SFDebris: Chain of Command

[Captain Seafort]

Part 1 of 3

Good start from Chuck, and I get the impression that he likes Jellico. I take issue, however, with his assertion that Riker could have reasonably expected to take command of the E-D, and that he did as he was told regarding the change of shift pattern. In the former case, the episode is set about a month and a half after he lost the ship to a bunch of Ferengi, which would naturally cast doubt on his ability to take on a Cardassian battle group, and in the latter he left the shifts as they were, without informing Jellico, while continuing to argue the toss. It's hardly surprising that both Necheyev and Jellico stomped on him.

[Teaos]

I also think the E-D is a special ship and not something to be given to someone fresh to the Captains chair.

[kostmayer]

I always liked Jellico. Well, perhaps liked is the wrong word, but I don't think he deserved the disdain he got from Riker.

Jellico might have done things differently to how Riker wanted, but he was bought in specifically because of his experience in handling the Cardassians, which served him well. Heartless as it may sound, his decision not to acknowledge the covert mission into Cardassian territory was the correct one. Jellico not only averted war and a huge embarassment for the Federation, but he still managed to secure Picards release.

Has to be one of my fave episodes though. Patrick Stewart and David Warners scenes were compelling. And just when you think the episode has gone the usual route of having the hero hold out under questioning, Picard admits to Troi that he was infact on the verge of breaking.

[GrahamKennedy]

Whether Riker did deserve the command or not, I think it's probably fair to say that he felt that he deserved it. It's very easy and very human to kid yourself into thinking that you deserve the things you badly want.

[Captain Seafort]

Whether Riker did deserve the command or not, I think it's probably fair to say that he felt that he deserved it. It's very easy and very human to kid yourself into thinking that you deserve the things you badly want.

Sure - my objection was to the way Chuck phrased his description of the situation, by implying that Riker not only felt he deserved the command, but was justified in in belief.

[GrahamKennedy]

Well, he is depicted as something of a "star officer" in Starfleets eyes, too. The man who beat the Borg and all that - Shelby stated that he'd basically have his pick of any job he wanted after that, and Chain of Command was only a couple of years later.

[Mikey]

Personally, I don't have an issue with Riker feeling like he should have been given the E-D... my issue was with the bad attitude he displayed to the man who was given the E-D; which man commensurately was Riker's CO, no matter how Riker felt about the decision.

[Captain Seafort]

Part 2 up

Definitely weaker than part 1 I think, but that might simply be the issue that middle parts of trilogies often have.

[Tyyr]

Oh, something to watch tonight. I'm coming to find I care a lot more about new episodes of things like this coming up more than almost anything on TV save something like Walking Dead.

[Captain Seafort]

Part 3 up

I'm happy to report that the slight jitters were indeed down to it being the middle part of a trilogy. There are a few bits of interpretation that I disagree with - mainly regarding Riker. I think the difference is mainly one of Riker focusing on the individual (and his friend) rather than the mission as Jellico is, rather than simply being childish, and I still disagree with the notion that Riker could have reasonably expected to be given the centre seat, but overall I think this is one of Chuck's best reviews. Not quite up to TWoK standards, but very good nonetheless.

[Tyyr]

Well it's partly source material. Things like this and TWoK give you plenty of serious things to dig into and disect. Something like your average Voyager episode just exists to be mocked. Chuck's got some serious talent for indepth reviewing of things and a good comedic bent. It make me wonder if he could do this in a more professional capacity beyond just web show.