Lower Decks: D’Vana Tendi encourages us to forge our own paths

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As a long-time Trekkie who’s navigated through the cosmos of Starfleet alongside the likes of Kirk, Picard, and Janeway, I must say that the latest addition to our crew, Lt. JG D’Vana Tendi from “Star Trek: Lower Decks”, has truly stolen my heart. Voiced by the hilarious Noel Wells, this Orion enigma has given us a refreshing perspective on the green-skinned pirates we’ve known since the early days of Star Trek.

Star Trek often presents the transformation of characters from species previously perceived as villains into members of Starfleet, offering a deeper and more complex insight into their alien societies. Notable examples include Worf, Quark, Seven of Nine, and more recently, the Orion scientist on Star Trek: Lower Decks named D’Vana Tendi.

In the words of Noel Wells as Lt. JG (formerly Ensign) D’Vana Tendi, we’ve been treated to a wealth of amusing perspectives on the culture and society of the green-skinned pirates that have graced the Star Trek universe since its inception with the pilot episode “The Cage.” What Tendi has additionally highlighted is the significance of embracing one’s true self.

In Lower Decks, Tendi frequently seeks to disassociate herself from her Orion pirate background. She hides her former life as a pirate (even though her nickname, “Mistress of the Winter Constellations,” has quite an appealing ring to it). Additionally, she tends to get defensive when her friends and shipmates make light-hearted remarks or shallow comments about Orion culture.

In certain aspects, Tendi’s mixed feelings about her past differ significantly from a character such as Worf, who openly embraces his Klingon lineage, even with an idealized perception of what it means to be Klingon. Similarly to Worf, Tendi encounters a sense of alienation among her own people and in Starfleet. However, much like Worf, Starfleet provides a space where Tendi can express her true self.

Although Tendi shares the same species as Orion, she isn’t enthused by the Orion Syndicate’s lifestyle centered around violence and piracy. Instead, she aligns herself with Starfleet’s principles of exploration and learning. However, being an Orion leaves her less familiar with human and Federation cultural customs, such as not recognizing a dog. This makes her feel like an outsider in both societies.

Regardless of being somewhat of an outsider, Tendi remains authentic to herself. In fact, she’s highly appreciated and accepted for her distinct character among the crew of the USS Cerritos, and Starfleet in general. The challenge lies in her Orion kin wanting her back to Orion and fulfill her duties as the Mistress of the Winter Constellations.

At the conclusion of Season 4 of Lower Decks, Tendi finds herself apart from her shipmates on the Cerritos, venturing to reunite with her family and embark on a pirate’s life. However, it’s likely that she will find a way back to her fellow Lower Deckers in Season 5! (Fingers crossed for an early reunion!)

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2024-10-23 04:23