Unlocking the Hidden Chemistry: 9 Explosive Crew Relationships on Star Trek: Voyager

Summary

Voyager's unique circumstances forced the crew to become comfortable with each other quickly, leading to one of the closest-knit crews in Star Trek.

"Parallax" delved into the dynamics of crucial relationships, highlighting the contrasting personalities of Harry and Tuvok, as well as shedding light on how Kes treated the Doctor. Additionally, the episode laid the foundation for a love triangle between Tom, Kes, and Neelix, and explored the intricate relationships between Chakotay and B'Elanna, as well as Janeway and her crew.

In its second episode, Star Trek: Voyager introduced several crucial relationships among the crew. While the Star Trek franchise is renowned for its sci-fi concepts and optimistic vision of the future, the strong bond between the main characters greatly contributes to the success of each project. This holds true for all series, but Voyager particularly excels due to its initial premise and setting.

Voyager revolves around the crew's collective efforts to find their way back home after being stranded in the Delta Quadrant, an astonishing 70,000 lightyears away from Federation space. This unique situation forces the characters to quickly adapt and form deep connections with one another. Despite initial tensions, these circumstances lead to Voyager becoming one of the most tightly-knit crews in the Star Trek universe. While certain relationships, such as the friendship between Tom Paris and Harry Kim, were established in the pilot episode, it is in season 1, episode 2, titled "Parallax," that the dynamics of the most significant relationships truly take shape.

9 Harry & Tuvok

Harry and Tuvok (portrayed by Tim Russ) had limited screen time in "Parallax", but their shared scene offered a glimpse into their future relationship. In this particular scene, Harry made an attempt to provoke Tuvok into discussing the ongoing tension between the Starfleet and Maquis crew, showing a clear interest in Tuvok's perspective on the matter. However, true to his Vulcan nature, Tuvok promptly dismissed Harry's attempt, stating that the situation was under control and avoiding any undue dramatization. While seemingly insignificant, this dialogue between Tuvok and Harry effectively established their dynamic moving forward, with Harry's distinctly human personality contrasting with Tuvok's unwavering Vulcan stoicism and aversion to emotional engagement.

8 Chakotay & Tuvok

The interactions between Tuvok and Chakotay in "Parallax" shed light on their future relationship, revealing a fascinating dynamic of conflict. The primary source of tension between them stemmed from the clash between B'Elanna Torres and Lt. Joe Carey, symbolizing the challenges faced in integrating the Maquis into Starfleet. As Tuvok had infiltrated Chakotay's Maquis vessel as a Starfleet spy, Chakotay's mistrust of him was evident throughout their scenes. Furthermore, "Parallax" subtly hinted at Tuvok's displeasure with Captain Janeway's decision to appoint Chakotay as her First Officer, rather than selecting Tuvok.

7 The Doctor & Kes

Kes (Jennifer Lien) and the Doctor's (Robert Picardo) rapport during the initial seasons of Voyager is truly delightful, and "Parallax" effectively lays the foundation for what made it so remarkable. In the episode, Kes stands out as the sole crew member who treats the Doctor as a person rather than a mere tool, utilized solely for practical purposes. Consequently, this interaction brought out the Doctor's more tender and vulnerable side, illuminating the earliest stages of his humanity long before he embarked on a thorough self-discovery. This ongoing dynamic between the Doctor and Kes persisted until her departure from Voyager, contributing to the Doctor's establishment as one of the series' beloved characters by infusing him with a more intricate persona.

6 Neelix & Kes

In Voyager's pilot episode, Neelix (Ethan Phillips) and Kes embark on a romantic relationship. However, "Parallax" sheds more light on their dynamic as a couple. The episode accentuates Kes's innocence and Neelix's paternalistic behavior towards her, which persists throughout the first season. Unfortunately, this dynamic fails to resonate with viewers, and the series eventually acknowledges the shortcomings in Neelix and Kes's story, leading to their separation.

5 Tom & Kes

4 Tom & Neelix

The brief interaction known as "Parallax" marked the beginning of a love triangle involving Neelix, Kes, and Tom Paris, which would be further explored in subsequent seasons. In a scene that took place in the briefing room, Tom rose from his seat and gallantly offered it to Kes, who had nowhere else to sit. Her smile in response elicited a hint of jealousy from Neelix. Though seemingly inconsequential at the time, this moment gains significance when considering the evolution of Tom and Kes's relationship. It suggested Tom's initial attraction to Kes and established their overly friendly bond that eventually resulted in the love triangle.

The scene in the briefing room during "Parallax" foreshadowed the ongoing animosity between Tom and Neelix, which would play a significant role in future episodes. A less favorable aspect of Neelix and Kes's relationship was Neelix's tendency to become jealous. While this trait wasn't explicitly highlighted in "Parallax," Neelix's expression towards Tom when he offered Kes his chair subtly hinted at it. Later in Season 2, Episode 7, titled "Parturition," Tom and Neelix engaged in an intense fight over Kes, ultimately resolving the love triangle. However, it humorously concluded with both men covered in a pasta dish prepared by Neelix for the crew.

3 Chakotay & B’Elanna

"Parallax" thoroughly explored the complex friendship between Chakotay and B'Elanna, establishing the foundation for their future interactions. Despite starting the episode with an argument, B'Elanna's undeniable respect for Chakotay as her former Captain was evident. Similarly, Chakotay consistently displayed unwavering faith in B'Elanna's capabilities, always standing up for her even when she made mistakes. This unwavering support ultimately led to B'Elanna earning the position of Chief Engineer by the end of the episode. The enduring elements of trust and admiration between the two characters would shape their dynamic throughout the entire series.

2 Janeway & B’Elanna

The relationship between Janeway and B'Elanna in "Parallax" was a significant one, both professionally and personally. At first, Janeway had reservations about B'Elanna and her capabilities due to her previous clash with Carey. However, as the episode progressed, Janeway discovered that B'Elanna was not only highly intelligent but also a skilled scientist, which created a connection between them. Furthermore, "Parallax" showcased the early stages of B'Elanna's admiration for Janeway as a leader, particularly during their time together in the shuttlecraft while working to rescue the ship from the quantum singularity.

1 Janeway & Chakotay

In Star Trek: Voyager season 1, episode 2, the complex relationship between Janeway and Chakotay was established as the most important one. Janeway appointed Chakotay as her First Officer, and their working relationship started to develop in the episode "Parallax." This episode effectively portrayed their connection and set the foundation for the strong friendship and respect they would develop throughout the series. "Parallax" was also significant as it marked the first instance of Chakotay challenging Janeway, and of Janeway valuing Chakotay's judgment despite initial disagreement.