Unveiling the Dichotomy: Exploring the Contrast Between Robert Duncan McNeill's 2 Star Trek Characters
Exploring the Distinctiveness of Tom Paris & Nick Locarno: Lower Decks Sheds Light on Their Star Trek Roles
Article Overview
Tom Paris and Nick Locarno may look alike since they were played by the same actor, but they are completely different characters with different storylines.
Tom Paris experienced a redemption journey throughout his time in Star Trek: Voyager, whereas Nick Locarno took a darker path and evolved into a villain during season 4 of Star Trek: Lower Decks. The utilization of these two characters in the animated comedy underscores their contrasting roles and highlights their unique qualities.
Star Trek: Lower Decks creator and showrunner, Mike McMahan, provides insight into the contrasting characters of Robert Duncan McNeill in Star Trek: Voyager. McMahan explains that while Lieutenant Tom Paris served as the helmsman on the USS Voyager during its journey back to Earth, Nicholas Locarno, a disgraced former Starfleet Cadet, becomes the primary antagonist in Season 4 of Lower Decks. In an exclusive interview with Our website, McMahan discusses the clever comedic reference in the finale regarding the similarities between Paris and Locarno, offering his perspective on the characters and explaining why Nick ultimately becomes a villain.
How Tom Paris & Nick Locarno Were Featured On Star Trek: Lower Decks
They possess striking dissimilarities. Exceptionally distinct individuals. Completely disparate. No resemblance... Acknowledging this was also beneficial to me since Locarno serves as our con, you know? He's a recurring character who resurfaces decades later for a much bigger cinematic twist... However, we have Tom Paris. From a narrative and structural standpoint, he undergoes a redemption arc. Therefore, we have already witnessed a redemption arc for a Starfleet character of this nature, magnificently portrayed by the same actor, Robbie, who is a pleasure to collaborate with. And because we have already witnessed this, because Tom Paris provides us with that, I felt comfortable exploring a different storyline for Locarno, one that plays with a similar opening but doesn't incorporate the same lessons.
Paris and Locarno are totally different guys used in totally different ways.
The animated comedy series Star Trek: Lower Decks features both of Robert Duncan McNeill's Star Trek characters, but their roles highlight the distinct differences between Lt. Tom Paris and Nick Locarno. Despite sharing the same actor and identical faces - much to the amusement of Lt. Brad Boimler who "fails" to notice - Paris is portrayed as a heroic figure in the Season 2 episode "We'll Always Have Tom Paris." Bradward eagerly anticipates getting Tom's signature on his collector's plate, only to have Paris mistake him for a Kazon and launch an attack, unaware of Boimler's disheveled appearance.
The initial plan to include Nicholas Locarno in Star Trek: Voyager was abandoned in favor of introducing a new character, Lt. Tom Paris, portrayed by Robert Duncan McNeill.
Unlike Tom Paris, Nick Locarno did not experience the redemption journey showcased in Star Trek: Voyager. Following his expulsion from Starfleet Academy for concealing the death of his fellow Nova Squadron member, Joshua Albert, Locarno sought revenge against Starfleet. Nick boasted about liberating fellow Lower Deckers from their superiors and challenging Starfleet authority, but ultimately he proved to be just another deranged individual plotting to use a destructive device to achieve his aims. In addition to their physical resemblance, Star Trek: Lower Decks vividly highlights the distinct dissimilarities between Nicholas Locarno and Tom Paris.
Star Trek: Lower Decks and Star Trek: Voyager are available to stream on Paramount+.
Editor's P/S
As an ardent Star Trek fan, I find it fascinating to delve into the contrasting roles portrayed by Robert Duncan McNeill in the Star Trek universe. In Star Trek: Voyager, McNeill portrays Tom Paris, a character who embarks on a redemptive journey. However, in Star Trek: Lower Decks, he takes on the role of Nick Locarno, a character who descends into villainy. This dichotomy presents an intriguing exploration of the human condition, showcasing the potential for both redemption and downfall.
The character of Tom Paris in Star Trek: Voyager undergoes a significant transformation throughout the series. Initially introduced as a rebellious and somewhat reckless individual, Paris gradually evolves into a responsible and reliable member of the Voyager crew. His journey is one of self-discovery and growth, as he comes to terms with his past mistakes and strives to become a better person. The redemption arc of Tom Paris is a testament to the power of second chances and the human capacity for change.
