Summary
Star Trek: Voyager explores themes of grief, loss, redemption, and persistence in the face of astronomical odds.
The characters of the show adapt to a shifting concept of normalcy and the abandonment of familiarity, all the while navigating personal connections and searching for a way back to their home. Voyager, although not the most highly acclaimed series, provides solace and optimism in a world characterized by sudden and unforeseen transformations, thus making it a worthwhile watch.
The 20 finest episodes of Star Trek: Voyager highlight the show's central themes of grief, loss, redemption, and perseverance in the face of astronomical challenges. At its core, Voyager tells the story of its characters adapting to a new normal and grappling with the loss of their previous lives, all while navigating personal relationships and striving to find their way back home. Venturing into the unknown brings tough choices, and Voyager doesn't shy away from acknowledging that. Though not the most acclaimed Star Trek series, Voyager still offers a sense of comfort. It's familiar and particularly uplifting in a real world that is constantly undergoing rapid, unforeseen transformations.
Star Trek: Voyager chronicles the adventures of the USS Voyager, a Federation starship of the Intrepid Class led by Captain Kathryn Janeway (portrayed by Kate Mulgrew). Stranded in the Delta Quadrant, the ship embarks on a lengthy journey back to the Alpha Quadrant and Earth. The crew, consisting of both Starfleet and Maquis officers, encounters various adversaries such as the Kazon, Vidiians, Hirogen, Species 8472, and infamous Star Trek villains, the Borg. While the show's episodic structure occasionally limits character development, it also grants Voyager the freedom to take daring risks without lasting consequences, resulting in some of the most peculiar yet outstanding episodes in the Star Trek universe.
20 "Deadlock" (Star Trek: Voyager Season 2, Episode 21)
Two versions of the USS Voyager, connected through a shared antimatter supply, undergo a split caused by a divergence field. As only one version can ultimately survive, it remains uncertain which Voyager will prevail. While one Voyager endures more damage and faces two significant losses of life, the other remains relatively intact with a full crew complement. However, both versions of Captain Janeway, equally stubborn, must determine which ship is destined for self-destruction to save the other.
19 "Pathfinder" (Star Trek: Voyager Season 6, Episode 10)
The episode "Pathfinder" features guest appearances from Dwight Schultz and Marina Sirtis, who reprise their roles as Lt. Reginald Barclay and Counselor Deanna Troi from Star Trek: The Next Generation. In this episode, we catch up with Barclay's progress on the Pathfinder program as he immerses himself in his familiar holodeck simulations, this time focusing on the project while interacting with holographic versions of Voyager's crew. While the episode primarily centers around Barclay, it remains true to the Voyager storyline, showcasing his unwavering determination to bring Voyager back home, which rivals Captain Janeway's own determination. Despite the seemingly unfavorable odds, Barclay remains hopeful that his efforts will eventually prove successful.
18 "Infinite Regress" (Star Trek: Voyager Season 5, Episode 7)
As Voyager nears a destructed and seemingly deserted Borg cube, Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan) experiences a takeover by the consciousness of the individuals she had previously assimilated as a Borg drone. Her recollection of her actions during these suppressions is nonexistent, raising concern that she may become consumed by the conflicting and combative voices vying for control, as the intervals between shifts diminish. Jeri Ryan delivers an outstanding performance in this episode, skillfully portraying each distinct persona within Seven's mind with delicacy, credibility, and a perfect blend of humor and intensity.
17 "Eye of the Needle" (Star Trek: Voyager Season 1, Episode 7)
While Early Voyager episodes suggest that the show is still in its developmental stages, "Eye of the Needle" presents a remarkable emotional twist. Shortly after being stranded, Voyager unearths a wormhole that directly connects to the Alpha Quadrant. However, there's a catch — the wormhole is only spacious enough for a microprobe, and the recipient on the other side is Romulan Telek R'Mor (Vaughn Armstrong). Setting aside their previous enmity, the former adversaries unite to find a solution that can securely transport Voyager home via the minuscule wormhole. Yet, there is yet another hurdle to overcome: the sides of the wormhole exist twenty years apart, in addition to being separated by thousands of light-years.
16 "Someone to Watch Over Me" (Star Trek: Voyager Season 5, Episode 22)
15 "Bride of Chaotica!" (Star Trek: Voyager Season 5, Episode 12)
Ever since Seven of Nine arrived, the Doctor has been assisting her in adapting to her new life as an individual. Now, he believes it is time for her to explore romantic social situations and try dating. To prepare her, he creates a series of holodeck lessons. However, in an unexpected turn of events, he unintentionally falls in love with her. The moments they share are tender and heartfelt, especially considering that neither of them are fully human and both are taken by surprise. Although she gently rejects his romantic advances, their friendship remains intact and even grows stronger.
One of the most enjoyable episodes in Star Trek's holodeck series is "Bride of Chaotica!" in season 5. The episode centers around Tom Paris's "Adventures of Captain Proton" program and its encounters with photonic lifeforms. These lifeforms perceive only the holodeck as reality and wholeheartedly accept the program's storyline. The crew must ensure a successful first contact while keeping the retrofuturistic narrative intact. Even Captain Janeway, somewhat reluctantly, joins in as the bride of the campy villain, Doctor Chaotica. Kate Mulgrew brings a contagious enthusiasm to her performance, perfectly embracing the black-and-white serial's style.
14 "Extreme Risk" (Star Trek: Voyager Season 5, Episode 3)
"Extreme Risk" stands out as the episode where the Delta Flyer is conceived and constructed. However, the focal point of the episode lies in half-Klingon Lt. B'Elanna Torres (Roxann Dawson) and the raw portrayal of her battle with depression. Desperate to feel something, anything, after receiving devastating personal news from the Alpha Quadrant, B'Elanna plunges into increasingly hazardous escapades on the holodeck, with the safeties disengaged. Commander Chakotay (Robert Beltran) becomes a pillar of support, as their deep bond takes center stage. In a poignant and inspiring exchange, he acknowledges the validity of her emotions, offering hope that, even if things aren't currently okay, they have the potential to be.
13 "Timeless" (Star Trek: Voyager Season 5, Episode 6)
In an icy world, Voyager's failed attempt at an experimental quantum slipstream drive, fifteen years ago, prompts Harry Kim and Chakotay to devise a plan to prevent the mishap. This episode holds special significance for Kim, offering him a rare opportunity to shine. Garrett Wang's portrayal of an older Kim captures a mix of regret and anger, fueled by his unwavering determination to correct past mistakes. "Timeless" presents a more refined and satisfying alternative to Star Trek: Voyager's finale, "Endgame," with the added bonus of LeVar Burton's cameo as Captain Geordi LaForge.
12 "Mortal Coil" (Star Trek: Voyager Season 4, Episode 12)
When Neelix (Ethan Phillips) meets his demise in the initial scene, it becomes evident that his demise is only temporary. His revitalization is made possible by the convenient provision of Borg nanoprobes from Seven of Nine. Though Neelix is physically restored, he finds himself contemplating the alignment of this resurrection with his Talaxian religious convictions. Known for his unwavering optimism, Neelix now faces an existential crisis that cannot be easily masked with a smile. This shift towards a more solemn portrayal of Neelix introduces a refreshing exploration of his introspective thoughts, familial and cultural background, and the underlying motivations for his presence on Voyager.
11 "Body and Soul" (Star Trek: Voyager Season 7, Episode 7)
When Lokirrim authorities apprehend Harry Kim, the Doctor, and Seven of Nine on suspicion of aiding "photonic insurgents," Seven takes a daring move to protect the Doctor. She assimilates him into her cybernetic implants to ensure his survival. What unfolds next is a series of unpredictable events within the confines of the Lokirrim prison. Mistaken identities, unexpected romances, and the Doctor's sheer delight in experiencing the pleasures of a physical body (even if it is borrowed) are all part of the chaos. An additional source of entertainment lies in the parallel storyline, which sheds light on how Lt. Tuvok (Tim Russ) navigates through his pon farr ordeal in the distant Delta Quadrant.
10 "Message in a Bottle" (Star Trek: Voyager Season 4, Episode 14)
The Doctor seizes a rare opportunity to establish direct contact with a Starfleet vessel in the Alpha Quadrant during Voyager's encounter with an abandoned relay station. Instead of relying on messages, he is able to transmit his program, thanks to this fortuitous discovery. To his surprise, he encounters his successor, the EMH Mark II (played by Andy Dick), who is currently hiding from Romulans that have commandeered the ship. Equipped with advanced medical holographic technology, Mark II possesses the necessary skills to thwart the Romulans' nefarious scheme. However, the Doctor's personal growth has honed his abilities to a point where he can also contribute effectively to their joint mission. As the Doctor and Mark II work together, their collaboration yields not only comedic mishaps and ingenious holographic exploits but also a significant victory that not only benefits the Doctor but also paves the way for Voyager's triumphant return to safety.
9 "Distant Origin" (Star Trek: Voyager Season 3, Episode 23)
Dubbed as "the one with the dinosaurs," "Distant Origin" presents a fascinating concept suggesting that hadrosaurs left Earth in their own spaceships before the cataclysmic event that led to the demise of dinosaurs. These dinosaurs' descendants, now known as the Voth, settled in the Delta Quadrant and became a distinct species. The revelation that the genetic makeup of the Voth shares similarities with Voyager's crew triggers a profound and thought-provoking discussion between Voth scientists and religious leaders. Beneath the seemingly absurd premise lies a poignant narrative that explores the notions of truth, religious doctrine, and the manipulation of truth by those in positions of authority to maintain their power, even when it contradicts reality.
8 "Equinox" (Star Trek: Voyager Season 5, Episode 26 & Season 6, Episode 1)
Voyager stumbles upon another Starfleet vessel trapped in the Delta Quadrant due to the Caretaker's interference. Unlike Voyager, the USS Equinox has endured a far harsher fate, with a significant portion of its crew falling victim to their initial encounters in this unfamiliar region of space. To ensure their survival, they have resorted to morally questionable actions, seemingly forsaking the guiding principles of Starfleet that Captain Janeway has fervently upheld. Driven by a relentless determination, Janeway now displays her most uncompromising side as she relentlessly pursues Captain Ransom (John Savage) of the Equinox. Her goal: to hold him accountable for his actions and guide him back to the enlightened path of the Federation.
7 "Latent Image" (Star Trek: Voyager Season 5, Episode 11)
Upon discovering potential compromise of his memory, the Doctor embarks on an investigation to unveil the events of his missing time and identify those responsible for manipulating his records. A captivating enigma points towards the distressing likelihood of intentional and repeated erasure of his memories. This raises the profound ethical question of whether it is permissible to erase a traumatic memory when such an act may be medically necessary, and who possesses the authority to make such a decision. Additionally, there is a pivotal moment involving Seven championing personal rights, marking a significant milestone in her personal journey.
6 "Scorpion" (Star Trek: Voyager Season 3, Episode 26 & Season 4, Episode 1)
5 "Tinker Tenor Doctor Spy" (Star Trek: Voyager Season 6, Episode 4)
Voyager's third season culminates in a pivotal moment as the starship ventures into the periphery of Borg territory. Janeway's audacious plan to form an alliance with the Borg and navigate their space draws disapproval from Chakotay. Nevertheless, Janeway possesses something valuable to the Borg: the ability to harm the enigmatic Species 8472, their formidable adversary who resists assimilation. The episode "Scorpion" signifies a significant turning point for the series, accompanied by the introduction of Seven of Nine and an overall improvement in the quality of Voyager's episodes. While correlation does not always imply causation, it may very well hold true in this particular instance.One of the most beloved comedy episodes in Voyager, "Tinker Tenor Doctor Spy" presents an intriguing storyline where the Doctor creates a new daydreaming subroutine to explore his potential beyond his medical duties. What starts as a harmless experiment takes an unexpected turn when potential invaders discover a way to spy on Voyager through the Doctor's program. They mistakenly perceive his daydreams as reality, perceiving him as an immensely talented and powerful opponent. In this unique circumstance, perhaps the Doctor will have the opportunity to fulfill his dreams and spare Voyager from a confrontation.
4 "Counterpoint" (Star Trek: Voyager Season 5, Episode 10)
As Voyager proceeds through Devore space, they encounter frequent routine searches conducted by the Devore authorities to apprehend telepaths who have defected. The Devore firmly adhere to the belief that telepaths are inherently immoral and criminal, even from a young age, and persistently insist on relocating them. Resolute in her stance against prejudice, Janeway conceals a group of twelve Brenari telepaths in the transporter buffer. Unexpectedly, the Devore commander, Kashyk (Mark Harelik), defects from his own people, forging a deep connection with Janeway as they collaborate to ensure the refugees' path to freedom. The intricate dance of their conversations is filled with both beauty and tension, as their loyalties entwine and unravel, blending in a credible romance while simultaneously honoring their responsibilities to guide their respective communities towards what they perceive as righteous.
3 "Living Witness" (Star Trek: Voyager Season 4, Episode 23)
In what could be considered Voyager's version of a Star Trek mirror universe episode, an erroneous future museum exhibition recounts how the involvement of the warship Voyager resulted in an imbalance between the two species on the planet. Thankfully, the Doctor's program has persevered for countless years, allowing him to elucidate the true sequence of events, rectify not only the minor inaccuracies but also shed light on the underlying motives behind Voyager's presence. When history is recorded by the triumphant faction, there is invariably more to the narrative, and a subsequent revelation towards the end of the episode elevates this particular installment as one of Voyager's finest.
2 "Blink of an Eye" (Star Trek: Voyager Season 6, Episode 12)
In "Blink of an Eye", Voyager is engulfed by the gravitational pull of a planet where time moves at an accelerated pace. On this planet, civilizations rise and fall in the blink of an eye while Voyager becomes a permanent fixture in their sky and, intriguingly enough, their culture as well. Its presence sparks a plethora of myths and scientific pursuits, ultimately propelling the planet's inhabitants towards technological advancements aimed at reaching "the skyship," as they refer to Voyager. This captivating science fiction concept seamlessly unfolds aboard Voyager, showcasing an ethereal population that lives and perishes within moments, yet leaving behind a lasting legacy.
1 "Year of Hell" (Star Trek: Voyager Season 4, Episodes 8 & 9)
The "Year of Hell" two-part episode in season 4 of Star Trek: Voyager takes the series to new heights. This captivating storyline revolves around Janeway's encounter with Annorax (Kurtwood Smith), an individual driven by an obsession to restore the Krenim Imperium to its former grandeur by manipulating the timeline. Both Janeway and Annorax share a common desire to revisit past worlds, whether in space or time, but they cope with the pain of their losses in contrasting ways. As Voyager faces unprecedented damage, Janeway remains steadfast in protecting her crew out of unwavering loyalty. On the other hand, Annorax relentlessly pursues remnants of a past that can never be recaptured, desperately clinging to something that has already slipped away.
Many of Star Trek: Voyager's standout episodes are unexpected surprises, showcasing the series' willingness to take risks. As the show hits its stride in the fourth season, its broader themes begin to converge. The characters, including the Doctor, Seven of Nine, and Captain Janeway, undergo memorable arcs as they learn, grow, and evolve. Despite some forgettable episodes, Star Trek: Voyager deserves recognition for its truly exceptional episodes. These explore topics such as grief, change, recovery, and reputation. The show emphasizes how both its crew and viewers can navigate unprecedented events and hold onto hope even in the face of despair.