Beckett Mariner can show us that glory isn’t everything in life

Beckett Mariner can show us that glory isn't everything in life

As a gamer who’s spent countless hours navigating the vast cosmos of Star Trek, I can confidently say that Beckett Mariner has been a rollercoaster ride. Initially, she came off as a brash and rebellious character, reminiscent of some pesky NPCs in less-than-stellar RPGs. But, like a well-crafted narrative, she’s evolved over time into a more nuanced and relatable figure.


Initially, the TV show “Star Trek: Lower Decks” had a rocky debut in its first season, but it has since smoothed out and improved, becoming a delightful series filled with laughter and a fair dose of emotion. This evolution can also be seen in the main character of the series – Ensign (now Lieutenant Junior Grade) Beckett Mariner from the USS “Cerritos”.

Initially, Mariner strikes us as quite abrasive. She appears to be unmotivated, and her critical views on Starfleet often grate rather than enlighten. Additionally, it’s revealed in the finale of the first episode that she is the daughter of the captain of the Cerritos and a Starfleet admiral, which could give an impression that her behavior is tolerated because of her lineage.

frankly speaking, Mariner’s family ties provide some leeway for her behavior, but it’s also clear throughout the series that Mariner is well-informed and skilled. However, she often self-imposes limitations due to her personal issues and challenges. This aspect of her character becomes more evident as the story unfolds, especially in Season 4, notably in the ninth episode titled “The Inner Fight.

In that specific episode, Mariner discloses her past friendship with Sito Jaxa, an ensign who tragically lost her life on duty as portrayed in the “Lower Decks” episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. This incident, coupled with her battles during the Dominion War, significantly shaped Mariner’s cynical perspective towards serving in Starfleet.

In this captivating episode, I found myself delving deeper into the enigmatic past of Mariner. What struck me was the intriguing duality portrayed in Starfleet – a scientific institution driven by exploration and discovery on one hand, and a military organization with a strict, hierarchical command structure on the other. It was fascinating to witness this tension, and it served as a poignant reminder that often, the allure of rank and triumph can come at the expense of what truly matters.

Although Beckett Mariner’s aversion to promotions may stem significantly from past experiences, she raises a question that resonates with many: How does one find satisfaction in their professional life when societal norms often revolve around status and advancement?

People frequently struggle to perform meaningful work when they lack social standing, as the task itself becomes less important compared to climbing the social ladder. On the other hand, an excessive focus on status can make the actual work seem insignificant in comparison to securing a desirable social position. This dilemma is evident in Mariner’s predicament regarding her promotion from Ensign to Lieutenant JG. She doesn’t enjoy the duties of a lower-ranked crew member, but she also harbors apprehensions about the increased responsibilities and expectations that come with a higher rank.

Despite seeming resolution of some internal conflicts in Mariner by Season 4’s end, it remains intriguing to anticipate how the last season will conclude her narrative. I, for one, am eager that she won’t transform into a character solely fixated on captaining a starship in the future.

Although Beckett Mariner’s character may at times be annoying due to certain traits, it’s clear that her character has evolved over time. She no longer lets her aversion towards social standing hinder her professional duties. Instead of defying the system for its own sake, she now focuses on doing good work just because it’s the right thing to do, not for personal gain or recognition. In essence, this is a trait that many well-rounded Star Trek characters embody.

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2024-10-12 15:23

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