Theres actually a similar story with the fish.
From Memory Alpha:
According to Ronny Cox, Patrick Stewart hated Livingston’s presence in the ready room, and constantly petitioned the producers to remove the fish. Stewart, a strong animal rights advocate who opposes many forms of pet ownership, felt that using a captive animal in an ornamental display was “immoral” and inconsistent with TNG’s core theme of exploring the inherent dignity of different species across the galaxy. Cox, who called Stewart’s point “well taken”, stated that Livingston’s temporary removal in “Chain of Command” was thus a “sort of a bone they threw to Patrick”.
I’ve hated him the moment he changed Troi’s uniform, which was the same episode actually.
The uniform change was either requested by or substantially welcomed by Marina Sirtis, fwiw.
https://screenrant.com/star-trek-tng-troi-no-uniform-why/
Theres actually a similar story with the fish. From Memory Alpha:
Wasn’t aware of that aspect. Thanks.
Wowz that site is a trainwreck on a browser without an adblocker…
Better than the cheerleader look in season 1. Then, for Voyager, she adopted the late DS9 uniform which I think worked.
The charitable interpretation is that the actress and/or the character got more influence/respect as time went on.
The uncharitable, but (considering Rick Berman’s reputation) possibly more accurate interpretation is that she aged out of the ‘Ms. Fanservice’ role.
The hair is also better in the right one.
Finally shed the late 80’s/early 90’s big hair fad.
There are people who didn’t like that change? I appreciated it. Made me wish Jellico had been able to take command of Voyager for an episode.