L’Rell has been called one of the “best Star Trek characters of the streaming era,” but is she really?

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As a dedicated Star Trek fan with decades of experience under my belt, I cannot help but express my disagreement with Screenrant’s list of the fifteen best Star Trek characters from the streaming era, specifically Mary Chieffo’s portrayal of L’Rell in Star Trek: Discovery.

When selecting the fifteen top Star Trek characters from the streaming period, Screenrant highlighted Mary Chieffo’s Klingon L’Rell from Star Trek: Discovery, explaining that “she gave up everything she held dear and aspired to, in order to guide her people towards a future where they endured.” While this description makes it seem like she is a hero, that is actually an inaccurate portrayal.

I can’t help but recall how L’Rell underwent a transformation in her journey, discovering a nobler cause. However, it’s essential not to overlook the fact that she was the one who engineered Voq to resemble Ash Tyler. And let me tell you, Tyler turned out to be the one who took Dr. Culber’s life – a loss that nearly cost Culber his relationship with Commander Stamets. Despite being miraculously saved by the mycelial network, Culber grappled with survivor’s guilt and PTSD just like Tyler did.

L’Rell’s deceit nearly led to Captain Burnham’s demise at Tyler’s hands, and due to her misdeeds, she prevented their child from having a relationship with Tyler/Voq, deciding on her own that they should not be part of his upbringing.

L’Rell proved essential to the Federation in their battle against Control during Discovery’s third season. However, her apparent redemption was not without consequence for numerous people. Though she contributed, her actions were more detrimental than helpful. Her motivations stemmed from her own desires rather than any altruistic intentions towards other races.

L’Rell is an intriguing character with substantial influence, yet debatable if she ranks among Star Trek’s finest streaming characters. In my view, her complex nature and ruthless ambition make it questionable to classify her in this esteemed category. I believe the writers intended for us not to sympathize or root for her. Her methods seldom aligned with morally justifiable actions, and any potential virtues she possessed were overshadowed by her unrelenting aspiration to dominate the Klingon Empire.

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2024-07-29 19:23