Chain of Command

"Chain of Command" is an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation that aired in two parts during the sixth season of the series. It was developed to establish the Cardassians as the main villains of the then forthcoming Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Captain Edward Jellico (played by Ronny Cox), is hastily assigned to the Enterprise, while Picard, Worf and Dr. Crusher are re-assigned to an undercover mission crossing the Cardassian border to destro... more

"Chain of Command" is an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation that aired in two parts during the sixth season of the series. It was developed to establish the Cardassians as the main villains of the then forthcoming Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Captain Edward Jellico (played by Ronny Cox), is hastily assigned to the Enterprise, while Picard, Worf and Dr. Crusher are re-assigned to an undercover mission crossing the Cardassian border to destroy a biological weapons installation. Much of the episode revolves around the differences between Jellico's and Picard's command styles. Picard, while reserved, trusts those around him and relies on the professionalism of his subordinates. Jellico is much more authoritarian, demanding strict obedience and exact execution of his orders. This sudden change in command style creates friction between Jellico and the senior staff, notably Commander Riker. Following intense holodeck training programs, Picard, Worf, and Crusher obtain covert passage to... less