Stargate SG-1 S4E15 "Chain Reaction"

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[–] 3 points 15 hours ago (1 child)

This is true, but it's also worth noting that the only member of the crew he has a significant conflict with is Riker. And ultimately, Riker is the one who is repeatedly out of line in that situation. He's insubordinate, he refuses to follow orders, and he undermine's Jellico's authority.

And that last point is uniquely important in their mission. He's managing a tense situation with cardassians, and he knows they are looking for the slightest hint of weakness. If Riker, second in command on the Federation's flagship, can't behave like a disciplined officer, the cardassians could very well see that as proof that the federation lacks the resolve for a real fight.

He's flawed and could absolutely have handled things better. And we see that he can when he goes back to Riker because he's needed for the mission. He patiently lets Riker vent at him, lets the whole conflict between them get aired out, and then sets his own ego aside and appeals to Riker's sense of duty and asks him if he's willing to take on the mission. He's not backing down and still being himself, but he's letting Riker get what he needs emotionally and trusting him to do what needs to be done.

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