Star Trek: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Raffi Musiker

5. What's In A Touch?

The hand holding that launched a thousand ships - Seven and Raffi (Saffi) shared a tender touch in Et In Arcadia Ego, Part 2, one that was inspired by an altogether less tender touch in Stardust City Rag. For the earlier episode, Raffi claps Seven in (stage) handcuffs, with both Hurd and Jeri Ryan feeling there was a spark there.

As the season came to a close, the actors discussed this at length with Michael Chabon, then-showrunner. They decided to add a touch in that scene to introduce the exploration of their romance. As the second season arrived (following the novel Second Self by Dr Una McCormack), Seven and Raffi were a couple. 

Michelle Hurd and Jeri Ryan were keen to show a realistic depiction of the characters' relationship, which included the typical bickering that all couples face. Though, as the third season debuted, it was clear that their relationship had changed.

Hurd spoke at a panel at Calgary Expo about the ending of Picard, and her belief that despite their new roles as Captain and First Officer of the Enterprise-G, Seven and Raffi still love each other. In fact, as Hurd confirmed she told Ryan many times:

You do understand that Raffi loves Seven, period. End of discussion. She will love Seven [until] the end of time.