For any fan of Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Voyager, this is a question that has been pondered for years. The characters of Nick Locarno and Tom Paris share many similarities, which has led to speculation that they may be the same person.
Who is Nick Locarno
Nick Locarno is a character from the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “The First Duty.” He was played by actor Robert Duncan McNeill, who would later go on to play Tom Paris in Star Trek: Voyager.
In “The First Duty,” Locarno is a cadet at Starfleet Academy who is involved in a cover-up of an accident during a training exercise. He and his fellow cadets are eventually caught and punished for their actions.
Who is Tom Paris
Tom Paris is a character from Star Trek: Voyager. He was played by Robert Duncan McNeill and appeared in all seven seasons of the show.
In the show, Paris starts off as an enigmatic character who has a troubled past. He eventually becomes the chief helmsman of the USS Voyager and plays an integral role in many of the ship’s missions.
The Similarities
There are several similarities between Nick Locarno and Tom Paris that have led to speculation that they may be the same person:
- Both characters were played by Robert Duncan McNeill
- Both characters were pilots for Starfleet
- Both characters had issues with authority and following rules
- Their physical appearances are similar
These similarities have led many fans to believe that Tom Paris is actually Nick Locarno under a new identity. However, this theory has been debunked by the show’s creators.
The Differences
Despite the similarities, there are several differences between Nick Locarno and Tom Paris that indicate they are not the same person:
- Nick Locarno was a cadet at Starfleet Academy, while Tom Paris had already graduated
- Nick Locarno was only featured in one episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, while Tom Paris appeared in all seven seasons of Star Trek: Voyager
- Tom Paris had a more fleshed-out backstory and character development than Nick Locarno
Conclusion
While the similarities between Nick Locarno and Tom Paris are certainly intriguing, it is clear that they are two separate characters in the Star Trek universe. While it would have been interesting to see Nick Locarno make an appearance on Voyager as Tom Paris’s alter ego, it was not meant to be.
Regardless of whether or not they are the same person, both characters have left a lasting impression on Star Trek fans and will continue to be beloved members of the franchise.