Orions: Earning Their Place as Star Trek's Top Aliens After 57 Years

Article Overview

Star Trek: Lower Decks introduces Lieutenant D'Vana Tendi, an Orion character who defies stereotypes and brings depth to Orion culture.

In Star Trek, the history of Orions is multifaceted. They have been portrayed as slavers and pirates, but their depiction in Star Trek: Lower Decks aims to showcase their rich and vibrant culture.

Moreover, Orions remain significant in the future of Star Trek. In season 3 of Star Trek: Discovery, the Emerald Chain represents a criminal alliance between Orions and Andorians. However, it is important to note that not all Orions support this criminal organization. This is evident in a Federation conference where some Orions advocate for emancipation.

Star Trek: Lower Decks has catapulted Orions to the top ranks of Star Trek's diverse alien species. These iconic beings made their debut in "The Cage," the first pilot of Star Trek: The Original Series. In this episode, the Talosians entice Captain Christopher Pike with an alluring vision of Vina, a captivating Orion slave girl with her distinctive green skin and revealing attire. Throughout the franchise's expansion, Orions have maintained their reputation as slavers and pirates, with the notorious Orion Syndicate making appearances in various episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

To address the problematic portrayal of Orions in The Original Series, Star Trek: Enterprise takes a different approach. The show explores the notion that Orion women hold power instead of being slaves. Their superiority stems from their ability to release a pheromone that mesmerizes most men. In the 17th episode of Enterprise's fourth season titled "Bound," Orion women are revealed to employ a clever tactic. They pretend to be slaves, luring unsuspecting individuals while simultaneously enhancing their own influence and reinforcing the notion that they possess insatiable sexual desires. Though this retcon gives Orion women a semblance of authority, it doesn't fully alleviate the concerns surrounding their sexualized depiction until Star Trek: Lower Decks.

Star Trek: Lower Decks Made Orions One Of Star Trek’s Best Aliens

Lt. D'Vana Tendi's Perspective Improves Orion Culture in Star Trek

Star Trek: Lower Decks introduces Lieutenant D'Vana Tendi (Noël Wells), the first Orion to be part of the main cast in a Star Trek series, which makes Orions one of the standout alien species. Tendi defies the established stereotypes of Orions in Star Trek, as she possesses unending optimism, a passionate love for science, and a yearning for genuine friendships rather than indulging in carnal pleasures. She even challenges Lieutenant Beckett Mariner's (Tawny Newsome) insensitive portrayal of Orions as pirates. Tendi's unexpected prowess in combat and her prestigious title as the "Mistress of the Winter Constellations" are enlightened by her visit back home, where it is revealed that she rejected her destined role as a top assassin to pursue a career in Starfleet. Stepping into D'Vana's shoes is her younger sister, D'Erika Tendi (Ariel Winter).

Everything We Know About Orions’ Future In Star Trek

Star Trek: Lower Decks presents a fresh portrayal of Orions, combining elements from previous depictions while introducing a dynamic and vibrant society centered around piracy. On the planet Orion, Tendi takes the lead in guiding Mariner and Lieutenant T'Lyn (Gabrielle Ruiz) through a culture marked by normalized violence and sensuality. Knife-throwing serves as a casual greeting, kidnapping is seen as a traditional part of weddings, and even Enterprise's pheromones are utilized as a potent drug for willing Orion men. The Tendi family, who hold a matriarchal power structure, seamlessly blends organized crime with familial love. D'Vana and her sister D'Erika (Ariel Winter) skillfully manage the family business, embracing both cunning and warmth. This portrayal finally reveals the true essence of Orion, and it is truly captivating.

The Emerald Chain and Starfleet Orions in Star Trek: Discovery's 32nd Century

Orions continue to exist in the future of the Star Trek universe, as seen in Star Trek: Discovery season 3. However, their portrayal in this season highlights their involvement in criminal activities. In the 32nd century, Osyraa, the leader of the Orions, holds the position of Minister in the Emerald Chain. The Emerald Chain is a powerful criminal organization consisting of Orions and Andorians that ruthlessly exploits others for personal gain in the aftermath of the Burn. Operating without consequences, they strip resources from even those planets without advanced technology through enslavement. Even in her attempts to unite the Emerald Chain with the Federation, Osyraa refuses to acknowledge or apologize for her disregard for civil rights, viewing them as necessary means in a post-Burn galaxy.

However, it is important to note that Osyraa does not represent all Orions in the 32nd century, just as the Orion Syndicate did not represent all Orions in the 24th century. In Star Trek: Discovery season 4, Orion representatives are present at a Federation conference, indicating that there are Orions who disagree with the actions of the Emerald Chain. Bashorat Harral is identified as the author of an Emancipation Bill aimed at liberating the slaves within the Chain. Additionally, his son is a cadet at the recently reopened Starfleet Academy, and the younger Harral's struggle to be taken seriously mirrors that of Lt. Tendi in Star Trek: Lower Decks. This further exploration and recognition of their history helps to elevate the Orions as one of the most intriguing new (yet familiar) species in the Star Trek universe.

Editor's P/S

The article highlights the journey of Orions in the Star Trek universe, from their initial portrayal as slaves and pirates to their current status as one of the top alien species in Star Trek: Lower Decks. The introduction of Lieutenant D'Vana Tendi, an Orion character who defies stereotypes and brings depth to Orion culture, marks a significant moment in the franchise's history. Tendi's character challenges the problematic portrayal of Orions as mere sexual objects and presents a multifaceted individual with genuine aspirations and passions.

The article also explores the intriguing future of Orions in Star Trek, particularly their involvement in the Emerald Chain and Starfleet in Discovery's 32nd Century. The presence of Orions in these storylines suggests that their role in the Star Trek universe will continue to evolve and expand. Overall, the article celebrates the positive developments in the portrayal of Orions and acknowledges the importance of diverse and well-developed alien species in enriching the Star Trek universe.