Klingon Culture - Portrayal Over Time

Portrayal Over Time

In the original series (TOS), Star Trek modelled the conflict between the Federation and the Klingon Empire on the Cold War between the Western countries and the Soviet Union. TOS Klingons were not given many cultural traits, either original or Soviet-like, beyond a generic need for domination and tyranny. However, they were typically portrayed with bronze skin and facial hair suggestive of North Asian peoples such as the Mongols (in fact, Gene Coon's only physical description of them in his Errand of Mercy script is "Oriental, hard-faced"). In Star Trek: The Motion Picture, the Klingons were "reimagined" or retconned and were depicted with ridged foreheads, new uniforms, and a distinctive Klingon language. Gene Roddenberry has said that the movie-era Klingons are closer to his original vision, but could not be realized in a low-budget television show.

With the advent of Star Trek: The Next Generation and subsequent series the Klingons became allies, and the portrayal of their culture changed to resemble that of Samurai (or, rather, Western imaginations of them) and Vikings. Klingon starship crews have also been compared to motorcycle gangs. Their culture centres on honour and combat. The High Council, led by a Chancellor, governs the Klingon Empire. The position of Emperor was re-established in the 24th century, largely as a figurehead.