Summary
Star Trek: Voyager initially set up a rivalry between Tom Paris and Chakotay in the pilot episode, but the conflict was dropped in the rest of season 1.
Dropping the rivalry could have been motivated by a wish to maintain a more hopeful atmosphere, akin to that of Star Trek: The Next Generation, and minimize excessive conflict among the crew.
However, despite the disappointment of losing the rivalry, the show successfully crafted more captivating storylines for both Tom Paris and Chakotay, highlighting their personal development and unique journeys.
In the pilot episode of Star Trek: Voyager, a significant rivalry between two main characters is established, but it is not continued throughout the rest of season 1. "Caretaker," the pilot episode, introduces several storylines that will unfold throughout the series, including the crew's journey to return home after being stranded in the Delta Quadrant. Additionally, the episode begins to establish the dynamics among the crew, including the formation of friendships, romances, and rivalries that will develop over the course of the series.
One of the most contentious relationships in "Caretaker" is between Tom Paris and Chakotay. Tom, a former Starfleet pilot, is recruited by Captain Janeway to help locate Chakotay's Maquis ship. Given their history, it is not surprising that Tom and Chakotay clash repeatedly once Chakotay and his crew join forces with Janeway. However, it is disappointing that Star Trek: Voyager chooses to disregard this rivalry for the remainder of the season.
Why Voyager Dropped Chakotay & Tom Paris' Rivalry
Despite the disappointment of losing Tom Paris and the rivalry with Chakotay, Star Trek: Voyager's creative team may have had a reason for not pursuing it further. With the exception of the pilot and a few episodes in the first season, the show aimed to minimize conflict between the Starfleet and former Maquis crew members. This decision was likely influenced by a desire to make Voyager feel more akin to the optimistic tone of Star Trek: The Next Generation, distancing itself from the perceived failure of the darker Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Consequently, the show deliberately avoided excessive conflict among the crew. This is evident in the case of Tom and Chakotay, as their rivalry essentially disappeared after the pilot episode. While there were some fabricated conflicts in the second season when Tom went undercover to uncover a spy, their animosity never reached the same level as in the beginning. It is unfortunate in some respects since Chakotay and Tom's rivalry provided many memorable moments, and the show seemed to be laying the groundwork for an intriguing future storyline.
Voyager Used Paris & Chakotay Better After Ending Their Feud
Fortunately, Star Trek: Voyager skillfully utilized Tom and Chakotay's potential once they put their feud to rest. By abandoning any plotlines surrounding their rivalry, both characters were able to embark on more compelling storylines throughout the rest of the series. Chakotay's dynamic relationship with Captain Janeway and his crucial position as First Officer provided Voyager with opportunities to highlight his intriguing qualities. Similarly, Tom Paris' transformation from a ladies' man to a devoted husband and father by the finale stands as one of the show's most remarkable character arcs. While these developments could have occurred amidst the rivalry, its resolution allowed the individual narratives of both characters to shine even brighter.
