Star Trek's Decision to Not Revive a TNG Character Was Justified
Lower Decks pays homage to a pivotal TNG episode by not resurrecting Ensign Sito, making a respectful decision that beautifully concludes the storyline of 'The First Duty'
WARNING: Contains SPOILERS for the Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4 finale, "Old Friends, New Planets."
Article Overview
Star Trek: Lower Decks respects Ensign Sito Jaxa's honorable sacrifice and seamlessly integrates her memory into Mariner's storyline, effectively shaping her character development and shielding her from Nick Locarno's deceit.
In the finale of Lower Decks, it is made clear that the sacrifice made by Sito Jaxa is both cherished and acknowledged, serving as a lasting influence on the future Starfleet officers. Rather than resurrecting the character, Star Trek: Lower Decks wisely decided not to bring back Ensign Sito Jaxa from Star Trek: The Next Generation. Previous episodes of Lower Decks had hinted at the possibility of Sito's return, as she was portrayed as a contemporary of Beckett Mariner during their time at Starfleet Academy. However, the season 4 finale of Lower Decks does not revive Sito, but instead pays tribute to her significant role in the Star Trek universe.
Star Trek: The Next Generation's Ensign Sito Jaxa met her demise in the episode "Lower Decks," a pivotal moment that greatly influenced Mike McMahan's animated comedy series. The enduring impact of this classic TNG episode on Star Trek: Lower Decks is exemplified through the profound bond shared between Mariner and Sito.
Being a former member of Nova Squadron, Sito had a close association with Nick Locarno (Robert Duncan McNeill), the primary antagonist in season 4 of Lower Decks. Consequently, Sito's character becomes a focal point during the ultimate clash between Mariner and Locarno, their dispute revolving around the profound significance of her sacrifice in TNG.
Lower Decks Didn’t Resurrect Star Trek: TNG’s Ensign Sito & It Was The Right Move
The attempt to bring Sito back for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine was rejected due to concerns about undermining her noble sacrifice. Mike McMahan and the writers of Star Trek: Lower Decks share this sentiment and choose to keep Sito deceased. In fact, the season 4 finale of Lower Decks emphasizes the significance of Sito Jaxa's death by incorporating it heavily into Mariner's character development. By acknowledging that Sito gave her life for a cause she believed in, Mariner remains immune to the manipulation and falsehoods of Nick Locarno.
Lower Decks Closed The Book On Star Trek: TNG’s “The First Duty”
In the Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4 finale, Nick's attempt to use Sito's death as a justification for his actions falls flat. Mariner aptly points out that Nick's anger stems from being expelled from Starfleet Academy due to the Nova Squadron scandal. To emphasize this, the episode "Old Friends, New Planets" begins with a flashback to Starfleet Academy before the tragic incident that took Cadet Joshua Albert's life. This flashback reintroduces Shannon Fill as Sito Jaxa and brings back Wil Wheaton as Wesley Crusher, ultimately revealing the true mastermind behind the fatal Nova Squadron accident.
The season 4 finale of Star Trek: Lower Decks establishes that Sito Jaxa's noble sacrifice is what she is remembered for, rather than her involvement in the cover-up of the Nova Squadron incident. This shows that Sito's actions continue to inspire Mariner, highlighting her enduring influence on the next generation of Star Trek Lower Deckers. Additionally, a flashback sequence at Starfleet Academy reveals that Wesley Crusher, Joshua Albert, and Sito Jaxa all voiced doubts about the banned Kolvoord Starburst maneuver. While Nova Squadron ultimately followed their superior officer's orders, the flashback confirms that the ultimate decision to break regulations was solely made by Nick Locarno.
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The actions taken by various Starfleet officers under the influence of their commanding officers can have significant consequences. The season 4 finale of Star Trek: Lower Decks effectively demonstrates this as it portrays the transformation of Nick Locarno, who, plagued by his damaged ego, becomes a bitter and single-minded villain, rather than someone who made a positive impact. On the other hand, Sito Jaxa manages to move beyond the tragedy of the Nova Squadron incident and finds her rightful place aboard the USS Enterprise-D, where she earns recognition for her achievements. Although her career is unfortunately cut short, her contributions greatly contribute to the development of one of the most beloved characters in modern Star Trek.
All episodes from season 4 of Star Trek: Lower Decks are currently available for streaming on Paramount+.
Editor's P/S
As a passionate Star Trek fan, I have mixed feelings about the decision not to revive Ensign Sito Jaxa in Star Trek: Lower Decks. On the one hand, I understand the desire to respect her sacrifice and keep her memory intact. Sito's death was a powerful moment in Star Trek: The Next Generation, and it would have been difficult to bring her back without undermining that impact.
On the other hand, I also feel like there was an opportunity to explore Sito's character further and give her a more complete story. We only knew her for a single episode in TNG, and there was so much more to learn about her. I would have loved to see her return and interact with the new characters in Lower Decks.
Ultimately, I think the decision not to revive Sito was the right one. It was a respectful way to honor her memory and keep her sacrifice meaningful. However, I still can't help but feel a little disappointed that we didn't get to see more of her.
