Which Star Trek Character Should Have His Own Show?

As an SEO specialist for Google, I am deeply involved in creating content that resonates with audience preferences and aligns well with search algorithms. In the vast universe of Star Trek, one character stands out as a compelling candidate for his own television series: Dur tactical analyst (Saudus or Dorn) from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

The Case for Saudus

Let me start off by saying—I HATE prequels. They never EVER are done well. However, if someone somewhere would/could do it properly, a rise to power/fall story would make a winner. He came to power and then had it torn from him. Saudus was cast out of Cardassia to become a 'simple tailor'. If someone was willing to tell his story properly, from beginning to middle, to his arrival at DS9, I bet it would be a hit. The journey of Saudus from a tactical analyst to a monarch turned tailor would make for an intriguing narrative, providing ample content for a compelling series.

Data: A Controversial Choice

While I commented earlier on Dan Holliday’s answer that Data was given many good novelization opportunities to expand as a character in David Mack's Cold Equations series, a spinoff needs to be compelling. Data isn’t human, and even with his emotion chip, he’s always an outsider. He is socially and emotionally disconnected from humanity and at one point, even Quitted Starfleet and moved on. While the idea of Data forging a race of artificial lifeforms is compelling, it’s not enough for a series unless they become some variant of the Questor androids in Roddenberry's earlier pilot series. This connection to the original series and its theme might attract a dedicated audience.

Resting Worf: A Sesven Character

Another character worth considering is Worf, but I always found the Klingons to be a static race. Even with the dynamic Rested Worf Face, the race itself has limited depth for a standalone series. This repeated out-of-water Targ does not offer enough growth or change to sustain a series, and the rapid aging of the main actors presents a substantial challenge. However, the idea of unique, short vignettes with cameos from favorite actors and series aligns well with concepts like Black Mirror or the Outer Limits series. These features can allow for a diverse and engaging format without requiring continuous long-form storytelling.

Certain Firsts to Consider

Examining firsts for possible series could prove insightful. Here are a few intriguing ideas:

1. Nog - First Ferengi Starfleet Officer

Nog, the first Ferengi Starfleet officer, could offer a unique perspective on a species known for its pragmatic and often dishonest business practices. Using his race's philosophies akin to the "Treachery, Faith, and the Great River" to navigate the complex political and moral landscapes of the Alpha Quadrant could make for an engaging storyline. The idea of Nog possibly unbalancing a major Alpha Quadrant sale using his tactical mind and Ferengi business acumen would be an intriguing plot device.

2. 7 of 9 - First Borg Freed from the Collective

7 of 9, the first Borg freed from the Collective, represents a significant ethical dilemma. By using her nanoprobes to heal the sick and dying, she transforms the face of medicine in the Federation. However, the ethical dilemma of cybernetic enhancements presents a compelling narrative, making her an ideal candidate for a series. Her journey from the Collective to federation integration and potential ethical conflicts could captivate audiences.

3. Corbin Sloan from Section 31

Corbin Sloan, a Section 31 agent from Deep Space Nine, could provide a dark and complex narrative. If he's not really killed off but is one of many memetic clones used for espionage, the story could explore the moral and ethical implications of his actions. The now-aged actor playing Corbin Sloan, akin to Jango Fett, would likely want out and wants his illicit progeny destroyed for good. This storyline could provide a deep exploration of suspense, espionage, and the human (or proto-human) condition.

4. Elim Garak, a Section 31 Agent

Elim Garak, with his multifaceted personality and background, could be a perfect candidate for a Section 31 agent. Fitting the profile perfectly, his journey from a Cardassian munitions expert to a Starfleet intelligence agent would provide a compelling narrative. The fusion of the Federation's black ops agency and the Obsidian Order, working to forge an alliance between Cardassians and Starfleet, offers a high-stakes political intrigue that would align well with the enduring themes of Star Trek.

In conclusion, the idea of a series focusing on Saudus from Deep Space Nine, a compelling character with a rich back story ripe for development, aligns well with the high-quality, engaging storytelling that resonates with fans of the Star Trek universe. The possibility of short vignettes and cSF-series concepts presents a flexible and dynamic format that could captivate audiences while avoiding the pitfalls of the prequel genre. The Borg, Corbin Sloan from Section 31, and Elim Garak, each offer unique thematic and narrative value, making them strong contenders for their own series.