Rewinding Star Trek: Crusher's Redemption Through Wesley's TNG Turning Point

Article Overview

In the season 4 finale of Star Trek: Lower Decks, Wesley Crusher's character experiences some redemption as he raises concerns about a dangerous maneuver, only to be disregarded.

The deliberate choice to reintroduce Nicholas Locarno instead of Sito Jaxa in the finale was made to preserve the significance of her death and to allow for Lt. Beckett Mariner's character growth.

In the finale of Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4, viewers are taken back to a time before Wesley Crusher's significant mistake at Starfleet Academy in Star Trek: The Next Generation. This flashback provides some redemption for Wesley, as the main storyline focuses on Lieutenant Beckett Mariner stopping Nicholas Locarno, her disgraced former classmate, from using a stolen Ferengi Genesis Device to threaten the United Federation of Planets. However, the episode titled "Old Friends, New Planets" opens with a flashback to happier times at Starfleet for all characters, including Wesley Crusher.

Starting from the

During the initial episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Wesley Crusher, a highly intelligent young boy, often managed to instinctively resolve crises, both captivating and annoying Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) as well as the audience. As time passed, Picard's emotions evolved, eventually leading him to develop a fondness for Wesley. As a result, Wesley was promoted to the position of Acting Ensign and received Picard's support in his endeavor to join Starfleet Academy. Sadly, Wesley did not achieve the desired success at the Academy, disappointing both Picard and his mother, Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden). Wesley's aspirations took a detour when he became involved in a scandal within the prestigious Nova Squadron, where they concealed the accidental death of one of their fellow classmates, Joshua Albert. After confessing to their misdeeds, the blame was solely placed on Nick Locarno, resulting in his expulsion, while Wesley and the others faced the consequences of having their academic records altered.

Towards the conclusion of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Wesley ultimately made the decision to sever ties with Starfleet in order to pursue his true calling as one of the Travelers.

Lower Decks' Flashback To Before TNG "The First Duty" Redeems Wesley Crusher

Wesley tried to be the voice of reason.

The season 4 finale of Star Trek: Lower Decks opens with a flashback to "Starfleet Academy 13 years ago" (2368). This flashback focuses on a young Beckett Mariner, an enthusiastic cadet, who idolizes her friend Sito Jaxa. During their time at Starfleet Academy, Nova Squadron, led by the charismatic Nicholas Locarno, is considered the top group. However, both Joshua Albert and Wesley Crusher express concerns about the dangerous Kolvoord Starburst Maneuver. Wesley even calculates the hours they need to practice in the simulator to ensure safety, but his concerns are disregarded by Locarno. Although Wesley eventually becomes involved in covering up Joshua's death, he did attempt to raise objections and provide evidence, which is somewhat commendable.

Why Lower Decks Bringing Back Star Trek" TNG's Locarno But NOT Sito Was Right

Sito's death has great significance to Star Trek and Mariner.

Nicholas Locarno's revelation as the antagonist in Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4, causing havoc on non-Federation ships and abducting their crews, led some fans to speculate that Ensign Sito Jaxa might still be alive. However, Mike McMahan, the showrunner of Lower Decks, made it clear that resurrecting Sito in 2381 was never part of his plan. According to McMahan, bringing her back to life would be fan service and disrespectful to the impactful storyline. Instead, he believed in utilizing the weight of her death for character development, staying true to the Trek canon.

The story of Locarno in Star Trek: The Next Generation's "The First Duty" remained unfinished, but the death of Sito held great significance for both Star Trek and Lt. Beckett Mariner. This loss had a profound impact on Mariner's Starfleet career, and bringing Sito back would diminish the emotional depth of that moment. Instead, Star Trek: Lower Decks offered TNG fans the opportunity to see Sito, Locarno, and the rest of Nova Squadron before they made the fateful error that shaped their futures. It also highlighted that Wesley Crusher knew what was right, despite making the wrong decision in "The First Duty."

Stream season 4 of Star Trek: Lower Decks on Paramount+.

Editor's P/S

1. Wesley Crusher's Redemption: In the Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4 finale, we witness a glimpse of Wesley Crusher's character during his time at Starfleet Academy. Although Wesley often faced criticism for his know-it-all attitude and questionable decisions, this flashback presents a moment where he demonstrates a sense of responsibility and reason. Wesley's attempt to raise concerns about the dangerous Kolvoord Starburst Maneuver, despite being disregarded by Nicholas Locarno, showcases his growth and maturity. This scene offers a redeeming moment for Wesley, highlighting his potential and redeeming qualities that were sometimes overshadowed in Star Trek: The Next Generation.

2. The Significance of Sito Jaxa's Absence: The decision to feature Nicholas Locarno as the antagonist in Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4, rather than Sito Jaxa, adds depth and significance to the Star Trek universe. Sito's death in Star Trek: The Next Generation had a profound impact on the characters, particularly Beckett Mariner. By choosing not to resurrect Sito, the showrunner, Mike McMahan, respects the emotional weight of her loss and emphasizes its role in shaping Mariner's growth. This narrative choice stays true to the Trek canon and allows for further exploration of the characters' emotional journeys, demonstrating the lasting impact of Sito's absence on the Star Trek universe.