Ensign Chekov
From LoveToKnow Sci-Fi
Pavel Andreyevich Chekov is a character from the original Star Trek series created by Gene Roddenberry. He was the weapons officer and navigator on the Starship Enterprise commanded by Captain James T. Kirk. In the original series, his rank was ensign, but he was later promoted to lieutenant in Star Trek: The Motion Picture. In later movies he attained the rank of commander. Ensign Chekov, played by Walter Koenig, became famous for two things: his love of Mother Russia, and his tendency to say "wessel".
Ensign Chekov
Pavel Chekov was born in Russia on Earth in 2245. He was an only child. At the age of 18 he entered Starfleet Academy and graduated with the rank of ensign. At the age of 22 his first assignment was to the USS Enterprise under the command of Captain James T. Kirk. He became a proficient navigator and was also skilled at the science officer's station, filling in for Spock when he was absent.
After serving the USS Enterprise, Chekov was promoted to lieutenant and served as the security chief during the refit of the Enterprise in 2272. Sometime later he was promoted to commander and assigned as first officer on the USS Reliant. As commander, he served aboard the Enterprise-A and Enterprise-B.
Afterwards
After his final appearance in Star Trek: Generations, very little is known about the life of Pavel Chekov. It is known a starship was named after him sometime around 2367. Other information about his life comes from several Star Trek books which aren't generally accepted as canon. He is mentioned in the Reeves-Stevens novel "Federation" as becoming an admiral after commanding two other starships. Later novels suggest he even became Fleet Admiral. One book even suggest Chekov was still alive at the time of the Dominion War in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
Origins of the Character
Two distinct stories attempt to explain why Gene Roddenberry added the character in the second season of Star Trek. One cites a Russian magazine article which noted that the Soviet Union was a current leader in space exploration yet no Soviets were found on the Enterprise. To show the united nature of Earth in the fictional future Ensign Chekov was added as ship's navigator.
The other story comes from actor Walter Koenig himself. The Monkees were a popular band at the time of the original series. Chekov's hairstyle is remarkably similar to hair of singer Davy Jones. Koenig says he was added to appeal to a younger crowd.
Chekovian Gags
As with many of the now-cheesy aspects of the original Star Trek series, Chekov is subject to many running gags. Along with the famous "wessel" joke, he also had a tendency to credit everything to his homeland of Russia. Below are just a few of his comical claims.
- Scotch whisky was invented by a little old lady in Leningrad.
- The saying "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me" comes from Russia.
- The Garden of Eden was located just outside of Moscow.
- Cinderella was a Russian tale.
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