1996's Kirk has "died" more than once in Star Trek, the true demise of Shatner's iconic character comes at the end of Generations, but he still manages to massively influence Captain Picard's arc in the wake of their unexpected meeting.

As the first movie to reunite the Star Trek: The Original Series cast and the show's six sequel movies. Even after their run-in, the matter of who is deemed the "best" captain out of Kirk and Picard is still hotly debated by Trekkies. However, Kirk's heartfelt advice to Picard ensured Stewart's character would continue to be a fitting successor to the captain's chair aboard the USS Enterprise.

Jean-Luc Picard Took Kirk's Advice About Remaining Captain Of The Enterprise From Star Trek: Generations

Picard resisted becoming an iral for a long time

Kirk is revealed in 1979's Star Trek: The Motion Picture to have been promoted to the rank of iral. However, there are several moments in his timeline following this promotion that all but confirm he is dissatisfied with anything other than commanding Starfleet's flagship. One of the most legendary issions of this sentiment comes in Star Trek: Generations, when he tells Captain Picard not to allow himself to be promoted, as remaining on the bridge of the Enterprise is a far more effective way to make a difference.

KIRK: Captain of the Enterprise, huh?

PICARD: That's right.

KIRK: Close to retirement?

PICARD: I'm not planning on it.

KIRK: Let me tell you something. Don't. Don't let them promote you. Don't let them transfer you. Don't let them do anything that takes you off the bridge of that ship, because while you're there, you can make a difference.

Although Picard was ultimately unable or unwilling to follow Kirk's advice too closely, he did at least abide by Shatner's character's general sentiment. After the final Star Trek: The Next Generation movie, Star Trek: Nemesis, Picard was promoted to iral, just like Kirk. Thankfully, Picard wasn't then tied to a desk or destined to a life of paperwork and bureaucracy. Instead, he led the evacuation of Romulus when its sun started going supernova. In short, Picard continued to make a direct impact on the galaxy even as an iral.

Picard's Return To Action In Star Trek: Picard Proved Kirk Was Right All Along

The Enterprise-D returned to the saga along with Picard's former position

Stewart's beloved character begins Star Trek: Picard in retirement, which pretty much goes against everything Kirk told him in Generations. Even so, the legacy sequel show soon corrects that by having iral Picard thrust back into action. Although he doesn't particularly operate through sanctioned Starfleet channels, Picard does at least carry with him Kirk's ethos of making a difference being far more important than anything else. Plus, Picard taking to the bridge of the Enterprise-D for the first time in decades is the perfect way to echo the captains' exchange in Star Trek: Generations.