The Enduring Legacy of Kira Nerys and Michael Burnham in Star Trek
A deep dive into the impact of the characters Kira Nerys and Michael Burnham on the Star Trek franchise, and the praise from Nana Visitor for Sonequa Martin-Green.
Nana Visitor's Praise for Sonequa Martin-Green
TREK Talks 3
Star Trek: Discovery's Sonequa Martin-Green was recently praised by Star Trek: Deep Space Nine actor Nana Visitor, who indicated that she expects great things from Martin-Green in the near future.
Sonequa Martin-Green as Michael Burnham in Star Trek: Discovery.
Visitor played Major Kira Nerys on Deep Space Nine for all seven seasons of the show, while Martin-Green leads Discovery as Captain Michael Burnham. Both women have left an indelible mark on the Star Trek franchise, with Michael being the first Black female Captain to lead a series and Kira revolutionizing the standards of how a female character was portrayed in Star Trek, especially in the franchise's popular 1990s era.
Kira Nerys (Nana Visitor) from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine stares at the camera.
During TrekTalks 3, a series of live-streamed Star Trek panels that raised money for the Hollywood Food Coalition, Nana Visitor was interviewed by Tamia Harper. Visitor discussed her upcoming book Star Trek: Open a Channel: A Woman's Trek, a project exploring the scope of what the franchise has done for women. Visitor talked to a wide range of people during her research for the book, including Sonequa Martin-Green. The Deep Space Nine actor had nothing but good things to say about her impressions of Martin-Green when asked.
Kira and Garak liberate Cardassia in the Star Trek: DS9 finale.
Visitor's praise for Martin-Green was effusive, indicating her belief in Martin-Green's potential for great success in the industry. She expressed her admiration for Martin-Green's authenticity and depth, and her high expectations for the future endeavors of the talented actress.
Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) smiles sadly off-screen in Star Trek: Discovery.
How Michael Burnham Carries On The Legacy Of Kira Nerys
Aside from Visitor's words of praise, Michael Burnham and Kira Nerys have some important things in common. Earlier in her TrekTalks panel, Visitor discussed the importance of Kira as a character, stating that she felt as though Kira was allowed to explore and express her emotions in a way that other characters she had played before weren't.
Visitor pointed out that, even though Kira was Bajoran, she demonstrated 'the full spectrum of human emotions' during her time on Deep Space Nine, and was not forced into a smaller, more socially acceptable box like so many female characters of the era.
Visitor's statements about Kira are all completely true, and also apply to Michael on Star Trek: Discovery. Although female characters are less boxed in on modern television, there are still unspoken rules about when they should display emotions or how they are allowed to act.
Michael Burnham from Star Trek: Discovery.
Like Kira, Michael is an emotionally driven character, who makes mistakes and isn't always portrayed in a way that makes the audience like her. Showing Michael as a complicated human rather than the idealized version of a woman has not only made her a more interesting character but has helped carry on Kira Nerys' legacy.
The Impact and Influence of Kira Nerys and Michael Burnham
The impact of Kira Nerys and Michael Burnham on the Star Trek franchise cannot be overstated. Kira Nerys revolutionized the portrayal of female characters in the 1990s era of Star Trek, breaking free from the limitations placed on women in television at the time.
Her ability to express a wide range of emotions and to be a multifaceted character set a new standard for female representation in the franchise. This legacy has been carried on by Michael Burnham, who, as the first Black female Captain to lead a series, continues to break barriers and redefine the role of women in Star Trek.
Both characters have contributed to the ongoing evolution of female representation in the Star Trek universe, challenging stereotypes and inspiring audiences with their depth, complexity, and resilience. Their impact extends beyond the screen and into the hearts of fans, who continue to be inspired by their stories and the trailblazing women who bring them to life.
