Star Trek Is Paying Tribute to One of the Show's Forgotten Victims After 32 Years

Star Trek is paying tribute to one of the franchise’s forgotten victims, 32 years after his passing. Since its premiere, Star Trek has featured a number of one-off characters, many of whom met with bad ends. One such person was Commander Calvin Hutchinson, who appeared in one Next Generation episode, and was subsequently killed. Now, years later, in Star Trek: Lower Decks #5, the franchise pays tribute to Hutchinson.

Star Trek: Lower Decks #5 was written by Ryan North and drawn by Jack Lawrence. The Cerritos have arrived at Arkaria for a routine baryon sweep. The ship’s senior officers are called in for a briefing, while the junior officers enjoy some shore leave. The senior officers all file into a building called the “Hutchinson Memorial Hall,” where the briefing is being held. Nothing else is said about the Memorial Hall, but it is an amazing tribute to Commander Hutchinson.

Star Trek Has Featured Some Unforgettable One-Off Characters

Commander Calvin Hutchinson Came and Went on Star Trek But Still Made an Impression

Commander Calvin Hutchinson, or “Hutch” to his friends, was the epitome of a one-off Star Trek character. Hutch appeared in the sixth season of Star Trek: The Next Generation, in the episode “Starship Mine.” He was the leader of the Arkaria Base, where the Enterprise was sent for a baryon sweep, similar to the Cerritos in Lower Decks #5. Hutch was notorious throughout the sector for his love of small talk, which largely annoyed others. The boisterous Hutchinson had stories for days that he loved to share, even if no one else really cared.

Unfortunately, Hutchinson met a violent end in “Starship Mine.” A group of terrorists intended to seize control of the Arkaria Base, and they waited until the Enterprise was in orbit to make their move. The terrorists launched a two-pronged assault, the first on-board the Enterprise and another planet side. When the fighting broke out, Hutchinson’s affable demeanor went out the door, and he stepped up to defend his command like any Starfleet commander would. Hutch was killed for his troubles, and was the only Starfleet casualty that day.

Commander Hutchinson Was Not a Typical Starfleet Commander

Although Hutch Was Talkative, He Was Also an Excellent Officer

Although Calvin Hutchinson only appeared in one Star Trek: The Next Generation, he made enough of an impact for Ryan North and Jack Lawrence to revisit his character. Although it had been 32 years in the real world since Hutch’s death, only a few had passed in the Star Trek universe, but it had been enough time for Starfleet and the Federation to recognize Hutch’s accomplishments and name a building after him. Hutch sacrificed himself to save those under him as well as the Enterprise crew, and this is a well-deserved tribute.

Hutchinson stood apart from other top brass in Starfleet, and subverted expectations along the way. Star Trek has featured numerous times, admirals and other officers whose position and power ultimately makes them adversarial to the mission or the crew. The classic Star Trek series was replete with such characters, and later incarnations had them as well. Hutch broke that mold. He was friendly and social, even if others rolled their eyes at him. Furthermore, when push came to shove, Hutchinson put his life ahead of others. His sacrifice keeps in line with Starfleet’s principles.

Star Trek Has At Long Last Recognized a True Starfleet Hero

Finally, There Is Justice For Commander Hutchinson

A tribute to Calvin Hutchinson is way overdue, and at long last, the Star Trek franchise is recognizing him for his bravery and courage. Hutch’s sacrifice in “Starship Mine” gave the Enterprise crew valuable time to formulate a plan of action against the terrorists, which allowed them to save Arakaria Base. Many in Starfleet had written Hutch off as an ineffectual chatterbox, but on that day he proved his true and heroic colors. After 32 years, Star Trek has at last given justice to Calvin Hutchinson.