Since its creation in the late 1960s,Star Trekhas been a sometimes wobbly but still continuing source of fascinating science fiction. Gene Roddenberry, the show’s creator, not only set the bar high for future media in the genre, but also set a precedent as to what good science fiction should be about. The show gave birth towonderful technological gadgetry, as well as a plethora of alien races and cultures spread far across the galaxy. Of these, potentially one of the most interesting to analyze is the Betazoids.
WhileStar Trekfeatures a lot of various different-looking aliens, from forehead ridged Klingons topotentially problematic Ferengi, it’s sometimes easy to overlook the less interesting-looking races, ones that are the most visually familiar. While the majority of life shown within theStar Trekuniverse is humanoid in appearance, the Betazoids are by far the most human both physically and biologically. The only noticeable difference is one that casual viewers of the show might not have noticed: the irises of a Betazoid are completely black.
RELATED:Star Trek’s Transporter Technology, Explained
While the soulful black eyes are one minor physical difference, the other thing that sets them apart from humans is that they are natural telepaths. The phrase “natural” is used here as within theStar Trekuniverse, as telepathy is not a specific gift inherent to the Betazoid race. Rather, as the show explains, all sentient creatures are born with this ability, but only a small portion are able to use it.The Vulcan mind meld technique is a form of telepathy,in which two minds are linked together and are able to feel and experience one another’s thoughts, memories, and emotions.
The Betazoid form of telepathy stems from by their natural ability to sense thoughts or emotions, as well as transmitting their own thoughts and emotions of another life form. It’s even possible for some Betazoids to use this ability to manipulate others. Some, under very specific circumstances and training, are even able to harness telekinetic abilities. Betazoids begin developing their abilities during adolescence, although it’s possible that they might begin to experience varying degrees of telephony before this point. However, developing one’s telepathic powers too early can be very dangerous and even traumatizing to a young mind that does not yet fully understand the full scope of adult emotions. WhileStar Trekhas always strived to be against elitist views and the idea of inherited power, and insteadpromote equal rights for all, a Betazoid’s abilities relies heavily on how “pure” their heritage is — mixed heritage equals less power.
The society on their home planet, creatively named Betazed, is pseudo-religious, as well as semi-matriarchal, withfive ruling houses that form a planetary government. While somewhat elitist in appearance, each house holds the interests and concerns of millions of Betazoids across the galaxy. Their telepathic abilities allow for them to truly take into account and understand what it is that irks the populous. Imagine ruling over a society of unhappy people with an ability that allows their leader to feel their pain or discomfort — letting them suffer is not ideal. Something else that sets them apart from humans is that there is no recorded history of war on Betazed, at least internal, again potentially due to their heightened empathy and telepathy.They are often seen as the pinnacle of what society should strive for: a culture that revolves around honesty and compassion, empathy and care.
While such a trait is admirable, honoring truth was more of a necessity than an idealistic goal for a race of mind readers. This respect for truth is also extended out to other cultures, sometimes with mixed results. Sometimes, their honesty came across as rude. For example, Lwaxana Troi (mother of the beloved character Deanna Troi) is often confused by the concept of a white lie to spare another person’s feelings, or to simply be polite. As such, perhaps more than others, she comes across as blunt and rude, much to the embarrassment of her daughter.
While potentially not the most visually interesting in terms of character design inStar Trek,the Betazoids are potentially one of the most interesting when used as a reflection of the missed potential of humanity. They are, in many ways, exactly the same, except they are able to tap into things that humans are not ready for yet. This is reflected in something so mundane sounding as the gestation period for both races. Humans are ready to come forth into the world at 9 months, while a Betazoid child develops in the womb for an extra month — they are always one step more developed. They are what humanity could potentially someday become, if everyone were to work hard enough at self-improvement.
