While Star Trek is known for showing a hopeful vision of the future, that does not mean it is devoid of bad guys. The sci-fi franchise has spawned several iconic villains, from the Borg Queen to Khan. However, most of its popular antagonists have been confined to the Milky Way galaxy and its various quadrants.
The Star Trek franchise has explored some beings from beyond our home galaxy. The unknown is what makes for great and deadly villains, and the franchise has at times introduced ruthless antagonists. Here are five of the deadliest villains from Star Trek who come from outside the Milky Way galaxy.
5. Trelane – Q Continuum
Before Q plagued the Enterprise crew in The Next Generation, a similar mischievous antagonist haunted the crew in The Original Series. Trelane made his debut in the TOS episode, ‘The Squire of Gothos’, and kidnapped Captain Kirk. Cosplaying in 18th and 19th-century Earth attire, Trelane is dangerous because of his childish mentality.
While fans were comparing Trelane and Q, a canonical connection was only revealed in Strange New Worlds, when Trelane reappeared, played by Rhys Darby. Trelane exists in the Q Continuum, which is way beyond the Milky Way. He is unpredictable and, as a spoiled child of an omniscient being, sees the whole world as a plaything.
4. The Clown – Unknown
The Clown in Star Trek: Voyager | Credits: Paramount Television
Star Trek has used the personification of fear conceit many times across shows. But nothing was as creepy and unsettling as the Clown. Appearing in the Voyager episode, ‘The Thaw’, his origins are unknown. He terrorizes a group of survivors on a planet, trapping them in a virtual reality, manifesting their deepest, darkest fears. He tortures the Voyager crew, too.
3. Nagilum – Unknown/’Hole in Space’
A still from Star Trek: TNG | Credits: Paramount Television
What happens when cruelty is disguised as curiosity? Like a child breaking toys to inspect their parts, Nagilum is introduced as an alien species that wants to kill the Enterprise crew just to understand what happens later. It made an appearance in The Next Generation episode, ‘Where Silence Has Lease’. It is impossible to reason with and threatens to kill the crew, before Captain Picard and the Enterprise save themselves.
2. Species 8472 – Fluidic Space
A still from Star Trek : Voyager | Credits: Paramount Television
Anyone who is a threat to the Borg is dangerous by definition. The Undine, a.k.a. Species 8472, are introduced in Star Trek: Voyager as a species of tripedal humanoid beings with advanced biotechnology. Their origins are said to be in fluidic space, with largely unknown environments. They become an ally to the Federation later, but are formidable threats initially.
1. The Kelvans – Andromeda Galaxy
A still from Star Trek: TOS | Credits: Paramount Television
The Kelvan Empire made a lasting impression among Trekkies due to its significant evolution. Introduced in TOS, the Kelvans first commandeered the Enterprise to head back to the Andromeda Galaxy. They have a range of powers, including physiology manipulation, superior technology, and more. However, they eventually make amends with the Federation and stay back in the Milky Way.
VillainStar Trek ShowAppearance The KelvansThe Original SeriesSeason 2, Episode 22Species 8472VoyagerSeason 3, Episode 26NagilumThe Next GenerationSeason 2, Episode 2The ClownVoyagerSeason 2, Episode 23TrelaneThe Original Series/Strange New WorldsSeason 1, Episode 17/Season 3, Episode 2
Is Star Trek mainly set in the Milky Way galaxy?
The Star Trek franchise is mainly set in the Milky Way galaxy and explores multiple quadrants. Beings from other galaxies make an appearance.
Who is the most popular villain in Star Trek?
Many Star Trek villains like Q, the Borg, Khan, and more have become pop culture staples.
Are there any Star Trek villains beyond the Milky Way galaxy?
Many villains like the Kelvans, Nagilum, and the Clown have their origins beyond the Milky Way galaxy.
Do you agree with our list? Who else do you think is the deadliest non-Milky Way villain in Star Trek? Comment below.
Star Trek: TOS, TNG, Voyager, Strange New Worlds, and more are streaming on Paramount+.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
