OFFICER ATKINS

Second Officer Atkins was stationed aboard the S.S. Victoria, a cruise ship carrying about 1100 passengers. During a cruise in the North Pacific Ocean, the Victoria received a phone call from an anonymous bomber calling himself Viking, alerting the captain to the presence of a bomb on board. Captain Howard went to investigate, but the bomb exploded and Captain Howard was killed.

Following Howard's death, First Officer Carole Tanner was promoted to acting captain, and she and Officer Atkins maintained control of the ship throughout the crisis. Pete Thornton assembled a team of experts including MacGyver, Charlie Robinson, who had partnered with MacGyver on a bomb diffusing team during their service in Vietnam, and Mike Donahue, another bomb expert and Vietnam veteran who was tasked with researching the style of the bomb triggers to identify the bomber. MacGyver and Charlie flew to the Victoria's location and maintained contact with Pete and Donahue in Los Angeles.

As the search of the ship continued, Officer Atkins brought word that three identical devices had been discovered. Charlie was killed when he inadvertently triggered one of the devices, and Atkins volunteered to take his place, but Carole Tanner insisted that she take the risk, assuring Atkins that he was fully capable of taking command if necessary. Atkins maintained contact and acquired any necessary materials as Carole partnered with MacGyver to disarm the other two bombs, but as they worked to diffuse each trigger, MacGyver realized that Donahue himself was the most likely suspect. Donahue's identity as Viking was confirmed, he was immediately arrested in Los Angeles, and the Victoria proceeded with its cruise.

Portrayed by: Jeff Abbott

Cross Reference: Mike Donahue, Captain Howard, Charlie Robinson, Carole Tanner, Victoria, Viking

Episode Reference: Countdown