This episode isn't really about a love story or romance. It's called "Lessons" for a reason.
It's about a conflict of interest - having to choose between opposing loyalties. The love interest is simply one of the two loyalties. The other, we are well aware of - his role as a star-fleet captain. The concept is explored repeatedly with Picard's conversation with Troy, then Riker, then Nalla, culminating in the realization that his position will inevitably require him to put someone he loves in danger.
The "Lesson" is that, sometimes, life makes us choose between two opposing needs and we can't always have it all.
Life requires choices and those choices have consequences. THAT, is the whole point of this episode.
On a different note, has anyone ever explained why they chose an actress who resembled Gates McFadden? Was it because it made it more powerful and believable that Picard would be attracted to her?
It's about a conflict of interest - having to choose between opposing loyalties. The love interest is simply one of the two loyalties. The other, we are well aware of - his role as a star-fleet captain. The concept is explored repeatedly with Picard's conversation with Troy, then Riker, then Nalla, culminating in the realization that his position will inevitably require him to put someone he loves in danger.
The "Lesson" is that, sometimes, life makes us choose between two opposing needs and we can't always have it all.
Life requires choices and those choices have consequences. THAT, is the whole point of this episode.
On a different note, has anyone ever explained why they chose an actress who resembled Gates McFadden? Was it because it made it more powerful and believable that Picard would be attracted to her?