TOP FIVE FRIDAY: Most Influential STAR TREK Characters Who Were Not Regular Cast Members
Who's the most influential character in STAR TREK history?
The Star Trek universe is vast and varied, spanning decades of television series, movies, books, and more. Among the countless characters introduced, some have made a lasting impact without regularly appearing in the Trek Universe. Here, we explore the Top 5 most influential Star Trek characters who graced the screen only a few times, but left an indelible mark on the franchise and its fans.
5. Kevin Uxbridge - "The Survivors" (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
In the episode "The Survivors," Kevin Uxbridge, an enigmatic and pacifistic being who reveals himself to be a powerful Douwd, responsible for the annihilation of an entire hostile species to avenge the death of his human wife, stands out. His story challenges the concepts of justice, love, and the consequences of omnipotent power, leaving viewers to ponder the complexities of morality and the cost of vengeance.
4. Dr. Gillian Taylor - Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
While technically from one of the films, Dr. Gillian Taylor's influence spans beyond her single appearance due to the unique context of her character. A marine biologist from the 20th century, she plays a crucial role in saving the future by assisting Kirk and his crew in bringing humpback whales to the 23rd century to answer an alien probe's call threatening Earth. Her passion for conservation and willingness to leap into the unknown for the greater good resonates as a testament to human courage and commitment to environmental stewardship.
3. Sarek (Mark Lenard's portrayal) - "Journey to Babel" (Star Trek: The Original Series)
Although Sarek, Spock's father, appeared in multiple episodes across different series, Mark Lenard's first portrayal of him in "Journey to Babel" is iconic and sets the foundation for the complex relationship between Sarek and Spock. His struggle to reconcile his Vulcan logic with his human emotional ties introduces profound themes of family, identity, and cultural integration that would be explored throughout the franchise, including a few appearances by Lenard in The Next Generation.
2. Lal - "The Offspring" (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
In "The Offspring," Lal, the android daughter of Lt. Cmdr. Data, offers a poignant exploration of what it means to be alive. Her brief existence challenges the crew of the Enterprise and the audience to consider the rights of synthetic life forms and the nature of consciousness. Lal's impact is profound, influencing future narratives about artificial intelligence in the Star Trek universe and beyond.
1. Hugh, the Borg - "I, Borg" (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
Hugh, a Borg drone separated from the Collective and taught individuality by the Enterprise crew, is arguably one of the most influential one-time characters in Star Trek. His story not only humanizes the Borg, previously portrayed as an unassailable monolith of assimilation, but also sows the seeds for major story arcs in later series, including the liberation of other drones and the complex character of Seven of Nine in Star Trek: Voyager. Hugh's journey from a single drone to an individual with a name challenges the Federation's—and the audience's—perceptions of identity, collective responsibility, and redemption.
Chris Post is a life-long fan of Star Trek who has been working in journalism for nearly 25 years.
