I was very saddened to hear about the passing of Nichelle Nichols yesterday at the age of 89. When I think about iconic television women from my youth, she is right up there in the top (despite me never being a real Trekkie). My brothers and I had a weekly tradition of watching Star Trek on PBS every Saturday Night while staying up to for Saturday Night Live. But oftentimes when SNL would come on at 11:30, we would be too engrossed in the dilemmas of the Enterprise crew to turn the dial. Lieutenant Nyota Uhura was the communications officer on the bridge and I found myself fixated on her all the time. She was always calm and competent amid the perpetual chaos of the Enterprise missions, and her overall presence was just magnetic and comforting. I was a kid watching this in syndication in the 80s, so I had no idea of the cultural impact she had on the 1960's viewing audience. It was a huge ordeal to get a female character on the bridge at all, let alone a woman of color. It's was a different time.
But the legacy and influence created by this actor and this character is still seen today. I don't want to belittle the role. But when you read about the societal impact of this unassuming character in a 1960's science fiction television show, it's pretty humbling.
Representation matters, and I think Nichelle Nichols as Lt. Uhura is the best example of that.
I've had this Noble Toys Bendyfigs Uhura for a while but have been putting off reviewing it because the likeness isn't super great IMO. Nichelle was gorgeous and had a very unique look. And not surprisingly, this bendie failed to capture that. However, it's been a long time since I've seen TOS Uhura merchandise on the shelf and I believe any effort deserves to be celebrated.
I think the neck on this figure is too thick and her eyes look too generic.
Nichelle had very unique eyes that are a natural trademark of the character now.
If those two things were addressed I think this figure would look pretty good.
My figure was strapped into the packaging too tightly and has a groove across her neck from a plastic twisty-tie.
I'm curious to see if the rubber relaxes over time and the scar disappears.
Uhura comes with a handheld Communicator and the cumbersome-looking earpiece she often wore.
Thank goodness the earpiece is removeable. I think it is just about the most awkward piece of technology on the Enterprise.
This photo exemplifies why I so rarely try to pose any bendable figures.
You often just end up with shapeless spaghetti limbs.
Time for some Group and Comparison Pics!
Here is a small assortment of my Uhura collection. I have at least three more figures that I couldn't find for this picture. From left to right: Titans Vinyl, 1993 Playmates figure, Noble Collection Bendyfig, and the amazing 2003 Art Asylum figure.
Farewell Nichelle.
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