Why Wasn’t the Intruder Made Commander in 'Star Trek: The Next Generation'?

One of the constant discussions and debates in 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' surrounds the episode 'Conundrum,' where an intruder attempts to take over the command of the starship Enterprise by suppressing the memories of the crew. The question often arises, why wasn’t the intruder made the commander of the Enterprise instead of the First Officer, Commander Riker? This article will delve into the reasoning behind this choice, explore thematic elements, and discuss the implications of such a scenario.

The Crew's Trust and Hierarchy

In Conundrum, the intruder faced a significant challenge in gaining control of the ship. Had he been made the commander of the Enterprise, it would have immediately drawn the attention and resistance from the crew. The episode showcases the inherent trust the crew has in Commander Riker. Even without their memories, the crew trusts Riker due to their established hierarchical relationships and trust in his abilities.

The intruder’s plan hinged on subtle manipulation without raising suspicion. By positioning himself as a subordinate, he could more easily control the situation and exploit the crew's confusion. This strategic placement allowed him to maintain a level of authority while maneuvering behind the scenes. Had he been made captain, it would have become evident that he lacked the necessary knowledge and experience to command the ship effectively, leading to his immediate dismissal or identification.

Covering Operations and Technological Superiority

The opaque nature of the Satarrans' technology, which only suppressed personal memories without losing functional knowledge, added layers of complexity to the episode. However, what if the device had failed, or if other unforeseen circumstances had arisen? Here are a few thought experiments:

What If the Memory-Modifying Device Failed?

If the memory-erasing device had failed, and the crew remembered who Captain Picard was, the entire plan would have been foiled. The first step in such a scenario would be for each person to assess their abilities. With this knowledge, they would quickly realize that the intruder lacked the necessary skills to command the ship. This would lead to immediate suspicion and resistance.

What If Another Vessel Contacted the Enterprise?

Imagine if another Starfleet vessel contacted the Enterprise, and it was commanded by an Academy classmate of Picard. This would also present a significant challenge, as the crew would recognize the familiar leadership style of their former colleague. Such a scenario would have raised immediate red flags and diminished the intruder's effectiveness.

What If the Weapon Had No Effect?

Consider a scenario where the weapon had no effect, and the crew heard Picard demanding, "Who the bloody hell are you?" The same reasoning applies here: the intruder's lack of functional knowledge on the ship would be immediately apparent, leading to his exposure and removal from command.

The Strategic Position of the First Officer

The position of First Officer is optimal for covert operations due to its balance of power and discretion. Commander Riker, as the First Officer, is high enough on the chain of command to direct the Enterprise towards its target while maintaining sufficient cover to avoid detection. Additionally, his position allows him to identify and neutralize potential threats to his operation, such as Dr. Crusher's efforts to restore memories.

If MacDuff, the intruder, had attempted to make himself captain, it would have been highly suspicious. He would have lacked the essential knowledge and skills required to command the ship effectively, leading to rapid recognition and resistance from the crew. Riker's suspicion would have been even more acute, as he would have questioned why the intruder, with no knowledge of the ship, would suddenly claim captaincy.

Concluding Thoughts

The choice to make the intruder the First Officer rather than the commander of the Enterprise was a strategic decision that balanced the need for secrecy with the practical realities of command. The episode explores themes of trust, technology, and the importance of established hierarchies in maintaining order and security within a starship.

As with many aspects of 'Star Trek: The Next Generation,' the episode 'Conundrum' raises intriguing questions and thought experiments that engage fans in deep discussions and debates. These discussions enhance the overall experience of watching the show and foster a greater appreciation for its complex characters and plot devices.