10 Weird Times Star Trek Characters Changed Divisions
6. Wesley Crusher - Travelling Between Departments
History has finally allowed a re-evaluation of Wesley Crusher, who was unfairly maligned in his early years aboard the Enterprise. The character was something of a stand-in for both Gene Roddenberry, and Eugene Roddenberry, though this led to conflict between real-life father and son.
On-screen, Wesley was the wunderkind - he was there to offer a viewpoint for a younger audience, though unfortunately with all the nuance of a brick to the face. This would, thankfully, soften as the second season debuted. Wesley was offered the role of acting ensign, which saw a grey jumpsuit as part of his unofficial uniform. He would be given a field commission as time went on, thus leading to a red command division ensign’s uniform.
Though he would predominantly be seen in red for his tenure, there are tales of what might have been. Parallels sees him promoted to lieutenant, donning operations gold. This, being an alternate universe, could be discounted - but harder to discount is his appearance in Star Trek: Nemesis. While most of his scenes were left on the cutting room floor, he is certainly present - in operations yellow dress uniform - at Riker and Troi’s wedding. He may have subsequently left to go traveling, but for a time, this wunderkind may well have been the next Geordi La Forge. Speaking of…