The Klingons were first introduced in Star Trek: The Original Series. They were humanoid antagonists that seemed rather war-like in nature. Klingons were depicted as the antithesis to the Federation policies that treated all new life and civilizations with decency.
The Klingons main goal was conquest, and their spaceships were filled with basically battle ready soldiers seeking to take whatever they wanted from a planet – including the planet itself. Since the show took place during the height of the Cold War in the 1960s, comparisons of the Klingons with the Soviet Union were easily made.
Klingons in TOS
Unlike the enhanced version of Klingons you will find in Star Trek: The Motion Picture, the Klingons in TOS looked human – this was no doubt due to budget concerns. They had bushy, exaggerated eyebrows and sometimes facial hair, and they had bronze skin.
 |
| Commander Kor and Captain Kirk |
The Klingons were created by screenwriter and showrunner Gene L. Coon to deliberately represent an imperialist, brutal dictatorship like the Soviets. Series creator Gene Roddenberry named them after Lieutenant Wilbur Clingan with whom he worked in the LAPD.
Klingon's Behavior
While they were initially to make one appearance in the series, Gene R. saw their value as antagonists and brought them back for a total of seven times.
Klingons in TOS exhibited brutal behavior. They were ruthless, aggressive, sneaky, and seemed to have no boundaries. They would also employ a device called a Mind Sifter to get information out of their prisoners.
Klingon Appearance
 |
| Mark Lenard as Klingon captain |
In Star Trek: Enterprise an explanation for the human looking Klingons was that their human appearance during TOS was due to scientists attempting genetic engineering that smoothed the natural forehead ridges. By the time of Star Trek: The Next Generation when we meet Worf (Michael Dorn), the forehead ridges are back with a vengeance. Worf claims Klingons don't discuss this matter with people of other races.
Episodes with Klingon Antagonists
1. "Errand of Mercy" (Season 1, Episode 26) The first appearance of Klingons – although they have been mentioned before – introducing Commander Kor (John Colicos).
2. "Friday's Child" (Season 2, Episode 11) Introducing Klingon Agent Kras (Ty Andrews) who is trying to influence a tribal struggle on a planet (against the Prime Directive).
 |
| William Campbell as Koloth |
3. "The Trouble with Tribbles" (Season 2, Episode 15) Often hilarious episode introducing Captain Koloth (William Campbell). Besides the furry little lovable Tribbles this one features the barroom brawl started by Scotty in defense of the Enterprise's honor.
4. "A Private Little War" (Season 2, Episode 19) The Klingons led by Krell (Ned Romero) introduced advanced weaponry to one side in a planetary war, prompting Captain Kirk's intervention.
 |
| Michael Ansara as Kang |
5. "Day of the Dove" (Season 3, Episode 7) Features a battle between Kirk's crew and a Klingon crew commanded by Kang (Michael Ansara). The fighting is initiated by an alien that feeds on conflict.
6. "Elaan of Troyius" (Season 3, Episode 13) A Klingon battlecruiser chases the Enterprise as it is on a diplomatic mission.
 |
| Bob Herron as Kahless |
7. "The Savage Curtain) (Season 3, Episode 22) This memorable episode involves Kahless the Unforgettable (Bob Herron) as a being created for a battle between good and evil. Kahless will figure prominently in Worf's storyline in Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Overall, whether the Klingons were in an episode or not, their presence hung over the series. When they are mentioned it is understood that they always present a real danger for Kirk and his crew.
In the next post, I will focus on the Romulans. Until then, Live Long and Prosper.
Please check out this video about the importance of the Klingons in TOS.
No comments:
Post a Comment