Jellico’s reputation for being an ass goes beyond the hull of the Enterprise, hence Mariner’s comment about being assigned a “Jellico-type” captain. But every time I watch “Chain of Command,” sometimes it’s hard to tell of Geordi, Riker and Troi aren’t being a bunch of unprofessional softies.
Is Jellico too strict? Is Riker too casual? Is there room for both styles in Starfleet?
As the viewer, it’s hard not to dislike a new face in the captain’s chair. We’re so used to Picard’s strengths and style that anyone else’s flaws seem immediately obvious. Jellico is probably a fine captain without the unavoidable comparison, but the crew (as a stand-in for the audience) were highly critical and slow to trust him. I’m not sure who was more in the wrong.