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Martok, son of Urthog is a recurring character in '' Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'', played by actor
J. G. Hertzler John Garman Hertzler Jr. (born March 18, 1950) is an American actor, author, screenwriter, and activist best known for his role on '' Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'' as the Klingon General (later Chancellor) Martok, whom he portrayed from 1995 unt ...
. Martok is a high-ranking
Klingon The Klingons ( ; Klingon: ''tlhIngan'' ) are a fictional species in the science fiction franchise ''Star Trek''. Developed by screenwriter Gene L. Coon in 1967 for the original ''Star Trek'' (''TOS'') series, Klingons were swarthy humanoids c ...
leader at the Federation-Bajoran
space station A space station is a spacecraft capable of supporting a human crew in orbit for an extended period of time, and is therefore a type of space habitat. It lacks major propulsion or landing systems. An orbital station or an orbital space station i ...
in the late 2300s. Martok figures prominently in many of the show's long running story arcs, and also is an important relationship for
Worf Worf, son of Mogh is a fictional character in the ''Star Trek'' franchise. He appears in the television series '' Star Trek: The Next Generation'' (''TNG'') and seasons four through seven of '' Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'' (''DS9'') as well as t ...
.


Concept and production

J. G. Hertzler made his first appearance in the franchise in the '' Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'' pilot episode, "
Emissary Emissary may refer to: * Ambassador * Apostle (disambiguation) * Diplomat * ''Emissaries'' (album), a 2006 album by black metal group Melechesh * Emissary (hydraulics), channel by which an outlet is formed to carry off any stagnant body of wate ...
", as a
Vulcan Vulcan may refer to: Mythology * Vulcan (mythology), the god of fire, volcanoes, metalworking, and the forge in Roman mythology Arts, entertainment and media Film and television * Vulcan (''Star Trek''), name of a fictional race and their home p ...
Captain who is killed when his vessel is destroyed. Following this, he made his first appearance as a
Klingon The Klingons ( ; Klingon: ''tlhIngan'' ) are a fictional species in the science fiction franchise ''Star Trek''. Developed by screenwriter Gene L. Coon in 1967 for the original ''Star Trek'' (''TOS'') series, Klingons were swarthy humanoids c ...
in the video game '' Star Trek: Klingon'', directed by
Jonathan Frakes Jonathan Scott Frakes (born August 19, 1952) is an American actor and director. He is best known for his portrayal of Commander William Riker in the television series '' Star Trek: The Next Generation'' and subsequent films and series. Frakes als ...
and also starring
Robert O'Reilly Robert O'Reilly (born March 25, 1950) is an American film, stage, and television actor who has appeared in a variety of roles. He appeared in the ''Star Trek'' franchise for over ten years, primarily in his recurring role on '' Star Trek: The Nex ...
as Chancellor
Gowron Gowron, son of M'Rel, is a fictional character who appeared in the American science fiction television series '' Star Trek: The Next Generation'' and '' Star Trek: Deep Space Nine''. Portrayed by Robert O'Reilly, he is the leader of the Klingon ...
. When the producers of ''Deep Space Nine'' were casting Martok, Hertzler auditioned after initially not considering the role but found himself getting angry during the interview due to a comment from the director which he felt was insulting. However, this response led to him gaining the role, and it was included as a character trait for Martok. It took around three hours each day for the make-up to be applied to Hertzler by David Quashnick, who was the "specialist" who did both Hertzler and O'Reilly's Klingon make-up. Hertzler did not mind the process, but stated that having the prostheses block the sight in his left side could sometimes make filming difficult as he could not see when turning that way. He felt it was important to the character to remind him of the time spent on the
Dominion The term ''Dominion'' is used to refer to one of several self-governing nations of the British Empire. "Dominion status" was first accorded to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Newfoundland, South Africa, and the Irish Free State at the 1926 ...
prison world, and turned down the opportunity to have Martok's sight restored when it was suggested by executive producer
Ira Steven Behr Ira Steven Behr (born October 23, 1953) is an American screenwriter and television producer, best known for his work on ''Star Trek'', especially '' Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'', on which he served as showrunner and executive producer. He was th ...
. In particular, Hertzler felt it gave the same air to Martok as
Christopher Plummer Arthur Christopher Orme Plummer (December 13, 1929 – February 5, 2021) was a Canadian actor. His career spanned seven decades, gaining him recognition for his performances in film, stage, and television. He received multiple accolades, inc ...
's character in '' Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country''. In 2020, Hertzler talked about developing the character: "As a stage actor you usually get some weeks to rehearse, if you get lucky, and then you go on. And with Martok, I was able to work on him for four years. Now I am still doing it 25 years later!" In an interview in 2021, with ''Heavy'' Hertzler, noted for playing Martok, discussed how it was working with the cast of ''Deep Space Nine''. He found it was intimidating at first, because the regular cast had worked with each other for years, and the Martok character had to "boss people around." However, he found the other actors welcomed him and helped him feel like he belonged.


Appearances


Background

Little backstory is given regarding the early life of Martok, except for a brief history sketched by himself in the ''Deep Space Nine'' episode " Once More Unto the Breach". It is known that he was born into a
Klingon The Klingons ( ; Klingon: ''tlhIngan'' ) are a fictional species in the science fiction franchise ''Star Trek''. Developed by screenwriter Gene L. Coon in 1967 for the original ''Star Trek'' (''TOS'') series, Klingons were swarthy humanoids c ...
house (The House of Martok) that was not part of the aristocracy and was raised in the Ket'ha lowlands on the Klingon homeworld of Qo'noS. This area is considered a wasteland by the Klingons. His family had been reputable soldiers and had loyally served the empire for 15 generations, although not as officers. It had long been the wish of his father Urthog to have young Martok become an officer and so he enlisted the aid of officers he had earned the respect of and eventually was able to get one to sponsor his son to the Klingon academy. Believing its approval was a mere formality, the application was submitted to the Oversight Committee but was rejected by one member, Kor, due to the elitist views of the legendary Klingon warrior regarding the honor and prestige of the "great houses". With a rejection on his record from such a legendary officer, Martok could no longer even serve as a common soldier. He opted to serve, regardless, and spent five years as a civilian laborer on General ShiVang's flagship. During his service the General's ship came under surprise attack by the Romulans. They attempted to board the ship at which time Martok took up arms and defended his General, successfully repelling the invasion. His performance and bravery in battle caught the eye of General ShiVang, who granted him a battlefield commission as an officer. Martok earned the rank of Lieutenant after the Battle of Tcha'voth, which earned him a spot as tactical officer aboard the Klingon Cruiser ''Gothspar'', captained by Kultan (ST:DS9 Books: ''The Left Hand of Destiny''). At Martok's introduction to the series, he had attained the rank of General.


General Martok

Around 2371, Martok was abducted by agents of the
Dominion The term ''Dominion'' is used to refer to one of several self-governing nations of the British Empire. "Dominion status" was first accorded to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Newfoundland, South Africa, and the Irish Free State at the 1926 ...
and replaced with a
shapeshifter In mythology, folklore and speculative fiction, shape-shifting is the ability to physically transform oneself through an inherently superhuman ability, divine intervention, demonic manipulation, sorcery, spells or having inherited the ...
. The exact date of this is unclear. The shapeshifter was successful at beginning the war with the Cardassians but inadvertently revealed himself to
Odo Odo or ODO may refer to: People * Odo, a given name; includes a list of people and fictional characters with the name * Franklin Odo (born 1939), Japanese-American historian * Seikichi Odo (1927–2002), Japanese karateka * Yuya Odo (born 1990), J ...
(who had been misled into believing that Chancellor
Gowron Gowron, son of M'Rel, is a fictional character who appeared in the American science fiction television series '' Star Trek: The Next Generation'' and '' Star Trek: Deep Space Nine''. Portrayed by Robert O'Reilly, he is the leader of the Klingon ...
was the shapeshifter) at a Klingon award ceremony, and was quickly killed by the Klingons attending the ceremony. Martok spent two years in a Dominion internment camp, forced to fight
Jem'Hadar ''Star Trek'' is a science fiction media franchise that began with Gene Roddenberry's launch of the Star Trek: The Original Series, original ''Star Trek'' television series in 1966. Its success led to decades of films, novels, comics, and spinof ...
soldiers daily in hand-to-hand combat for training purposes. Presumably it was during one of these fights that his left eye was gouged out. During his confinement, Martok came to respect the indomitable character and fighting qualities of Worf. In the episode "
By Inferno's Light "By Inferno's Light" is the 113th episode of the television series '' Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'', the 15th episode of the fifth season. Set in the 24th century, the series follows the adventures of the crew of the Starfleet-run space station D ...
", Martok escapes and returns to the
Alpha Quadrant Several films and episodes of the science fiction franchise ''Star Trek'' are set in distinct astrographical regions of space. Some of these fictional locations exhibit anomalous physical properties; others are defined as sensitive buffer zones ...
with
Elim Garak Elim Garak is a fictional character from the television series ''Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'', in which he is portrayed by Andrew J. Robinson. In the series, Garak is an exiled spy from the Cardassian Union and a former member of the feared ...
,
Worf Worf, son of Mogh is a fictional character in the ''Star Trek'' franchise. He appears in the television series '' Star Trek: The Next Generation'' (''TNG'') and seasons four through seven of '' Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'' (''DS9'') as well as t ...
and
Julian Bashir Julian Subatoi Bashir, MD is a fictional character from the television series '' Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'', portrayed by Alexander Siddig. Bashir is the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of space station Deep Space Nine and the USS ''Defiant''. ...
, and is made commander of the Klingon forces on ''Deep Space Nine''. Weeks after this new assignment, Martok took command of a Klingon Bird-of-Prey, the ''Rotarran'', and made it his personal flagship. Initially, the ''Rotarran's'' crew were beaten and fatalistic, a fact that was made worse by Martok's apparent reluctance to engage Jem'Hadar forces on their first mission. Eventually, a confrontation between Martok and Worf helped rally both the crew's warrior spirit as well as Martok's. The mission would conclude with the ''Rotarran'' engaging and destroying a Jem'Hadar vessel and rescuing thirty-five crewmen from a disabled Klingon ship. A grateful Martok would later invite Worf (who had earlier been stripped of his family name by Gowron) to join Martok's house. Martok is portrayed as an excellent judge of character, caring deeply about those under his command. This, in turn, earned him great respect among fellow Klingons, since while they have a love for battle and conquest, they also have a very low opinion of those who wantonly throw soldiers into battle with little regard for their safety or well-being. These traits, along with his courage and leadership skills, would serve him well in the
Dominion War The Dominion War is an extended plot concept developed in several story arcs of ''Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'', an American science-fiction television series produced by Paramount Pictures. In the fictional ''Star Trek'' universe, the Dominion War ...
, during which he fought in several battles, including the battle to retake Deep Space Nine, and the First and Second Battle of Chin'toka. Despite his humble background, or perhaps because of it, Martok would become extremely popular among other Klingon warriors and the civilian population, because he climbed his way up the ranks honorably, though Martok himself repeatedly stated he had no interest in politics. Eventually, he was made Supreme Commander of the Ninth Fleet, a position he initially resented because of the amount of paperwork involved. Like most Klingons, Martok had a disdain for
Ferengi The Ferengi () are a fictional extraterrestrial species in the American science fiction franchise ''Star Trek''. They were devised in 1987 for the series '' Star Trek: The Next Generation'', played a prominent role in the following series '' St ...
, which manifested itself in several refusals to even acknowledge Nog, who at the time was a Starfleet Cadet. It isn't until Nog stands up to Martok and directly challenges him that Martok begins to display a grudging respect for the young Ferengi (episodes " Soldiers of the Empire", " Blaze of Glory"). Shortly before the end of the war (" When It Rains…"),
Gowron Gowron, son of M'Rel, is a fictional character who appeared in the American science fiction television series '' Star Trek: The Next Generation'' and '' Star Trek: Deep Space Nine''. Portrayed by Robert O'Reilly, he is the leader of the Klingon ...
comes to Deep Space Nine to honor Martok by inducting him into the Order of Kahless, and then announces that he would be taking control of the Klingon forces from Martok because it was time for him to "take a more active role in the war". However, it becomes clear that Gowron is simply worried about Martok getting too powerful politically, and intends to usurp Martok's standing by sending him into battles that he cannot win. Worf tries to convince Martok to challenge Gowron, but he refuses, saying he is a loyal soldier of the Empire and has no desire whatsoever to enter politics, let alone become Chancellor. Worf then kills Gowron himself, and rather than accept the title of Chancellor, gives it to Martok (" Tacking into the Wind").


Chancellor Martok

When the Dominion forces suddenly withdrew into Cardassian territory, the Allies realized that they were withdrawing in order to gain time to recover from their battle wounds, so that they could come back stronger a few years later. Martok believed that the Empire should attack right away, and convinced the Federation and Romulans to attack as well. Martok, leading the Klingon fleet; Admiral Ross and Captain Sisko, leading the
Federation A federation (also known as a federal state) is a political entity characterized by a union of partially self-governing provinces, states, or other regions under a central federal government (federalism). In a federation, the self-governin ...
fleet; and the
Romulan The Romulans () are an extraterrestrial race in the American science fiction franchise ''Star Trek''. They first appeared in the series ''Star Trek'' (1966–1969). They have appeared in most subsequent ''Star Trek'' releases, including '' The A ...
s attacked and defeated the
Dominion The term ''Dominion'' is used to refer to one of several self-governing nations of the British Empire. "Dominion status" was first accorded to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Newfoundland, South Africa, and the Irish Free State at the 1926 ...
on the Cardassian homeworld. Despite the refusal of Admiral Ross and Captain Sisko to drink bloodwine with Martok in the halls of Cardassian Central Command, something most Klingons would consider a grave insult, the Federation and Klingons remain allies. Martok is happy to receive Lt. Commander Worf as the Federation Ambassador to Qo'noS. He comments that he now has an Ambassador that he can go targ hunting with and that, for this reason, "perhaps being Chancellor won't be ''so bad'' after all". Shortly after the end of the war, Martok and Worf leave DS9 for Qo'noS ("
What You Leave Behind "What You Leave Behind" is the series finale of the television show '' Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'', the 175th and 176th episodes, the 25th and 26th episodes of the seventh season. The episode was written by showrunner Ira Steven Behr and Hans ...
").


Personal life

Martok is the son of Urthog, and is an only child, who grew up in the Ketha province on Qo'noS. Martok is married to Sirella, a noble woman. They have one son, Drex (" You Are Cordially Invited", " The Way of the Warrior") Martok views marriage as another form of combat, albeit one disguised and more subtle than most ("
The Changing Face of Evil "The Changing Face of Evil" is the 170th episode of the television series ''Star Trek: Deep Space Nine''. It was first aired on syndicated television on April 26, 1999. Set in the 24th century, the series follows the adventures of the crew of the ...
"). After Worf joined Martok's house, Worf's son Alexander would be inducted into the house as well, as would
Jadzia Dax Jadzia Dax , played by Terry Farrell, is a fictional character from the science-fiction television series '' Star Trek: Deep Space Nine''. Jadzia Dax is a joined Trill. Though she appears to be a young woman, Jadzia lives in symbiosis with a lo ...
upon her marriage Worf (the marriage was initially opposed by Sirella). After Jadzia's death, Martok would come to regard Dax's new host
Ezri Ezri is a derivation of the Hebrew verb "ozer". "Ozer" translates into English as "to help". Ezri is translated from the Hebrew as "my help". Ezri is used both as a surname and a given name. The earliest of use of Ezri as a given name is found i ...
as a worthy successor to Jadzia and would consider her part of his house as well. Martok's first appearances on '' Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'' (in " The Way of the Warrior, Parts I and II" and "
Apocalypse Rising "Apocalypse Rising" is the 99th episode of the television series ''Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'', the first episode of the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (season 5), fifth season. The episode was directed by James L. Conway, and written by Ira Steven B ...
") were actually the Changeling infiltrator posing as Martok. The real Martok did not appear onscreen until "
In Purgatory's Shadow "In Purgatory's Shadow" is the 112th episode of the television series '' Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'', the 14th episode of the fifth season. The episode premiered on February 10, 1997 to a Nielsen rating of 6.7 points. It is the first half of a t ...
". The
Mirror Universe The Mirror Universe is the setting of several narratives in the '' Star Trek'' science fiction franchise, a parallel universe existing alongside, but separate from, the fictional universe that is the main setting of ''Star Trek''. It resembles ...
version of Martok has only appeared in the novels. Unlike the regular Martok, who is an honorable and caring commander, the MU version is foul-mouthed, slovenly and cruel. He is eventually killed by the mirror counterpart of Klag, who assumes Martok's role as Regent of the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance. ''Season 4'' * The Way of the Warrior, Parts I and II ** this is a
Changeling A changeling, also historically referred to as an auf or oaf, is a human-like creature found in folklore throughout Europe. A changeling was believed to be a fairy that had been left in place of a human (typically a child) stolen by other fairi ...
, impersonating Martok ''Season 5'' *
Apocalypse Rising "Apocalypse Rising" is the 99th episode of the television series ''Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'', the first episode of the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (season 5), fifth season. The episode was directed by James L. Conway, and written by Ira Steven B ...
** this is a
Changeling A changeling, also historically referred to as an auf or oaf, is a human-like creature found in folklore throughout Europe. A changeling was believed to be a fairy that had been left in place of a human (typically a child) stolen by other fairi ...
, impersonating Martok *
In Purgatory's Shadow "In Purgatory's Shadow" is the 112th episode of the television series '' Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'', the 14th episode of the fifth season. The episode premiered on February 10, 1997 to a Nielsen rating of 6.7 points. It is the first half of a t ...
** first appearance of the "real" Martok *
By Inferno's Light "By Inferno's Light" is the 113th episode of the television series '' Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'', the 15th episode of the fifth season. Set in the 24th century, the series follows the adventures of the crew of the Starfleet-run space station D ...
* Soldiers of the Empire * Blaze of Glory * Call to Arms ''Season 6'' *
A Time to Stand "A Time to Stand" is the first episode of the sixth season of the television series ''Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'', and the 125th episode overall. This episode was broadcast on television starting on September 29, 1997. Set in the 24th century, ...
* Sons and Daughters * Favor the Bold *
Sacrifice of Angels "Sacrifice of Angels" is the sixth episode from the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (season 6), sixth season of ''Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'', 130th episode overall. The episode's plot details the efforts of the United Federation of Planets to retake ...
* You Are Cordially Invited *
Far Beyond the Stars "Far Beyond the Stars" is the 137th episode of the syndicated science fiction television series '' Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'', the 13th episode of season6. The teleplay was written by Ira Steven Behr and Hans Beimler, based on a story by Mar ...
*
Tears of the Prophets "Tears of the Prophets" is the 26th and final episode of the sixth season of the American science fiction television series '' Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'', the 150th episode overall. It was first broadcast in broadcast syndication in the Unit ...
''Season 7'' *
Image in the Sand "Image in the Sand" is the 151st episode of the television series '' Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'', the opening episode for the series' seventh and final season. It was first aired the week of September 28, 1998. Set in the 24th century, the seri ...
*
Shadows and Symbols "Shadows and Symbols" is the second episode of the seventh season of '' Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'', the 152nd overall, premiering the week of October 5, 1998. The episode's premiere received Nielsen ratings of 4.2 points corresponding to over 4 ...
* Treachery, Faith, and the Great River * Once More Unto the Breach *
The Emperor's New Cloak "The Emperor's New Cloak" is the 162nd episode of the television series '' Star Trek: Deep Space Nine''. The 12th episode of the seventh season. It premiered the week of February 1, 1999 to Nielsen ratings of 4.6. Set in the 24th century, the se ...
* Strange Bedfellows *
The Changing Face of Evil "The Changing Face of Evil" is the 170th episode of the television series ''Star Trek: Deep Space Nine''. It was first aired on syndicated television on April 26, 1999. Set in the 24th century, the series follows the adventures of the crew of the ...
* When It Rains… * Tacking into the Wind * The Dogs of War * What You Leave Behind, Parts I and II ''Lower Decks'' * The Least Dangerous Game


Reception and analysis

In 2015,
SyFy Syfy (formerly Sci-Fi Channel, later shortened to Sci Fi; stylized as SYFY) is an American basic cable channel owned by the NBCUniversal Television and Streaming division of Comcast's NBCUniversal through NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment. Lau ...
rated Martok among the top 21 most interesting supporting characters of Star Trek, and in 2019,
SyFy Syfy (formerly Sci-Fi Channel, later shortened to Sci Fi; stylized as SYFY) is an American basic cable channel owned by the NBCUniversal Television and Streaming division of Comcast's NBCUniversal through NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment. Lau ...
rated Martok as the #1 greatest and "most Klingon-y" Klingon of the ''Star Trek'' franchise. Tara Bennett called him "legendary." In 2016,
ScreenRant ''Screen Rant'' is an entertainment website that offers news in the fields of television, films, video games, and film theories. ''Screen Rant'' was launched by Vic Holtreman in 2003, and originally had its primary office in Ogden, Utah. ''Scree ...
ranked the character Martok as the 12th best ''Star Trek'' character overall, in between Worf (#13) and Sarek (#11). They describe Martok as a "Klingon's Klingon", but instead of being obsessed with battle he appears as "battle-worn, flinty, and grateful to be alive", while Victor Grech highlights the instances where Martok embraces warfare. In 2018, CBR ranked this character 10th best recurring character of all ''Star Trek''. Producer Ira Steven Behr's impression from "The Way of the Warrior" was "Gee, this guy Martok is great", and he decided to make him a recurring character. He described Martok as "a great Klingon. Very charismatic and fun." Uwe Meyer characterizes Martok as an upright person of integrity, who in this regard stands in direct contrast and conflict to his predecessor, the erratic and self-serving Gowron. Martok is committed to family loyalty and follows a code of honour that is especially visible in times of war. Douglas Mann calls it "the Homeric code of the Klingon warrior" and compares it to that of ancient
Sparta Sparta ( Doric Greek: Σπάρτα, ''Spártā''; Attic Greek: Σπάρτη, ''Spártē'') was a prominent city-state in Laconia, in ancient Greece. In antiquity, the city-state was known as Lacedaemon (, ), while the name Sparta referre ...
and the warriors of
Mycenean culture Mycenaean Greece (or the Mycenaean civilization) was the last phase of the Bronze Age in Ancient Greece, spanning the period from approximately 1750 to 1050 BC.. It represents the first advanced and distinctively Greek civilization in mainlan ...
as depicted in the ''
Illiad The ''Iliad'' (; grc, Ἰλιάς, Iliás, ; "a poem about Ilium") is one of two major ancient Greek epic poems attributed to Homer. It is one of the oldest extant works of literature still widely read by modern audiences. As with the ''Odysse ...
''. Meyer sees elements of the
Cold War The Cold War is a term commonly used to refer to a period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union and their respective allies, the Western Bloc and the Eastern Bloc. The term '' cold war'' is used because the ...
reflected in the Star Trek franchise, with the Federation representing
the West West is a cardinal direction or compass point. West or The West may also refer to: Geography and locations Global context * The Western world * Western culture and Western civilization in general * The Western Bloc, countries allied with NATO ...
and the Klingon Empire the
USSR The Soviet Union,. officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. (USSR),. was a transcontinental country that spanned much of Eurasia from 1922 to 1991. A flagship communist state, it was nominally a federal union of fifteen nationa ...
and
Russia Russia (, , ), or the Russian Federation, is a List of transcontinental countries, transcontinental country spanning Eastern Europe and North Asia, Northern Asia. It is the List of countries and dependencies by area, largest country in the ...
. In this context, Martok represents a Klingon character who is not explicitly Westernized like Worf, but still pays hommage to the liberal values of the West to a significant degree. This characterization - bar the political connotations - is supported by a discussion documented by Karl Spracklen: Martok has been exposed to human culture enough to laugh off the refusal of his Federation allies to celebrate a victory the Klingon way with him, where another Klingon might have been offended. Martok's chancellorship is compared by Meyer to the position of
Mikhail Gorbachev Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev (2 March 1931 – 30 August 2022) was a Soviet politician who served as the 8th and final leader of the Soviet Union from 1985 to dissolution of the Soviet Union, the country's dissolution in 1991. He served a ...
in the USSR, as a representative of the ruling elite who recognizes the shortcomings and divisions of his society and strives for reform. In this role Martok is also similar to the character of Azetbur from '' Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country''. She was denied significant success as a lone reformer. Whether Martok can fulfill the hopes invested in him is an open question at the end of his arc. Uwe Meyer also states that Martok conforms to the stereotype of the simple, honest soldier, who is not well-versed in the intrigues associated with a negatively connoted political class, and is more like a politician should be because of it. That he was often victorious in battle is presented as adding to his aptitude, comparable to a number of former military officers who have achieved the
U.S. presidency The president of the United States (POTUS) is the head of state and head of government of the United States of America. The president directs the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United Stat ...
.


References


External links


Martok
at
StarTrek.com ''Star Trek'' is an American science fiction media franchise created by Gene Roddenberry, which began with the eponymous 1960s television series and quickly became a worldwide pop-culture phenomenon. The franchise has expanded into variou ...
{{Klingon Television characters introduced in 1995 Fictional chancellors Fictional characters missing an eye Fictional generals Fictional military strategists Klingons Star Trek: Deep Space Nine characters