Chakotay

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Chakotay
Star Trek character
Promotional image of Robert Beltran as Chakotay in Star Trek: Voyager
First appearance"Caretaker" (1995)
Portrayed by
In-universe information
SpeciesHuman
Affiliation
PostingCommanding Officer, USS Protostar (PRO)
First officer, USS Voyager (VOY) (Federation)
Rank
  • Starfleet Captain (PRO)
  • Starfleet Commissioned Lieutenant Commander
  • Field Commissioned Provisional Commander (VOY)
  • Captain of Maquis Raider Val Jean

Chakotay

Hopi, Chakotay was given no tribal affiliation at the start of the series, something that was later resolved in the episode "Tattoo
".

The character first appeared in the pilot episode of the series, "

Alpha Quadrant
, Chakotay is promoted to Captain of the ship but the relationship with Seven is ended.

Reviewers of Chakotay were critical of the stereotypical nature of Chakotay's Native American heritage. This led to comparisons with

The Lone Ranger, and that the inclusion of "Hollywood" versions of vision quests and meditation techniques were contrary to the character's in-universe tribal background.[1] However, he was praised as a role model for Native American science fiction and called "ground-breaking",[2] as well as the most prominent example of a Native American character within this genre.[3]

Concept and development

As a leader, he is steady, fearless, and capable of inspiring absolute devotion. Though he comes onto Voyager more by necessity than choice, he quickly wins the respect of even the most die-hard Starfleet veterans. He strikes an immediate and powerful bond with Janeway, and an unusual one with Kim, who through Chakotay's example begins to question his own homogenization and the loss of his traditional values.

Rick Berman, Michael Piller, Jeri Taylor, Chakotay's description, Star Trek: Voyager Bible, 1995[4]

The inclusion of a

African Americans.[5] Executive producer Jeri Taylor said, "It seemed to us that Native Americans needed that same kind of role model and that same kind of boost ... the future looks good, you have purpose, you have worth, you have value, you will be leaders, you will be powerful. That was one character choice we had early on."[5] Taylor's notes from the early production in July 1993 describe the character as "First Officer – a human native American male, a 'Queequeg' person who has renounced Earth and lives as an expatriate on another planet. A mystical, mysterious man with whom the Captain has some prior connection, not explained."[6] A month later, this description was expanded with the line, "This man has made another choice – to re-enter the world of Starfleet."[7] Chakotay was not the first Native American character to appear in the franchise, with "The Paradise Syndrome" in the third season of Star Trek: The Original Series showing a group of displaced humans following a Native American–like culture.[8]

The producers aimed to develop some conflict between the members of the crew to produce a scenario similar to the

Federation colonists from the Cardassian border in a disputed territory who were joined by some Starfleet officers who joined them to fight for their rights.[10] The producers had the Maquis introduced in other Star Trek series before Voyager in four episodes; two in Star Trek: The Next Generation and two in Deep Space Nine. It was a deliberate reference to the political situation in the West Bank.[9]

Chakotay was played by Robert Beltran across all seven seasons of Star Trek: Voyager.

In developing Chakotay, the producers sought the assistance of

Hopi, but by the following February, he once again had no tribal affiliation.[16]

Delta quadrant.[19][20] Beltran explained the audition experience, "I felt neutral about the audition, didn't much care one way or the other. I went in the first time and wasn't really trying to get the part. They asked to see me again, and they wanted to see more of an edge to the character."[21]

Chakotay was originally written as a "calm, stoic" character, but Beltran expanded on the character during the audition process, something that Kolbe credited him for.[17] The writer's bible described Chakotay as a very traditional Native American with an altar and traditional art in his quarters. It also mentioned his spirit guide,[4] something which was picked up in the media report in TV Guide.[22] Beltran wore a facial tattoo while playing Chakotay, which was applied with make-up. The design was created by Michael Westmore, who deliberately created it so it did not represent any particular tribal culture.[23] The in-universe story of the tattoo and Chakotay's tribal origins were explained in the episode "Tattoo".[24]

Beltran gained the reputation on-set as a comedian.

The Doctor.[19]

Beltran said that he was not aware of the effects this was having on the rest of the cast, saying, "For me it was like, 'OK, you can fire me if you want to. Go ahead, and I'll leave.'"[19] He compared his experience on Voyager to working in a car factory, and said that the repetitive scenes meant that it limited his creativity.[28] Beltran explained that it did not affect his relationship with the other actors, and in the end, he felt the producers decided to keep him on the cast as it did not make "very much difference, except to a very, very small percentage of fans who maybe didn't like what I said."[19]

In an interview to publicize the final episode of Voyager, "Endgame", Beltran said, "We all had a great relationship with each other and we've all said how much we enjoy our crew. We have a terrific crew. But at the same time, I'm looking forward to what's next. It's exciting to know that something unknown is next."[29] The final episode introduced a romance between Seven of Nine and Chakotay. Ryan found this relationship confusing for the characters, as although it had been suggested in the episode "Human Error", in the intervening episodes, the producers had told her and Beltran to ignore it.[30]

Appearances

Background

Chakotay's backstory was explained during the course of Star Trek: Voyager. He was born in 2329 on a Federation colony near Cardassian space in the demilitarized zone.

Starfleet Academy against his father's wishes, and his entry was sponsored by Captain Sulu.[31][A] He attended Starfleet Academy from 2344 to 2348, where he engaged in the sport of boxing.[31][32] After graduating, he was assigned to a starship. One of his earliest away missions resulted in a diplomatic incident on Ktaria VII,[34] and he was also on the team that made first contact with the Tarkannans.[35]

He was assigned as an instructor in Starfleet's Advanced Tactical Training and achieved the rank of lieutenant commander. Following the death of his father in 2368 while defending his colony from the Cardassians, Chakotay resigned his Starfleet commission and joined the Maquis.

Seska (Martha Hackett), B'Elanna Torres (Roxann Dawson), and Tuvok (Tim Russ), who was actually Captain Janeway's Chief of Security, on an undercover mission to infiltrate the Maquis.[39]

Star Trek: Voyager

The Kazon and Seska

In the pilot episode of Voyager, while the crew on the Val Jean seek to evade a Cardassian vessel captained by

Alpha Quadrant.[39]

The Kazon continue to be a hindrance during Voyager's initial period in the Delta Quadrant, with Chakotay dismayed in "State of Flux" when Seska is revealed as a Cardassian spy who has been providing technology to the Kazon to seek an alliance. She escapes Voyager and sides with the Kazon-Nistrim, one of the factions within that species.[40] Chakotay is rendered brain dead, but is made into a disembodied spirit able to possess other crewmembers in "Cathexis". The incident occurs while Tuvok and he were investigating a dark matter nebula, and he sought to prevent the ship from returning there, as an alien species wants to feed on the crew's neural energy. After Voyager enters the nebula, Chakotay possesses Neelix (Ethan Phillips) and guides the ship out using a medicine wheel as a map. Shortly afterwards, The Doctor (Robert Picardo) is able to restore Chakotay's mind into his body.[41] At the end of the first season, Chakotay supported Tuvok's aim of helping the former Maquis crew adapt better to life on Voyager in "Learning Curve", by showing them the enforcement techniques of the Maquis.[42]

In the

Vidiians for a cure. The pair agree to return to the status quo on Voyager, but remain good friends.[44]

Chakotay was contacted by Seska in "

Talaxian forces, sought to retake Voyager, Chakotay was instrumental in the crew's survival on the planet. He saved Kes (Jennifer Lien) from a local tribe, and built an alliance with them. The crew retook Voyager, and in the process Seska was killed. The child was discovered not to be Chakotay's, but instead a Cardassian/Kazon hybrid and the son of the Kazon-Nistrim leader First Maje Culluh (Anthony De Longis).[45][46]

Entering Borg space

The first indication that Voyager was approaching

Borg Cube. Chakotay is released from the new "cooperative" after the Cube self-destructs, leaving the planet with a hive-mind separate from the main collective.[47] Chakotay is captured by the Voth scientist Gegen (Henry Woronicz) in "Distant Origin", who is seeking to prove his hypothesis that the Voth came from Earth. When Gegen is placed on trial by his people, Chakotay seeks to argue in his defense. Ultimately, Gegen is forced to back down to save Voyager after the Voth threaten to destroy the vessel. Before they depart, Chakotay gives a model globe of the Earth to Gegen as a present.[48]

The relationship between Chakotay and Seven of Nine, played by Jeri Ryan (pictured), eventually led to romance by the end of the series.

His experience with the disconnected Borg resulted in Chakotay being against a plan to ally with the Borg against

cargo bay, sending all the Borg drones out into space with the exception of Seven. Later, when the Borg attempt to double-cross Voyager, Chakotay activates his localised neural link, confusing Seven and allowing Torres to disable her link to the Collective permanently.[49][50]

Chakotay played an important role when Voyager was attacked in their dreams by a species that existed in a shared dream state, using meditative techniques of his people to induce a state of lucid dreaming that allowed him to wake himself up and plant a mental "command" that he would see Earth's moon in any dream. With the rest of the crew asleep with the exception of the Doctor, Chakotay was able to track down the aliens' home planet, ordering the Doctor to destroy the canyon where the dream species slept if they would not release the rest of the crew. During the "

xenophobic race who have developed a technology to prevent others from forming long-term memories of them. As such, he is informed that they were previously in love when she was on Voyager a month earlier, and rekindle their relationship despite Chakotay not remembering the earlier encounter. Another member of her race removes Kellin's memories of Chakotay and installs a virus to remove all records of their race. Chakotay takes to writing out his memories of Kellin on paper so that he will not forget them.[52]

He was placed in command of Voyager after Seven was captured by the Borg in "

seventh season in "Human Error", Seven simulates a relationship with Chakotay on the holodeck. A Borg implant was preventing her from feeling strong emotions without any physical ill effects, which prevented her from seeking a romantic relationship with the real Chakotay.[56] By the time of the series finale, "Endgame", The Doctor had managed to remove the implant, allowing Seven to pursue a relationship with Chakotay. The alternative future seen at the start of the episode showed that Seven and Chakotay were eventually married, but she died while Voyager was still travelling home. Chakotay died in 2394, following Voyager's return, and Admiral Janeway visits his grave marker in that episode. This future was undone by the future Janeway travelling back in time to Voyager to return it to Earth sooner.[57]

Star Trek: Prodigy

Sometime prior to 2383, Chakotay was named Captain of the USS Protostar and was in command when the ship was taken by unknown parties. It is, as yet, unknown if Chakotay or the rest of the Protostar crew survived this encounter.[58]

Reception

Some criticism was directed at Chakotay's character development during the series. James Lileks for the Star Tribune said that "Chakotay, the rock-solid First Officer, remained rock-solid",[59] but also suggested that "[a]ll of the characters ended the series as they began."[59]

Critics commented on the relationship between Janeway and Chakotay, with

UGO and io9 complained that the relationship appeared at random.[62][63]

In 2016 Chakotay was ranked as the 11th most important character out of 100 of

Wired magazine.[64] In 2018, CBR ranked Chakotay the 20th best Starfleet character of Star Trek.[65] In July 2019, Screen Rant ranked "The Fight" as one of the top five worst of the series, singling out Chakotay as a major problem in the show noting how he did not really fit in, and had poor development.[66]

For his portrayal as Chakotay, Beltran won the Nosotros Golden Eagle Award for Outstanding Actor in a Television Series in 1997.

NCLR Bravo Award for Outstanding Television Series Actor in a Crossover Role, and the ALMA Award for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Television Series in a Crossover Role in 1998 and 1999.[68]

Themes

Chakotay's inclusion in the main cast of Voyager was seen by critics as one of several who were used to highlight the diversity within the series. This was highlighted during the episode "

camera pan.[69] Beltran's individual position was that he was "continually positioned as an exotic native other in relation to the white female Captain Janeway",[70] and was used to "help the white protagonist and progress the internal narrative."[71]

The placement of a character of indigenous peoples descent in science fiction was highlighted in the media. Drew Hayden Taylor said that Chakotay was "perhaps the most well-known".[72] Of Chakotay's origin, he said, "They never actually say what nation he is, but I do believe it's some Central American tribe."[72] Hayden Taylor wrote in a later article in 2012 describing the rise of Native American characters in the Twilight film series that Chakotay was still the sole popular example of a Native American character in science fiction.[73] Chakotay was also described as "the only First Nations role model around in a futuristic setting" in the 2005 book, "Indian" Stereotypes in TV Science Fiction: First Nations' Voices Speak Out,[1] but was also referred to as the "quintessential Tonto in outer space".[74] A similar criticism was highlighted of the character in Medicine Bags and Dog Tags: American Indian Veterans from Colonial Times to the Second Iraq War (2008), which called Chakotay "a creature of white fantasies" and suggested that he was "far more stereotypical than Tonto" as "at least Tonto was heroic and saved the Lone Ranger once in a while".[75]

Although religion was referenced during the Star Trek franchise, such as in the Star Trek: The Original Series episode "Who Mourns for Adonais?",[76] it did not take a more prominent role until later in the series, with Star Trek: Deep Space Nine exploring the Bajorans' beliefs and Voyager concentrating on those of Chakotay.[77] These included vision quests, and other interpretations of Native American culture which were described by critics as showing a "very Hollywood version of Plains-culture religion".[1]

The appearance of a medicine wheel in the episode "Cathexis" was described by Sierra S. Adare as showing Chakotay as a "'good Indian' in the classic Pocahontas sense".[1] Chakotay is seen attempting to introduce rituals and meditation techniques to other crew members, something they failed to understand.[78] These were said to be contrary to the tribal history described in "Tattoo", which was said to say that Chakotay's tribe descended from a pre-Mayan culture in Central America. Adare attributed this to Euro-American/European writers writing inaccurate information into scripts.[79] However, the appearance of the character was described as "groundbreaking".[2]

Notes

  • A
    Demora Sulu to whom Chakotay referred; however, he stated that the Captain was a "he".[31] The noncanon novels by Pocket Books have disagreed on which Captain Sulu to whom Chakotay referred. In a short story in the anthology Tales From The Captain Table, it is said to be Demora Sulu,[80] but in Pathways by Jeri Taylor it is stated that it was Hiromi Sulu, the son of Demora.[81]

Citations

  1. ^ a b c d Adare (2005): p. 45
  2. ^ a b Adare (2005): p. 90
  3. ^ ""A Cuchi Moya!" — Star Trek's Native Americans". 13 March 2007.
  4. ^ a b Berman; Piller; Taylor (1995): p. 13
  5. ^ a b Poe (1998): p. 174
  6. ^ Poe (1998): p. 176
  7. ^ Poe (1998): p. 189
  8. ^ Wagnar & Lundeen (1998): p. 178
  9. ^ a b c Poe (1998): p. 200
  10. ^ Poe (1998): p. 201
  11. ^ Poe (1998): p. 199
  12. ^ O'Keefe, Laura K.; Malsbury, Susan (July 2010). "Jamake Highwater papers" (PDF). The New York Public Library Humanities and Social Services Library Manuscript and Archives Division. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  13. ^ Vizenor (1994): p. 181
  14. ^ Poe (1998): p. 206
  15. ^ Poe (1998): p. 208
  16. ^ Poe (1998): p. 221
  17. ^ a b c Gross, Edward (January 1995). "Maiden Voyage". Cinescape. Retrieved June 24, 2013.
  18. ^ Treviño (2001): p. 365
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  20. ^ Booker (2004): p. 126
  21. ^ Poe (1998): p. 279
  22. ^ Logan, Michael (October 8, 1994). "Voyager – A 'Star Trek' is Born". TV Guide. Retrieved June 29, 2013.
  23. ^ Poe (1998): p. 283
  24. ^ Wagnar & Lundeen (1998): p. 180
  25. ^ Becker Salmas, Eileen (January 15, 1995). "Mulgrew Launches New-Age 'Voyager'". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on June 11, 2014. Retrieved February 15, 2014. (subscription required)
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  35. ^ Klink, Lisa; Conway, James L. (April 8, 1996). "Innocence". Star Trek: Voyager. Season 2. Episode 22. UPN.
  36. In The Flesh". Star Trek: Voyager
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  39. ^ a b Berman, Rick; Piller, Michael; Taylor, Jeri (January 16, 1995). "Caretaker". Star Trek: Voyager. Season 1. Episode 1 & 2. UPN.
  40. ^ Coyle, Paul Robert; Abbott, Chris (April 10, 1995). "State of Flux". Star Trek: Voyager. Season 1. Episode 11. UPN.
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  42. ^ Matthias, Jean Louise; Wilkerson, Ronald (May 22, 1995). "Learning Curve". Star Trek: Voyager. Season 1. Episode 16. UPN.
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  54. ^ Price, Andrew Sheperd; Gaberman, Mark; Taylor, Michael (February 16, 2000). "Collective". Star Trek: Voyager. Season 6. Episode 16. UPN.
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  58. ^ Star Trek: Prodigy
  59. ^ a b Lileks, James (May 23, 2001). "'Voyager' limps home to its final frontier". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on June 11, 2014. Retrieved February 15, 2014. (subscription required)
  60. ^ Perigard, Mark A. (November 12, 1997). "Is it love?; Expert advice for prime-time's troubled twosomes". The Boston Herald. Archived from the original on June 11, 2014. Retrieved February 15, 2014. (subscription required)
  61. ^ "Voyage over, 'Star Trek' charts final course to Planet Rerun". The Chicago Tribune. May 12, 2005. Archived from the original on June 11, 2014. Retrieved February 15, 2014.(subscription required)
  62. ^ Fitzpatrick, Kevin (February 14, 2012). "The Most Absolutely Awful TV Couples: #25: Seven of Nine and Chakotay". UGO. Archived from the original on July 10, 2013. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  63. ^ Jasper, MaryKate; Griffith, Jennifer; Anders, Charlie Jane (April 24, 2012). "10 Most Unconvincing Romances in Science Fiction and Fantasy". io9. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
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  66. ^ "Star Trek: The 5 Best Episodes Of Voyager (& The 5 Worst)". ScreenRant. 2019-07-11. Retrieved 2019-07-15.
  67. ^ "Robert Beltran Bio - Kairos Productions".
  68. ^ "Live Long And Prosper: Catch Up With The 'Star Trek' Cast". November 24, 2017.
  69. ^ Leonard (1997): p. 123
  70. ^ Geraghty (2009): p. 66
  71. ^ Geraghty (2009): p. 94
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  74. ^ Adare (2005): p. 95
  75. ^ Caroll (2008): p. 24
  76. ^ Wagnar & Lundeen (1998): p. 36
  77. ^ Wagnar & Lundeen (1998): p. 37
  78. ^ Relke (2006): p. 105
  79. ^ Adare (2005): p. 82
  80. ISBN 978-1-4165-0520-4
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  81. ISBN 978-0-671-00346-3
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References

External links

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