'@@ -2,5 +2,5 @@ | name = Kazon | series = [[Star Trek: Voyager]] -| image =JalCulluhKazon.jpg +| image = JalCulluhKazon.jpg | image_size = 200px | caption = Anthony De Longis as Jal Culluh, the primary Kazon character featured on ''Star Trek: Voyager'' @@ -17,37 +17,37 @@ }} -The '''Kazon''' are a [[fictional race|fictional alien race]] on the American [[science fiction]] television series ''[[Star Trek: Voyager]]''. Developed by series' co-creators [[Rick Berman]], [[Michael Piller]], and [[Jeri Taylor]], the Kazon serve as the primary antagonists during the first two seasons. They are represented as a nomadic species divided into eighteen separate sects and characterized by their reliance on violence. A patriarchal society, the Kazon have a low opinion of women and place pride in men becoming warriors and proving themselves in battle. The Kazon storylines frequently revolved around the attempts of [[Jal Culluh]] and his Kazon sect to steal technology from the [[USS Voyager (Star Trek)|USS ''Voyager'']], with the assistance of ex-[[Ensign (rank)|ensign]] [[Seska]]. During the second season, the ''Voyager'' crew uncover more about the alien species' history and culture through their temporary truce. In their final appearance, the Kazon successfully commandeer ''Voyager'', but are eventually forced to surrender and retreat. The alien species receive minor cameo appearances and references in the show's subsequent seasons and are included in [[Star Trek Online|''Star Trek Online'']]. +The '''Kazon''' are a [[fictional race|fictional alien race]] on the American [[science fiction]] television series ''[[Star Trek: Voyager]]''. Developed by series' co-creators [[Rick Berman]], [[Michael Piller]], and [[Jeri Taylor]], the Kazon serve as the primary antagonists during the first two seasons. They are represented as a nomadic species divided into eighteen separate sects and characterized by their reliance on violence. A patriarchal society, the Kazon have a low opinion of women and place pride in men becoming warriors and proving themselves in battle. The Kazon storylines frequently revolved around the attempts of [[Jal Culluh]] and his Kazon sect to steal technology from the [[USS Voyager (Star Trek)|USS ''Voyager'']], with the assistance of ex-[[Ensign (rank)|ensign]] [[Seska]]. During the second season, the ''Voyager'' crew uncover more about the alien species' history and culture through their temporary truce. In their final appearance, the Kazon successfully commandeer ''Voyager'', but are eventually forced to surrender and retreat. The alien species receive minor cameo appearances and references in the show's subsequent seasons and are included in [[Star Trek Online|''Star Trek Online'']]. Inspired by gangs like the [[Crips]] and [[Bloods]], the Kazon were one of three new alien species introduced in the first season as potential recurring antagonists. The show's co-creators felt that the species was an apt metaphor the fears and anxieties surrounding cities and gangs during the seasons' broadcast. [[Michael Westmore]] was the primary make-up supervisor involved in the creation of the look for the Kazon. Piller originally planned to exclusively cast young actors between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five, but decided to cast older and more experienced performers as they tested better during the audition process. ''Voyager''<nowiki/>'s writing team dedicate a large portion of season two to the development of the alien species, with Piller writing a paper on them that would be used for the development of the Kazon-centric episodes. The Kazon were removed from the series during the transition between the second and third seasons as the co-creators felt that their continued presence would strain on the credibility of ''Voyager''<nowiki/>'s journey home. -Critical response to the Kazon was mixed to negative. Some reviewers praised the Kazon's ability to capture ''Voyager'' and maroon its crew on a desolate planet, while others felt they were poorly developed copies of [[Klingon|Klingons]] who overstayed their welcomes. The Kazon were included on several lists ranking the worst villains in ''Star Trek'' history. During her rewatching of the series, [[TrekNation|''TrekToday'']]'s Michelle Erica Green provided extensive criticism of the alien species, questioning the decision to feature them as the primary antagonists instead of the Vidiians and Janeway's refusal to share technology with them. The Kazon were also poorly received by the show's cast members, who did not find them to be strong villains or compelling additions to the narrative. +Critical response to the Kazon was mixed to negative. Some reviewers praised the Kazon's ability to capture ''Voyager'' and maroon its crew on a desolate planet, while others felt they were poorly developed copies of [[Klingon]]s who overstayed their welcomes. The Kazon were included on several lists ranking the worst villains in ''Star Trek'' history. During her rewatching of the series, [[TrekNation|''TrekToday'']]'s Michelle Erica Green provided extensive criticism of the alien species, questioning the decision to feature them as the primary antagonists instead of the Vidiians and Janeway's refusal to share technology with them. The Kazon were also poorly received by the show's cast members, who did not find them to be strong villains or compelling additions to the narrative. == Storylines == -The Kazon appear as the principal [[antagonist]]s for [[Star Trek: Voyager|''Star Trek: Voyager'']]'s first [[List of Star Trek: Voyager episodes|two seasons]]. Introduced in the series premiere "[[Caretaker (Star Trek: Voyager)|Caretaker]]", they are introduced as oppressors to another alien race known as the [[Ocampa]]. The Ocampa [[Kes (Star Trek)|Kes]] ([[Jennifer Lien]]) is first shown as a slave to the Kazon, and the [[Talaxian]] [[Neelix]] ([[Ethan Phillips]]) is revealed to have completed poor business deals with the alien species in the past. After seeing a display of the advanced technology on [[USS Voyager (Star Trek)|USS Voyager]], specifically the [[Replicator (Star Trek)|replicator]] and [[Transporter (Star Trek)|transporter]], the Kazon develop schemes in order to steal these machines and incorporate them on their own ships. Capitan [[Kathryn Janeway]] ([[Kate Mulgrew]]) refuses to provide the hostile alien species with any information regarding ''Voyager''<nowiki/>'s technology due to the fear of upsetting the power dynamics in the [[Delta Quadrant]].<ref name="Alive">{{cite episode | title=Caretaker | series=[[Star Trek: Voyager]] | author=Writer: Michael Piller & Jeri Taylor. Director: Winrich Kolbe. | network=[[UPN]] | airdate=January 16, 1995 | season=[[Star Trek: Voyager (season 1)|1]]}}</ref> In "[[State of Flux]]", the ''Voyager'' crew encounter [[Jal Culluh]] ([[Anthony De Longis]]), a Kazon sect leader and the series' primary Kazon character. In the episode, [[Ensign (rank)|ensign]] [[Seska]] ([[Martha Hackett]]) is revealed to be a [[Cardassian]] undercover agent who was secretly funneling information to the Kazon. Seska leaves ''Voyager'' to join the Kazon and becomes Culluh's lover and primary advisor.<ref name="Culluh">{{cite episode | title=State of Flux | series=[[Star Trek: Voyager]] | author=Writer: Chris Abbott. Director: Robert Scheerer. | network=[[UPN]] | airdate= April 10, 1995 | season=[[Star Trek: Voyager (season 1)|1]]}}</ref> +The Kazon appear as the principal [[antagonist]]s for ''[[Star Trek: Voyager]]''<nowiki/>'s first [[List of Star Trek: Voyager episodes|two seasons]]. Introduced in the series premiere "[[Caretaker (Star Trek: Voyager)|Caretaker]]", they are introduced as oppressors to another alien race known as the [[Ocampa]]. The Ocampa [[Kes (Star Trek)|Kes]] ([[Jennifer Lien]]) is first shown as a slave to the Kazon, and the [[Talaxian]] [[Neelix]] ([[Ethan Phillips]]) is revealed to have completed poor business deals with the alien species in the past. After seeing a display of the advanced technology on [[USS Voyager (Star Trek)|USS Voyager]], specifically the [[Replicator (Star Trek)|replicator]] and [[Transporter (Star Trek)|transporter]], the Kazon develop schemes in order to steal these machines and incorporate them on their own ships. Capitan [[Kathryn Janeway]] ([[Kate Mulgrew]]) refuses to provide the hostile alien species with any information regarding ''Voyager''<nowiki/>'s technology due to the fear of upsetting the power dynamics in the [[Delta Quadrant]].<ref name="Alive">{{cite episode | title=Caretaker | series=[[Star Trek: Voyager]] | author=Writer: Michael Piller & Jeri Taylor. Director: Winrich Kolbe. | network=[[UPN]] | airdate=January 16, 1995 | season=[[Star Trek: Voyager (season 1)|1]]}}</ref> In "[[State of Flux]]", the ''Voyager'' crew encounter [[Jal Culluh]] ([[Anthony De Longis]]), a Kazon sect leader and the series' primary Kazon character. In the episode, [[Ensign (rank)|ensign]] [[Seska]] ([[Martha Hackett]]) is revealed to be a [[Cardassian]] undercover agent who was secretly funneling information to the Kazon. Seska leaves ''Voyager'' to join the Kazon and becomes Culluh's lover and primary advisor.<ref name="Culluh">{{cite episode | title=State of Flux | series=[[Star Trek: Voyager]] | author=Writer: Chris Abbott. Director: Robert Scheerer. | network=[[UPN]] | airdate= April 10, 1995 | season=[[Star Trek: Voyager (season 1)|1]]}}</ref> For the second season, [[Chakotay]] ([[Robert Beltran]]) and Seska are the primary characters involved in the Kazon storylines. During "[[Initiations (Star Trek: Voyager)|Initiations]]", Chakotay becomes involved in a young Kazon male ([[Aron Eisenberg]]) in his rite of passage and attempts to act as a mentor for him.<ref name="Youth">{{cite episode | title=Initiations | series=[[Star Trek: Voyager]] | author=Writer:Kenneth Biller. Director: Winrich Kolbe. | network=[[UPN]] | airdate= September 4, 1995 | season=[[Star Trek: Voyager (season 2)|2]]}}</ref> Seska sets up a trap leading to the Kazon stealing a transporter module from ''Voyager'' in "[[Maneuvers (Star Trek: Voyager)|Maneuvers]]". She advises Culluh to engineer the technology into the Kazon and use it to unite the sects with him as the leader. Chakotay goes on a solo mission in order to recover the technology, but is captured and tortured by Seska and Culluh. The ''Voyager'' crew rescue Chakotay, and they discover that Seska had extracted his DNA and impregnated herself with it during his imprisonment.<ref name="Episodes1">{{cite episode | title=Maneuvers | series=[[Star Trek: Voyager]] | author=Writer:Kenneth Biller. Director: David Livingston. | network=[[UPN]] | airdate= November 20, 1995 | season=[[Star Trek: Voyager (season 2)|2]]}}</ref> Following this turn of events, Janeway attempts to form an alliance with the Kazon to secure safe passageway through their area of space. During this process, the crew meet with another alien species known as the Trabe, who were imprisoned by the Kazon following a violent feud. Janeway decided to make an alliance with the Trabe instead and set up a peace conference at the suggestion of Trabe leader Mabus' (Charles O. Lucia). The ''Voyager'' crew, however, discover that the Trabe enslaved the Kazon in the past and want to use the meeting as a trap to assassinate all of the Kazon leaders. Janeway stops the massacre from occurring, but relations between ''Voyager'', the Kazon, and the other alien species in the Delta Quadrant are further strained as a result.<ref name="Episodes2">{{cite episode | title=Alliances | series=[[Star Trek: Voyager]] | author=Writer:Jeri Tayler. Director: Les Landau. | network=[[UPN]] | airdate= January 22, 1996 | season=[[Star Trek: Voyager (season 2)|2]]}}</ref> -The Kazon make minor appearances in "[[Threshold (Star Trek: Voyager)|Threshold]]", "[[Dreadnought (Star Trek: Voyager)|Dreadnought]]", and "[[Lifesigns (Star Trek: Voyager)|Lifesigns]]" as Seska helps them construct a plan to commandeer ''Voyager''.<ref name="Minor1">{{cite episode | title=Threshold | series=[[Star Trek: Voyager]] | author=Writer:Brannon Braga. Director: Alexander Singer. | network=[[UPN]] | airdate= January 29, 1996 | season=[[Star Trek: Voyager (season 2)|2]]}}</ref><ref name="Minor2">{{cite episode | title=Dreadnought | series=[[Star Trek: Voyager]] | author=Writer:Gary Holland. Director: LeVar Burton. | network=[[UPN]] | airdate= February 12, 1996 | season=[[Star Trek: Voyager (season 2)|2]]}}</ref><ref name="Minor3">{{cite episode | title=Lifesigns | series=[[Star Trek: Voyager]] | author=Writer:Kenneth Biller. Director: Cliff Bole. | network=[[UPN]] | airdate= February 26, 1996 | season=[[Star Trek: Voyager (season 2)|2]]}}</ref> In "[[Investigations (Star Trek: Voyager)|Investigations]]", Neelix notices that one of the ship's crew is sending coded messages to the Kazon, and he uses his morning news program to track down the traitor.<ref name="GoodEats">{{cite episode | title=Investigations | series=[[Star Trek: Voyager]] | author=Writer:Jeri Taylor. Director: Les Landau. | network=[[UPN]] | airdate= March 13, 1996 | season=[[Star Trek: Voyager (season 2)|2]]}}</ref> The two-part episode "[[Basics (Star Trek: Voyager)|Basics]]" serves as the final major storyline for the Kazon on the series. Seska sends ''Voyager'' a distress call following the birth of her child and Culluh's discovery that he was not the father. Chakotay convinces Janeway and the rest of the crew to rescue Seska and his son from the Kazon, but they discover it is a trap to ambush ''Voyager''. The Kazon takes control of the starship and maroons its crew on a seemingly desolate planet; [[The Doctor (Star Trek: Voyager)|The Doctor]] ([[Robert Picardo]]) and [[crewman]] [[Lon Suder]] ([[Brad Dourif]]) are the only two crew members left on board ''Voyager''.<ref name="Basics1">{{cite episode | title=Basics, Part I | series=[[Star Trek: Voyager]] | author=Writer:Michael Piller. Director: Winrich Kolbe. | network=[[UPN]] | airdate= May 20, 1996 | season=[[Star Trek: Voyager (season 2)|2]]}}</ref> The Doctor reveals to a disappointed Seska through DNA analysis that Culluh was the father of her child instead of Chakotay. The ''Voyager'' crew retake the ship after Suder sacrifices himself to sabotage the phaser weapon systems. Seska dies from an exploding console in the ensuing fight and Culluh takes his child and leaves with the rest of the Kazon.<ref name="Basics2">{{cite episode | title=Basics, Part II | series=[[Star Trek: Voyager]] | author=Writer:Michael Piller. Director: Winrich Kolbe. | network=[[UPN]] | airdate= September 4, 1996 | season=[[Star Trek: Voyager (season 3)|3]]}}</ref> +The Kazon make minor appearances in "[[Threshold (Star Trek: Voyager)|Threshold]]", "[[Dreadnought (Star Trek: Voyager)|Dreadnought]]", and "[[Lifesigns (Star Trek: Voyager)|Lifesigns]]" as Seska helps them construct a plan to commandeer ''Voyager''.<ref name="Minor1">{{cite episode | title=Threshold | series=[[Star Trek: Voyager]] | author=Writer:Brannon Braga. Director: Alexander Singer. | network=[[UPN]] | airdate= January 29, 1996 | season=[[Star Trek: Voyager (season 2)|2]]}}</ref><ref name="Minor2">{{cite episode | title=Dreadnought | series=[[Star Trek: Voyager]] | author=Writer:Gary Holland. Director: LeVar Burton. | network=[[UPN]] | airdate= February 12, 1996 | season=[[Star Trek: Voyager (season 2)|2]]}}</ref><ref name="Minor3">{{cite episode | title=Lifesigns | series=[[Star Trek: Voyager]] | author=Writer:Kenneth Biller. Director: Cliff Bole. | network=[[UPN]] | airdate= February 26, 1996 | season=[[Star Trek: Voyager (season 2)|2]]}}</ref> In "[[Investigations (Star Trek: Voyager)|Investigations]]", Neelix notices that one of the ship's crew is sending coded messages to the Kazon, and he uses his morning news program to track down the traitor.<ref name="GoodEats">{{cite episode | title=Investigations | series=[[Star Trek: Voyager]] | author=Writer:Jeri Taylor. Director: Les Landau. | network=[[UPN]] | airdate= March 13, 1996 | season=[[Star Trek: Voyager (season 2)|2]]}}</ref> The two-part episode "[[Basics (Star Trek: Voyager)|Basics]]" serves as the final major storyline for the Kazon on the series. Seska sends ''Voyager'' a distress call following the birth of her child and Culluh's discovery that he was not the father. Chakotay convinces Janeway and the rest of the crew to rescue Seska and his son from the Kazon, but they discover it is a trap to ambush ''Voyager''. The Kazon takes control of the starship and maroons its crew on a seemingly desolate planet; [[The Doctor (Star Trek: Voyager)|The Doctor]] ([[Robert Picardo]]) and [[crewman]] [[Lon Suder]] ([[Brad Dourif]]) are the only two crew members left on board ''Voyager''.<ref name="Basics1">{{cite episode | title=Basics, Part I | series=[[Star Trek: Voyager]] | author=Writer:Michael Piller. Director: Winrich Kolbe. | network=[[UPN]] | airdate= May 20, 1996 | season=[[Star Trek: Voyager (season 2)|2]]}}</ref> The Doctor reveals to a disappointed Seska through DNA analysis that Culluh was the father of her child instead of Chakotay. The ''Voyager'' crew retake the ship after Suder sacrifices himself to sabotage the phaser weapon systems. Seska dies from an exploding console in the ensuing fight and Culluh takes his child and leaves with the rest of the Kazon.<ref name="Basics2">{{cite episode | title=Basics, Part II | series=[[Star Trek: Voyager]] | author=Writer:Michael Piller. Director: Winrich Kolbe. | network=[[UPN]] | airdate= September 4, 1996 | season=[[Star Trek: Voyager (season 3)|3]]}}</ref> While the Kazon are not prominent beyond "Basics", they are referenced in the subsequent seasons. In [[Star Trek: Voyager (season 4)|the fourth season]], [[Seven of Nine]] ([[Jeri Ryan]]) reveals that the [[Borg (Star Trek)|Borg]] never assimilate the Kazon, which they reference as species 329, as they would "detract from perfection".<ref name="Cameo1">{{cite episode | title=Mortail Coil | series=[[Star Trek: Voyager]] | author=Writer:Bryan Fuller. Director: Allan Kroeker. | network=[[UPN]] | airdate= December 17, 1997 | season=[[Star Trek: Voyager (season 4)|4]]}}</ref> A Kazon crew member was included on a [[Holography|holographic]] reconstruction of ''Voyager'' as a warship.<ref name="Cameo2">{{cite episode | title=Living Witness | series=[[Star Trek: Voyager]] | author=Writer:Bryan Fuller, Brannon Braga, & Joe Menosky. Director: Tim Russ. | network=[[UPN]] | airdate= April 29, 1998 | season=[[Star Trek: Voyager (season 4)|4]]}}</ref> The Kazon also appeared in the following two episodes dealing with time travel: "[[Relativity (Star Trek: Voyager)|Relativity]]" and "[[Shattered (Star Trek: Voyager)|Shattered]]". In both episodes, Seven of Nine and Chakotay separately revisit the point in which Seska and the Kazon were in control of ''Voyager''.<ref name="Cameo3">{{cite episode | title=Relativity| series=[[Star Trek: Voyager]] | author=Writer:Bryan Fuller, Nick Sagan, & Michael Taylor. Director: Allan Eastman. | network=[[UPN]] | airdate= May 12, 1999 | season=[[Star Trek: Voyager (season 5)|5]]}}</ref><ref name="Cameo4">{{cite episode | title=Shattered| series=[[Star Trek: Voyager]] | author=Writer:Michael Taylor. Director: Terry Windell. | network=[[UPN]] | airdate= January 17, 2001 | season=[[Star Trek: Voyager (season 7)|7]]}}</ref> -The Kazon are included in [[Star Trek Online|''Star Trek Online'']], a a [[massively multiplayer online role-playing game]] (MMORPG) developed by [[Cryptic Studios]] based on the ''[[Star Trek]]'' franchise. Set in in the [[25th century]], 30 years after the events of ''[[Star Trek: Nemesis]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arcgames.com/en/games/star-trek-online#15|title=Star Trek Online|publisher=[[Cryptic Studios]]|archiveurl=http://archive.is/iRI7H|archivedate=January 4, 2013|dead-url=yes}}</ref> the sect Kazon-Nistrim is classified as a rising power after a new leader took power away from Culluh. He is identified as "hungry for power and eager to make a name for himself" and "more cunning and intelligent than most Kazon".<ref name="Arc">{{cite web|url=http://www.arcgames.com/en/games/star-trek-online/news/detail/6007813|title=Kazon|publisher=[[Cryptic Studios]]|date=August 8, 2014|last=LaughingTrendy|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106172127/http://www.arcgames.com/en/games/star-trek-online/news/detail/6007813|archivedate=January 6, 2016|dead-url=no}}</ref> +The Kazon are included in [[Star Trek Online|''Star Trek Online'']], a [[massively multiplayer online role-playing game]] (MMORPG) developed by [[Cryptic Studios]] based on the ''[[Star Trek]]'' franchise. Set in in the [[25th century]], 30 years after the events of ''[[Star Trek: Nemesis]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arcgames.com/en/games/star-trek-online#15|title=Star Trek Online|publisher=[[Cryptic Studios]]|archiveurl=http://archive.is/iRI7H|archivedate=January 4, 2013|dead-url=yes}}</ref> the sect Kazon-Nistrim is classified as a rising power after a new leader took power away from Culluh. He is identified as "hungry for power and eager to make a name for himself" and "more cunning and intelligent than most Kazon".<ref name="Arc">{{cite web|url=http://www.arcgames.com/en/games/star-trek-online/news/detail/6007813|title=Kazon|publisher=[[Cryptic Studios]]|date=August 8, 2014|last=LaughingTrendy|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106172127/http://www.arcgames.com/en/games/star-trek-online/news/detail/6007813|archivedate=January 6, 2016|dead-url=no}}</ref> == Characteristics == === History and politics === -The Trabe conquered the Kazon's homeworld and enslaved them, keeping them subjected by manipulating the tension and distrust between the various Kazon sects.<ref name="Episodes2" /> On [[stardate]] 2346, Jal Sankur united the sects into the Kazon Order to overthrow the Trabe. The Kazon stole the Trabe's technology and ships, becoming a nomadic species rather than stationing themselves on a new homeworld. Shortly after achieving independence from the Trabe, the Kazon continue to fight amongst themselves for control of resources and technology.<ref name="Youth" /><ref name="Episodes2" /> +The Trabe conquered the Kazon's homeworld and enslaved them, keeping them subjected by manipulating the tension and distrust between the various Kazon sects.<ref name="Episodes2" /> On [[stardate]] 2346, Jal Sankur united the sects into the Kazon Order to overthrow the Trabe. The Kazon stole the Trabe's technology and ships, becoming a nomadic species rather than stationing themselves on a new homeworld. Shortly after achieving independence from the Trabe, the Kazon continue to fight amongst themselves for control of resources and technology.<ref name="Youth" /><ref name="Episodes2" /> -<nowiki/>While the Kazon are known under the collective title of the Kazon Order, the species are composed of eighteen sections.<ref name=":0" /> Only the following eight sects were named in the episodes: Kazon-Halik, Kazon-Ogla, Kazon-Oglamar, Kazon-Relora, Kazon-Nistrim, Kazon-Mostral, Kazon-Hobii, and Kazon-Pommar.<ref name="Alive" /><ref name="Culluh" /><ref name="Episodes1" /><ref name="Episodes2" /><ref name="Basics1" /><ref name="Basics2" /> A Kazon that does not belong to a sect is viewed as a "Goven, or outcast".<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.startrek.com/database_article/kazon|title=Kazon|publisher=[[Startrek.com]]|archiveurl=http://archive.is/j46HU|archivedate=June 30, 2013}}</ref> The Kazon-Ogla and Kazon-Relora are considered the most powerful out of the eight, having the most members and ships.<ref name="Episodes1" /> The title "first maje" is used to reference the leader of a sect.<ref name="Alive" /> When Anthony De Longis first saw the headdress worn as a part of Culluh's costume, he joked that: "Culluh must be the leader because he has the biggest head of hair".<ref name="TheHigherTheHair">{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title= Interviews: Anthony De Longis|magazine=The Official Star Trek: Voyager Magazine|location=New York |issue=18|publisher=Starlog Press|page=66-67|date=September 1998|access-date=January 3, 2017}}</ref> +<nowiki/>While the Kazon are known under the collective title of the Kazon Order, the species are composed of eighteen sections.<ref name=":0" /> Only the following eight sects were named in the episodes: Kazon-Halik, Kazon-Ogla, Kazon-Oglamar, Kazon-Relora, Kazon-Nistrim, Kazon-Mostral, Kazon-Hobii, and Kazon-Pommar.<ref name="Alive" /><ref name="Culluh" /><ref name="Episodes1" /><ref name="Episodes2" /><ref name="Basics1" /><ref name="Basics2" /> A Kazon that does not belong to a sect is viewed as a "Goven, or outcast".<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.startrek.com/database_article/kazon|title=Kazon|publisher=[[Startrek.com]]|archiveurl=http://archive.is/j46HU|archivedate=June 30, 2013}}</ref> The Kazon-Ogla and Kazon-Relora are considered the most powerful out of the eight, having the most members and ships.<ref name="Episodes1" /> The title "first maje" is used to reference the leader of a sect.<ref name="Alive" /> When Anthony De Longis first saw the headdress worn as a part of Culluh's costume, he joked that: "Culluh must be the leader because he has the biggest head of hair".<ref name="TheHigherTheHair">{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title= Interviews: Anthony De Longis|magazine=The Official Star Trek: Voyager Magazine|location=New York |issue=18|publisher=Starlog Press|pages=66–67|date=September 1998|access-date=January 3, 2017}}</ref> === Culture and technology === Kazon's society is structured under a [[Patriarchy|patriarchal]] system, with male reacting negatively when given orders by a woman.<ref name="Episodes1" /><ref name="Episodes2" /> Male Kazon children are raised to become warriors, and undergo a rite of passage in order to earn their adult names. The name "Jal" is given to a young Kazon male to mark their transition into adulthood; it is given either when the boy kills an enemy in battle or dies in battle. Fathers and sons are expected to have an emotionally distant relationships, with any signs of affection between the two being considered shameful.<ref name="Youth" /> -Through the resources taken from the Trabe, the Kazon possess energy weapons, primarily [[Phaser (Star Trek)|phasers]] and [[Tractor beam|tractor beams]], and [[deflector shields]]. They are unaware of transporters and replicators until their first meeting with ''Voyager''<nowiki/>'s crew.<ref name="Alive" /><ref name="Culluh" /><ref name="Youth" /><ref name="Episodes2" /> The Kazon are primarily shown using one of two types of spacecrafts, a raider ship or a carrier vessel. The raider ships are considered minor threats by Voyager's crew, but they view the carrier ship as being dangerous.<ref name="Episodes2" /><ref name="GoodEats" /> In ''Star Trek Online'', the player can use the Kazon Heavy Raider and have access to its [[Bridge (nautical)|bridge]]. The MMORPG's official website promotes the craft's greatest strength as "its maneuverability and versatility". The site also mentions that the Kazon have improved their technology since their encounter with ''Voyager'' by scavenging more advanced materials from other species.<ref name="Arc2">{{cite web|url=https://www.arcgames.com/en/games/star-trek-online/news/detail/7010373-delta-expedition-ships|title=Delta Expedition Ships|publisher=[[Cryptic Studios]]|date=October 13, 2014|last=LaughingTrendy|archiveurl=http://archive.is/LdqXI|archivedate=October 14, 2014|dead-url=no}}</ref> According to Seska, Kazon's knowledge and expertise with medicine is very rudimentary and "primitive".<ref name="Basics2" /> Even though the Kazon are the only classified species that the Borg refuses to assimilate, Janeay included in her reports that they are a "tricky and dangerous foe".<ref name="Arc" /> +Through the resources taken from the Trabe, the Kazon possess energy weapons, primarily [[Phaser (Star Trek)|phasers]] and [[tractor beam]]s, and [[deflector shields]]. They are unaware of transporters and replicators until their first meeting with ''Voyager''<nowiki/>'s crew.<ref name="Alive" /><ref name="Culluh" /><ref name="Youth" /><ref name="Episodes2" /> The Kazon are primarily shown using one of two types of spacecrafts, a raider ship or a carrier vessel. The raider ships are considered minor threats by Voyager's crew, but they view the carrier ship as being dangerous.<ref name="Episodes2" /><ref name="GoodEats" /> In ''Star Trek Online'', the player can use the Kazon Heavy Raider and have access to its [[Bridge (nautical)|bridge]]. The MMORPG's official website promotes the craft's greatest strength as "its maneuverability and versatility". The site also mentions that the Kazon have improved their technology since their encounter with ''Voyager'' by scavenging more advanced materials from other species.<ref name="Arc2">{{cite web|url=https://www.arcgames.com/en/games/star-trek-online/news/detail/7010373-delta-expedition-ships|title=Delta Expedition Ships|publisher=[[Cryptic Studios]]|date=October 13, 2014|last=LaughingTrendy|archiveurl=http://archive.is/LdqXI|archivedate=October 14, 2014|dead-url=no}}</ref> According to Seska, Kazon's knowledge and expertise with medicine is very rudimentary and "primitive".<ref name="Basics2" /> Even though the Kazon are the only classified species that the Borg refuses to assimilate, Janeay included in her reports that they are a "tricky and dangerous foe".<ref name="Arc" /> == Creation and development == === Background === -Prior to the announcement of a new ''[[Star Trek]]'' incarnation, the series' co-creators [[Rick Berman]], [[Michael Piller]], and [[Jeri Taylor]] conceived the basic concepts and characters during secret, developmental meetings.<ref name="Intro1">[[#poe1998|Poe (1998)]]: p. 156</ref> The ideas for the Kazon were originally conceived as a part of the show's basic premise of USS ''Voyager''<nowiki/>'s crew being stranded in the Delta Quadrant. Berman, Piller, and Taylor reasoned that the characters would be traveling through an area of space controlled by a new alien race, serving as the show's primary antagonists, and created the Kazon to fill this role.<ref name="Intro2">[[#poe1998|Poe (1998)]]: p. 164</ref> The Kazon were inspired by Los Angeles [[Gang|gangs]], and were referenced through a "shorthand '[[Crips]]' and '[[Bloods]]' fashion".<ref name="Intro87">[[#poe1998|Poe (1998)]]: p. 187</ref> The idea for the Kazon to sects of warrior species as opposed to a unified race was introduced by Taylor, who drafted them as: "three gangs, with constantly shifting relationships and allegiances. Just as we think we have sorted it out, the balance shifts again."<ref name="Intro3">[[#poe1998|Poe (1998)]]: p. 188</ref> While discussing the Kazon's original inspiration, Taylor said she felt the alien race reflected contemporary fears about gangs and viewed them as a way "to address the tenor of our times and what [...] was happening in our cities and recognizing a source of danger and social unrest" through metaphor.<ref name="GangFear">[[#grossaltman1996|Gross & Altman (1996)]]: p. 151</ref> Piller further described the premise for the Kazon as rooted in gang violence and warfare by clarifying: "Our intention was the create a sort of disorganized anarchy, them-against-them as much as them-against-us."<ref name="GangFear2">[[#grossaltman1996|Gross & Altman (1996)]]: p. 161</ref> +Prior to the announcement of a new ''[[Star Trek]]'' incarnation, the series' co-creators [[Rick Berman]], [[Michael Piller]], and [[Jeri Taylor]] conceived the basic concepts and characters during secret, developmental meetings.<ref name="Intro1">[[#poe1998|Poe (1998)]]: p. 156</ref> The ideas for the Kazon were originally conceived as a part of the show's basic premise of USS ''Voyager''<nowiki/>'s crew being stranded in the Delta Quadrant. Berman, Piller, and Taylor reasoned that the characters would be traveling through an area of space controlled by a new alien race, serving as the show's primary antagonists, and created the Kazon to fill this role.<ref name="Intro2">[[#poe1998|Poe (1998)]]: p. 164</ref> The Kazon were inspired by Los Angeles [[gang]]s, and were referenced through a "shorthand '[[Crips]]' and '[[Bloods]]' fashion".<ref name="Intro90">[[#poe1998|Poe (1998)]]: p. 187</ref> The idea for the Kazon to sects of warrior species as opposed to a unified race was introduced by Taylor, who drafted them as: "three gangs, with constantly shifting relationships and allegiances. Just as we think we have sorted it out, the balance shifts again."<ref name="Intro3">[[#poe1998|Poe (1998)]]: p. 188</ref> While discussing the Kazon's original inspiration, Taylor said she felt the alien race reflected contemporary fears about gangs and viewed them as a way "to address the tenor of our times and what [...] was happening in our cities and recognizing a source of danger and social unrest" through metaphor.<ref name="GangFear">[[#grossaltman1996|Gross & Altman (1996)]]: p. 151</ref> Piller further described the premise for the Kazon as rooted in gang violence and warfare by clarifying: "Our intention was the create a sort of disorganized anarchy, them-against-them as much as them-against-us."<ref name="GangFear2">[[#grossaltman1996|Gross & Altman (1996)]]: p. 161</ref> In a meeting dated August 17, 1993, Taylor wrote an a story outline for the pilot episode "Caretaker" and established the Kazon (then identified as the Crips) as a "gang which, in conflict with two other gangs, competes for territory in this region of space".<ref name="Intro4">[[#poe1998|Poe (1998)]]: p. 190-191</ref> Taylor's notes suggest that the show's co-creators considered having the Crips reach a truce with the main characters, which would anger another one of the gangs (then titled the Blood) and lead to them being the primary antagonists.<ref name="Intro5">[[#poe1998|Poe (1998)]]: p. 191</ref> This idea was later removed by a meeting on September 10 of the same year.<ref name="Intro6">[[#poe1998|Poe (1998)]]: p. 205</ref> In the first draft of the script for "Caretaker", Piller named the alien species the "Gazon" and wrote the following description of them: @@ -55,19 +55,19 @@ {{quote|They are a lean, scrawny people who dress in an assortment of unkempt clothing. Some are in nothing more than rags. Their skin is parched and desiccated; the sun has produced blotches and sores on some. This appears to be a camp of people barely able to survive, bereft of creature comforts and living a harsh, hardscrabble life. They are the Gazon, whom we will come to know, over the course of the series, as a lethal, deadly sect who subject themselves to these dire circumstances in return for the possible acquisition of power.<ref name="Intro7">[[#poe1998|Poe (1998)]]: p. 232</ref>}} -During the summer of 1994, the name Gazon was changed to Kazon due to the original word sounding similar to the [[Gaza Strip]].<ref name="Intro90">[[#poe1998|Poe (1998)]]: p. 187</ref><ref name="GazaStrip">{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title= The Best of All Worlds |magazine=Star Trek Monthly|location=New York |issue=4|publisher=Titan Magazines|page=55|date=June 1995|access-date=January 3, 2017}}</ref> Producers advised this revision to avoid the alien race being interpreted as a political commentary on the conflicts in the [[Palestinian territories]].<ref name="GazaStrip" /> According to the [[List of Star Trek technical manuals|''Star Trek: Voyager Technical Manual'']], the Kazons were originally planned to be split into only two factions (the "Kazon-Sera" and the "Kazon-Ogla").<ref name="Manual1">{{cite web|url=http://leethomson.myzen.co.uk/Star_Trek/4_Voyager/Star_Trek_Voyager_-_Technical_Guide.pdf|title=Star Trek: Voyager Technical Manual|last1=Sternbach|first1=Rick|last2=Okuda|first2=Michael|date=September 1994|publisher=[[Paramount Pictures Corporation]]|archiveurl=http://archive.is/kc7Me|archivedate=January 3, 2016}}</ref> +During the summer of 1994, the name Gazon was changed to Kazon due to the original word sounding similar to the [[Gaza Strip]].<ref name="Intro90"/><ref name="GazaStrip">{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title= The Best of All Worlds |magazine=Star Trek Monthly|location=New York |issue=4|publisher=Titan Magazines|page=55|date=June 1995|access-date=January 3, 2017}}</ref> Producers advised this revision to avoid the alien race being interpreted as a political commentary on the conflicts in the [[Palestinian territories]].<ref name="GazaStrip" /> According to the [[List of Star Trek technical manuals|''Star Trek: Voyager Technical Manual'']], the Kazons were originally planned to be split into only two factions (the "Kazon-Sera" and the "Kazon-Ogla").<ref name="Manual1">{{cite web|url=http://leethomson.myzen.co.uk/Star_Trek/4_Voyager/Star_Trek_Voyager_-_Technical_Guide.pdf|title=Star Trek: Voyager Technical Manual|last1=Sternbach|first1=Rick|last2=Okuda|first2=Michael|date=September 1994|publisher=[[Paramount Pictures Corporation]]|archiveurl=http://archive.is/kc7Me|archivedate=January 3, 2016}}</ref> === Design and casting === [[File:Star Trek Voyager costume - Kazon.jpg|left|thumb|Michael Westmore was the principal make-up supervisor behind the Kazon's design ''(pictured)''.]] -The Kazon's design was formulated around the beginning of June of 1994. The series' make-up supervisor [[Michael Westmore]] was heavily involved in the creation of the look for the Kazon.<ref name="Intro7" /> While describing the species' facial features, Westmore said he constructed the skin protrusion along the nose and front of the face to simulate "a soft [[cockscombs]], a rooster comb" rather than "the dinosaur bone-type of ridges". He believed that there were very small visual differences between Kazon males and females, with the distinguishing characteristic being women having a more delicate physicality than the men.<ref name="Combs">{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title= The Best of All Worlds |magazine=Star Trek Monthly|location=New York |issue=4|publisher=Titan Magazines|page=11|date=June 1995|access-date=January 3, 2017}}</ref><ref name="Design1">[[#artifacts2000|Westmore, Sims, Look, & Birnes (2000)]]: p. 165-166</ref> According to Westmore, the prosthetic make-up for the forehead was structured in a shape reminiscent of the [[Devil]]. while the ridges on the nose were inspired by a vulture's neck.The nose designs were modified throughout the first two seasons through the addition of a nose tip and spikes protruding from the nostrils.<ref name="Design1" /> The Kazon's design was the subject of criticism from fans following the series premiere, with one commenting: "They look like they're all having a bad hair day."<ref name="Makeup87">[[#poe1998|Poe (1998)]]: p. 283</ref> +The Kazon's design was formulated around the beginning of June 1994. The series' make-up supervisor [[Michael Westmore]] was heavily involved in the creation of the look for the Kazon.<ref name="Intro7" /> While describing the species' facial features, Westmore said he constructed the skin protrusion along the nose and front of the face to simulate "a soft [[cockscombs]], a rooster comb" rather than "the dinosaur bone-type of ridges". He believed that there were very small visual differences between Kazon males and females, with the distinguishing characteristic being women having a more delicate physicality than the men.<ref name="Combs">{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title= The Best of All Worlds |magazine=Star Trek Monthly|location=New York |issue=4|publisher=Titan Magazines|page=11|date=June 1995|access-date=January 3, 2017}}</ref><ref name="Design1">[[#artifacts2000|Westmore, Sims, Look, & Birnes (2000)]]: p. 165-166</ref> According to Westmore, the prosthetic make-up for the forehead was structured in a shape reminiscent of the [[Devil]]. while the ridges on the nose were inspired by a vulture's neck.The nose designs were modified throughout the first two seasons through the addition of a nose tip and spikes protruding from the nostrils.<ref name="Design1" /> The Kazon's design was the subject of criticism from fans following the series premiere, with one commenting: "They look like they're all having a bad hair day."<ref name="Makeup87">[[#poe1998|Poe (1998)]]: p. 283</ref> Westmore said that he faced several challenges involving the make-up and masks during the filming of "Caretaker". Due to the large amount of Kazons present in the first episode, he hired additional make-up artists and mold makers to assist with getting all of the actors into costume.<ref name="Makeup87" /> According to supervising producer [[David Livingston]], the process of applying the Kazon make-up took "several hours". Since a majority of the scenes involving the Kazons were filmed at the [[El Mirage Lake]], Livingston and the filming crew were assigned to help the actors feel comfortable in the heavy make-up and prosthetics despite the high temperatures.<ref>{{cite AV media|title=Star Trek: Voyager - Inside the New Adventure|date=January 9, 1995|publisher=UPN|medium=TV special|location=United States}}</ref> -Piller originally envisioned only casting actors between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five to simulate the connection between the Kazon and contemporary street gangs. Piller expressed that he wanted the casting choices to convey the alien species as "young, angry people who never lived old enough to have the kind of experience and perspective on the world that, say, the [[Klingon|Klingons]] and [[Romulan|Romulans]] might have". He wanted to emphasize that the Kazons were "much more emotional, short fused, and therefore had fewer expectations" through the actors' performances. The roles, however, were filled by actors outside the ideal age range with Piller explaining that the decision was reached since the "older actors gave more polished performances".<ref name="GangFear2" /> Piller later regreted the choice of more mature actors as he felt their age did not fit their original concept for the species, and made them appear too much like Klingons.<ref name="GangFear2" /> +Piller originally envisioned only casting actors between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five to simulate the connection between the Kazon and contemporary street gangs. Piller expressed that he wanted the casting choices to convey the alien species as "young, angry people who never lived old enough to have the kind of experience and perspective on the world that, say, the [[Klingon]]s and [[Romulan]]s might have". He wanted to emphasize that the Kazons were "much more emotional, short fused, and therefore had fewer expectations" through the actors' performances. The roles, however, were filled by actors outside the ideal age range with Piller explaining that the decision was reached since the "older actors gave more polished performances".<ref name="GangFear2" /> Piller later regreted the choice of more mature actors as he felt their age did not fit their original concept for the species, and made them appear too much like Klingons.<ref name="GangFear2" /> === Direction === [[File:Kenneth Biller Comic-Con.png|thumb|alt=A man wearing a black/brown shirt speaks into a microphone while looking to the right.|A majority of the background information relating to the Kazon was written by Kenneth Biller (pictured) during the development of the show's second season.]] -In the first season, the Kazon were introduced as one of three news alien species that could be used as recurring antagonists; the other two were the [[Vidiian|Vidiians]] and the [[Prime Factors (Star Trek: Voyager)|Sikarians.]] The Kazon and Vidiians would be featured in later episodes, while the appearance of the Sikarians was restricted to the episode "[[Prime Factors (Star Trek: Voyager)|Prime Factors]]".<ref name="Introduction1">[[#poe1998|Poe (1998)]]: p. 127</ref> Westmore found the Kazon to be the most demanding species in the ''Voyager''<nowiki/>'s first season. He clarified that the make-up and prosthetic work for ''Voyager'' was easier than ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]]''. He explained this by comparing the relatively small amount of Kazons who appeared in episodes outside of the pilot to the various species featured throughout ''Deep Space Nine''.<ref name="Pigs1">{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title= The Best of All Worlds |magazine=Star Trek Monthly|location=New York |issue=9|publisher=Titan Magazines|page=49|date=November 1995|access-date=January 3, 2017}}</ref> For the second episode in which the Kazon appeared ("State of Flux"), Westmore removed the ear prosthetics, originally created by hair designer Josée Normand to look like those of a pig. The pig ear prosthetics proved to be too cumbersome and heavy for the actors and stunt doubles, and its material was changed to a more light-weight sponge.<ref name="Combs" /> +In the first season, the Kazon were introduced as one of three news alien species that could be used as recurring antagonists; the other two were the [[Vidiian]]s and the [[Prime Factors (Star Trek: Voyager)|Sikarians.]] The Kazon and Vidiians would be featured in later episodes, while the appearance of the Sikarians was restricted to the episode "[[Prime Factors (Star Trek: Voyager)|Prime Factors]]".<ref name="Introduction1">[[#poe1998|Poe (1998)]]: p. 127</ref> Westmore found the Kazon to be the most demanding species in the ''Voyager''<nowiki/>'s first season. He clarified that the make-up and prosthetic work for ''Voyager'' was easier than ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]]''. He explained this by comparing the relatively small amount of Kazons who appeared in episodes outside of the pilot to the various species featured throughout ''Deep Space Nine''.<ref name="Pigs1">{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title= The Best of All Worlds |magazine=Star Trek Monthly|location=New York |issue=9|publisher=Titan Magazines|page=49|date=November 1995|access-date=January 3, 2017}}</ref> For the second episode in which the Kazon appeared ("State of Flux"), Westmore removed the ear prosthetics, originally created by hair designer Josée Normand to look like those of a pig. The pig ear prosthetics proved to be too cumbersome and heavy for the actors and stunt doubles, and its material was changed to a more light-weight sponge.<ref name="Combs" /> ''Voyager''<nowiki/>'s writing team devoted a larger amount of screen time in the show's second seasons to develop the Kazon's culture and society. Piller described the season as "a deep investigation of [the Kazon's] that will turn them, I think, into perhaps one of the top five adversarial alien races in ''Star Trek''<nowiki/>'s history".<ref name="GangFearMore">[[#grossaltman1996|Gross & Altman (1996)]]: p. 123</ref> Executive story editor [[Kenneth Biller]] wrote a paper detailing the Kazon's history and sociological behavior and their adversarial relationship with the Trabe. Biller compiled all of his ideas on paper to help the various writers create a cohesive narrative for the Kazon across the individual episodes. Developed for one of Biller's episodes "[[Initiations (Star Trek: Voyager)|Initiations]]", the notes were also used by Taylor for the creation of the episode "[[Alliances (Star Trek: Voyager)|Alliances]]".<ref name="GangFearMoreAndMore">[[#grossaltman1996|Gross & Altman (1996)]]: p. 161-162</ref> Biller characterized Seska as a key part of further exploring the alien species. He attributed the character as "allow[ing] us to go behind the scenes with the Kazon" and "help[ing] to define the Kazon for us".<ref name="Seska1">[[#artifacts2000|Westmore, Sims, Look, & Birnes (2000)]]: p. 165</ref> Alternatively, Hackett interpreted that Seska did not have a strong loyalty to the Kazon, saying "I don't think she gives a hoot about [them]".<ref name="OwlSeska">{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title= Queen of the Delta Quadrant |magazine=Star Trek Monthly|location=New York |issue=19|publisher=Titan Magazines|page=56|date=June 1995|access-date=January 3, 2017}}</ref> @@ -76,17 +76,17 @@ === Abandonment === -Following the end of the second seasons, Taylor decided to remove the Kazon as the series' primary antagonist, and found the effort to develop the alien species to be mostly unsuccessful. She felt they never grew into a compelling adversaries despite their repeated appearances in multiple episodes. Taylor argued that the Kazon limited the potential of the series, saying: "It created the curious implication that we are standing still in space, when our franchise is that we are going at incredible speeds toward the [[Alpha Quadrant]] – we keep running into the same people over and over again! It was just an oddity, and I don't think the Kazon have served us well." While discussing their role in the future episodes, she explained that it was "my intention to leave them behind and to find new and I hope more interesting aliens".<ref name="ActionAdventure" /> +Following the end of the second seasons, Taylor decided to remove the Kazon as the series' primary antagonist, and found the effort to develop the alien species to be mostly unsuccessful. She felt they never grew into a compelling adversaries despite their repeated appearances in multiple episodes. Taylor argued that the Kazon limited the potential of the series, saying: "It created the curious implication that we are standing still in space, when our franchise is that we are going at incredible speeds toward the [[Alpha Quadrant]] – we keep running into the same people over and over again! It was just an oddity, and I don't think the Kazon have served us well." While discussing their role in the future episodes, she explained that it was "my intention to leave them behind and to find new and I hope more interesting aliens".<ref name="ActionAdventure" /> -Even though Piller understood Taylor's disappointment with the Kazon, he felt that "it was important and valuable to create this adversary".<ref name="Seska1" /> Berman agreed with Taylor's assessment of the Kazon and noted that they would be removed in the transition between the second and third seasons. He also admitted that the writers made several mistakes and inconsistencies when developing the Kazon and their impact on the first two seasons, specifically the amount of space under their control. He explained: "If you think about it, traveling for a year-and-a-half through a part of space dominated by one group is pretty amazing!" when compared to the size of the [[United Federation of Planets]] and the [[Klingon Empire (Star Fleet Universe)|Klingon Empire]].<ref name="AmazingAmazing">{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title= 30th Anniversary Issue|magazine=Star Trek: Communicator|location=New York |issue=108|publisher=Titan Magazines|page=56|date=August-September 1996|access-date=January 3, 2017}}</ref> Producer [[Brannon Braga]] supported the Kazon's removal, criticizing the species as "half-baked Klingons" and their constant inclusion in episodes as making the series have "the feeling that we're traveling in a big circle".<ref name="BakingwiththeKazon">{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title= Hopes & Fears on the Final Frontier |magazine=Star Trek Monthly|location=New York |issue=20|publisher=Titan Magazines|page=20|date=October 1996 |access-date=January 3, 2017}}</ref> Despite the decision to remove the Kazon between the second and third seasons, the writing team was uncertain if the season two finale and season three premiere would focus on them. Piller said that it was suggested that the episodes served as an introduction to a new alien species, but he campaigned that they act as a farewell to the Kazon storyline. He explained his decision by saying he "felt we had built up this arc with them and it was a natural conclusion."<ref name="AdiosKazon">[[#grossaltman1996|Gross & Altman (1996)]]: p. 169</ref><nowiki/> +Even though Piller understood Taylor's disappointment with the Kazon, he felt that "it was important and valuable to create this adversary".<ref name="Seska1" /> Berman agreed with Taylor's assessment of the Kazon and noted that they would be removed in the transition between the second and third seasons. He also admitted that the writers made several mistakes and inconsistencies when developing the Kazon and their impact on the first two seasons, specifically the amount of space under their control. He explained: "If you think about it, traveling for a year-and-a-half through a part of space dominated by one group is pretty amazing!" when compared to the size of the [[United Federation of Planets]] and the [[Klingon Empire (Star Fleet Universe)|Klingon Empire]].<ref name="AmazingAmazing">{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title= 30th Anniversary Issue|magazine=Star Trek: Communicator|location=New York |issue=108|publisher=Titan Magazines|page=56|date=August–September 1996|access-date=January 3, 2017}}</ref> Producer [[Brannon Braga]] supported the Kazon's removal, criticizing the species as "half-baked Klingons" and their constant inclusion in episodes as making the series have "the feeling that we're traveling in a big circle".<ref name="BakingwiththeKazon">{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title= Hopes & Fears on the Final Frontier |magazine=Star Trek Monthly|location=New York |issue=20|publisher=Titan Magazines|page=20|date=October 1996 |access-date=January 3, 2017}}</ref> Despite the decision to remove the Kazon between the second and third seasons, the writing team was uncertain if the season two finale and season three premiere would focus on them. Piller said that it was suggested that the episodes served as an introduction to a new alien species, but he campaigned that they act as a farewell to the Kazon storyline. He explained his decision by saying he "felt we had built up this arc with them and it was a natural conclusion."<ref name="AdiosKazon">[[#grossaltman1996|Gross & Altman (1996)]]: p. 169</ref><nowiki/> == Reception == === Cast response === -''Voyager''<nowiki/>'s cast members had a negative response to the continued inclusion of the Kazon in the series and felt that their removal was the best course of action. [[Tim Russ]] felt that the continued incorporation of the species would strain the credibility of the storylines as the crew would have to eventually leave Kazon-controlled space on their journey home.<ref name="Russ">[[#grossaltman1996|Gross & Altman (1996)]]: p. 151-152</ref> He also found the Kazon to be failures as antagonists, perceiving them as not imposing enough to take seriously by the main characters and fans. Ethan Phillips agreed with Russ, suggesting that the Kazon's presence to be reduced in the future. Robert Picardo joked that the only interesting aspect of the species was their hairstyle, while Robert Beltran pointed to their lack of intelligence as their biggest weaknesses that prevented them from becoming strong villains.<ref name="ByeByeBaddies">{{cite magazine|date=October 1995|title=Jam Session|magazine=Star Log|location=New York|publisher=Starlog Press|issue=231|page=49|access-date=January 3, 2017|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref> Kate Mulgrew advised that the show incorporate a new and stronger antagonist, saying: "We need [...] to encounter enemies of such ferocity, enemies who in fact are quite lethal and frightening. Enemies that you would watch and say, 'Oh, boy, how are they going to get out of this one?' I don't think the Kazon hit the bill."<ref name="BakingwiththeKazon" /> Mulgrew felt the the crew's mission to get home was a more compelling storyline rather than those related to the Kazon, who she criticized as "great big stupid giants".<ref name="ByeByeBaddies" /><ref name="GoHomeKazon">[[#ruditis2003|Ruditis (2003)]]: p. 125</ref> +''Voyager''<nowiki/>'s cast members had a negative response to the continued inclusion of the Kazon in the series and felt that their removal was the best course of action. [[Tim Russ]] felt that the continued incorporation of the species would strain the credibility of the storylines as the crew would have to eventually leave Kazon-controlled space on their journey home.<ref name="Russ">[[#grossaltman1996|Gross & Altman (1996)]]: p. 151-152</ref> He also found the Kazon to be failures as antagonists, perceiving them as not imposing enough to take seriously by the main characters and fans. Ethan Phillips agreed with Russ, suggesting that the Kazon's presence to be reduced in the future. Robert Picardo joked that the only interesting aspect of the species was their hairstyle, while Robert Beltran pointed to their lack of intelligence as their biggest weaknesses that prevented them from becoming strong villains.<ref name="ByeByeBaddies">{{cite magazine|date=October 1995|title=Jam Session|magazine=Star Log|location=New York|publisher=Starlog Press|issue=231|page=49|access-date=January 3, 2017|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref> Kate Mulgrew advised that the show incorporate a new and stronger antagonist, saying: "We need [...] to encounter enemies of such ferocity, enemies who in fact are quite lethal and frightening. Enemies that you would watch and say, 'Oh, boy, how are they going to get out of this one?' I don't think the Kazon hit the bill."<ref name="BakingwiththeKazon" /> Mulgrew felt the crew's mission to get home was a more compelling storyline rather than those related to the Kazon, who she criticized as "great big stupid giants".<ref name="ByeByeBaddies" /><ref name="GoHomeKazon">[[#ruditis2003|Ruditis (2003)]]: p. 125</ref> === Critical reception === -Throughout their run on ''Star Trek: Voyager'', the Kazon received mixed to negative reviews among [[Television criticism|television critics]]. Marc Buxton of [[Den of Geek]] included the Kazon on its list of the 50 best alien life forms in the ''Star Trek'' universe, for their "advanced technology and a back-stabbing bloodthirst" and success in trapping the ''Voyager'' crew on a hostile planet.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.denofgeek.com/uk/imported-articles/43504/the-50-best-alien-life-forms-in-the-star-trek-universe|title=The 50 best alien life forms in the Star Trek universe|date=September 9, 2016|publisher=Den of Geek|last1=Buxton|first1=Marc|archiveurl=http://archive.is/rpAfa|archivedate=January 5, 2017}}</ref> [[Tor.com]]'s Ryan Britt partially agreed with Buxton, ranking the moment in which the Kazon captured the ship as one of the most shocking instances in the ''Star Trek'' franchise.<ref name="ShockingDefeat">{{cite web|url=http://www.tor.com/2013/05/03/star-trek-into-surprise-7-times-when-trek-boldly-shocked-us/|title=Star Trek Into Surprise! 7 Times When Trek Boldly Shocked Us|date=May 3, 2013|publisher=[[Tor.com]]|last1=Britt|first1=Ryan|archiveurl=http://archive.is/ZwGxH|archivedate=January 5, 2017}}</ref> While Jamahl Epsicokhan of [[Jammer's Reviews]] felt that the Kazon had promising story developments, he wrote that their story arc was too long with consideration to the series' premise of a lost crew on a journey home. Episcokhan commented that the Kazon turned in "boring, faceless, misogynic thugs with little entertainment value" and "villains I hate because they annoy me" over the course of the second seasons.<ref name="Jammer">{{cite web|last1=Epsicokhan|first1=Jamahl|title="Second Season Recap"|url=http://www.jammersreviews.com/st-voy/s2/recap.php|publisher=Jammer's Reviews|archiveurl=http://archive.is/mIqU7|archivedate=January 5, 2017}}</ref> Writer K. Stoddard Hayes was critical of the lack of developed Kazon characters, and described the alien species as "stereotypical macho space warriors". He followed this up by saying: "No memorable Kazon characters emerge from two seasons of episodes featuring their different factions."<ref name="WriterReview">{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Voyager: 20th Anniversary|magazine=Star Trek Magazine|location=New York |issue=18|publisher=Titan Magazines|page=18|date=January 14, 2015|access-date=January 5, 2017}}</ref> +Throughout their run on ''Star Trek: Voyager'', the Kazon received mixed to negative reviews among [[Television criticism|television critics]]. Marc Buxton of [[Den of Geek]] included the Kazon on its list of the 50 best alien life forms in the ''Star Trek'' universe, for their "advanced technology and a back-stabbing bloodthirst" and success in trapping the ''Voyager'' crew on a hostile planet.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.denofgeek.com/uk/imported-articles/43504/the-50-best-alien-life-forms-in-the-star-trek-universe|title=The 50 best alien life forms in the Star Trek universe|date=September 9, 2016|publisher=Den of Geek|last1=Buxton|first1=Marc|archiveurl=http://archive.is/rpAfa|archivedate=January 5, 2017}}</ref> [[Tor.com]]'s Ryan Britt partially agreed with Buxton, ranking the moment in which the Kazon captured the ship as one of the most shocking instances in the ''Star Trek'' franchise.<ref name="ShockingDefeat">{{cite web|url=http://www.tor.com/2013/05/03/star-trek-into-surprise-7-times-when-trek-boldly-shocked-us/|title=Star Trek Into Surprise! 7 Times When Trek Boldly Shocked Us|date=May 3, 2013|publisher=[[Tor.com]]|last1=Britt|first1=Ryan|archiveurl=http://archive.is/ZwGxH|archivedate=January 5, 2017}}</ref> While Jamahl Epsicokhan of [[Jammer's Reviews]] felt that the Kazon had promising story developments, he wrote that their story arc was too long with consideration to the series' premise of a lost crew on a journey home. Episcokhan commented that the Kazon turned in "boring, faceless, misogynic thugs with little entertainment value" and "villains I hate because they annoy me" over the course of the second seasons.<ref name="Jammer">{{cite web|last1=Epsicokhan|first1=Jamahl|title="Second Season Recap"|url=http://www.jammersreviews.com/st-voy/s2/recap.php|publisher=Jammer's Reviews|archiveurl=http://archive.is/mIqU7|archivedate=January 5, 2017}}</ref> Writer K. Stoddard Hayes was critical of the lack of developed Kazon characters, and described the alien species as "stereotypical macho space warriors". He followed this up by saying: "No memorable Kazon characters emerge from two seasons of episodes featuring their different factions."<ref name="WriterReview">{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Voyager: 20th Anniversary|magazine=Star Trek Magazine|location=New York |issue=18|publisher=Titan Magazines|page=18|date=January 14, 2015|access-date=January 5, 2017}}</ref> -Several commentators viewed the Kazon as one of the worst villains in the ''Star Trek'' franchise. Britt felt that the Kazon were among "the silliest, worst antagonists in Trek’s history".<ref name="ShockingDefeat" /> Juliette Harrison of Den of Geek wrote that the writers were too focused on the Kazon and Seska storylines. Harrison called them "sub-standard Klingon substitutes" and praised the series' decision to replace them with the Borg.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.denofgeek.com/tv/star-trek-voyager/25477/why-star-trek-voyagers-fourth-season-is-the-best|title=Why Star Trek: Voyager's fourth season is the best|date=May 10, 2013|publisher=Den of Geek|last1=Harris|first1=Juliette|archiveurl=http://archive.is/AuOg3|archivedate=January 5, 2017}}</ref> The Kazon, along with Seska, were placed at number two on [[Io9]]'s Charlie Jane Anders' list of the top 10 least threatening ''Star Trek'' villains. Anders explained that the Kazon never appeared as a major threat to ''Voyager''{{'}}s crew.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://io9.gizmodo.com/top-10-least-threatening-star-trek-villains-1585428421|title=Top 10 Least Threatening Star Trek Villains|date=June 3, 2014|publisher=[[Io9]]|last1=Anders|first1=Charlie|archiveurl=http://archive.is/ofPJZ|archivedate=January 5, 2017}}</ref> The Robot Voice's Rob Bricken included the alien species on its list of the top 10 lamest ''Star Trek'' villains, comparing the make-up and design to "badly sunburned versions of the already-goofy [[Centauri (Babylon 5)|Centauri]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.therobotsvoice.com/2009/07/the_10_lamest_star_trek_villains.php|title=The 10 Lamest Star Trek Villains|date=July 30, 2009 |publisher=The Robot Voice|last1=Bricken|first1=Rob|archiveurl=http://archive.is/mBIAA|archivedate=January 5, 2017}}</ref> +Several commentators viewed the Kazon as one of the worst villains in the ''Star Trek'' franchise. Britt felt that the Kazon were among "the silliest, worst antagonists in Trek's history".<ref name="ShockingDefeat" /> Juliette Harrison of Den of Geek wrote that the writers were too focused on the Kazon and Seska storylines. Harrison called them "sub-standard Klingon substitutes" and praised the series' decision to replace them with the Borg.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.denofgeek.com/tv/star-trek-voyager/25477/why-star-trek-voyagers-fourth-season-is-the-best|title=Why Star Trek: Voyager's fourth season is the best|date=May 10, 2013|publisher=Den of Geek|last1=Harris|first1=Juliette|archiveurl=http://archive.is/AuOg3|archivedate=January 5, 2017}}</ref> The Kazon, along with Seska, were placed at number two on [[Io9]]'s Charlie Jane Anders' list of the top 10 least threatening ''Star Trek'' villains. Anders explained that the Kazon never appeared as a major threat to ''Voyager''{{'}}s crew.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://io9.gizmodo.com/top-10-least-threatening-star-trek-villains-1585428421|title=Top 10 Least Threatening Star Trek Villains|date=June 3, 2014|publisher=[[Io9]]|last1=Anders|first1=Charlie|archiveurl=http://archive.is/ofPJZ|archivedate=January 5, 2017}}</ref> The Robot Voice's Rob Bricken included the alien species on its list of the top 10 lamest ''Star Trek'' villains, comparing the make-up and design to "badly sunburned versions of the already-goofy [[Centauri (Babylon 5)|Centauri]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.therobotsvoice.com/2009/07/the_10_lamest_star_trek_villains.php|title=The 10 Lamest Star Trek Villains|date=July 30, 2009 |publisher=The Robot Voice|last1=Bricken|first1=Rob|archiveurl=http://archive.is/mBIAA|archivedate=January 5, 2017}}</ref> [[TrekNation|''TrekToday'']]'s Michelle Erica Green provided extensive and primarily negative commentary on the Kazons' story arc in the first two seasons while rewatching the series. The Kazon were negatively compared to the Klingons by Green, who felt that they acted "largely as less-developed Klingons". She described the Vidiians as a more suitable and compelling candidate to serve as the primary antagonists for the first two seasons.<ref name="Green2">{{cite web|url=http://www.trektoday.com/content/2015/12/retro-review-lifesigns/|title=Retro Review: Lifesigns|last=Green|first=Michelle Erica|date=December 11, 2015|website=TrekToday|publisher=Christian Höhne Sparborth|archiveurl=http://archive.is/RXs9g|archivedate=January 5, 2016}}</ref> Green questioned Janeway's resolve to never share ''Voyager''<nowiki/>'s technology with the Kazon, writing that the species was characterized as "a spacefaring culture with warp drive" so the crew would not be "interfering with a primitive civilization". She argued that the Kazon's attempts to steal a replicator and a transporter rather than offensive weapons lessened their impact as a threatening presence, feeling that they do not "seem much more heinous than dealing with the Klingons or [[Ferengi]], who oppress women and minorities within their borders".<ref name="Green3">{{cite web|url=http://www.trektoday.com/content/2015/10/retro-review-maneuvers/|title=Retro Review: Maneuvers|last=Green|first=Michelle Erica|date=October 16, 2015|website=TrekToday|publisher=Christian Höhne Sparborth|archiveurl=http://archive.is/Nt518|archivedate=January 5, 2016}}</ref> Despite this negative assessment, Green later positively reviewed the Kazon storylines as "less dragged out" than she originally thought during her first viewing.<ref name="Green1">{{cite web|url=http://www.trektoday.com/content/2016/08/retro-review-scorpion-part-i/|title=Retro Review: Scorpion, Part I|last=Green|first=Michelle Erica|date=August 5, 2016|website=TrekToday|publisher=Christian Höhne Sparborth|archiveurl=http://archive.is/G5Eal|archivedate=January 5, 2016}}</ref> '