Unveiling the Enigmatic Species 8472: The Untold Menace of Star Trek: Voyager

Summary

Species 8472 were introduced in Star Trek: Voyager as the deadly aliens that scared the Borg Collective, impressing viewers with their CGI design.

Captain Janeway formed an alliance with the Borg in order to counter Species 8472, a formidable species capable of annihilating all life in their galaxy.

Although peace was ultimately established with Species 8472, the potential for their resurgence as adversaries in the Star Trek universe is still a looming possibility. This is particularly true considering the demise of the Borg and Starfleet's ongoing activities in the Delta Quadrant.

Species 8472 made their debut in the third season of Star Trek: Voyager, portrayed as formidable adversaries capable of striking fear into the Borg Collective. The Voyager VFX team utilized impressive CGI technology to bring these sentient macro viral life forms to life in the episode "Macrocosm". Inspired by this achievement, plans were set in motion to create a completely computer-animated alien species. Executive Producers Jeri Taylor and Brannon Braga, along with CGI Effects Director Dan Curry, played pivotal roles in the development of this unique Star Trek creature. While the introduction of the Borg in season 3 was a significant milestone, the creative team was determined to continue providing formidable challenges for Captain Kathryn Janeway (portrayed by Kate Mulgrew).

During a Star Trek convention in New Jersey in 2009, Kate Mulgrew revealed that Species 8472 were her personal favorite aliens featured in Star Trek: Voyager, and they garnered significant popularity among fans. This is not surprising considering their resemblance to H.R. Giger's iconic Xenomorph designs from Ridley Scott's Alien franchise, depicting an exceptionally extraterrestrial presence never before seen in the Star Trek universe. Such was the threat posed by Species 8472 that Captain Janeway forged an alliance with the Borg Collective in order to overcome them. Yet, in line with Gene Roddenberry's original vision for Star Trek's inclusive and understanding worldview, these terrifying aliens were ultimately revealed to have been misunderstood.

Star Trek: Voyager's Species 8472 Explained

Janeway initially encountered Species 8472 in the season 3 finale of Star Trek: Voyager, titled "Scorpion." Kes discovered their plan to eliminate all life in their galaxy using her telepathic abilities. At first, telepathy was their only means of communication until they started adopting the human form. Species 8472 possessed an extraordinary immune system that could eliminate foreign substances like Borg nanoprobes from their bodies, making them a formidable adversary. Moreover, their DNA was lethal to other species, as their cells could devour infected organisms internally.

In the season 4 premiere of Star Trek: Voyager, it became evident that the Borg had provoked a conflict with Species 8472 by intruding into their home realm known as fluidic space. This aggressive act convinced Species 8472 that all life forms in non-fluidic space were hostile and needed to be eradicated. Janeway's partnership with the Borg to combat Species 8472 only made matters worse. Eventually, Species 8472 constructed a fully-inhabited replica of Starfleet Academy as a launching point for an invasion of the Federation. However, thanks to an unconventional romantic connection between Commander Chakotay and the disguised member of Species 8472 known as Commander Valerie Archer, peace was ultimately negotiated with the aliens.

Will Species 8472 Return In Star Trek?

Peace in the Star Trek universe can be delicate, making the return of Species 8472 as antagonists a possibility. In the fifth season of Star Trek: Voyager, they believed that the Federation posed no threat to them, but circumstances can change. With the Borg Collective's ultimate demise and Starfleet's increased presence in the Delta Quadrant in the early 25th century, certain members of Species 8472 may start questioning their previous assessment of the Federation.

If Species 8472 were to encounter a modern starship, it is highly likely that it would be the new Voyager from Star Trek: Prodigy, as the fully CGI aliens would be a perfect fit for animation. In the first season of Prodigy, Janeway expressed a desire to correct some of the mistakes made during Voyager's original journey. The initial hostility between the Federation representatives and Species 8472 might be one of the errors that she seeks to rectify. Returning to fluidic space to reassess their progress could help alleviate Janeway's guilt over her short-lived alliance with the Borg.