An example of how The Next Generation masterfully depicted life outside of missions, Keiko O’Brien is first introduced on the eve of her wedding with Transported Chief Miles O’Brien (“Data’s Day”). In The Original Series, relationships are depicted as more like flings. Any romantic endeavor is secondary to the episode, with the mission or problem facing the Enterprise A being the main focus. Next Gen begins to portray a refreshing slice-of-life and gets realistic with making a married couple recurring characters on the show.

A representation of the challenges of marriage, Keiko and Miles do argue. While their relationship is loving, supportive, and genuine, the couple has to navigate being in the service of the Federation as well as being devoted to their family. Keiko is required to give up her life aboard the Enterprise D to follow Miles to Deep Space Nine, pursue other careers due to lack of resources, and endure life-threatening situations where both her husband and her child are also at risk (“Emissary”). While maintaining her dignity and empathy, it is entirely understandable when she is visibly upset with some of the events in her life, most notably when she and Miles transferred to Deep Space Nine. The way that Next Gen (and DS9) portray the challenges in Keiko’s marriage makes her a more realistic character and all the more interesting for her complex emotions.

Keiko is one of the strongest female characters in Star Trek, yet she is often not acknowledged as such. She shows a unique connection to her heritage and traditions. Her wedding incorporates a Japanese ceremony and she wears a traditionally-inspired wedding gown. Her cooking, which are recipes programmed into a replicator, also reveal her culture. Additionally, her casual dress and hobbies, including brush lettering, pay homage to her culture and she occasionally mentions the influence of her traditionalist grandmother in her young life (“Violations”). In a futuristic society where the Earth is united under the Federation, Keiko’s insistence on honoring Japanese traditions is encouraging for East Asian fans of the show who often do not see themselves represented in Western cinema. However, the actress, Rosalind Chao, is Chinese-American even though the character Keiko is Japanese which may be considered insensitive.

Oh, has it been mentioned that she gave birth, without medical assistance, in a dire situation where the ship was in grave peril, while trapped with injured crewmates, and only Head of Security Lt. Worf to help her (“Disaster”)? Yeah, Keiko is pretty badass.

Although she has a minor role in the whole series, Keiko is certainly a memorable character for her kindness and genuine story.