3 most poorly crafted characters across Star Trek

As a seasoned gamer with decades of Star Trek fandom under my belt, I must say that this franchise has been a beacon of hope in the vast expanse of sci-fi entertainment. The richness of its characters and storylines is unparalleled, but sometimes, even the best ships can sail off course.

Star Trek is an exceptional collection of stories, brimming with captivating characters, thought-provoking plots, and groundbreaking ideas. Over various periods – from weeks to years, even decades – Star Trek has produced some of the most remarkable writing not just in science fiction but in all of entertainment. Many of the finest tales you’ll encounter reside within the scope of a Star Trek production.

The engaging and vibrant personalities within this captivating universe play a significant role in its creation. However, it’s worth noting that not everything is perfect from the start. Occasionally, the plot unravels, characters struggle to develop, and even grand ideas can crumble.

Often, a weak initial setup can cause problems. Establishing things correctly from the start is crucial. Crafting a character that’s both dynamic and unique yet relatable can be challenging. It’s such a tough task that sometimes the character may end up being less developed. These are three characters whose foundations were shaky, making them progressively harder to connect with over time.

Kes – Star Trek: Voyager

The basis for this list, the character Kes, faced challenges from her very beginning. Being an Ocampan, a species of aliens discovered on the far side of the Delta Quadrant, she had a lifespan of merely seven years. This inherently created complexities in her character development, as her brief life span was a constant factor. At the point when she first appeared in the series, Kes was already a year old, yet she was involved with a man significantly older, in his late 30s. This aspect of her character was particularly unusual and could have been a major concern for viewers.

To put it plainly, she was as dull as a wet noodle in a game I’m playing. There was nothing unique or intriguing about her character that made me want to invest time in her storylines centered around Kes. Her scenes were more like skippable TV commercials than engaging content. Swapping her out for Seven of Nine was definitely the smart move.

Michael Burnham – Star Trek: Discovery

I must admit, it’s a pity that Michael Burnham, played by Sonequa Martin-Green, made this list due to her initial portrayal. Don’t get me wrong; she’s an outstanding actress. However, the character just seemed overly ambitious, or as some might say, try-hard. Her name, her sudden adoption and kinship with Spock, and her almost robotic Vulcan demeanor didn’t resonate well with many Star Trek fans. The thought of a human attempting to embody a Vulcan as the main character of a Star Trek series was met with skepticism. And let’s not forget about the mutiny, the captain’s death, and the subsequent war – events that have left a lasting impact on the Star Trek universe.

It’s clear why numerous viewers grew disenchanted with her and the series she fronted, given everything that unfolded. In contrast to Kes, Discovery did improve, largely due to the introduction of Sonequa Martin-Green. By developing a more nuanced character for her, allowing her to grapple with her complex relationships, and giving her room to display her feelings, the show underwent a significant transformation. Regrettably, these improvements came too late in the game.

Wesley Crusher – Star Trek: The Next Generation

Wesley Crusher is the first character that comes to mind when you think of poorly developed characters. An uber-smart young man, who wants to join the Federation and work on the Starship Enterprise, yet is constantly being spoken down to by Jean-Luc Picard. Fairly or not. He’d eventually enter the Academy, where he would continue to showcase some poor decision-making despite his genius aptitude, and would eventually just disappear into the either. Future installments have done him better, but Crusher was the first meme-character to ever come out of Star Trek and it’s hard to distance yourself from that.

2024-09-13 03:23