Uhura in the new Star Trek movie

Like any good, self-proclaimed geek, I went out to see the new Star Trek movie this past weekend. It was very enjoyable. The writers put in plenty of tributes to the original series (“I’m a doctor, not a physicist!” lol) as well as some witty lines. The special effects were awesome without being overdone, and the storyline was easy to follow even if you were never a Trekkie.
Also, there weren’t *that* many plot holes. I always expect a few plot holes here and there in a movie, but get frustrated when there is one every five minutes. That didn’t happen here. Good job, J. J. Abrams.
However, there is one subject that I take issue with. And that is the characterization of Uhura. As many may know, Uhura is famous for being a black woman on the original Star Trek, played by Nichelle Nichols, and also for sharing one of the first interracial kisses with Captain Kirk on tv.
*****SPOILER ALERT!!!!!******

What I don’t like about the portrayal of Uhura in the recent Star Trek movie:
1. Uhura can’t fight physically.
In the 2009 Star Trek movie, Uhura is cast as an intelligent woman and skilled linguist who adds talent to the crew. She is also cast as a sex pot in a tight skirt!
The first time we meet her in the movie is when Kirk starts hitting on her in the bar and then gets in a fight over her with other space cadets. While the fight is going on, Uhura stands by helplessly in her mini-skirt and her boots, whining, “Stop it, guys. Stop it! Stop it now!” Keep in mind that she’s a member of *Starfleet*, which is basically the army.
2. Uhura has an underwear scene.
Then the writers give her an underwear scene. Yup, that’s right, the sexy linguist in her underwear. Don’t worry, don’t be frightened by her awesome language skills, you can see her in her hot underwear, too, and remember that she’s just some hot girl that all the cool guys want. *sarcasm*
Really, Abrams? Really, was the underwear scene necessary? I don’t think so. I think Kirk could have found out about her Klingon decoding in some other way.
3. Uhura, and Starfleet women, wear mini-skirts.
Also, all the female cadets in Starfleet are wearing skirts. Now, one could argue that Abrams was just trying to stay true to the original Star Trek where all the woman wore those little skirts. But this is the *army*, this is *Starfleet*. Why are these women going off to battle in skirts?
I bet their legs would be a lot less attractive to men once they’re all covered in battle bruises. “Show me some leg, sexy mama! …oh, wait, bruises? Put some pants on, girl!” And we never see any women in physical, hand-to-hand combat situations.
I don’t need a lot. I understand that we’re focusing on the main (male) characters and their (cool) fight scenes. But is it asking for too much to see Uhura, or any woman, one of the *trained* female Starfleet officers, to show us how capable they are, and not just on the sexy/brainy front?
Women are physically strong. Let’s acknowledge this.
4. Uhura and Spock are together.
Uhura and Spock?! Please excuse my French, but WTF?! Where did that come from? When did it happen? Why? ….huh? I’m just going along, watching this movie, and out of the blue Uhura and Spock suddenly have a full blown, long term relationship.
It seems like the writers wanted a romance in this already awesome movie (that doesn’t need a romance to make it better because it’s already fine the way it is), saw Uhura and said, “Oh, she’s female! Let’s put her with Spock. Ta da! Heterosexual romance with a dash of love triangle!” Again…really not necessary.
In the end, I guess it could have been worse on the female front. Uhura could have ended up with Kirk, the God’s-gift-to-women-love-machine. But it that’s like saying an earthquake is worse than a tornado.
Now, a young Captain Janeway from Star Trek Voyager? I’d watch that! Maybe they could get Joss Whedon to write it. But I won’t hold my breath.
All in all, I did enjoy watching the Star Trek movie. I just want some kick-ass women!