Summary
- The Bynars are a unique Star Trek species introduced in TNG season
- They are genderless and communicate as a pair, with their own high-pitched, fast language.
- The Bynars have a close relationship with technology and are employed by Starfleet for ship upgrades. They rely on their cybernetic implants for processing information quickly.
- Unlike the Borg, the Bynars care about their own survival and maintain personal autonomy. They are not part of a collective and have emotions and individuality, unlike the Borg drones.
In its almost 60-year history, Star Trek has introduced many different kinds of alien species, including some, like the Bynars, who have only appeared a handful of times. Introduced in Star Trek: The Next Generation season 1, episode 15, "11001001," the Bynars are a fascinating species that the franchise has barely referenced since their initial appearance. While TNG would go on to become one of the best science fiction television series of all time, the first season struggled a bit to find its footing. Because of this, several concepts and alien species were introduced and then never heard about again, including the small purple aliens called the Bynars.
The Bynars were briefly mentioned in dialogue on Star Trek: Enterprise, but have not been seen in live-action since their first appearance. Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4 brought back the Bynars as one of the victims of the mysterious enemy that has been attacking non-Federation ships throughout the season. Lower Decks season 4, episode 7, "A Few Badgeys More," showed the inside of a Bynar ship for the first time and offered a brief glimpse into their way of life. Two Bynars appeared again in Lower Decks season 4, episode 9, "The Inner Fight," stranded by the mysterious enemy on Sherbal V, the same planet the Lower Deckers found themselves stuck on.
