Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we shine a spotlight on strong women who inspire us. These ladies are a prime example of female empowerment and how crucial it is for youth to have said example to follow.
DISCLAIMER: The following article contains spoilers for Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
Lwaxana Troi
Fast Facts
Lwaxana Troi (Majel Barrett Roddenberry) is the mother of Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis), a bridge crew member aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise-D on The Next Generation. A Federation Ambassador, Lwaxana is known for her outspoken opinions and flamboyant outfits. Her full title is “daughter of the Fifth House, holder of the Sacred Chalice of Rixx, heir to the Holy Rings of Betazed.”
While Lwaxana appeared in only six episodes of The Next Generation and three episodes of Deep Space Nine, she casts a long shadow. Her eccentric and extroverted personality has earned her a place in the hearts of Trekkies. She first appeared in The Next Generation Season 1’s “Haven.” And from the moment Lwaxana arrives on the Enterprise-D, she’s unapologetically and aggressively herself.
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Lwaxana is frequently (but not always) accompanied by her valet, Mr. Homn (Carel Struycken). At times, her relationship with Deanna is tense. However, it is clear that the mother and daughter love each other. In one memorable instance, in The Next Generation Season 7’s “Dark Page,” Deanna helps Lwaxana recover repressed memories of her late first child.
In Season 5’s “Cost of Living,” Lwaxana forges an unexpected friendship with Alexander Rozhenko (Brian Bonsall). But perhaps Lwaxana’s most well-known trait is her outspoken pursuit of her romantic quarries. Over the course of her appearances on The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine, Lwaxana becomes romantically entangled (to various degrees) with almost a half-dozen men.
Deep Space Nine
In addition to her appearances on The Next Generation, Lwaxana also appears in a trio of Deep Space Nine episodes. In the first, Season 1’s “The Forsaken,” she becomes enamored with Constable Odo (René Auberjonois). While Odo is initially uncomfortable with her advances, getting trapped in a turbolift gives the pair a chance to get know each other on a deeper level.
When Lwaxana returns to Deep Space Nine in Season 3’s “Fascination,” she is afflicted with Zanthi Fever. This causes those who live and work aboard the space station to reveal their secret romantic impulses.
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And finally, in Season 4’s “The Muse,” Lwaxana returns to the station and reveals she’s pregnant. The baby’s father is a Tavnian, and because the baby is male, he wants to lay claim to the child so that it can be raised among men of the father’s species. Fortunately, Odo is able to concoct a plan that will ensure the baby stays in Lwaxana’s custody. If Lwaxana marries a new husband – Odo – then the father’s claim will be invalidated.
Odo and Lwaxana are ultimately married. However, at the end of the episode, Lwaxana asserts that while she is in love with Odo, he will never be in love with her. For that reason, Lwaxana leaves the station to have the baby on Betazed, concluding her final appearance in the Franchise.
The Real Deal
Lwaxana is the real deal. No matter who she might find herself at odds against, she is never afraid to speak her mind. This includes everyone from starship captains like Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) to whole civilizations (The Next Generation Season 4’s “Half a Life”).
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Furthermore, while she might be thought of by many as “incorrigible” and “insatiable” (Deanna’s words), her outspoken exterior conceals a great amount of depth. This is demonstrated by her complex relationships with both Alexander and Odo.
And finally, while Lwaxana may be prone to falling in love with powerful men, she is never content to be subservient to them. At the end of the day, she has only one master: herself.
Why She Matters:
Why does Lwaxana matter? She shows us that stepping into the respected position of Federation Ambassador is not mutually exclusive with being oneself. With her quick tongue and garish outfits, she demonstrates that unbridled self-expression can be an unquestionable virtue. And she reminds us that, even if we must weather personal tragedy, we can be remembered for our best qualities.
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So, be like Lwaxana. Don’t listen to anyone who critiques your personal affectations. Never back down when you know something’s right. Refuse to be confined by the limited perception that others may have of you. And don’t ever underestimate the power of a well-chosen wig.
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