Since Star Trek's first unaired pilot in 1965’s “The Cage,” an important character for almost any incarnation of the franchise has been that of the doctor. From the charming grumbling of Dr. McCoy in The Original Series to the existential questions posed by Voyager’s Emergency Medical Hologram (EMH) and beyond, every physician in Star Trek has made a lasting impression on audiences.
In this ranking of the nine main medical officers in Star Trek, we will explore both their skills as physicians as well as their appeal as characters and how well they capture the ineffable spirit of Star Trek. Of course, several of those points are rooted in subjectivity, but let’s forge ahead nonetheless!
9. Joseph M’Benga
I have to emphasize here that the characterization of Joseph M’Benga in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is so different from his two appearances in Star Trek: The Original Series that he is effectively a different character. I remember my initial excitement about SNW expanding on this standout TOS character, but he is becoming less and less likable as the series continues.
For the most part, this unlikability comes from the fact that he is written to be a killer and a liar. While we are sometimes given reasons to “justify” Dr. M’Benga’s actions, it kind of feels like he just keeps doing reprehensible things to cover for other reprehensible things. Hopefully, he gets to actually work through his issues at some point, but I’m still not sure I’d want him treating me.