Star Trek

So, Kirk's the captain, Spock is the first officer, Scotty seems to be the second officer based on the number of times he sits in the big chair while Kirk and Spock are down below.  But who's the third mate aboard the Enterprise?  I think that Bones would be the next senior officer, but I've never seen him command the ship (that I can recall), and I don't think he's really a line officer.  So who's next?  I might say Sulu, but I think that he really only came into his own as a command officer in the movies. 

Any thoughts?

I believe you're correct that it was Sulu.

I thought it was Sulu, as he was the helmsman, no?

Bones was in rank of commander, wasn't he? But Scotty was Lietuenant Commander. Despite the fact that he was lower in rank than Bones, he was the second officer.. Maybe it hasn't to do with your rank but with your position on the Bridge? Therefore I would say next after Scotty would be Sulu, then Uhura, then Chekov.

Besides, there's a very nice book of Diane Duane "Doctor's orders" with Bones in command. Nice idea!

It was often given to Sulu or Chekov. IMHO, it should have been Uhura.

It wouldn't have been McCoy - unless there were absolutely no senior bridge or command personnel around.

As a doctor, his training was more specific. In some respects the rank was almost honorary. He wasn't ever trained to take command or fulfill a command role.

Of course, the doctor was very powerful in his own respect because he could relieve the captain - or indeed any other officer from active duty.

Chekov was too young, too inexperienced, and too emotional and irrational. Not balanced enough to be a deputy commander.

It was usually Sulu. He was seemingly considered worthy of a command role which was obviously further developed throughout the movie franchise. But whether Sulu was actually next in line is difficult to say. I think it would be anybody of appropriate rank after Mr. Scott.

I'm pretty sure Chekov was left in charge at least once.

Chekov got the conn in the movies a few times (particularly Star Trek V and VI)...but not during the series. It was primarily (in order) Spock, Scott, and Sulu. Even Lt. DeSalle was in charge over Chekov in "Catspaw."

Chekov was only originally an ensign. That is a junior rank. Although becoming navigator and occasional science officer (assisting Spock) he was there as the young wet-behind-the-ears character.

His youth and inexperience were often the butt of a joke and it is hard to imagine that - whilst he certainly matured during his two-season stint - he was ever considered capable/old enough for a command role.

Just being on the bridge doesn't guarantee the chance to sit in the captain's chair. Scott was third in command and was only on the bridge periodically.

Trek makes a big deal over Chekov's youth, but Keoning is only five years younger than Shatner.  He does look younger though.

Kirk tells Checkov to "take over" after the Orion ship is destroyed in Journey to Babel. I'm pretty sure there were other instances as well. Sulu was left in command in Errand of Mercy and Arena.

In "The Menagerie", Spock submitted to McCoy for arrest as McCoy was the senior officer.  Lieutenant Hansen was in operational command.

In "Amok Time", Spock wanted McCoy to make final arrangements for Spock to resign his commission and Scotty was to take command.

I remember watching a documentary on TOS years and years ago.  In fact it was an old episode of the ABC News magazine "20/20".  They indicated that as an office of the line Uhura was 4th in command.  Dont know if that conforms to "canon" or not but I thought I would throw that one out for your consideration.  Enjoy the wkend...