The First Duty

DVD, TNG S5 (The First Duty)

Doing the right thing, that's what this is all about, but in addition to that, it's Wesley's Big Academy Episode. I'm sure everyone that had seen the series from the beginning, had watched Wesley's progression from genius child to an acting ensign, wanted to see Starfleet Academy, and though I never liked the idea of a film or series based on that institution, I would still have to admit that this is the greatest piece of evidence in such a production's favour. It isn't exactly the kind of story that might have been expected, but it does have some elements of nostalgia towards the days of studying and learning, while presenting our first real view of the famous Academy from which all our Starfleet heroes grew.

The biggest surprise for anyone that isn't in the know, is seeing the spitting image of Tom Paris appear in Wes' doorway, and for his story and character to so mirror Mr. Paris' own. This is because Nick Locarno was originally to have been a crossover character to 'Voyager' as a link back to 'TNG,' though for reasons I can't remember they chose to keep the actor, but change his name and exact background. In a small way there was a certain nobility to Locarno. Though he caused the trouble, and he was right to say it was his influence that made the other team members attempt the Starburst manoeuvre and not reveal everything that led to the fatal crash, he also did what he said he'd do by protecting the other cadets and sacrificing his career. Perhaps it was guilt that made him do that, or perhaps it was the only point he had left to make, but he did it though the other cadets should have been punished for ignoring their own free will and making their choices.

Two other characters that would go on to reappear in the Trek mythos were Sito Jaxa, the Bajoran member of Nova Squadron, though hers would be a tragic return, and the famous Boothby, played by the great Ray Walston. His scenes with Picard are some of the most enjoyable, a link back to the reminiscences the Captain and his senior staff indulged in at the start of the episode, remembering Academy days. Boothby had been mentioned before as an important figure in cadet Picard's life so it's wonderful to see him still going about his business. I thought there was a scene where Wesley was given good advice by Boothby, but I was mistaken, we don't see them together at all. Surprisingly, it wasn't to be 'TNG' in which the Groundskeeper would be seen again, but 'Star Trek: Voyager,' in a recreation of Starfleet Academy in the Delta Quadrant. If you want to know the hows and whys, you should watch the series. He actually appeared again in a Chakotay episode, even more unexpectedly.

The main characters weren't integrated much into this story, but it's good to get out and use other familiar faces now and then, and the Enterprise returning to Earth is always cause for celebration. If such added complications hadn't taken away from the central core of the episode, I'd have liked to have seen other members of the crew's family that we know are on Earth, such as Robert Picard, or Worf's adopted parents. The moral issues of peer pressure and sins of omission were rightly the central focus, and though we should expect Wesley to face up to his duty, the first duty to the truth, it remains gut-wrenching and relieving when he does. One of the hardest scenes is when the dead cadet's Father comes to Wesley and apologises for his son's mistake and Wes doesn't reveal that it wasn't the son's fault. Some little trivia can be gleaned from Wes' quarters - a model of the original Enterprise NCC-1701, and what looks like a long-necked microphone which I recognise from the opening conference table in 'Star Trek VI.'

It doesn't end with a happy scene of Wes sending the crew on their way, but sternly with Picard. It wouldn't have worked having Dr. Crusher say goodbye or Picard say how proud he was that Wes came to the right decision because of what Wes had done, and it makes you wonder if he'd be welcome back on the Enterprise again. But you wonder only for a short while because they're his friends and colleagues and they'd love to have him back. There is something in this series of events that proves positive - it shows Wesley is a rounded person and that even prodigies can make the gravest of errors: Wesley's human after all.

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