It’s a worthwhile thought exercise, and one at the heart of the most recent Star Trek TV series, Star Trek: Discovery, which focuses not on a captain but Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green), a science officer struggling to work her way back from a snap judgment that ended with her in disgrace. Sure, there are captains sure to take you on wild adventures, but would you enjoy the ride if your life depended on their decision-making? On the flip side, there are captains that could get the job done without really inspiring that much enthusiasm, the Starfleet equivalent of a decent boss who clearly spends the back half of every shift with an eye on the clock. Which captain did you first encounter? Which one best reflected back to you the person you wanted to be? It’s easier to try to attempt a clear-eyed consideration of which one would be the best boss. It requires making a call wrapped up in sentiment and timing. It’s impossible to be objective when selecting your favorite Star Trek captain. Which one of these captains would you want to have as your boss?
