Outranking Voyager's Harry Kim: The Unparalleled Rise of These 15 Accelerated Star Trek Characters

Summary

Harry Kim's lack of advancement within the Star Trek series becomes apparent when comparing it to the rapid progression of other characters, like Michael Burnham and Saru, who achieved higher ranks in a significantly shorter period.

Geordi La Forge and Worf prove that achieving a rapid promotion within seven years is attainable, which further accentuates the frustration of Harry Kim's stagnant Ensign position. The promotion of Ensigns from Star Trek: Lower Decks and characters like Sidney La Forge before Harry Kim highlights the glaring discrepancy in his lack of advancement.

Harry Kim's status as an eternal Ensign in the Star Trek franchise is well-known, but what adds insult to injury is the number of characters who received promotions much quicker than he ever did. Throughout the seven seasons of Star Trek: Voyager, Harry served as the Operations Officer on the bridge of the USS Voyager. Despite the unique circumstances of being stranded in the Delta Quadrant, which led to different rules regarding promotions and demotions, there were still numerous opportunities for Harry to advance in rank.

However, much to his disappointment, while other characters around him were promoted, Harry remained stuck as an Ensign. Not only did his fellow Voyager crew members continue to climb the ranks of Starfleet while he stayed stagnant, but the Star Trek franchise also showcases officers with equal or greater talent who were promoted at a faster pace, sometimes even multiple times, throughout their respective shows. Although the post-Voyager fate of Harry remains undisclosed, leaving room for the possibility of him receiving a promotion, until confirmed, other characters continue to outshine him.

15 Michael Burnham

Despite being Starfleet's first mutineer, Michael Burnham (played by Sonequa Martin-Green) managed to become a captain within just three seasons of Star Trek: Discovery. Starting as a commander under Captain Phillipa Georgiou (portrayed by Michelle Yeoh), Michael already held a high rank. However, her journey from a disgraced ex-officer, who had been stripped of her rank, to becoming the captain of the USS Discovery by season 3 is truly remarkable. While it is challenging to determine the exact timeline due to Discovery's time travel to the 32nd century, Michael's ascent to captaincy undoubtedly took less time than Harry's tenure as an Ensign on Voyager.

14 Saru

Similar to Michael, Saru (Doug Jones) achieved several advancements throughout Star Trek: Discovery. He initially served as a Lieutenant Commander, but his dedication and competence led to his promotion as a Commander during the Klingon war. Later in Discovery season 2, he attained the esteemed position of Captain. Saru assumed the role of Captain intermittently in seasons 2 and 3, and even though he decided to step down, he retained both his rank and the admiration he had earned in Starfleet, even in the 32nd century. Considering Discovery's extraordinary circumstances, which bore resemblance to Voyager's, particularly in season 3, Saru's remarkable ascension through the ranks is truly impressive.

13 Nyota Uhura

Nyota Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding) bears a striking resemblance to Harry Kim when considering their circumstances and personalities. This only amplifies the irony of her receiving double promotions prior to the events of Star Trek: The Original Series, a direct contradiction to the franchise's infamous "eternal Ensign" status. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds unveils that Uhura swiftly rose from a Cadet to an Ensign during her initial assignment aboard the USS Enterprise. Moreover, as she already commenced TOS as a Lieutenant, it is reasonable to expect another promotion within the following seven years, even if Strange New Worlds has yet to portray it.

12 Geordi La Forge

Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton) achieved a string of remarkable advancements during the initial phases of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Geordi began his journey as a Lieutenant Junior Grade in the show's first season. However, his capabilities earned him not only a promotion to full Lieutenant but also the prestigious title of Chief Engineer in season 2. Throughout the series, Geordi's dedication and expertise propelled him to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Even in later stages of his career, as revealed in Star Trek: Picard season 3, Geordi's exceptional achievements led to his promotion to the esteemed position of Commodore by 2401. Undoubtedly, Geordi's rapid ascension to higher ranks early on showcases his remarkable prowess within Starfleet.

11 Worf

10 Deanna Troi

Worf (portrayed by Michael Dorn) and Geordi had similar trajectories in TNG. Initially serving as a Lieutenant JG, Worf was later promoted to full Lieutenant and took on the role of Security Chief following the demise of Tasha Yar (played by Denise Crosby) in season 1. Similar to Geordi, Worf eventually attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander by the series' conclusion, but never surpassed the rank of Captain after TNG ended. Nevertheless, their numerous advancements highlight the perplexity surrounding Harry Kim's lack of promotion on Voyager, as both Worf and Geordi exemplify the possibility of ascending through the ranks swiftly within a mere seven years.

Deanna Troi (Marina Siritis), the ship's Counselor, was among the final members of the TNG cast to receive a promotion. Initially holding the rank of Lieutenant Commander, Troi's primary responsibilities revolved around her role as a Counselor. However, in TNG season 7, she underwent the Bridge Officers Test and achieved the esteemed rank of full Commander. Following her promotion, Troi incorporated command duties into her regular shifts and increased her frequency of wearing a Starfleet uniform. Though Troi ultimately left Starfleet after TNG concluded, her promotion carried significant weight, particularly for an officer who deviated from the traditional Starfleet career trajectory.

9 Benjamin Sisko

Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks), the protagonist of the Star Trek series Deep Space Nine, broke the mold by being the first lead character to not hold the rank of Captain at the start of his show. Initially a Commander, Sisko's impressive journey led to his promotion to Captain during the season 3 finale. This swift advancement further highlights the unfavorable comparison to Harry Kim. While Sisko could have continued his ascent in the Starfleet ranks, his unique role as the Bajoran Emissary and his transcendence to near-Godhood in the thrilling climax of DS9 resulted in his departure from Starfleet, seemingly for good.

8 Kira Nerys

Kira Nerys (Nana Visitor) had a unique and commendable career, as she earned promotions both within Starfleet and the Bajoran Militia. Initially a Major in the Militia, Kira's perseverance paid off when, in the seventh season of DS9, she was elevated to the rank of Colonel. During Captain Sisko's absence, she even assumed command of the space station, showcasing her leadership abilities. Notably, Kira's accomplishments extend beyond the Militia, as she was also bestowed the rank of Commander in Starfleet during the same season. This remarkable achievement is particularly impressive considering that she did not hold a Starfleet rank throughout the entire show.

7 Jadzia Dax

Jadzia Dax (Terry Farrell), a character in DS9, was promoted from Lieutenant to Lieutenant Commander between seasons 3 and 4. The promotion was not shown on screen but was necessary in order to avoid having her outranked by Worf, who joined the cast in season 4. Despite the practical reasons for her promotion in real life, it simply made Dax another character who advanced more quickly than Harry Kim in the show.

6 Nog

Originally a civilian, Nog (played by Aron Eisenberg) joined Starfleet Academy during the third season of DS9. His impressive progress led to his promotion to Ensign in season 6, after just two years as a Cadet, instead of the typical four. Throughout the Dominion War, Nog earned additional promotions, including a field promotion to Lieutenant Commander to support Red Squad. Captain Sisko, in one of his final acts before leaving Starfleet, officially promoted Nog to Lieutenant JG. Nog's rapid rise in rank highlights the missed opportunities for Harry Kim, who was on a similar career trajectory to both Nog and Uhura.

5 Tuvok

4 Tom Paris

Tuvok (Tim Russ) advanced from the rank of Lieutenant to Lieutenant Commander in the fourth season of Star Trek: Voyager, emphasizing the possibility of progression within the predetermined command structure of the ship. Throughout Voyager's journey back to the Alpha Quadrant, Tuvok continued to hold the rank of Lieutenant Commander, but he eventually attained the rank of Captain after the ship's return, as depicted in the third season of Star Trek: Picard. These two promotions served to highlight Harry's absence of such advancements, particularly considering that Tuvok was the first member of Harry's own crew to receive a promotion.

Tom Paris, portrayed by Robert Duncan McNeill, held a special place in Harry's heart as his best friend on the starship Voyager. Notably, Tom's journey featured an intriguing twist in his career progression. Captain Janeway, played by Kate Mulgrew, bestowed upon Tom the rank of Lieutenant JG in the pilot episode. However, in season 5, due to his defiant actions and violation of the Prime Directive, Tom experienced a demotion to Ensign. Nevertheless, Tom's resilience paid off in season 7, when he regained his former rank of Lieutenant. This turn of events, while celebratory for Tom, left Harry feeling overlooked as he had not been considered for any promotions during this time.

3 The 5 Lower Decks Ensigns

Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4's premiere concluded with a clever jab at Harry Kim as the primary characters were elevated from Ensign to Lieutenant JG for a mission that involved the USS Voyager. As the USS Cerritos was entrusted with the task of safely escorting Voyager back to Earth for its transformation into a museum, Ensigns Boimler (Jack Quaid), Mariner (Tawny Newsome), Tendi (Noël Wells), and T'Lyn (Gabrielle Ruiz) were all rewarded with promotions for their valiant efforts in safeguarding the ship against homicidal holograms, a macrovirus, and the shockingly merged "Tuvixed" members of the Cerritos' crew. In a subsequent episode, Ensign Rutherford (Eugene Cordero) attained his promotion simply by requesting the honor, even after repeatedly declining it.

2 Sidney La Forge

Sidney La Forge, portrayed by Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut, serves as a prime example of an Ensign who achieved promotion before Harry Kim, despite both being at a comparable level. Following her contributions in safeguarding Starfleet from Borg and Changeling infiltration during the events of Star Trek: Picard season 3, Sidney's commendable efforts led to her promotion as Lieutenant JG. She then assumed the role of the helmsman aboard the USS Enterprise-G, now commanded by Captain Seven of Nine, portrayed by Jeri Ryan. The promotion of Sidney, who shares a similar age and aptitude as Harry, adds to the sting felt by Harry in regards to his own Starfleet career.

1 Seven Of Nine

Although Seven of Nine was never officially a Starfleet Officer during her time with Voyager's crew, she quickly ascended to the rank of Captain upon joining the organization. Admiral Jean-Luc Picard granted her a field commission in Picard season 2, propelling her to the position of Commander on the USS Titan-A under Captain Liam Shaw. Soon after, she was entrusted with command of the ship as it was renamed the Enterprise-G. Within a remarkably short period—potentially less than two years—Seven's rapid promotion surpassed the advancement rate of even Harry Kim, making her one of the most recent Star Trek characters to outshine him in this regard.