Rigel Article

Pavel Chekov first appeared among the Bridge crew of the Enterprise in Star Trek's second season. The Star Trek Guide outlined Chekov as "reliable and dependable, with a good head on his shoulders in spite of his youth." He was one of the few minor characters given adequate (if not overwhelming) screen time to live up to his description, surviving despite the rigors of Starfleet and fickle television rating systems.

Chekov was born to a middle-class family near Moscow and is an only child ("Day of the Dove"). He has apparently always been their "nice boy," the one who still cries after receiving his mother's proud letters and fruitcakes. Thus he was well prepared to assume the pecking-order position (vacated by fellow youngster Janice Rand) of "the Bridge baby." He bears the common burden of youth: no respect. He lacks maturity, so he will be made better by being watched, bothered, and left behind. He has talent but is too green to understand it. If he does a job right, another person receives credit. And if he does something wrong...

He is introduced in "Amok Time," but his earliest filmed episode was "Who Mourns for Adonais." And according to Khan Noonian Singh, Chekov was around as early as "Space Seed." This identification must be accurate. The Enterprise was alone in 'Space Seed," and no ship visited Ceti Alpha V thereafter. Chekov was indeed aboard the Enterprise at that time or they never would have met. Chekov was already twenty-two by the time of "Who Mourns For Adonais?", so he could have graduated from the Academy early.

However, raw genius alone cannot earn a starting position on Kirk's "crisis bridge" team. Kirk requires additional on-the-job training for rookies and transfers, which is why he has the finest ships in the fleet. He required it of Sulu and Uhura sometime between "Where No Man has Gone Before" and "The Man Trap." For everyday duties such as navigation, the training period is brief. But Chekov has been personally groomed by Spock to be the backup Science Officer. Because Spock is the best Science Officer in the fleet, it is entirely reasonable that it took Chekov a year of training (In one of the two (eight-hour) or three (six-hour) off-shifts on the Bridge) before he was allowed to relieve Spock of the position. In an emergency he would be in charge of auxiliary control. He was also never seen off-duty because he was up to his eyeballs in "homework." (Obviously, Spock learned his teaching methods from his mother.)

There's no question Pavel learned his lessons well. As Kirk said in "The Ultimate Computer," "Chekov could do his job with his eyes closed." There are days when Spock is not even missed. Chekov adopted the science duties with complete confidence in "Catspaw," "The Immunity Syndrome," "Friday's Child," and 'The Enterprise Incident," to name just a few.

He is equally skilled on ground assignment, as in "Who Mourns For Adonais?" This show in particular emphasizes Chekov's logic and talent. (He didn't scream, either.) First, he made the connection between Apollo and his mechanical energy source. Second, he volunteered himself into danger to protect his superiors. Third, his task was complicated by the fact that no one, especially Scotty, did anything useful.

And fourth, Chekov was probably scared to death. Apollo had threatened several times to kill the landing party. (And the crew. as well; the ship could not be contacted, so how could anyone know he had not already done so?) Until the final commercial, it looked like Chekov was on his own - he would have to destroy Apollo himself. Now, logically, the expendable ensign should have been the one to bear the brunt of Apollo's anger. Chekov tried to point this out to Kirk, and encountered Kirk's actual modus operandi: "If I don't do it, it isn't done right." The captain is willing to die to prove his point. So although Chekov was presented well in "Who Mourns?", it is a shame that he looked so good only because everyone else did so badly.

Although Chekov was never intended to make his screen debut in "Amok Time," the episode is an indication of things to come. One of his first lines is the eloquent, "I think I'm going to get spacesick." Don't doubt it - Chekov is forever falling victim to the malice of man and nature. He is first to become ill in "The Immunity Syndrome," "The Tholian Web," and "Day of the Dove." A particularly painful moment is the bewildered, trusting expression on his face just before the coldhearted Kelvans evaporate him into a teething toy.

It has been truthfully said that if McCoy is loose when the action starts moving, he is going to get clobbered. But it's even worse for Chekov, who is frankly expendable in story terms, regardless of how popular he became. Now and then a writer may generously nail both of them, as in "The Deadly Years." (Chekov was spared from deadly radiation so that McCoy could pull him into taffy in Sickbay, instead.) This is not the only similarity between Chekov and a major character. His struggling imitation of Spock is obvious. but as a person he is much like his other heroes, McCoy and Kirk.

McCoy has been called the embodiment of that chaotic element, emotion. Chekov is even more emotional; his spirit is young and not yet very organized. McCoy has the advantage of maturity and a stable career, plus self-control which, admittedly, he doesn't always use. He has come to an age and viewpoint that enable him to channel emotions to definite goals.

Chekov cannot do even this much; and the only thing he's learned so far is that when he acts like Dr. McCoy, either the enemy or the boss whales the tar out of him. Maybe McCoy torments Chekov, not because he objects to his exposure to Spock, but because he reminds the doctor of himself in younger days.

The education of the ensign must be an interesting hobby for his stern tutor, Spock. When Chekov is feeling logical, he drives even McCoy nuts. Yet Chekov is hopelessly emotional, by Vulcan standards a lost cause. It must please Spock no end that someone even worse off than McCoy is being successfully "rehabilitated."

In the long run, though, Pavel is much more like Jim Kirk. They share a particularly fascinating problem: a powerful love/ hate relationship with authority and The Job.

Kirk's contempt for Headquarters and Federation bureaucrats is well known. When he encounters an alien race, he educates them until they suit him. He takes badly to a power that proves stronger and/or more ethical than he is. Kirk must be in charge; he craves power, and with a starship at his command, he usually gets it. This is when he loves his job. But there are days when things do not go his way. Perhaps he has orders he does not want, or his friends are mad at him for doing something stupid. Some nights he lies awake hating the long hours and missing the loving women and happy homes he's thrown away. At such times, he hates his job. He does not quite know how to solve his problem, but when presented with a solution, he cannot go through with it.

Apply this to Ensign Chekov. Pavel is proud to have an envied posting on the heroic Enterprise. The work is stimulating, his folks adore him, outer space is breathtaking, and the people are the best. At times he feels the invincible, "what, me worry?" life is upon him ("The Apple," "Friday's Child"). He enjoys the company of Sulu the gossip and Uhura the big spender. And Chekov's favorite commander has got to be Scotty. Scotty is a party on leg - for instance, he starts bar fights with Klingons. But the best thing about Scotty is that he lets Chekov work in peace. He doesn't do babysitting. If Kirk lets Chekov on his Bridge, the fellow must know his job. Scotty (gasp!) respects Chekov. So do Uhura and Sulu. Their support is his only comfort.

However, a disturbing thought must occasionally cross his mind: Is it better to be highly regarded on a mediocre cruiser led by nobodies, or to just be nobody on the Enterprise?

Is "just being there" worth all the baiting and condescension? What reward has he gotten so far for his hard work? He is afraid of the kind of "blood brother" friendship that Kirk has with Spock and McCoy, so he doesn't open up to anyone. Oh, Uhura and Sulu seem to like him, but they probably just feel sorry for him. He is, after all, their inferior. Kirk and Spock have told him so. Everyone he works with is in the chain of command - how important could the pressures on a mere ensign be? If Uhura is as calm as Spock and Sulu never takes that blasted grin off his face, then what could his "friends" know about loneliness? He is frankly afraid of them. Even the temporary help, like DeSalle of "Catspaw," treat Chekov as if all he really needs is a bottle and a diaper. As for Kirk or Spock, Chekov seems resigned to his belief that he will never please them, and resigned to their belief that they are doing him a favor by teaching him patience. He bottles up his feelings too often, hoping to please them, but he ends up hating them and himself. He can't even attract female companions, with the dubious exceptions of yeomen, security, or some alien's leftovers. Is it any wonder he fights Spock ("The Tholian Web"), Kirk ("The Children Shall Lead"), and the Klingons (any opportunity) so fervently?

An excellent example of the contrary Kirk/Chekov relationship can be seen in "The Trouble With Tribbles." After a minor error draws a lecture, the friendly captain informs the ensign that his memory stinks. ("Ivan Burkov/John Burke" obviously was, like "Jeanne d'Arc/Joan of Arc," common in American text-books, a convenience of the Russian translator, and no excuse for Kirk's bad manners.) Later, when the Klingons insult Kirk, Chekov is the first (and only) one who defends him. Scotty holds back because Kirk isn't worth the trouble. But when the captain lines up the transgressors, he first blames loyal old Pavel for starting the fight. Nice guy, huh?

"The Gamesters of Triskelion" were obviously aware of Chekov's suppressed anger. If they could tap and channel that aggression, they could have a truly brilliant gladiator, one who might even defeat Kirk someday. They selected him out of a crew of 430 capable crewmembers, gave him a woman of his very own, and severely punished his uncooperative boss. If Chekov really hates the service, this should have been enough to win him over.

It is not. The military may stink, but it does issue paychecks, promotions, and doors that lock from the inside. One of the reasons Kirk seems to like Chekov so is that the ensign has a short memory. They decide to escape.

Chekov has an amusing relationship with his woman, Tamoon. She seems a nice enough young gladiator, but she's not his type. He does not like her any more than he does captivity, but he doesn't take it out on her. He never lied to her, and he made a point of politely tying her up during his escape attempt. (Kirk, however, cracked Shahna's jaw.) Chekov also didn't care for Sylvia ("Spectre of the Gun"), but he defended her to the death. it is Chekov, not Kirk, who "doesn't go around beating up beautiful women." True, Chekov isn't much exposed to beautiful women. But he will defend himself.

This incident was still not enough to resolve his love/hate problem with authority. By the time of "The Children Shall Lead," it was once again volatile enough to become dangerous. This "beast" was ideal for Gorgan's plans, which require getting rid of the meddlesome Kirk and Spock. Chekov has heard from Starfleet Command, he says, and the Captain and First Officer are to be arrested. It is something he has always fantasized about doing. If only, just this once, he could g et back at them! Never again would he feel inferior or intimidated; now someone would respect his abilities and needs. To his credit, Chekov admits that he does not wish to kill them, although he will if he must. If anyone on the Enterprise has the capacity to kill Kirk. it would be Chekov - and Gorgan, who has killed before, would send the most dangerous person for the job. However, Kirk saw that even then Chekov was not controlled deeply enough to succeed, and he was able to stop him.

It is ironic that Kirk has assembled the best crew in the fleet by giving no more than a pat on the head for effort. He has been warned by now that the natives are restless, and it is surprising that he hasn't done something about it. Chekov has once again made clear that he wants better, and again he is ignored. Compare this with the ambition of Chekov-2 ("Mirror, Mirror"), who wanted a raise so badly that he would kill Kirk to get it (From what we saw of Kirk-2, we almost hope he got it.)

Probably Chekov's most controversial role was in "The Way to Eden." Fans complained vigorously that their teeny-bopper hero has turned into just another stuffy military man. Pavel was supposed to attract young viewers - in this show he sounded like their parents. True, this is not how Pavel Chekov was first introduced, but that is because he has outgrown the description. He is entirely the Chekov we have recently seen.

Pavel originally loved his job. No doubt his family did, too. For all we know, it may have been their idea. But because Chekov was the one who had to live with it, the starry-eyed idealism finally faded. He discovered that the outwardly glamorous Enterprise was a real drudge factory. His bosses (and many crewmembers have only one) proved to be perfectionists and workaholics. They did not understand why he did not share their passion for solving problems or "work as play." The conflict developed and he did not, could not, solve it. On top of all this, he had served only three years. There was no legal way to get out of the military. He is wondering whether he has made a mistake.

Into this troubled scene strolls a serene soul named Irina, an Important Person from his past. He had broken off their relationship when she dropped out of the Academy to become a swinging hippie. He did want to continue the relationship, but on his own terms. Pavel Andreivich Chekov would never be associated with a hippie, no matter how much the free life-style might appeal to him. His common sense (or traditional pressures) won out, and he was convinced of his own correct position, all the way through Starfleet Academy.

Pavel used the same arguments on her that his parents would have used on him: The work ethic (industriousness. loyalty, paying taxes for services) is a good thing. If she would not work, she would starve. On a primitive planet, she would have little medical care. She would find the morals of the hippies degenerate, their goals selfish and shortsighted. He knew that he could not bear to see her inevitable final decline, such as befall the dregs of society. Instead, he would go forth into the galaxy and become a hero.

Imagine how Chekov felt when Irina met him again on the Enterprise. His dire warnings have come to nothing. All his emotions come crashing down on him: envy for her simple life, and her happiness. Shame, that he was afraid to follow. Anger, that she makes her living by sponging and stealing from people like Chekov who earn their bread. But above all, pride. He was wrong. He would like to escape this crushing career and make peace with her. But not on his life would he admit it.

He feels cheated. He has done everything he was supposed to do, and it doesn't work. It is all garbage.

However, Irina too has changed. She did not accept his word as a friend that he would find her Eden because he was no longer a friend. He loathed it, and it humiliated him, but he tried. She responded to his assistance by taking over the ship. She gave the Enterprise and the lives of her crew into the hands of a thief, a lunatic, and an attempted murderer. Irina knew fully well what she was doing, and what her unstable leader would do. Well, Chekov may have been wrong about her the first time, but he was right in the long run.

He does choose to bid her farewell. He can now distinguish between Irina and her life-style, though he hopes she will practice it legally. And he has learned that environment alone does not make a person err, but the choices he makes do, as well. It's no different from the understanding that Kirk is temperamental because he chooses to be, not because he's Irish.

"The Way to Eden" was crucial to Chekov's self-esteem and the solution to his problem. He is no longer on the Enterprise because he "should" be there, but because he wants to be there. He is still young, but he has grown up.

By the time of Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Chekov has become a lieutenant (note that Kirk was not there) and secured an additional post as weapons officer. And in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. he is a full commander on the Reliant, all ready to assume the "Jim Kirk School of Strategic Thought." Of course, Captain Terrell and Commander Chekov are the ones to beam down on a routine survey to be caught by Khan. It would seem that after Chekov's eyewitness observations of what happens to valuable Enterprise personnel who beam down into danger, he would never leave any ship again. Some things never change: Chekov being tortured and screaming himself blue; Chekov being in a position to blow Kirk's rear end off and then somehow not doing it. Even under Khan's influence, Chekov refused to harm Kirk; Terrell's will was not as strong, so he killed himself. Pavel never lost his weapon or was attacked, so nothing could have prevented him from killing Kirk. But Chekov still had his will, and he simply would not do it.

(It would be interesting to see how Chekov would actually in Operations if he had his own ship. Would he turn cautious? After all these years, it must have occurred to him that the "Jim Kirk School" does not have many living followers.)

It is logical that Chekov would so quickly join the renegade Search for Spock, no questions asked. Chekov owes as much to Spock as he does to Kirk, and he would prefer to express his gratitude in the typically silent but active Vulcan manner. Chekov also respects McCoy, mostly because Spock did. Pavel and the doctor never did get along very well on their own; both thought Spock had some bad effect on the other. As the reviewers in Best of Trek #8 pointed out, (1) Chekov does not need reason to do the right thing, so long as there is a right thing needing to be done, and (2) the man is sick. He should be home in bed. The Ceti Eel supposedly derives nutrition as a parasite so either his poor brain was starved for food and air, or it was just chewed a bit. If McCoy had been the least bit well, he would never have let Chekov run loose, but he must have believed he could call the commander back to Sickbay later. No question, Chekov did not need the extra aggravation.

It was up to Chekov and Scotty to almost recreate a battered big ship. Their talents were less emphasized, and far more important, than any other effort in The Search for Spock. After all, you can't exactly walk to Genesis. Everything else done, although important, cannot be considered to be in the same league. As Star Trek proved countless times, Kirk can bust out of jail anytime. Characters are invincible and immortal. Ships are honest to their nature and break down. Ships die.

Chekov is in a delicate position, though, one that may be to Kirk's advantage in the fourth film. Unlike Scotty and Uhura, Chekov was not on duty when they left for Genesis. And unlike Kirk and Sulu, Chekov got onto the Enterprise early and undetected. This means that no one saw Chekov leave Earth and/or go to Genesis, therefore no one can charge him with anything. Legally, that is. And only Saavik and the Vulcans of Mount Seleya know how he got to Vulcan.

Can the Federation convict him of conspiracy on circumstantial evidence? It isn't impossible - McCoy was being sent to an asylum without so much as a hearing - but just this once he might get away with it. Kirk may badly need a spy in high places in the months to come. (Of course, there's always Saavik, but she has not learned to keep her mouth shut; her honesty could put him away.) However, Chekov does stand a better chance of being acquitted than Uhura does. Too many fans are making the assumption that "Mr. Adventure" will keep his big mouth shut.

One more thing: Consider poor Pavel's clothes. "Buster Brown," they've been called (although in 1985 his stirrup slacks mysteriously came into fashion among junior high students). Chekov may not be quite as flamboyant as Kirk, but it is generally believed that the man does have taste. Obviously he was dressed blandly in order to ditch Petty Federation Officials in Charge Of Two-Month Debriefings and the everloving Federation Enquirer. So don't shoot anyone in Wardrobe, unless it happens again. Chekov may look good in Klingon armor.