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Career to date
Played by George Takei over three seasons of Star Trek, six films and a
guest appearance on Voyager, Japanese ship's helmsman Hikaru Sulu is
arguably one of the series' most vital � and most overlooked � characters.
Cast notes
Alongside Nichelle Nicholls as Uhura and (from the second season onwards)
Walter Koenig as Chekhov, Sulu was part of � by mid 1960s standards � some
fairly radical casting. Despite the frequent accusation that Uhura was
offensively tokenistic, and ninety per cent of the lines going to Kirk,
Spock and Bones, Gene Roddenberry undoubtedly made a major breakthrough by
introducing a multiracial cast to primetime TV.
Reputation
Although demoted from the position of physician (see the second pilot, 'Where
No One Has Gone Before'), Sulu appears to be admired by the rest of the crew
for his stoicism, dedication and efficiency.
Interests
Marooned in the rather jobbing role of the Enterprise�s helmsman, the
writers granted Sulu some random hobbies to round out his character: botany,
antique guns, and piloting. He is also a keen swordsman (see below).
Screen time
Sadly Roddenberry�s original aim of giving more ensemble space to Sulu and
his pals never really materialised. Particularly by the third season, as
actors� egos ballooned and budgets dwindled, the series was dominated by the
three leads: Shatner, Nimoy and Kelley. Watching the repeats currently being
shown on BBC, it�s frustrating to see how overshadowed Sulu is: despite
being indelibly associated with Star Trek, on a bad day he�s left pushing
the warp drive button ("click") and on a good day shown watering his
aspidistras.
Finest hours
In the first season classic 'The Naked Now', a bare-chested Sulu sprints round
the ship, jabbing cast (and crew, according to William Shatner�s memoirs)
with a trusty sword. Affectionately known as �the one where Sulu has the
sword�.
Last seen
So long a sidelined stalwart, Sulu is finally given the recognition he
deserves when he assumes command of the Excelsior (see Star Trek VI: the
Undiscovered Country). He is visited on the ship by time-travelling
nostalgia-addicts Janeway and Tuvok in the Voyager episode 'Flashback'.
Future prospects
There has been much speculation that the proposed fifth Trek series might
focus on the adventures of the Excelsior under the command of Captain Sulu.
It would certainly please George Takei and many fans, but the producers'
reported desire to do something 'markedly different' may rule this out.
Relatives
Sulu has a daughter, Demora, seen at the helm of the Enterprise B at the
time of the ship�s launch (see Star Trek: Generations).
Other TV and Film appearances
Ironside, Mission: Impossible (while still a regular on Star Trek), Return
from the River Kwai (film); Prisoners of the Sun (film).
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