Summary
Captain Janeway's decision to break the rule about personal relationships with her crew proved necessary for their survival in the Delta Quadrant.
Treating her crew like family instead of subordinates kept them alive during difficult trials and strengthened their camaraderie.
Voyager's crew developed a stronger bond compared to other Star Trek crews, thanks to their distinct shared experiences and the absence of conventional rules and limitations.
Captain Janeway of Star Trek: Voyager broke a significant Starfleet rule to save her ship, an understanding she reached early in the series. As the captain of the USS Voyager, Janeway faced the immense challenge of guiding her crew back to Earth from the uncharted Delta Quadrant, a region of space 70,000 lightyears away where Voyager became stranded in the pilot episode. Throughout the show's seven seasons, Janeway maintained a constant sense of responsibility for Voyager's predicament and made every effort to bring her crew and ship back safely.
Despite the extraordinary circumstances Voyager found itself in, Janeway made a sincere attempt to uphold the values and principles of Starfleet during their journey. This undertaking commenced with the integration of the former Maquis crew as Starfleet officers, thereby preserving Voyager's command structure. Furthermore, Janeway remained steadfast in following the Federation's directive of exploration, even when it diverted the ship's course or exposed the crew to risks. Although most of the time Janeway's decision to abide by Starfleet regulations proved prudent, there was one occasion where she chose to break a rule that became absolutely necessary for the survival of Voyager's crew in the Delta Quadrant.
Captain Janeway Treating Her Crew Like Family Saved Voyager
In the early stages of Voyager season 1, Janeway recognized the need to disregard the Starfleet regulation prohibiting Captains from developing personal connections with their crew. Specifically, in season 1, episode 5, titled "The Cloud," Janeway's log entry reflects her contemplation of this rule. She recalls her training at Starfleet Academy, where she was instructed that Captains should maintain a certain level of emotional distance to embody their larger-than-life persona. However, at that moment, Janeway remained uncertain about the appropriate level of intimacy to maintain. As the series progressed, she discovered a way to surpass the role of just a captain and establish a deeper connection with her crew.
Ultimately, Janeway's decision to treat her crew like a family rather than mere subordinates proved to be beneficial in the long run for Voyager. This sense of camaraderie played a pivotal role in their survival throughout some of their most challenging tribulations. Notably, during the episodes "Year of Hell Parts I and II" in season 4, Janeway delivered a memorable speech amidst their battle with the Krenim. She reminded everyone that they were more than just a crew, inspiring them to persevere. By nurturing a strong bond among the crew, Janeway ensured their willingness to fight for one another, foster efficient teamwork, and uplift each other's spirits even in the toughest of times.
Voyager’s Characters Grew Closer Than Other Star Trek Crews
Janeway's decision regarding Voyager resulted in a stronger bond among its main cast compared to other Star Trek crews. While it is true that the crews of all series in the franchise grow close like a family by the end of the show, the crew of Voyager had a uniquely shared experience that brought them even closer. Unlike those in the Alpha Quadrant, they were not bound by the same strict rules of duty. This allowed them to establish deeper friendships and relationships more rapidly. The senior staff, such as Tom Paris and B'Elanna Torres, showcased this well through their romance, as did Janeway and Chakotay through their close and often complex connection. Ultimately, when Star Trek: Voyager concluded, its crew had formed a found family in a distinct manner compared to other crews.
