Reflection and Analysis

Voltron: Legendary Defender - Galra!Keith Revisisted (S2 Spoilers)

Galra!Keith in Canon

In season two, it is revealed that Keith is part Galra. In an interview with the staff, we find out they did indeed plan for it all along. I loved how the team handled Keith being part Galra, and the moments between Keith and Allura. However, I also like how, while the team did put clues into the first season, they were based on subtext which invoked an idea of something being true rather than being an absolute truth. In other words the clues had double meaning, but also concepts they turned on their head.

Keith says he is biologically compatible with Galra tech.

The theory of Keith being Galra came about because he was the only character to use Galra tech successfully without Shiro's arm, or the arm of one of the centuries. In second season Keith admits he is able to use Galra tech because he's part Galra. So, does this mean it is true that Keith successfully used Galra tech when the others couldn't. Nope. I still hold that a button is a button, even if said button is shaped like a handprint. First off, Keith only used consoles in the first season, where in the second season after he says what he does, he uses both the console and a hand scanning device. Allura was able to use one of the Galra weapons, and Slav activated a hanger door. Keith didn't suspect anything was off at the time, which might mean they didn't know it was bio activated, but there's also a chance it wasn't.

Keith fights like a Galra.

Not really. This implies that the fighting style of the Galra is unique to them, when it is not. The berserker fighting style shows up in many cultures. Add to this, if the berserker fighting style is the fighting style of the Galra, then the Blade of Marmora doesn't fight like Galra at all. To pass the trial, one needs to give up on the pursuit of power, but also the stubborn streak which comes from berserk fighting. In other words, they turn their back on the preferred fighting style of the Galra. Zarkon's comment had nothing to do with thinking Keith was Galra, simply that he liked his fighting style. To Keith, this was an insult. IT wasn't because he was being compared to Galra, but because his fighting style was being compared to what Zarkon liked in a fighter.

Keith's knife is Galran.

Yes, but Keith didn't suspect as much until season two. The theory behind this was that Keith recognized the symbol as he focused in the corridor and choose to look at his blade, but in reality, Keith didn't recognize the symbol as Galran until he saw it on Ulaz's blade. His looking at the blade could simply have to do with the fact he suspected his mother came from outer space, and that he wasn't completely human. Or it could be because something connected to his parents brings him comfort, particularly when he is having to interact with people who are to him complete strangers. Canon makes it clear that Keith didn't start suspecting until episode three of season two.

Keith's hand turned purple.

If it did, why didn't Keith suspect something sooner? We also don't know if this is what really happened, or if it was third degree burns being healed. He couldn't use said hand anymore, but also, while first and second degree burns are red in color, third are purple/black in color.

Keith's eyes are a weird color.

No, they're not. They're actually a similar color to Shiro's eye color.

Keith's went berserk because he's Galra and hates them that much.

No. Keith admits Shiro is like a brother to him, and Shiro was getting hurt again. As he says in the first episode of second season, he and Shiro would both try and save each other. Keith is the one person whose overly aware of how Shiro is. He didn't suspect until later.

Keith talks about changing the fact there are no rebels because his parents were rebels.

Again, no. He's shown to have no knowledge of this. He didn't suspect until later.

Galra!Keith in Fanon

Keith always knew.

No. Keith did not suspect until season two. He would have said something sooner had he any suspicions. While it is true that he avoided outright saying anything, he did drop plenty of hints once he did suspect, and then outright told everyone once he confirmed what he suspected to be true actually was.

Keith is purple.

No. Canon hinted at him being part human, but there is also the question of how he hid it. Him being part Altean came up, but it didn't work.

Keith will become purple.

And have kitty ears...

Most of the people are doing this because they think Keith with purple skin and cat ears is cute, and funny.

Small Problem

Haggar does pose a small problem though to the canon material. If she's been with the Galra all this time, can Altean's activate Galra tech, and in that case can they awaken the blade? On one side, Keith finding out he was Galra served its purpose, but on the other side it doesn't make sense for this to end up being plot relevant. Of course, the staff was really good at presenting double ended clues, so who knows.

The other problem is, we don't know if Keith's mother is full Galra either. The Alteans and Galra were close, allowing for Galra Altean hybrids to be born. This can't be known until Keith actually finds his family, if ever.