colin Baker.
Or you end up being rescued by your crew and have to go back to being Captain and putting up with your possible illegitimate son who’s annoying and a genius, but you do it because you’re in love with his mom and you feel guilty for killing your friend.
Holy Fuck, I rewatched Farpoint last night and that's exactly what happened. It's all over their faces. It also explains why Picard is uncomfortable with children in general and having the Crushers aboard, and why he makes a special place for Wesley anyway. The Traveller totally knew it too, that's why he told Picard about Wesleys potential instead of telling Beverly.
While we're on the subject of premieres, Caretaker makes it very clear there's not going to be a lot of Starfleet/Maquis tension. They make a big deal about how classy and honourable and normally lawful Chakotay is and how even harmless whitebread Tom Paris was too sketchy for him. (I dunno how Suder got past the interview.)
