List of main characters on seaQuest DSV

This is the complete list of main characters on "seaQuest DSV." The series went through significant cast changes after every season it was on the air. This list contains only those characters that were given credit in the main titles (therefore, does not contain characters such as Admiral Noyce or The Professor, see List of recurring characters on seaQuest DSV for more information).

First season main characters

Captain Nathan Bridger

Commander Jonathan Ford

Infobox character
colour =LightSkyBlue
colour text =
name = Jonathan Devin Ford
series =


caption =
first = To Be or Not to Be (09/12/1993)
last = Weapons Of War (09/06/1996)
cause =
creator =
portrayer = Don Franklin
episode =
nickname =
alias =
species =
gender =
age =
born = March 4 1990
death =
specialty = Command
occupation = Executive Officer in the Navy
title = Commander
callsign =
family =
spouse =
children =
relatives =
residence =
religion =
nationality = American

Early life

Ford comes from a very financially well off family, his father owning "Ford Freeport: Aquacultural Engineering", one of the largest undersea farming companies in the world. He had a bad relationship with his father and brother. In 2022 a sharp raise in the temperature of the water in the South Atlantic, caused by an undersea mining operation, a deinosuchus (gigantic prehistoric crocodile) thawed out and was threatening the local ecosystem and the life of the local people. With the help of his family they stopped to creature and settled their differences. Ford's father decided to take a year off from work and give Jonathan's younger brother Ben the run of the company.seaQuest episode 212: Meltdown] His mother is deceased.seaQuest episode 218: Something in the Air]

Appointment to "seaQuest"

Part of the original "seaQuest"'s crew under Captain Marilyn Stark (2015-2017), Ford was forced to relieve her of command when she disobeyed orders and attempted to attack several other submarines after being ordered to stand down. For 13 months after this incident Commander Ford oversaw a major refit of the "seaQuest" to have the ship generally geared more towards scientific exploration/research and peacekeeping missions. In 2018, after the refit was complete, Admiral William Noyce was trying to convince retired Captain Nathan Bridger, the subs original designer, to take command and ordered Ford to act arrogant, cowardly and generally unfit for command in an effort to get Bridger to stay on board. Despite the ploy not working Bridger decided to stay on board after defeating Stark during her attempt at revenge. seaQuest episode 101/102: To Be or Not to Be]

Early on he was in continual conflict with Dr. Kristin Westphalen, the ship's Chief Medical Officer and head of the science department. After the discovery of the Great Library of Alexandria, in which Ford helped with the Excavation (he being the one who accidentally found it) and was a lot more interested in "seaQuest"'s exploration and research mission and not just the military and peacekeeping aspect. seaQuest episode 105: Treasures of the Mind] . The character had a romance with Lt. Lonnie Henderson in the shows third season.

Background

Commander Ford was portrayed by actor Don Franklin and is one of three actors to remain with the show for all three seasons. Ford appears in every episode except for "And Everything Nice." The character of Ford was originally supposed to have a far different background, originally having him been a poor kid from Chicago who joined the navy to get away from his gang life after witnessing the death of his older brother. [seaQuest Operations Manual, 1st Revision (Writers Bible)] Since this was never established in the first year (except for the novelization of the pilot episode and issue 1 of the comic) this was disregarded for the rest of the series.

Lucas Wolenczak

Lieutenant Commander Katherine Hitchcock

Infobox character
colour =LightSkyBlue
colour text =
name =Katherine Hitchcock


series =
caption =
first = To Be or Not to Be (09/12/1993)
last = Higher Power (05/22/1994)
cause =
creator = Rockne S. O'Bannon
portrayer = Stacy Haiduk
episode =
nickname =
alias =
species =
gender = Female
age =
born = June 17 1990
death =
specialty = Engineering, command
occupation = Chief Engineer of the "seaQuest DSV 4600."
title = Lieutenant Commander
callsign =
family =
spouse = Benjamin Krieg (divorced)
children =
relatives =
residence = San Diego, California
religion =
nationality = American

Lieutenant Commander Katherine Hitchcock was the Chief Engineer of the "seaQuest DSV 4600" following her refit in 2018.

While at the naval academy, she, along with Benjamin Krieg, were top of their class, and were eventually wed. However, the marriage only lasted a year.

Being Chief Engineer, Hitchcock was also third in command aboard the "seaQuest" and was placed in command in several occasions, such as the "Liberté" space station incident where Commander Ford had been infected with an unknown virus and was unable to perform his duties.seaQuest episode 108: Give Me Liberté]

On a mission to save a family from the clutches of an outlaw at the Broken Ridge mining facility, Hitchcock masqueraded as a singer in order to gain access to the mine and allow the family to board the "seaQuest."seaQuest episode 112: seaWest]

During an experiment that involved the flooding of the boat, Hitchcock, Ford, Lucas, Krieg, and Chief Crocker were attacked by environmental radicals who intended to use the ship's computer to disable various pollutant manufacturers around the globe. Hitchcock was held prisoner on the bridge along with Lucas where she began to gain their trust by telling them nothing but the truth (under the orders of Commander Ford), although, their leader ultimately believed she would lie to him. She fulfilled her orders by telling the leader that if he attempted to leave the "seaQuest" as it was sinking, the water pressure would crush his submersible. He didn't believe her and ultimately died.]

She and Lucas later developed a prototype for a single-seat submersible that featured perfect laminar flow that replicated the tail of a fish in order to cut down on turbulence. Hitchcock had wanted to name it the "Gazelle", though Lucas insisted on the "Stinger." Ultimately, the name "Stinger" became official.seaQuest episode 118: The Stinger]

As the "seaQuest"`s tour of duty came to an end, both she and Commander Ford were offered command of the H.R. "Clinton", though, the UEO offered her more money to take command than Ford. With the destruction of the "seaQuest" shortly afterwards, Hitchcock agreed to take command and did not come aboard the new "seaQuest" in 2021.

Background

Hitchcock was portrayed by actress Stacy Haiduk and appears only in the first season of the series. Haiduk, unhappy with her character's development in the first season, opted not to return to the series for the second season. Her character was replaced by Kathy Evison's character, Lieutenant Lonnie Henderson.

Lieutenant Benjamin Krieg

Infobox character
colour =LightSkyBlue
colour text =
name = Ben Krieg
series =


caption =
first = To Be or Not to Be (09/12/1993)
last = In the Company of Ice and Profit (09/27/1995)
cause =
creator =
portrayer = John D'Aquino
episode =
nickname =
alias =
species =
gender = Male
age =
born = February 9 1989
death =
specialty = Supplies
occupation = Supply and morale officer
title = Lieutenant
callsign =
family =
spouse = Katherine Hitchcock (divorced)
children =
relatives =
residence =
religion =
nationality = American

Lieutenant Tim O'Neill

Infobox character
colour =LightSkyBlue
colour text =
name =Tim O'Neill


series =
caption =
first = To Be or Not to Be (09/12/1993)
last = Weapons of War (06/09/1996)
cause =
creator = Rockne S. O'Bannon
portrayer = Ted Raimi
episode =
nickname =
alias =
species =
gender = Male
age =
born = May 25 1992
death =
specialty = Communications, languages
occupation = Communications officer of the "seaQuest DSV 4600."
title = Lieutenant JG
callsign =
family =
spouse =
children =
relatives =
residence =
religion = Catholic
nationality = AmericanLieutenant JG Tim O'Neill was the communications officer of the "seaQuest DSV 4600", originally serving under Captain Marilyn Stark. He remained aboard the boat after she had been relieved of duty and the "seaQuest" was refitted to serve as more of a research vessel.

O'Neill specialized in foreign languages, was fluent in at least a dozen and could adequately speak several others. He also shared some sort of unknown psychic link with Darwin which allowed him to sense when Darwin was ill.seaQuest episode 103: The Devil's Window]

A religious man since childhood, O'Neill was taught to believe that evolution topped out with mankind and had a difficult time believing in intelligent life on other planets, although, secretly wished that it existed.seaQuest episode 122: Such Great Patience]

He briefly pursued a relationship with Lieutenant Lonnie Henderson in 2021, although, he was uncomfortable with the notion of a shipboard romance and decided not to continue with it, although, the two remained friends.

Somewhat of a nervous individual, O'Neill was prone to occasional acts of heroism, such as fearlessly rushing to save Henderson from the clutches of an alien predator that had invaded "seaQuest" in 2022.] He also questioned the direction his career was headed that year and tendered his resignation to Captain Bridger, though, Bridger assured him that the crew saw him as a valuable commodity, and decided to stay.

Ten years after the Hyperion Incident and the "seaQuest"`s return to Earth, O'Neill decided to remain aboard the boat under the command of Captain Hudson. O'Neill ran afoul of Hudson on several occasions, such as not responding to orders quickly enough during an emergency situation] and questioning Hudson's orders to fire on Captain Bridger's fleet.] O'Neill nearly ended his career by stealing a seaLaunch to rendezvous with his on-line girlfriend while in the middle of an unstable political area. However, his girlfriend, Heiko Kimura, turned out to be a defector from the Chaodai. He once again disobeyed orders by refusing to deliver Kimura into their hands, however, his actions ultimately saved both Kimura and the "seaQuest", prompting Lucas Wolenczak to suggest that he may be in line for a promotion.

Background

O'Neill was portrayed by actor Ted Raimi and was one of three actors to remain with the series for entire duration. The Character of O'Niell was originally supposed to be a character named Garry Stephen Bachmann from Ottawa, Canada. This was then changed to be a woman named MacKenna O'Neill, then the character was changed back to a male and renamed "Mack O'Neill". [seaQuest Operations Manual, 2nd Revision (Writers Bible)] This name was used right up until filming was to begin, name tags designed for his uniforms that read "M. O'Neill" are known to exist before it was ultimately changed to "Tim." [seaQuest DSV: The Official Publication of the Series] This is also why his name was Mac in the comic and non canon novels.

Chief Manilow Crocker

Infobox character
colour =LightSkyBlue
colour text =
name = Manilow Crocker


series =
caption =
first = To Be or Not to Be (09/12/1993)
last = Higher Power (05/22/1994)
cause =
creator = Rockne S. O'Bannon
portrayer = Royce D. Applegate
episode =
nickname =
alias =
species =
gender = Male
age =
born =
death =
specialty = Security, Command
occupation = Chief of Security for the "seaQuest DSV 4600."
title = Senior Chief Petty Officer
callsign =
family =
spouse = Helen Crocker (divorced)
children =
relatives =
residence = Texas
religion =
nationality = American

ensor Chief Miguel Ortiz

Infobox character
colour =LightSkyBlue
colour text =
name =Miguel Ortiz


series =
caption =
first = To Be or Not to Be (09/12/1993)
last = Splashdown (05/21/1995)
cause =
creator =
portrayer = Marco Sanchez
episode =
nickname =
alias =
species =
gender = Male
age =
born = March 3 1992
death = 2022
specialty = Sensory operations
occupation = Sensor Chief of the "seaQuest DSV 4600."
title = Chief Petty Officer, Senior Chief Petty Officer
callsign =
family =
spouse =
children =
relatives =
residence =
religion =
nationality = Cuban

Miguel Ortiz was a member of seaQuest's original crew under Captain Stark. After she was relieved of duty, he stayed on, serving again under Nathan Bridger's command.

As the Sensor Chief, Ortiz was responsible for controlling the boat's WSKRs (Wireless Sea Knowledge Retrieval Satellites) and was also involved in various away missions. He could understand Spanish and had a knowledge of Greek mythology, particularly that of Atlantis.

Like Dr. Smith, it is assumed that Ortiz was killed in action while the crew was trapped on Hyperion.

Background

Marco Sanchez portrayed Ortiz during the first and second season of the show. He requested to remain for the third season, but was ultimately let go after NBC decided to lower the cast number.The character that ultimately became Ortiz underwent 2 radical changes before becoming what it did. First he was a man named Drew and then was changed to being the son of a rich Vietnamese family named Ngyuen Ky before settling on making him Cuban, the name originally being Mundo Ortiz. [seaQuest Operations Manual, 2nd Revision (Writers Bible)]

Darwin

Infobox character
colour =LightSkyBlue
colour text =
name =Darwin


series =
caption =
first = To Be or Not to Be (09/12/1993)
last =
cause =
creator =
portrayer =
episode =
nickname =
alias =
species = Bottlenose Dolphin
gender = Male
age =
born = 2007
death =
specialty = Data retrieval, tracking
occupation =
title = Ensign
callsign =
family =
spouse =
children =
relatives =
residence =
religion =
nationality =

Dr. Kristin Westphalen

econd season main characters

Dr. Wendy Smith

Infobox character
colour =LightSkyBlue
colour text =
name =Wendy Smith


series =
caption =
first = Daggers (09/18/1994)
last = By production order: Splashdown (05/21/1995) By broadcast order: Blindsided (09/13/1995)
cause =
creator = Jonathan Falls
portrayer = Rosalind Allen
episode =
nickname =
alias =
species =
gender = Female
age =
born = 1987
death = 2022
specialty = Ph.D in Biophysics, Psychiatry, Parapsychology
occupation = Chief Medical Officer aboard seaQuest DSV 4600 Head of Science Department
title = Doctor
callsign =
family =
spouse =
children =
relatives = Admiral Lexington Fisher-Smith (mother)
residence =
religion =
nationality = American

Wendy came aboard the "seaQuest DSV 4600 II" in 2021 after the first "seaQuest" had been destroyed by Captain Nathan Bridger the previous year in an attempt to seal a lava pool that threatened to melt the world's polar caps.] When Dr. Kristin Westphalen elected not to sign aboard the new "seaQuest", Dr. Smith won the most coveted medical position in the UEO that of the chief medical officer of the flagship.

A doctor of all trades, Wendy only took her residency in psychiatry; with a Ph.D in biophysics; although her passion was parapsychology. Discovering that she had a high psi-factor as a child, Wendy found that she could sense the thoughts and emotions of the people around her. Calling it her "sixth sense", she sometimes wished she didn't have the talent, but usually used it to her advantage, although, she swore that she never probed anyone's thoughts without their permission.]

Wendy came from a navy family with both her mother and grandmother serving. Captain Bridger had, not only served under her mother, Lexington Fisher-Smith (aka "Sexy-Lexy Smith"), but also pursued a brief romantic involvement with her before ultimately ending the relationship. However, Bridger's prior interest in her mother didn't stop the captain from developing feelings for Wendy. At first, Wendy resisted the relationship and considered transferring off of "seaQuest" due to the scandal a relationship with the ship's captain would no doubt present, but, after convincing from both Bridger and Lucas Wolenczak, Wendy decided to remain aboard the ship.]

Prior to her relationship with Bridger, Wendy had engaged in a relationship with Clay Marshall, director of a parapsychology facility, who helped her develop her telepathic sense, however, the relationship eventually ended. When Tony Piccolo and Dagwood mysteriously shared a nightmare, Wendy took them to be examined by Marshall. However, Clay had been cybernetically augmented in the years following their relationship and required sentium available in the "seaQuest"'s missiles as blood. Desperate to get the material, Marshall used his previous relationship with Smith to help gain access to the "seaQuest", however, he was ultimately foiledOn May 14, 2022, Wendy, along with the rest of the "seaQuest" crew were transported to the far distant planet Hyperion, tricked into becoming participants in the Hyperion civil war. Wendy was part of the away team sent from "seaQuest" to destroy the KrayTak mothership and was able to cofirm that Tobias LeConte, who had been captured by the KrayTaks, was the genuine article, not a Stormer clone. With the "seaQuest" hulled by a barrier mine and their shuttle destroyed, the team looked to be doomed. With no other choice, Captain Bridger activated explosive charges and destroyed the mothership, taking the away team with it.]

Although the Hyperion rebels were somehow able to save the majority of the "seaQuest" crew, as well as repair the critical damage to the ship and return them all to Earth, Wendy was not able to be saved and ultimately perished on Hyperion.]

Background

Dr. Smith was portrayed by actress Rosalind Allen and was Stephanie Beacham's replacement after she opted not to return for the second season of the show. Allen's character has been a point of criticism from many fans of the show as her character's psychic and telepathic abilities helped to push "seaQuest DSV" away from reality based fiction to heavy science-fiction.

The Character of Smith was originally 2 different characters; Diane Page a 35 year old African American Ph.D and Wendy Woo a 25 year old MD. The Producers originally wanted Tamara Tunie and Kelly Hu respectively. [seaQuest: Year II writers guide]

Kathy Evison originally auditioned for the role of Dr. Smith. Although she didn't get the role of Smith the shows Producers liked her enough to hire her and created a new character, Lonnie Henderson, for her to play.

The episode "Alone", which focused extensively on Dr. Smith's powers, infuriated actor Edward Kerr (Brody) to the point that he stormed off the set and did not appear in the episode.

Allen's character was eventually written out of the series at the end of the second season as the series began to progress back towards more reality based episodes in the third season.

Lieutenant James Brody

Infobox character
colour =LightSkyBlue
colour text =
name = James Brody
series =


caption =
first = Daggers (09/18/1994)
last = SpinDrift (11/08/1996)
cause =
creator =
portrayer = Edward Kerr
episode =
nickname =
alias =
species =
gender =
age =
born = October 14 1993
death =
specialty = Demolitions, weapons, tactical, sub-fighter pilot
occupation = Tactical officer of the "seaQuest DSV 4600-II"
title = Lieutenant
callsign =
family =
spouse =
children =
relatives =
residence =
religion =
nationality = American

When Brody was six years old, his mother was involved in a murder cover-up at the (accidental) hands of Franklin Thomas. Contracting, the P-Core A virus, Brody's mother was place in cryogenic suspension and he was sent to live with his grandparents, who "let (him) get away with murder.seaQuest episode 209: When We Dead Awaken] After joining the navy, Brody led a stealth invasion during the North Korean Crisis in 2010, which Captain Bridger considered to be a "nifty piece of work."

Assigned to the G.E.L.F. colony prison island, Brody began to sense subtle changes in the behavior of the G.E.L.F.s, finally culminating in their uprising and seizure of the colony. Brody, however, was able to escape and was picked up by the "seaQuest", after which the crisis had ended, he joined the crew as tactical officer. As tactical officer, Brody led most away missions into hostile environments and manned the weapons console when Commander Ford was in command.

When Brody's mother awoke from her cryogenic suspension, she sought out her son, who took her aboard the "seaQuest" to shield her away from assassins plotting to kill her, hired by General Thomas, to protect his career. Ultimately, Brody was able to apprehend Thomas, allowing his mother to return to cryo-stasis, secure in the knowledge that when she awoke again, she would have nothing to fear. He also promised his mother that he would be with her again when she was revived.

When the "seaQuest" was abducted to the planet Hyperion in 2022, Brody was wounded while part of an away team sent into the Hyperion mothership intent on destroying it. Brody, along with the rest of the away team, were apparently destroyed along with the ship after Captain Bridger detonated an explosive attached to the ship's plasma core, but was able to be rescued by the Hyperion rebels and returned to Earth with the majority of the crew by the year 2032.

Brody butted heads with the "seaQuest"'s new captain, Oliver Hudson, played by Michael Ironside, who apparently favored his personal student, Lieutenant Fredericks, over Brody. However, when President Alexander Bourne and Larry Deon conspired to gain control of Fredericks' psyche-implant, Brody was able to learn the truth and inform Captain Hudson, saving both Fredericks and Secretary General McGath, whom she was being manipulated to assassinate.seaQuest episode 311: Brainlock]

At some point in his life, Brody sired a child with a woman. However, being a career-military and a private man, Brody never told any of the "seaQuest" crew of that aspect of his life. He himself only found out about the then 10 year old child after the ship returned from Hyperion and the mother of the child decided to contact him after one of her parents had recently died.seaQuest episode 306: SpinDrift]

Brody ultimately died later that year in a rescue mission to save Lieutenant Henderson from a Macronesian death sentence. His last words were" "With your shield or on it."

Background

Brody was played by Edward Kerr and was named after Police Chief Martin Brody (played by Roy Scheider) in "Jaws." Brody was Chief Crocker's replacement, both on the show and on the ship (after Royce D. Applegate was released from the show and Chief Crocker retired from the navy). Kerr was not fond with the content of the episode "Alone" and refused to appear in it. Frustrated with the direction of the show and afraid that the series would hurt his career, Kerr requested to exit the show along with Scheider. NBC granted him his release as well, under the provision that he continue to play Brody for a few episodes into the third season so his character could be killed off for dramatic impact.

The two actors originally considered for the role of Brody were Dan Gauthier and Paul Gross. [seaQuest: Year II writers guide]

Warrant Officer Anthony Piccolo

Infobox character
colour =LightSkyBlue
colour text =
name = Tony Piccolo
series =


caption =
first = Daggers (09/18/1994)
last = Weapons of War (6/9/1996)
cause =
creator =
portrayer = Michael DeLuise
episode =
nickname =
alias =
species =
gender = Male
age =
born = October 28 1998
death =
specialty = Helm, Sub-fighter pilot
occupation =
title = Seaman, Petty Officer, and later Warrant Officer
callsign =
family = Nick Piccolo (father)
Marie Piccolo (mother)
spouse =
children =
relatives =
residence =
religion =
nationality = AmericanSeamen Anthony Piccolo first boarded seaQuest in the episode Daggers, from the first seaQuest DSV episode of the Second Season.He was an experimental ex con, let out from prison on an early release program where they conducted science experiments on volunteers. Piccolo offered and was then received a pair of genetically altered gills, allowing him to breathe underwater like a fish. He was put on seaQuest because that's where the parole board thought he would be most useful.

At first he was rebellious, and attempted escape shortly after boarding, but soon was bunked with Lucas Wolenczak, and though they first irritated one another, they soon became friends. Piccolo was originally from New York and his wise crack Italian humor often relieved tense situations and gained him popularity, though he was often teased light heartedly among the crew. He enjoyed showing off his talents in gambling and playing the piano, and was a big Elvis fan.

He also was dyslexic which caused him to struggle when he decided to apply for the Officer Candidate School, in the third season of seaQuest. Lt Lonnie Henderson, who had already passed the program, tutored him. Although he didn't pass the test Capt. Hudson was impressed with the effort he put into it and promoted him to the rank of Warrant Officer, and let him continue to qualify for Sub Fighter training under Lt Fredericks.

Background

Tony Piccolo was played by Michael DeLuise. DeLuise was on the original short list for the part of Piccolo, along with Max Perlich.

Lieutenant Lonnie Henderson

Infobox character
colour =LightSkyBlue
colour text =
name = Lonnie Henderson
series =


caption =
first = Daggers (09/18/1994)
last = Weapons of War (06/09/1996)
cause =
creator =
portrayer = Kathy Evison
episode =
nickname =
alias =
species =
gender =
age =
born = June 21 2000
death =
specialty = Engineering
occupation = Helmsman and Chief Engineer of the "seaQuest DSV 4600-II"
title = Seaman and later Lieutenant JG
callsign =
family =
spouse =
children =
relatives =
residence =
religion =
nationality = American

Dagwood

Infobox character
colour =LightSkyBlue
colour text =
name = Dagwood
series =


caption =
first = Daggers (09/18/1994)
last = Weapons of War (29/04/1995)
cause =
creator =
portrayer = Peter DeLuise
episode =
nickname = Dag
alias =
species = GELF
gender = Male
age =
born = 2001
death =
specialty =
occupation = Head janitor of the "seaQuest DSV 4600-II"
title = Seaman
callsign =
family =
spouse =
children =
relatives =
residence =
religion =
nationality = Played by Peter DeLuise, Dagwood was the imperfect prototype Dagger, a group of G.E.L.F.s (Genetically Engineered Life Forms) intended as supersoldiers. Unlike the other Daggers, Dagwood was less intelligent than normal and his fighting skills were not fully developed, although he had great physical strength. He was assigned to the SeaQuest cleaning crew.

Third season main characters

Captain Oliver Hudson

Infobox character
colour =LightSkyBlue
colour text =
name =Oliver Hudson


series =
caption =
first = Brave New World (09/20/1995)
last = Weapons of War (06/09/1996)
cause =
creator =
portrayer = Michael Ironside
episode =
nickname =
alias =
species =
gender = Male
age =
born = September 12 1984
death =
specialty = Command
occupation = Commanding Officer in the Navy
title = Captain
callsign =
family =
spouse = Elaine Morse (separated)
children =
relatives =
residence =
religion =
nationality = AmericanCaptain Oliver Hudson was the third commanding officer of the "seaQuest" after Captain Marilyn Stark and Captain Nathan Bridger. Hudson assumed command of the boat in 2032. After the "seaQuest" mysteriously disappeared off the face of the Earth in 2022, Hudson began a ten year search for the missing ship and crew while in command of a slow-moving, long-distance hauler, which he believed would give him the best chance of finding it.

Following the rise of the Alliance of Macronesia, Hudson considered retirement, however, the UEO offered him triple the pay and command of any boat he wanted. Unfortunately, the only boat he really wanted to command was "seaQuest", but, it was still missing. Nevertheless, the UEO ordered the transfer of command of "seaQuest" from Bridger to Hudson should the boat ever be discovered intact. In the meantime, due to the rising escalation of hostility between the UEO and Macronesia, Hudson diverted much of his attention to slowing the expansion of power and territory of the Macronesian President, Alexander Borune. Hudson studied his enemy in Bourne and knew of both his public and personal life.

When "seaQuest" was discovered in an Iowa cornfield in 2032, the transfer of command took place and Hudson took his place on the bridge of the ship. Initially, Hudson butted heads with many crewmembers, first being Lucas Wolenczak, who was forced to enlist in the UEO navy in order to stay on "seaQuest." Wolenczak, however, was able to impress Hudson over the course of his duty by being a competent and reliable science officer. Commander Ford was next to clash with Hudson, however, it was soon realized that Hudson was simply testing Ford to see how well his new executive officer could perform his duty. Hudson also positively affected the lives of Tony Piccolo and Dagwood, both of whom sought to advance their careers in the UEO. Hudson took a shine to Piccolo in particular, by ordering him to read his copy of "The Red Badge of Courage" in order to, not only learn about duty and honor, but, also to help him overcome his dyslexia. As a result, Piccolo soon trained to be a sub-fighter pilot as well as studying to be a lieutenant. Lieutenant J.J. Fredericks, who joined "seaQuest" along with Hudson, was also considered by the captain to be "his best student."

However, while Hudson may have positively affected several crewmembers, he was not overly fond of Lieutenant O'Neill, who believed Hudson treated him like a child. During an attack on "seaQuest"'s sub-fighters, Hudson physically manhandled O'Neill out of his station when he could not deliver a speedy and efficient answer to Hudson's questions during a crisis. Nevertheless, while Hudson may have found some of O'Neill's choices questionable, he still relied on his extensive knowledge of languages on the bridge.

Background

Hudson was portrayed by actor Michael Ironside and replaced Roy Scheider as the star of the series after Scheider left the series at the end of season two. Hudson appeared in all thirteen episodes of the third and final season.

Lieutenant J.J. Fredericks

Infobox character
colour =LightSkyBlue
colour text =
name =J.J Fredericks


series =
caption =
first = Brave New World (09/20/1995)
last = Weapons of War (06/09/1996)
cause =
creator =
portrayer = Elise Neal
episode =
nickname = Freddy
alias =
species =
gender = Female
age = 27
born =
death = 2032
specialty = Spector class sub-fighter pilot
occupation = Fighter Pilot
title = Lieutenant
callsign =
family =
spouse =
children =
relatives =
residence =
religion =
nationality = American

References

External links

* [http://hometown.aol.com/seaquestmuseum/931.html Photos of some of Commander Ford's costumes at the "seaQuest" Costume Museum]