The Most Astonishing Transformations: Watch These 12 Star Trek Characters Evolve

Star Trek is renowned and adored for the development and transformation of its characters. Whether the TV series follow an episodic format like Star Trek: The Original Series, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, or employ a serialized approach like Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Picard, the franchise has introduced numerous beloved characters who strive for personal growth. Although Earth may be a Utopia in Star Trek's future, the United Federation of Planets and Starfleet's Officers consistently endeavor to better themselves and humanity as a whole.

Breaking away from the television norms of its time, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine became the first series in the franchise to fully embrace serialization, leading to remarkable transformations among its many characters. Unlike other shows where characters would revert to their original state at the end of each episode, DS9, with its focus on Captain Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks), predicted the future direction of television in the 21st century. The latest Star Trek series on Paramount+ have not only introduced a multitude of new characters who undergo significant growth and change, but shows like Star Trek: Picard and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds have also allowed classic legacy characters from Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: The Original Series the opportunity to evolve, a chance denied to them in their previous series. Here are twelve Star Trek characters who have experienced the most profound changes since their debuts.

12 Seven Of Nine

11 Number One

Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan) was not only brought onto Star Trek: Voyager to add sizzling sex appeal, but also to portray a complex character with a captivating backstory. Born as Annika Hansen, she was assimilated by the Borg at a young age. Star Trek: Picard played a significant role in further exploring Seven's journey towards rediscovering her humanity. Over the course of three seasons, a weary Seven found a renewed purpose and even developed a romantic relationship with Commander Raffi Musiker (Michelle Hurd). By the end of Star Trek: Picard season 3, Seven had proven herself worthy of taking on the role of Captain aboard the USS Enterprise-G. This remarkable story arc has solidified Seven as one of the greatest icons in the Star Trek universe, and fans are hopeful that her journey will continue in Star Trek: Legacy.

Number One (Majel Barrett) made her debut in the original Star Trek pilot, "The Cage," only to disappear from the canon for the next five decades. Initially, she served as the highly efficient and logical First Officer of the Starship Enterprise, a position later assumed by Spock (Leonard Nimoy). Number One remained absent for over 50 years until Star Trek: Strange New Worlds revitalized her character. Under the name Commander Una Chin-Riley, she was portrayed by Rebecca Romijn and provided with a compelling backstory as a genetically engineered Illyrian. Una endured a Starfleet court-martial in order to regain her place aboard the Enterprise. Romijn's portrayal of Una depicts her as a devoted First Officer who possesses warmth, insightfulness, compassion, and garners the respect of her crew.

10 Saru

Captain Saru (Doug Jones) is a Kelpien, an alien race introduced by Star Trek: Discovery that holds great significance. Initially timid and fearful, Saru underwent a transformation known as Vahar'ai, which his fellow Kelpiens believed to be a death sentence. However, Vahar'ai turned out to be a pivotal evolution, instilling Saru with newfound courage and determination. He went on to become the Captain of the USS Discovery before graciously passing the torch to Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green). Along his journey, Saru also found love with T'Rina (Tara Rosling), the President of NiVar, a Vulcan state. Saru's contributions to Starfleet make him one of the most vital officers in the 32nd century.

9 Nyota Uhura

The significance of Lieutenant Uhura (Nichelle Nichols) to the Star Trek franchise is immeasurable. Regrettably, the original series failed to provide her with substantial character development. However, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has dedicated itself to rectifying this oversight. Ensign Nyota Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding), a younger version of the character, possesses a tragic backstory, an unwavering determination to succeed, and an endearing bond with her current and future crewmates aboard the Starship Enterprise. Through the ongoing growth and evolution of Ensign Uhura, the character flawlessly complements the embodiment of Nichelle Nichols.

8 Jadzia Dax

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's Terry Farrell faced a challenge in portraying the original version of Lt. Commander Jadzia Dax, who was intended to be a cool and efficient Science Officer. However, the show quickly recognized Farrell's natural charm and playful nature, which allowed the character of Dax to evolve into a beloved figure. Dax became a steadfast friend, particularly to Captain Sisko, who many individuals on Deep Space Nine were attracted to. Ultimately, it was Lt. Commander Worf (Michael Dorn) who captured her heart. In turn, Worf found a perfect match in Dax, and they formed a loving couple until Jadzia's tragic demise at the conclusion of DS9 season 6.

7 Jean-Luc Picard

Initially burdened by comparisons to Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner), Patrick Stewart took some time to transform Captain Jean-Luc Picard into the most revered starship commander of the 24th century. Known galaxy-wide for his unwavering dedication to duty, diplomatic prowess, and profound wisdom, Picard's character evolved further in the Star Trek: The Next Generation movies, where he assumed a more action-oriented role. However, it was in Star Trek: Picard, many years later, in the twilight of his life and long after his tenure as Captain of the Enterprise, that Admiral Picard experienced his most significant growth. In this new chapter, he discovered the family he had never had in TNG – Jack Crusher (Ed Speleers) – Jean-Luc's son with Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden). As Picard continued to evolve and improve, he gained the wisdom to understand that the stars had always aligned in his favor.

6 Julian Bashir

5 Nog

Dr. Julian Bashir, once the most disliked character on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, faced initial criticism for being miscast as the show's sexpot doctor. Actor Alexander Siddig (then known as Siddig El Fadil) expressed his concerns. However, as time went on, Bashir transformed into a loyal friend to Chief Miles O'Brien and Garak. It was during season 5 of DS9 that Bashir's true identity as a genetically enhanced individual was revealed. Embracing his enhanced abilities, Bashir evolved into the confident, charming, and capable character that fans grew to love.

Nog, portrayed by Aron Eisenberg, has one of the most notable character transformations in the entire Star Trek franchise. Initially working at his uncle Quark's establishment, Nog aspired for a better existence instead of merely scavenging for profit as an unsuccessful Ferengi entrepreneur. With the support of Commander Sisko, Nog became the first Ferengi in Starfleet and dedicated himself to becoming an exemplary officer. While Nog encountered numerous challenges, such as the loss of his leg during the Dominion War, his unwavering commitment to his duty earned him the admiration of his comrades on Deep Space Nine. Nog concluded his time on DS9 as a Lieutenant, junior grade, but in the 32nd century, Star Trek: Discovery revealed that the Eisenberg-class USS Nog was named in honor of this valiant Ferengi (and the late actor who brought him to life).

4 Spock

Spock's journey began in Star Trek's original pilot, "The Cage," where he was still a work in progress. However, thanks to Leonard Nimoy's exceptional character portrayal, Spock transformed into the logical and devoted Vulcan who would become the iconic figure of Star Trek. Nimoy's portrayal of Spock continued to evolve and gain depth, even after his passing in 2015. Now, in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Ethan Peck takes on the role of a younger Spock, as he grapples with his humanity and experiences love with T'Pring (Gia Sandhu) and Nurse Christine Chapel (Jess Bush). While Spock's defining qualities remain unchanged, his journey of personal and intellectual growth continues.

3 Christopher Pike

Captain Christopher Pike in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds surpasses the character portrayed by Jeffrey Hunter in the original Star Trek pilot, "The Cage." Unlike Hunter's Pike, who held outdated views about women, Strange New Worlds' Pike is a compassionate and resolute leader, valuing the input and presence of his crew. Haunted by his knowledge of a dark future, Pike commands the USS Enterprise with optimism and curiosity, earning the love and admiration of Star Trek enthusiasts.

2 Benjamin Sisko

1 Michael Burnham

Commander Benjamin Sisko embarked on his journey in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, initially portrayed with a head of hair. Avery Brooks portrayed this complex character, a single father grieving the loss of his wife. Over the course of seven seasons, Sisko underwent a profound transformation, evolving into a formidable Captain who played a pivotal role in defending the Alpha Quadrant during the Dominion War. While already a devoted father to his son Jake Sisko, portrayed by Cirroc Lofton, Sisko discovered true love in the form of Kasidy Yates, portrayed by Penny Johnson Jerald. Furthermore, Sisko overcame his initial reservations and fully embraced his role as the Emissary of the Prophets of Bajor, eventually ascending to become a celestial being alongside them in the culmination of Deep Space Nine's narrative. This remarkable character development stands as one of the most memorable in the Star Trek franchise.

Throughout the forthcoming 5 seasons of Star Trek: Discovery, the impressive growth of Michael Burnham is truly evident. Brought up on Vulcan by her adoptive father, Ambassador Sarek (James Frain), Michael's unwavering confidence led to a tragic outcome, igniting the catastrophic Klingon War at the beginning of Star Trek: Discovery. Despite being shattered, Michael managed to redeem herself, repeatedly saving the galaxy and guiding the crew of the USS Discovery into the 32nd century, persistently rescuing the Federation from grave danger. Ultimately, Michael fulfilled her destiny by assuming the role of Captain on the USS Discovery and found love in Cleveland Booker (David Ajala). Confronting enormous trials and tribulations, Michael Burnham perpetually strives to improve herself by bearing the weight of the galaxy on her shoulders and exemplifying the cherished values of Star Trek.