Resistance is still futile.
Star Trek: The Next Generation proved that Gene Roddenberry’s beloved science fiction universe worked beyond The Original Series, particularly the chemistry established between the show’s main characters: Captain James T. Kirk, Mr. Spock, and Dr. McCoy. In 1993, Deep Space Nine followed on TNG’s successful heels, but it wasn’t until 1997 that Trekkies were introduced to Seven of Nine, a hero who was unlike any character in the sci-fi universe — and still is.
Jeri Ryan portrayed a human, who was assimilated by the Borg, and years later extricated by the crew of the USS Voyager. Seven was without question an out-of-this-world marketing tool used to help promote Star Trek: Voyager (1995-2001). And Ryan knew exactly what she was getting into right from the start. The actress said while appearing at the most recent ST-CHI: Trek To Chicago convention courtesy of TrekMovie.com:
“So, the character was added to break Star Trek into the mainstream media. That was the publicity angle of the character. And they made no bones about that. They were very clear about that from the beginning, with me. And there was a huge publicity push, so I knew that.”
Seven didn’t join Voyager until season 4, but there was no denying this Star Trek hero was unlike anyone who came before her. For one thing, Seven/Ryan’s sex appeal couldn’t be denied. Plus, the character was so well-written that it’s no surprise Seven became and remains such a sensation with Trekkies around the world. Ryan said of embracing the sexy aspects of Seven during the same panel:
“I was involved in all the costume fittings, all of the discussions. I knew what this was. And I was okay with the costume. I knew it was sexy. I knew what they were going for. I was okay with that because the way the character was written. And bear in mind, this was the ‘90s, guys. Because the way the character was written, she was the complete antithesis of this. She was not that [skin-tight, silver catsuit Seven first wore].
Ryan first sports the iconic silver costume in the Voyager season 4 episode "The Gift." After The Doctor (Robert Picardo) is able to remove 82 percent of Seven's Borg hardware, and stabilize what remains, the character displays her new threads not only for Captain Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) but for those Trekkies lucky enough to be watching. Ryan continued by saying:
“So, because of how she was written, and because it was so opposed to [the] way the physical appearance of the character was, I was all right with it. Would I be today? No, I wouldn’t. But then, whatever. So, yeah, it was a bit — they were very open about that.”
For those who doubt Seven’s popularity, Ryan reprised her role in all three seasons of Star Trek: Picard. And seeing her teamed up with The Next Generation’s core-seven characters during the show’s must-see third season remains one of this Trekkies favorite moments in all of Trek history. Paramount Skydance, if you’re listening, you can’t go wrong including Seven of Nine in any of your future films or television projects.
Is Seven of Nine one of your favorite Star Trek characters of all time, too? It’s hard to imagine any fan being able to resist the combination of Jeri Ryan’s sex appeal and her incredible acting performance over the years as the character. Share your thoughts and comments with us on the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages.
Live long and prosper, Trekkies!