4. Chakotay, Voyager
Chakotay’s journey to first officer on Voyager was far different than others. After all, the series began with Chakotay leading a Maquis crew with Voyager chasing them. He got the job because the original first officer was killed, and Captain Janeway felt promoting Chakotay could smooth tempers among the newly integrated crew. However, Chakotay proved her trust quickly, still a capable officer who also knew of the Federation’s hypocrisy and issues, even if he believed in it.Â
Chakotay and Janeway’s relationship was astounding, at odds often, yet Janeway welcomed his blunt talk on her actions. Half the crew seeing him as their leader helped, as well as his cool insight and calmness in facing the various threats. Becoming first officer wasn’t a step back for Chakotay, but rather pushed him as a major fan-favorite character.Â