Thema: Re: Klingon Question Von: McReynolds Datum: Mon, 29 Sep 1997 19:26:08 -0500 Derik Mitchell wrote: > > I just saw an old episode of the original Star Trek. > In it, they had Klingons that looked like humans. > What made their appearence change so drastically? > When did this change happen. Man, there needs to be a FAQ for this one... okay, done! ;-) **************************** *The Klingon Appearance FAQ* * version 1.1 * **************************** by McReynolds Table of Contents: I. Introduction II. Theories A. Two Race B. Genetic Fusion C. Surgical Alteration D. Viral Mutation E. The Cop-out III. The Official Word IV. Conclusion ************************ *PART ONE: INTRODUCTION* ************************ Ever since STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE was released in 1979, the question of Klingon appearance has plagued fandom. During the original STAR TREK television series, Klingons appeared as human-like. To qoute "The Making of Star Trek," by Stephan E. Whitfield... "Physically, the Klingons are slightly oriental looking, dark complexioned, with bushy eyebrows that arch up at both ends. the men, without exception, are bearded." ...so we can see the confusion that surrounded the Klingons' dramatic motion picture debut! The Klingons of THE MOTION PICTURE were basically the same as those of the original series, with one key exception: they had a thick bony ridge running from their nose upwards over the forehead. These brow ridges resembled spinal vertabrae that were attached to the skull. Then, along came the later STAR TREK movies and STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION. Now, Klingons not only had ridges, but they all had different ridges! Some, like THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY's General Chang, had nearly invisible bumps running over their heads. Others, such as Chancellor K'mpec of "Sins of the Father" (TNG) had massive bony crests, impossible to miss! ******************** *PART TWO: THEORIES* ******************** There are a number of criteria that a theory to explain the Klingon appearance must meet to be successful. First, it must obviously tell us why some Klingons look human while others do not. Second, it must explain how Kor, Koloth, and Kang could appear in the original series as ridgeless Klingons, and yet be seen in "Blood Oath" (DS9) with full ridges. Lastly, it must explain why Worf considers it to be something not to discuss with outsiders, as he mentioned in "Trials and Tribble-ations" (DS9). A. The Two Race Theory: This theory is one of the simplest of all. It basically states that there are more than one racial group of Klingon, much as there are racial types on Earth. One group has ridges, while the other wither does not, or develops them later in life. This theory has the potential to fit all of the facts, with a little tinkering. It is relatively difficult to conceive a reason for Worf's discomfort, though a civil war within the Empire will suffice. However, there is one crucial thing that discounts this theory. Robert Hewitt Wolfe, ex-DS9 writer and producer, is aware of the official explanation that the writers came up with for "Trials and Tribble-ations" (DS9). He has openly stated that the Two Race Theory is, well, wrong! B. The Genetic Fusion Theory: This one is a little more complicated, but really pretty straightforward. The Klingon Empire, for various political reasons, felt that the best way to conquer humanity was to create a Fusion race that would be a bridge between our two species. This Fusion race would be the Klingons we saw during the original series. Sometime after STAR TREK but before THE MOTION PICTURE, the Fusions fell out of favor and were either destroyed, enslaved, or changed into real Klingons. This theory really does cover all the bases, and nobody has been able to find any holes in its expanded form (availible from me, contact at rmcrey@flash.net for details). It is supported by its use in FASA's authorized RPG material and in a number of STAR TREK novels, including the definitive Klingon work, "The Final Reflection" by John M. Ford. It also explains the Empires' not wanting to discuss it with outsiders; "hiding" behind their Fusion representatives is not a very honorable thing to do. C. The Surgical Altheration Theory This is just an offshoot of the Genetic Fusion Theory, with the method of alteration physical rather than genetic. D. The Viral Mutation Theory This theory states that a virus (usually propagated by tribbles) mutated all of the Klingons into their ridge-head states. This theory is weakened severely by poor science, as well as not explaining whatsoever Worf's discomfort with the issue. E. The Cop-out Theory The cop-out, usually posted by unimaginative sorts, is the simplest: it's just a show, it was just poor makeup budgets from the 60's, "Trials and Tribble-ations" was a joke, or something to that effect. Luckily, some of us have a bit of ingenuity and creativity about us, and we enjoy immersing ourselves in a fictitious reality for fun. ******************************* *PART THREE: THE OFFICIAL WORD* ******************************* Here is a summary of what our inside source on the Klingon dillema, Robert H. Wolfe, has stated on alt.tv.star-trek.ds9. When faced with the Two Race Theory and the Genetic Fusion Theory, he said something to the effect of "both wrong, but one is wronger than the other." Later, during a discussion concerning the Two Race Theory, he flat out debunked it, saying that it is simply wrong. However, that is as far as the current official word can go, as Mr. Wolfe has repeatedly declined to tell the official answer. The reason given: its more fun to let us debate. He may be right! ;-) ************************ *PART FOUR: CONCLUSIONS* ************************ The only conclusions that can be drawn from this is that we may never know "The Truth" about Klingon appearances and their metamorphosis. Unless the issue ever comes up in a future episode or movie, there is no way to find out what the producers have in mind. unfortunately, it seems very unlikely that the issue will be raised again, so all we can do is argue and bicker while those in charge watch, a mischevious grin upon their faces. -McReynolds This may be reused, reposted, saved, printed, or anything else, as long as you give me credit where credit is due.