When you think of your favorite Star Trek series, who’s that one character that pops into your head right along with it? Maybe he’s a Vulcan hybrid science officer whose logic is edged with human emotions, or an android whose actions seem more human than those made of flesh and blood?
No matter your favorite, here are 4 beloved Star Trek characters from different timelines that are truly iconic!
1. Spock
Much like Captain James T. Kirk, Spock’s name is practically synonymous with the franchise. He was the first alien to grace television screens in the original series in a way that gave positivity to the future, rather than being menacing or dangerous.
It’s not difficult to understand why so many generations of fans related to Spock. People who felt different from their peers, those who felt like outsiders, or who wanted to reach out and be accepted, all accepted him. His battles were theirs, and his growth over time is a beautiful lesson about not only accepting friendship from others but also how to love and accept yourself.
2. Data
When Commander Riker and Data first meet in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Riker calls the android “Pinocchio” because of Data’s desire to be more human. However, throughout seven seasons, Data discovers that he’s more human than many of those he encounters, including the greedy and murderous Kivas Fajio in “The Most Toys” (S03E22) or those who do not understand his rights as a sentient being, such as Bruce Maddox in “The Measure of a Man” (S02E09).
Despite lacking a frame of reference for human emotions, Data strives to understand them, especially when it comes to forming friendships. Fans with emotional and processing disorders often relate to Data and his struggle to navigate a world that often feels alien to them.
3. Odo
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’s Odo, a changeling who chooses to retain humanoid form and live and work with humans rather than be with his own kind, is a fan favorite because of his courage to live apart and form his own destiny. This idea is something most of us can relate to.
DS9 viewers also love Odo because he represents the concept of found family. He forms relationships with others on the station, especially with Kira Nerys, even though the concept of such closeness makes him unsure of himself at times. This, along with his unswerving loyalty to his friends, makes Odo a standout character with plenty of fans!
4. Kathryn Janeway
Star Trek: Voyager was a breakout franchise hit, and it’s safe to say the main reason was because of the character of Captain Kathryn Janeway. Her courage, intelligence, and unique solutions for creating crew unity among very different people have made her a role model to many, especially women.
Many fans count Janeway among their favorite Star Trek characters because of her leadership style. While she was definitely sure of her position of authority, she tempered it with empathy and an open mind when it came to problem-solving. These are qualities that anyone who works on a team can appreciate, even today.
Which Star Trek character is your favorite? Drop by our Facebook page, let us know, and meet up with other Trek fans!