Why Star Trek Admirals Tend to Be Fat: Cultural Symbols, Actor Portrayals, and Narrative Choices
The portrayal of admirals in Star Trek as overweight or rotund characters can be attributed to several factors, both narrative and symbolic. This examination delves into the reasons behind these character design choices and their implications within the larger context of the franchise.
The Symbol of Status and Power
In many cultures, a larger physique can symbolize wealth, power, and authority. Within the context of Star Trek, admirals often hold high-ranking positions and are depicted as being comfortable and authoritative. This can be visually represented by a fuller figure, suggesting a sense of stability and command. This portrayal also aligns with the cultural symbolism prevalent in the series, where physical appearance often reflects one's position and influence.
Character Design and Archetypes
The design of characters in Star Trek often plays into archetypes. Admirals are typically portrayed as seasoned and perhaps complacent leaders, which can be reflected in their physical appearance. This design choice not only helps distinguish them from the more active and physically fit main characters such as captains and crew members but also serves to humanize these authority figures. By making admirals more relatable and rounded, the show can explore themes of bureaucracy, the burdens of command, and the complexities of leadership.
The Humanization of Authority Figures
A more rounded character might symbolize the weight of their responsibilities or the challenges they face in their roles. This humanization can provide a deeper emotional layer to the admirals, making them more three-dimensional and relatable to the audience. However, this portrayal is not uniform across the series. For example, in Star Trek: Discovery, only the admirals we have seen so far are trim, including one female admiral. Similarly, Star Trek: Picard features a normal-sized male admiral, suggesting that this portrayal is not a consistent theme throughout the franchise.
Cultural Commentary
By depicting admirals as overweight, the series can serve as a cultural commentary on the nature of military bureaucracy. It may suggest that those in high command can become disconnected from the more action-oriented front-line roles that the protagonists occupy. This can highlight the disconnect between the top-level decision-makers and the rank-and-file personnel, exploring the human cost of such a system.
Actor Portrayals and Physicality
It is also worth noting that the portrayal of overweight admirals often stems from the aging process of the actors. Many of the actors hired to play admirals are older non-athletic men who tend to put on weight as they reach their prime acting years. For instance, William Shatner, who played Captain James T. Kirk, wore a girdle during the original series to help maintain his weight for the demanding role. Similarly, the 60-something American male actors hired to play admirals are often well-fed, contributing to their larger physiques.
However, there is no guarantee that every admiral will be overweight. The trend reflects a combination of character design choices, thematic elements, and the cultural symbolism prevalent in the series. While Strange New Worlds may bring some fat admirals, it is unlikely given the preference for thinner Canadian character actors in recent productions.
Overall, the portrayal of admirals as overweight is a multifaceted choice in Star Trek. It reflects cultural symbols of power, character design archetypes, and the humanization of authority figures. As the series continues to evolve, it may offer more nuanced and diverse representations of these high-ranking characters, reflecting the complex nature of leadership in a futuristic setting.