Chekov - How'd he get in the Gang?

[Crewman47]

Aside from the production side of things how do you suppose a lowly young Ensign like Chekov managed to find himself mingling with the senior crew on the Bridge, out of 400 other possible candidates and ending up on great adventures with them. I mean could it have been different if we had, say someone like Riley in Chekov's place in the Movies or would it not be the same without him.

Again what was it about him that Kirk had him join the Gang?

Any thoughts

 

[Outpost4]

In Chekov's initial appearances he was played as the biggest nerd around, as exacting as Spock. He was sharp. That would certainly give him at least a chance at bridge duty and after that, it was up to him to prove himself.

Or maybe it was his version of Daydream Believer.

 

[Gary7]

Outpost4 said:
Or maybe it was his version of Daydream Believer.

Kirk embraced diversity. He figured that no bridge crew would be complete without a Russian.

All kidding aside, Chekov was very good at his job. But also, I think the young ensign appealed to Kirk somewhat like the son he never had. I'll never forget how incredibly juvenile he looked in "Who Mourns for Adonis"--talk about a kid in space. But you can tell from the dialog between Kirk and Chekov that there was a very good chemistry there.

 

[A beaker full of death]

Bermaga notwithstanding, a ship doesn't have that many officers, compared with crew. Chekov was in "the gang" by being an officer. That said, there was always a line separating him and Sulu from the senior officers.

 

[SchwEnt]

I'd also add that Spock seemed to have an affinity for the young ensign, a protege of sorts.

Chekov frequently covered the science station when Spock was in command or unavailable. For a navigator, he must be pretty talented to assume science duties with Spock's approval.

And there are numerous instances of Spock working closely with Chekov, as well.

I'd say Chekov got in with The Gang because Spock waved him in.

 

[A beaker full of death]

^ Yeah, I love how they picked up on that in STVI (one of the few things I liked in that movie).

 

[Gepard]

Chekov won a lottery. Seriously. It'll be in Trek XI.

 

[Bones1864]

He was assigned out of Pot luck and worked teh night shift the first season. That's why no one ever saw him !