Unveiling the Mystery: The Enigmatic Starfleet Cadet Nick Locarno from Star Trek: TNG

WARNING: Contains SPOILERS for Star Trek: Lower Decks, Season 4, Episode 9, "The Inner Fight."

Summary

Disgraced former Starfleet Academy Cadet Nick Locarno's comeback has significant consequences for the season 4 finale of Star Trek: Lower Decks. It is uncovered that Locarno, who had been expelled from the Academy for leading a concealed operation, is actually the mastermind behind perplexing assaults targeting species outside the Federation.

The goals of Locarno are uncertain, but he is actively seeking to dismantle the command structures that led to his expulsion. Additionally, there are indications that he may be recruiting a renegade squadron consisting of former Starfleet officers.

The unexpected reappearance of Nick Locarno, the Starfleet Academy cadet who faced disgrace in Star Trek: The Next Generation, holds significant ramifications for the finale of Star Trek: Lower Decks' fourth season. As certain infamous former officers of Star Trek begin disappearing, the crew of the USS Cerritos embarks on a mission to apprehend Locarno and ensure his safety. It is revealed that Locarno has taken on work as a freelance pilot after being expelled, and has unexpectedly drawn the attention of the unidentified antagonist in Lower Decks' fourth season.

A former Starfleet Academy classmate of Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton), Locarno is known for his appearance in "The First Duty," which is regarded as one of Star Trek's most captivating courtroom dramas. Despite being expelled from the Academy in disgrace, Locarno did not make a return, but his portrayer Robert Duncan McNeill later joined Star Trek: Voyager as Lt. Tom Paris. Initially, it was planned for Lt. Tom Paris to be a reformation of Locarno on the USS Voyager; however, producer Jeri Taylor believed that the character's actions in TNG were unforgivable. The recent appearance of Nick Locarno in Star Trek: Lower Decks seems to confirm Taylor's perspective.

Who Is Star Trek: TNG’s Disgraced Starfleet Cadet Nick Locarno?

Cadet First Class Nicholas "Nick" Locarno led the esteemed Nova Squadron, hailed as a mentor, father figure, and closest confidant by Starfleet Academy groundskeeper Boothby (Ray Walston). His leadership commanded such unwavering loyalty that it almost derailed Wesley Crusher's Starfleet journey, as Wesley joined Nick's ill-advised endeavor to execute the treacherously daring Kolvoord Starburst maneuver. With razor-sharp precision piloting as its foundation, this maneuver, if executed flawlessly, would generate a breathtaking exhibition of light, sparked by the ignition of each pilot's plasma trail. However, a single misstep could spell fatal consequences for all participants, ultimately leading to its prohibition by the Academy.

Nick Locarno Is Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 4’s Villain

In a bid to become a legendary graduate of Starfleet Academy, Locarno convinced Nova Squadron, after a century, to attempt a maneuver. Unfortunately, the maneuver went awry, resulting in the death of Cadet Joshua Albert. In an attempt to conceal the truth, Nick orchestrated a cover-up, even going as far as trying to shift blame onto his deceased comrade. This led to an inquiry set up by Captain Jean-Luc Picard (played by Patrick Stewart), where the shocking truth was uncovered. After Picard successfully convinced Wesley to confess their fatal mistake and subsequent cover-up, Nick claimed full responsibility for the actions of Nova Squadron and was subsequently expelled from the Academy.

The cliffhanger ending of Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4, episode 9 unveils the revelation that Nick Locarno is the mastermind behind the enigmatic attacks on non-Federation species. Locarno is responsible for both the design and construction of the mysterious ship, as well as the abduction of crews throughout the quadrant. Although his exact motives remain unclear, the presence of numerous stranded senior officers on Sherbal V signifies his ultimate goal of dismantling the very command structures that led to his expulsion from the Academy.

In the season 4 finale of Star Trek: Lower Decks, Lieutenant Beckett Mariner, played by Tawny Newsome, has been captured. This event will reveal more about the antagonist's plans. The character Nick Locarno hints at his intention to team up with Mariner and cause trouble, indicating the possibility of recruiting a group of former Starfleet officers who operate outside the law. This aligns with the list of rogue agents mentioned by Captain Carol Freeman, portrayed by Dawnn Lewis, in a previous episode. It is worth noting that Thomas Riker, played by Jonathan Frakes and known from Star Trek: The Next Generation, may make a comeback in the season 4 finale of Star Trek: Lower Decks, based on this information.

Don't miss the opportunity to stream the season 4 finale of Star Trek: Lower Decks on Paramount+ on Thursday, November 2nd.