Portrait of a Character – Nyota Uhura

Nyota Uhura is a character that changes with the times.

Origins

Nyota Uhura (Zoe Saldana version)

The character is, of course, canon.

I have always loved this character’s quiet competence. She was also perhaps the first actress I ever saw who worked under the hood of a display, with a screwdriver, as wires sparked. It meant, to me, that she was not just another pretty face and she had more going on. She was an important and valuable member of the crew and not just some eye candy.

Portrayal

As in canon, the character is played by Zoe Saldana when young and by Nichelle Nichols when more mature.

I was particularly thrilled when, in the Kelvin timeline films, she showed her competence by making it clear she could speak Romulan. This was a great check back to Hoshi and also to what communications people really should be doing in space.

Uhura (Nichelle Nichols version)

In the Original Series, she was always the calming presence on the ship. Also, if you heard her voice, you knew that, no matter what, everything was going to be all right.

For young girls growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, she proved that you can be young and beautiful and feminine, but also powerful, intelligent, and adventurous. I hope Ms. Nichols knows just how many people she inspired.

Personality

Friendly and kind, Nyota is almost the mother hen of the ship in either timeline. She is its heartbeat.

Relationships

Spock

Like a lot of fans, this relationship seems a bit odd but maybe it can work. So in the Eriecho series, I give their relationship some play.

Mirror Universe

Mirror Universe Nyota is also canon.

MU Nyota Uhura (image is for educational purposes only)

Quote

“It is, and maybe I’m not helping things by calling you sir. Still, uh, I want you to know that, in this timeline, there’s something between us. And I was wondering, in your timeline, was there ever anything?”

Upshot

I do not write enough of her, and I mainly write her in the context of the JJ Abrams timeline. I should revisit her.

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