Star Trek Discovery: The Modern Misfit Character
Star Trek Discovery: The Modern Misfit Character
Star Trek has always been a series of exploring the unknown, both spatially and socially. From the original series to newer entries like Star Trek: Discovery, the concept of the 'misfit' character remains a central theme.
The Misfit Character in Star Trek
Across all Star Trek shows, there has always been a character whose presence challenges the norm, often drawing attention through their 'otherness.'
From Spock to Data and Beyond
In the original series (Star Trek: The Original Series or TOS), Spock stands out as the quintessential 'misfit.' His status as a half-human, half-Vulcan alien contributes to his unique position in the ship. He is often celebrated for his logical, dispassionate approach but is also criticized for being cold and emotionless. Spock's journey to finding a balance between his human and Vulcan heritage sets a precedent for misfit characters in the series.
In Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG), the concept of the misfit character evolved. Two individuals stood out: Data, a highly advanced android, and Worf, a Klingon officer in Starfleet. Data, in particular, paralleled Spock but with a different perspective. While Spock struggled to fully understand human emotions, Data, on the other hand, sought to emulate them through various means, such as playing chess and adopting a pet. This juxtaposition highlights how misfit characters can be polar opposite but equally compelling.
The Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9) Misfit: Odo
DS9 introduced Odo, a Changeling who was radically different from his fellow aliens. Odo's fluid and shapeshifting nature made him an intriguing and often misunderstood character. His story arc, particularly his love affair with Kira, beautifully illustrated his struggle with his solitary existence, making him one of the most compelling misfits.
Voyager's Seven of Nine
Later shows like Voyager featured Seven of Nine, a former Borg who had to rebuild her sense of self, making her another unique misfit. These characters each brought their own dimensions to the concept of the 'outsider,' contributing to the rich tapestry of Star Trek's narrative.
In Enterprise, the storylines of T'pol, a Vulcan on a starship, further underscored the theme of misfit characters adapting to new worlds, which is a common thread throughout the franchise.
Star Trek: Discovery and the Universal Misfit
With the arrival of Star Trek: Discovery, this concept takes on a new dimension. Unlike previous shows, it is not just one character but the entire cast that embodies the essence of a misfit. The protagonist, Commander Saru, a voyager among his own kind due to his cowardly race, adds a unique layer of self-discovery. The complexity of this misfit character is a significant departure from the norm, setting a new direction for Star Trek's character archetypes.
Philipa Georgiou, an enigmatic and somewhat nefarious character, adds another layer of intrigue to the ensemble. Her background as a former Tal Shiar agent brings a different type of misfit to the show, contrasting with the previous characters who were more 'outsiders' by choice or by circumstance.
Tilly and Stamets, the youthful engineers, also embody the modern misfit. Their struggles with team dynamics and integration into the existing culture reflect the challenges of assimilation and the search for belonging in a universe where every encounter is potentially a new beginning.
The Theme of Alienation
Overall, Star Trek: Discovery is not just a show about meeting new races and cultures; it is a show about the process of becoming alien wherever you go. This theme is universal, resonating with viewers who can relate to their own struggles with belonging and identity.
Star Trek: Discovery continues to push the boundaries of what it means to be a character in a universe where every day is an opportunity to be different and to navigate the complex tapestry of race, culture, and personal identity. This exploration of the 'misfit' character is not only central to the show's narrative but also mirrors our own journeys of self-discovery and adaptation in the face of the unknown.