Star Trek boasts a diverse array of alien species, with some becoming iconic examples of science fiction creativity. While some races like the Klingons and Ferengi are easily recognizable, there are many lesser-known ones that often go unnoticed. The Andorians may not be as memorable, but their unique appearance, distinct personality, and intriguing backstory have earned them a fair share of attention.
However, one of the challenges facing modern Star Trek is its over-reliance on old ideas. While the early franchise was marked by constant innovation, the more recent installments tend to fall back on established concepts, resulting in some races looking nothing like their original appearances.
Created by renowned screenwriter and producer D. C. Fontana for a 1968 episode of Star Trek, the Andorians made their debut in "Journey to Babel," the tenth episode of season two. Alongside the Tellarites, they were one of the many species introduced in the series. Despite a few appearances in The Original Series and the first and fourth feature films, the Andorians were often relegated to the background and did not receive the attention they deserved until their prominence in Enterprise.
The Andorians, a violent, paranoid, and passionate race of warriors, have been in conflict with the Vulcans for years. Their home, Andor or Andoria, is a frigid moon orbiting a ringed gas giant. Andorian society is almost entirely underground, and they use specialized ships to carve the ice and traverse the moon. Andorians typically carry an ice mining tool called an ushaan-tor for two purposes: it's a helpful device, and the weapon of choice for Andorian duels to the death. They're consistently suspicious people who turn to violence when challenged or afraid. Andorian weapons tend to lack the stun settings of other armaments. Military service is seen as an honor and confers higher social status upon those with substantial rank. Andorians don't discriminate based on sex, and women are expected to fight alongside men and are rewarded with the same societal benefits. With their blue skin and antennae, the Andorians may look ridiculous, but modern makeup techniques have allowed them to make a grand return in Enterprise, and their silly look has made them appeal to fans and creators alike. With more compelling visuals, modern technology, and a fully fleshed-out narrative presence, the Andorians are back in a big way.
In "Journey to Babel," the Andorians were portrayed as straightforward antagonists, with Thelev attacking the delegation and the Enterprise. However, the episode is best known for introducing Spock's dad Sarek, who was framed by Thelev for the murder of the Tellarite ambassador. Although Thelev was able to stab Kirk, the Captain was able to defeat him and lock him in the Enterprise's brig. Thelev's concealed transceiver was then used to call in an attack from his ship, but the Enterprise was able to emerge victorious. Thelev died of slow-acting poison, revealing the Andorians' scheme as a suicide mission.
Fast forward thirty-three years later, the Andorians were reintroduced in "The Andorian Incident," which explored the long-standing war between the Andorians and the Vulcans. Living in constant fear of being invaded, the Andorians believed that a secluded Vulcan meditation retreat was actually a hidden sensor array. When the Enterprise arrived, they found the monastery under attack, with the Andorians invading the facility and capturing the crew. Captain Archer was then tortured for information, but he sincerely proclaimed his ignorance. Eventually, the Vulcans revealed the truth - the monastery was indeed a cover for their surveillance equipment. The Andorians were proven right and sent away with evidence.
The Andorians are a unique species that shares similarities with the Vulcans. Thanks to Berman and Braga's innovative storytelling and solid design, they have become one of the most captivating races featured in Enterprise. Even today, they continue to make appearances in popular shows like Prodigy and Lower Decks. Throughout the extensive history of Star Trek, there have been countless alien species that have left a lasting impact, but few have been saved by modern advancements like the Andorians.
