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How Star Trek Tried To Redeem Its Most Boring Character

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How Star Trek Tried To Redeem Its Most Boring Character

By Chris Snellgrove
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Pop quiz: Who do you think is the most boring character in Star Trek? The franchise is filled with annoying characters like Wesley Crusher and Neelix, but those characters were at least grating in memorable ways. Unfortunately, Voyager had one character whose lines, line deliveries, and plotlines were guaranteed to put you to sleep.

We’re talking about Chakotay, the former Maquis rebel leader who has all the personality of an unsalted cracker the moment he becomes Captain Janeway’s first officer. However, Voyager did their best to correct the problems with this character very early on. For example, the forgotten Season 2 episode “Initiations” was written largely to make Chakotay more interesting to audiences.

The Most Boring Man In Starfleet

Some quick context about the episode: “Initiations” begins with Chakotay (played by Robert Beltran) taking a shuttlecraft out to conduct a ritual honoring his father’s death. But he takes custody of a young Kazon before both are captured by a larger Kazon vessel. There, they are forced to escape in a rollicking adventure that gives these two very different characters plenty of time to discover more about each other’s respective cultures.

Incidentally, exploring Kazon culture was one of the goals of “Initiations” and Season 2 as a whole. But the episode was also written in large part to make Chakotay a more interesting character. As revealed in the sixth issue of Star Trek Monthly (remember magazines, kids?), the producers felt that Voyager had underutilized Chakotay in the first season.

Rebranding Chakotay As An Action Star

Episode writer Ken Biller understood the assignment because he agreed with the producers that Chakotay was a pretty weak sauce character in the rest of Season 1 compared to how he was portrayed in “Caretaker,” the series premiere. Biller told the Official Star Trek Voyager Magazine that Chakotay is “like a real action hero in the pilot” and that “I think we need to give him some action stories,” something he was hoping to do with “Initiations.” That’s why the episode features this first officer getting into multiple fights, escaping captivity, and even offering to let his newfound ally kill him.

Why was it necessary for the writers and producers to make Chakotay a more interesting character? The short answer is that early Voyager, like The Next Generation before it, was hesitant to feature much conflict between characters. Therefore, even though the show’s premise was that Starfleet officers would be forced to work with Maquis terrorists, everyone mostly acted like one big, happy family after the first episode thrust them together.

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Facing Off Against The Entire Delta Quadrant

In “Caretaker,” Chakotay is a Maquis leader who tries to help his crew escape the pursuing Voyager. After both ships are transported to the Delta Quadrant, he proves himself in and out of battle, eventually becoming Captain Janeway’s first officer. This was a practical choice because of Chakotay’s skills and Starfleet experience, but it was also a symbolic choice that underscored the need for both crews to work together to survive.

This was a recipe for juicy conflict between these two very different characters, but that never happened; Chakotay quickly became little more than Janeway’s yes man in Season 1. The writers tried to make him more interesting in subsequent seasons, but this led to mixed results because Voyager increasingly relied on the fraudulent Native American consultant Jamake Highwater to craft Chakotay stories. At any rate, Chakotay actor Robert Beltran came to hate how his character was written, and he reportedly began phoning in his performances later in the show due to what he saw as poor scripts.

While Chakotay never became a very interesting character, “Initiations” remains a very solid episode full of action, adventure, and a cameo from Deep Space Nine’s Aaron Eisenberg. In helping to flesh out the Kazon, this episode lives up to the Star Trek mandate to seek out new life and new civilizations. Unfortunately for the fans and Beltran alike, though, Voyager would soon run out of strange new worlds to explore with Chakotay, who soon cemented himself as the most boring character in the entire franchise.


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Cops Called to Shia LaBeouf’s Louisiana Home for Alleged Fight Between Exes

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Prince William Demanded Andrew Be ‘Banished’ After Disastrous Interview

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According to a new report, the future king insisted that Andrew shouldn’t have anything to do with the royal family after he gave a disastrous interview in 2019 about Epstein victim, Virginia Giuffre.

Prince William’s prolonged protest against his father’s brother is also said to have “caused huge rows” with King Charles.

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Prince William Told King Charles That Andrew Should Be ‘Banished’

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Prince William told his father, King Charles, that former Prince Andrew should be “banished” after his train wreck interview with the BBC in 2019, royal author Russell Myers revealed.

The interview, which Emily Maitlis hosted, addressed the former Duke of York’s friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and accusations of sexual assault made by Virginia Giuffre.

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Andrew refused to show remorse for his friendship with Epstein, nor did he acknowledge the trauma of his victims, causing William to tell his father that he needs to be “banished” and placed far away from the monarchy.

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“William was absolutely adamant after seeing that BBC Newsnight interview with his uncle and the disastrous explanations that he gave for being friends with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein,” Myers told Us Weekly. “Refusing to apologize for his relationship and refusing to acknowledge the actual trauma of Epstein victims was an absolute red line for William.”

“He actually said to the late queen and his father [King Charles III], ‘He has to be banished. Andrew has to be rid of both the public and the private royal family,’” the expert added.

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The Prince Of Wales Would Have Taken Stricter ‘Measures’ Against His Uncle If He Were King

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Myers, the author of “William and Catherine: The Monarchy’s New Era: The Inside Story,” went further to share that the monarchy has been grappling with the bad rep Andrew has given it.

However, William understands he really can’t do much to turn things around.

Following the recent release of more Epstein files, Andrew raised eyebrows as he was pictured in several compromising positions.

After that, law enforcement arrested him on suspicion that he shared sensitive information with Epstein during his time as part of the U.K. trade envoy.

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He had previously been accused of sexual assault by Virginia Giuffre, which he denied, but later reached an out-of-court settlement with her.

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Considering this, the royal author, Myers, noted that William would have done more to prevent this if he were king,  but understands the situation of things and is focused on supporting his father, King Charles.

“The Andrew scandal has been a stain on the royal family,” Myers shared. “William [if he were king] would have taken certain measures to have Andrew completely out of the picture. William understands that his father needs to take the lead on this, and he’s willing to support him in any way he can.”

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Prince William And Kate Middleton Are ‘Deeply Concerned’

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However, the future king isn’t just folding his hands and has since taken a public stand with the victims.

He and his wife Kate Middleton shared a statement in a bid to distance themselves from Andrew, saying they were “deeply concerned” following the latest batch of documents linked to the Epstein investigation.

“I can confirm that the Prince and Princess of Wales have been deeply concerned by the continued revelations,” the palace said in a statement. “Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”

Myers seemingly suggested that the couple is laying a precedent and fighting for their future.

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“We’ve already heard from both William and [Princess Kate Middleton] saying how deeply concerned they were, and they are, of course, because this is their future on the line as well,” he shared.

The Future King’s Stand Has ‘Caused Huge Rows’ With His Father, King Charles

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It appears William’s prolonged protest against his disgraced uncle caused a strain with his father, King Charles.

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Vote in our poll: Which type of “Survivor” day 1 marooning is best?

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The battle for day 1 dominance is officially on!

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Fans React After He Apparently Changes Tattoo

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New Ink! The Net Notices NBA YoungBoy’s “Jania” Tattoo Now Says “Jazlyn” Amid His Recent PSA About His Wife (VIDEO +PICS)

NBA YoungBoy has made it clear time and time again that he doesn’t play about his wife, Jazlyn Mychelle. The rapper recently returned to the internet with a warning for anyone mentioning her. While he was addressing that, fans on the other side of the net noticed that one of the tattoos on his head appears to have changed.

RELATED: Congrats! NBA YoungBoy & Jazlyn Mychelle Confirm Arrival Of Their Third Child With Sweet Delivery Room Footage (WATCH)

NBA YoungBoy Releases A PSA For Anyone Mentioning His Wife 

On the heels of welcoming his 13th child, his third with his wife, NBA YoungBoy returned to the internet with a message. On Monday, the rapper took to Instagram with a warning for the haters while also showing love to his partner. He even shared a little relationship advice, letting the world know how married life has been treating him. He stated, “Stop that b**** a** s***! Stop hating on me. Keep Jazlyn’s name out your mouth.” He went on to say, “Why you think I’m so lit? Why you think I’m so motivated?”

YoungBoy made it clear that it all comes down to the partner you choose, telling people they better choose wisely.

Fans Notice That NBA YoungBoy’s “Jania” Tattoo Now Says “Jazlyn”

While some fans reacted to his message, others tuned in to his latest music video, ‘Another Episode.’ After its release, photos began circulating online, including a zoomed-in image of his face. Many noticed that one of his “Jania” tattoos, referencing his ex and the mother of one of his sons, now appears to say “Jazlyn.”

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That left many on X in a frenzy, as some couldn’t believe their eyes. One person tweeted, “YB done replaced Jania’s name on his face, now I gotta really let my ex go. We  in this together.” Another wrote, “This can’t be the end of Kentrell n Jania broooo.”

Some fans even referenced his lyric from his 2018 song “Changes,” where he raps, “No, I won’t never take her name off my face,” while reminiscing on the past. Still, others were happy to see him moving on. One user tweeted, “I’m so happy YB finally letting Jania go for 4life!!! Ik Jania happy tooo!! They both happy,” while another added, “Some people just have to get over YB and Jania.”

Jania previously addressed the chatter, urging fans to stop linking them romantically. She clarified that they’ve both moved on and only co-parent their son.

Social Media Reacts 

Fans flooded the comments as they caught up on what NBA YoungBoy has been up to under The Shade Room Teens. Many loved his message about Jazlyn and said they’re happy to see him happy. As for the tattoo change, some didn’t know how to feel about it. A few admitted it’s hard to let go of him and Jania, while others said it’s time to move on since he’s married. Still, some fans aren’t ready to let it go just yet.

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Instagram user @_queennnn_ wrote, “He defending her in public. I love it!”

Instagram user @igobywest added, “He’s really saying that he has a strong woman behind him and that’s the reason why he’s on top the way that he is and he feels amazing by the way 🔥

While Instagram user @prettysituation_ wrote, “We really want yaya to understand he’s talkin about her”

Instagram user @noiglexus wrote, “they weird dab 😂 nih is married nb worried about Jania & yb nm ts so overrrr with 😂”

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Instagram user @dazannanco_  added, “Welp they both did move on but what a timeeee tho”

While Instagram user @beautynlashed.bychas wrote, “’turning a bihh name into another one’ is sooo funny 😂😂😂

Instagram user @2buckzdgaf wrote, “Please be so fr, he’s not done with her. He just covering it to ‘respect’ his wife”

Instagram user @missingkyra added, “remove the other 4 tattoos so we can know you over her free”

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While Instagram user @diana_twin534 wrote, “Say wat yall want, he Love his wife. Behind closed doors we don’t know wat the discussion is bout other Females. This is a message bout having a PARTNER.”

RELATED: The Girlies Are Fighting! Yaya Mayweather & Mellow Rackz Trade SHOTS After NBA YoungBoy’s Wife Shows Off Massive Ring Upgrade

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Aaron Carter’s Mom Claims His Ex Made ‘Illegal’ Withdrawals From Accounts, Ex Denies

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Claims Pop Star’s Ex Took Money From His Accounts
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Natalie Nunn Clocks Claressa’s Shields Boxing Moves (WATCH)

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Clip Of Natalie Nunn Clocking Claressa Shields' Boxing Moves During Match Against Franchón Crews-Dezurn Has Internet Users Crackin' UP

A clip of Natalie Nunn clocking Claressa Shields‘ boxing moves during her match against Franchón Crews-Dezurn has internet users crackin’ UP.

RELATED: Claressa Shields Explains Heated Weigh-In With Franchón Crews-Dezurn As The Internet Reacts To Papoose Poppin’ Off (VIDEOS)

More On The Clip Of Natalie Nunn Clocking Claressa Shields’ Boxing Moves During Match Against Franchón Crews-Dezurn

On Monday, February 23, a user on X, formerly known as Twitter, took to the platform to share a clip from the stands at Shields’ match against Crews-Dezurn. Furthermore, the clip was captioned, Natalie Nunn was taking notes at the Claressa shields fight…”

Additionally, it showed Nunn intently watching Shields while recording her jabs against Franchón Crews-Dezurn. The clip ultimately gained 1.7 million views and even caught a reaction from Shields, who appeared amused by Nunn.

Peep the clip and Claressa Shields’ reaction below.

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Internet Users Are Crackin’ Up As Natalie Nunn Reacts

Internet users were crackin’ UP in reaction to the clip in TSR’s comment section.

Instagram user @okaynadj wrote, She’s so unintentionally funny”

While Instagram user @josephhamir added,THE LITTLE SMIRK YO I’M FRIED 😂 She’s plotting on somebody”

Instagram user @themeganbaca wrote, 😂 Me after saying ‘It ain’t really our business.’”

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While Instagram user @__nosila added,She gon show that to the baddies and tell them to act it out 😂”

Instagram user @bryce.x.o wrote, Nat be so funny without even trying sometimes 😂😂😂”

While Instagram user @iamshabba_ added, Not playing no games 🤣 nobody about to come for her at no more reunions 🤏🏾 lol”

Instagram user @thatboyflossy wrote, She knows how to become a meme without even trying💀💀”

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While Instagram user @stephonchristopher added, Nat was locked tf in she must’ve put a bet in 😂😂”

Instagram user @thereallexi3_ wrote, 😂😂😂😂😂she put money on shields that’s all !!”

While Instagram user @_amberiaaaa added, who tfuck recorded her 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭”

Instagram user @msvictoriacherie wrote, That takes 20+ years of training Natalie 😅”

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Additionally, even Natalie Nunn stepped in to provide more context:

“😂😂😂😂 🤦🏽‍♀️ I had money on the fight”

Furthermore, Chrisean Rock even dropped a reaction to the clip:

“😂😂😂😂😂”

More On Claressa Shields’ Boxing Match Against Franchón Crews-Dezurn Match

As The Shade Room previously reported, Claressa Shields and Franchón Crews-Dezurn faced off at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, on Sunday, February 22. Ultimately, Shields defended her heavyweight champion title and won the match at a reported 100-90 score.

Afterwards, Shields continued to make headlines as she and Papoose stepped out to celebrate her big win.

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RELATED: Victory Night! Claressa Shields & Papoose Hit The Club After She Defeated Franchón Crews-Dezurn & Retained Heavyweight Title

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“Wicked” star Kristin Chenoweth stunned by freaky “Wizard of Oz” connection in family tree: 'That's nuts'

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Ray J Sparks Concern W/ Messages About Being Targeted (Video)

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Ray J Sparks Concern After Sharing Now-Deleted Messages About Allegedly Being Targeted: "Now You Trying To Kill Me" (VIDEO)

Ray J has sparked concern after sharing now-deleted messages about allegedly being targeted, accusing someone of “trying to kill” him.

RELATED: REPORT: Police Called To Ray J’s Los Angeles Home For Domestic Violence Incident Allegedly Involving Female Suspect

Ray J Shares Now-Deleted Messages About Allegedly Being Targeted, Accusing Someone Of “Trying To Kill Him”

On Tuesday, February 24, Ray J took to his Instagram account to share a now-deleted reel with his more than 2.9 million followers. Furthermore, Ray J shared a clip of his face close-up in the camera’s view. Over the clip were various text captions, which read:

“I DONT EVEN TALK ABOUT YOU!! – until you try to illegally bribe and bully me!! — now you trying to kill me! , drugging me and setting up traps!! – I have kids too.!! — SMH — my family from MISSISSIPPI! – YOU CAN NEVER TEAR DOWN THE BLACK CULTURE!! Or me!! Or my mom or my sister or GOD!!! … JAYZ LAWYER CANT HELP YOU H@E… I ready to WALK YOU DOWN H0E… YOUR LAWYER IS SCUM! —HE DON’T KNOW ME BUT I KNOW HE REPRESENTS LYERS AND CON ARTISTS LIKE YOU AND YOUR WHOLE GIG!!!”

Furthermore, the post also featured a message where Ray accused his target of stealing from him and his family.

Peep the concerning post and the caption he included alongside it below.

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Ray J’s Messages Sparked Concern

Social media users shared concern for the singer in TSR’s comment section.

Instagram user @twoshotsofadri wrote, We have a mental health crisis in this country…”

While Instagram user @phenixrisin added, The sad part is something is really going on and everybody making jokes.”

Instagram user @itskitsovain wrote, I think we need Cam Newton to decode this.”

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While Instagram user @igobyp.harris added, He done gave me a headache trying to decipher that message”

Instagram user @jazz_didit_ wrote,Kardashians? 🧐”

While Instagram user @impressive__t added, He been around Ye or something???”

Instagram user @vvsyoni wrote,lordt I knew this was about Kim K, even before I saw ‘canye’ 😭”

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While Instagram user @body_n_building added, @herxaurax all I can see is ‘truth can’t be altered. Alex Spel is a p*sy sucker __ is a thief…I got _____… ye won’t even support me … my momma and b got my back tho”

Instagram user @phillysmostwnted wrote, I believe him !! But yall quick to call ppl crazy”

While Instagram user @greeneyedgyrl added, Why is he so obsessed with KimK & her family? It’s been OVER 20 years since they dated!!!”

Instagram user @kennethmangalindan wrote, He speaking hieroglyphics.”

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While Instagram user @king.barbero added, If he’s in trouble, he’s the cause.. I can almost promise you that.. sad.”

Instagram user @pusha.dee wrote, Crazy because it actually makes sense. It’s a reason he prob wrote it like this….”

To note, about an hour after Ray shared the post, he wrote in his comment section:

“My momma said chill – I ain’t even started yet”

His Now-Deleted Messages About Allegedly Being Targeted & Accusing Someone Of “Trying To Kill Him” Arrived Amid Reports Regarding Kris Jenner

It remains unclear who Ray J’s message was intended for. However, it arrived amid new reports regarding Kris Jenner. As The Shade Room previously reported, in October 2025, Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner hit the singer with a lawsuit. This was for his appearance on TMZ in May of that year, where he said he would believe it if the Kardashians were “being charged for racketeering.”

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The following month, Ray J reportedly hit Kim Kardashian and her mother with his own lawsuit, per The Shade Room. He reportedly accused them of violating a previous order forbidding them from speaking about his and Kardashian’s 2003 NSFW tape. Ray reportedly argued that he’s owed $1 million in damages and seemingly wanted to reiterate that the tape was not leaked against Kardashian’s will.

Earlier this week, TMZ reported that Jenner updated her and Kardashian’s defamation suit against Ray with a declaration page accusing Ray of harassment.

“To say that my daughter and I are being pursued for doing something worse than Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, is a horrific lie,” Jenner reportedly wrote in the declaration. “… [o]ver the past two decades, I have had to watch [Ray J] publicly terrorize my daughter by continually talking, and lying, about her in the press to try and keep himself relevant.”

Jenner reportedly argued that Ray’s actions have caused Kardashian emotional distress.

“My family is of the utmost importance to me. It is deeply painful to watch my daughter experience the stress brought upon her by [Ray J], and her feelings of hopelessness and his harassment will never end,” she reportedly added.

As for herself, Jenner reportedly wrote that she is “deeply angered, insulted, and shaken by the accusations,” and fears Ray’s statements will harm her businesses.

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“I took this step because I could no longer bear [Ray J’s] campaign of harassment against my daughter and my family or to watch my daughter cry again over the lies he’s painted about us,” she noted.

TMZ reports that earlier this month, Kardashian also filed her own declaration, stating that she fears her dream of becoming a lawyer will be ruined by the singer.

RELATED: Whew, Chile! Ray J Fires Back In New Lawsuit Against Kim Kardashian & Kris Jenner Over NSFW Tape

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TMZ locked in this week’s “Cheek of the Week” at first glance — these Paige VanZant hot bum shots will make you dance! Paige busted onto the scene fighting in the UFC over a decade ago … She’s definitely known for her fighting style and…

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