Are the Visitors from 'V' Related to Cardassians in Star Trek?

No, the Visitors from the 1980s sci-fi drama 'V' and the Cardassians from Star Trek are not related. The Cardassians are not reptilian in any way, a misconception arising from their love of saunas but not from external body cooling mechanisms.

Cardassians and Their Characteristics

The Cardassians in Star Trek are humanoid, with some unique features such as their preference for saunas, which is a cultural aspect rather than a biological requirement. They do not regulate their body temperature through external means like sun, water, or shade, which are typical of reptiles.

Cardassian saunas are hotter than those of the 1980s, and this preference for heat does not make them reptilian. Just as some people may prefer a hot climate, it does not change their biological classification.

Ships and Shapes: Motherships and Horseshoe Crabs

Another point of confusion often arises from the shape of the ships used by the Visitors and the Cardassians' warships. The Visitors' motherships were round, a distinctive feature that contrasts with the Cardassian warships, which resemble horseshoe crabs. Horseshoe crabs, known for their unique shape, are not related to the Cardassian design, further emphasizing the lack of connection between the two species.

Science Fiction and Shared Inspiration

It is not uncommon for science fiction creators to draw inspiration from each other's works. The writers of Star Trek’s Cardassians likely found inspiration in the 1980s 'V' series. Both productions feature alien species with reptilian appearances, but this is a shared trope in science fiction rather than a direct connection between the two specific franchises.

Characters and Family Dynamics

Additionally, sharing reptilian-like features does not imply a direct lineage or genetic relation. As with the Gorn or Xindi Reptilians, the Cardassians and Visitors share certain biological traits without being from the same family. In the case of Cardassians, writers often use archetypes that have been refined and adapted over time, leading to shared appearance traits among different stories.

For instance, the character Diana, described as a chief liaison and rodent big-mouth, could indeed be a reimagining of a Cardassian character. However, without clear linkage or established continuity, these are speculative points based on similarities in storytelling rather than factual connections.

Conclusion

In summary, while the Visitors from 'V' and the Cardassians from Star Trek share some similarities in their reptilian-like appearances, these features are more a result of shared science fiction storytelling tropes rather than an actual relationship between the two fictional species. Writers often draw inspiration from each other, leading to recurring themes and character traits across different series and franchises.

For fans of science fiction, it is fascinating to explore these connections and differences, understanding that many elements in the genre serve common storytelling purposes while maintaining their independence within specific fictional universes.