Episode Discussion: Chain of Command Parts 1 and 2

[Graham Kennedy]

It's established that Riker can fly, but I don't think it's ever before or since been established that he is some great hotshot pilot, let alone the best on the ship. The writers kind of dropped that out of nowhere to force Jellico to go ask him to do the mission.

[Capt. Jethro]

I really didn't care for Jellico, his command style isn't the type I would like to serve under. Riker described him perfectly prior to his volunteering for the shuttle run. But I will say the character did get things done.

Great episode, and excellent acting by Stewart during the interrogation scenes. One of his bests.

[Deepcrush]

The only problem with Jellico is he was a soldier born and bred, not a UFP pussy. Other then his begging Riker to fly the mission, his command style was just how it should have been.

[kostmayer]

I think him asking Riker to fly the mission was his best moment myself - if Riker was the best man, even if by a fraction, then he should have been the one to fly the mission. It was a high risk mission, with very high stakes.

[Deepcrush]

Then it should have been an order. No CO should ever have to ask his men to do anything. You know the job, you know the risks, you signed the dotted line. Do the job or go to the brig. The whole "God Riker" thing was just bullshit.

[Capt. Jethro]

I think him asking Riker to fly the mission was his best moment myself - if Riker was the best man, even if by a fraction, then he should have been the one to fly the mission. It was a high risk mission, with very high stakes.

Then it should have been an order. No CO should ever have to ask his men to do anything. You know the job, you know the risks, you signed the dotted line. Do the job or go to the brig. The whole "God Riker" thing was just bullshit.

A sign of a good commander is to use any source available to you in order to get the job done. To get Riker to 'volunteer' I think that was Jellico's only way to try and somewhat heal things between him and Riker, but it was never gonna be a love fest.

Both characters were professionals, albeit with different styles of command.

[Deepcrush]

A sign of a good commander is to use any source available to you in order to get the job done. To get Riker to 'volunteer' I think that was Jellico's only way to try and somewhat heal things between him and Riker, but it was never gonna be a love fest.

Both characters were professionals, albeit with different styles of command.

Riker did volunteer, the day he enlisted. The only healing that should have been needed was Rikers sore ass from riding a prison transport back to Earth. The ep was great until they had Riker take the bullshit morale high ground because he betrayed his command...

[Mikey]

Like I said, OOU the scene was supposed to represent some nebulous moral victory on Riker's part in getting Jellico to ask, rather than order. In reality, it just made Riker look like both an insubordinate ass and a petulant child.

[Sionnach Glic]

Indeed, the whole thing was ridiculous. Captains order people to do things, not ask nicely.

[RK_Striker_JK_5]

I don't have much to add except I agree with you all. Riker was a pompous ass here.

[kostmayer]

Jellico lost his temper and relieved Riker of duty. I think asking him to fly the mission rather then ordering was the right thing to do.

[Mark]

But why? Jellico was the Captain, and they were engaged in what seemed like it was about to become a battlezone. Jellico comes up with a plan to save Starfleet lives, and Riker digs his heels in and says "Ask me nicely"? Nice command candidate there.

[Aaron]

Jellico lost his temper and relieved Riker of duty. I think asking him to fly the mission rather then ordering was the right thing to do.

Uh, he could just reinstate him and send him on the mission.

Mind you the whole concept was absolutely retarded, you have a ship with over a 1000 people on board and you don't have anyone who's job it is to fly shuttles and it just so happens that Riker (who we rarely see pilot one) is the best.

That's like having the Captain of a CVN driving around an F-14, despite having a whole Air Wing.

But why? Jellico was the Captain, and they were engaged in what seemed like it was about to become a battlezone. Jellico comes up with a plan to save Starfleet lives, and Riker digs his heels in and says "Ask me nicely"? Nice command candidate there.

Considering that Worf's chances for higher command were killed because he opted to save his wife's life rather then finish the mission, Riker should have had similar repercussions or cashiered.

[Capt. Jethro]

I don't have much to add except I agree with you all. Riker was a pompous ass here.

Drama, can't have space battles with the Cardies without drama. Draws chicks to the show.

[Aaron]

Yup, nothing sexier then a fat bearded git with a large ego.