Unveiling the Top-Rated New Aliens in Star Trek: Voyager

Summary

Star Trek: Voyager introduced countless new alien species in the Delta Quadrant, some friendly and some enemies, expanding the Star Trek canon.

In their seven-year journey through the Delta Quadrant, Captain Janeway and her crew encountered various unique challenges such as the Kazon, Hirogen, Vidiians, and Species 8472. Additionally, they had the opportunity to explore and learn about the intriguing cultures and backgrounds of the Talaxians, Ocampans, Kobali, Voth, Nacene, Krenim, and Vidiians, which added depth to the Star Trek: Voyager universe.

Star Trek: Voyager expanded the Star Trek canon significantly by introducing numerous new alien species during their exploration of the Delta Quadrant. Unlike previous captains, Captain Kathryn Janeway and the USS Voyager conducted almost as many First Contact missions as Captain James T. Kirk and the USS Enterprise. While the majority of the aliens encountered were helpful and supportive, there were also a considerable number of enemies made during the seven-year journey through this isolated region of space.

In addition to the ongoing battles with the Borg, Star Trek: Voyager presented fresh adversaries such as the Hirogen, Vidiians, Kazon, and Species 8472, each posing unique challenges for Captain Janeway and her crew due to their advanced technology or communication difficulties. True to Star Trek tradition, some of these alien races lacked an intricate culture, merely serving as variations on a prosthetic theme. However, there were ten notable species that played both friendly and hostile roles in the USS Voyager's encounters.

10 Talaxians

9 Ocampans

The Talaxians possessed a troubling backstory, reminiscent of Neelix's (portrayed by Ethan Phillips) resemblence to Snarf from Thundercats. Neelix served as the cook, guide, and eventually the Talaxian ambassador to the Federation aboard the USS Voyager. His cheerful demeanor and unwavering dedication to assisting others defined his character and that of his fellow Talaxians, which was truly remarkable considering the brutality they had endured. In the episode "Jetrel," it was revealed that the Talaxians were victims of genocide, perpetrated by the Haakonian Order. This ruthless organization employed a devastating weapon that claimed the lives of 300 thousand Talaxians. The catastrophic repercussions compelled Talaxians like Neelix to seek refuge in alternate galaxies, where they sought livelihoods as intergalactic freelancers.

The USS Voyager's unfortunate entrapment in the Delta Quadrant can largely be attributed to the unwitting actions of the Ocampans. Their caretaker, the Nacene known as Basil Langton, found himself unable to safeguard their planet any longer. Consequently, he resorted to abducting starships such as the Valjean and Voyager in his quest for suitable replacements. Noteworthy amongst the Ocampans is Kes (Jennifer Lien), a telepathic race possessing immense mental capabilities. Kes' powers grew so extensively that she seemingly transcended into an entity composed solely of energy. Given the Ocampans' rapid aging and average lifespan of only nine years, it is plausible that Kes' evolution in the Voyager episode "Fury" reflects the destiny of her entire species.

8 Kazon

The Kazon were the first major antagonists introduced in Star Trek: Voyager, but despite receiving significant focus in seasons 1 and 2, they ultimately failed to leave a lasting impact. Their intriguing backstory of subjugation by the Trabe and the resulting civil war had potential, but their complex sect structure was confusing and convoluted. Furthermore, the Kazon never proved to be intellectual equals to the crew of the Voyager, limiting their ability to pose a serious threat beyond sheer aggression and brute force. Although they did succeed in hijacking the Voyager and stranding the crew on Hanon IV in the season 2 finale, this achievement was largely attributed to the cunning and scheming mindset of the Cardassian villain Seska (Martha Hackett).

7 Kobali

The Kobali, known as alien bodysnatchers, have the ability to recycle humanoid corpses through advanced DNA alteration. In "Ashes to Ashes," a Star Trek: Voyager episode, the crew encounters Jhet'lya (played by Kim Rhodes), a Kobali created from the body of Ensign Lyndsay Ballard. Jhet'lya possesses Lyndsay's memories and desires to rejoin Voyager, but faces significant challenges. Returning to their previous lives is forbidden for Kobali, leading to a confrontation with two Kobali ships attacking Voyager. Eventually, Lyndsay Ballard chooses to let go of her old life, resolving the situation. The Kobali culture provokes thought-provoking discussions about the treatment of the deceased, making it unfortunate that they have not reappeared.

6 Voth

The Voth, a captivating one-shot alien species from Star Trek: Voyager, left a lasting impression that demanded a return. In the memorable episode "Distant Origin," a Voth scientist makes a groundbreaking discovery when he encounters the USS Voyager, revealing evidence suggesting their origin on Earth. However, the scientist's government refuses to accept his scientific findings, instead clinging to their religious doctrine. This enduring conflict between reason and faith, a quintessential Star Trek narrative, is further enhanced by the intriguing notion of Earth's dinosaurs evolving into space-faring beings. The concept, brimming with intrigue, begs for deeper exploration in future episodes of Voyager.

5 Nacene

The Nacene, one of Star Trek: Voyager's more peculiar extraterrestrial beings, were a non-humanoid species possessing extraordinary technological advancements that enabled them to navigate subspace. It was the Nacene Caretaker who unintentionally stranded Voyager in the uncharted Delta Quadrant. Regrettably, before he could reunite them with their home, he passed away. Later in their journey, Janeway and the crew of Voyager crossed paths with another Nacene named Suspiria (voiced by Majel Barrett), who held the belief that the crew was responsible for her partner's demise. However, after demonstrating their capacity for compassion and mercy, Voyager managed to prove themselves to Suspiria. Consequently, they were allowed to continue their expedition in tranquility, albeit Suspiria chose not to employ her powers to facilitate their return home.

4 Hirogen

Star Trek: Voyager's Hirogen aliens were nomadic beings who dedicated their lives solely to the pursuit of hunting. They sparked thought-provoking debates regarding the ethical aspects of hunting and the moral quandary of honoring a culture while advocating for a more enlightened approach. An attempt to mitigate the harm inflicted by the Hirogen on innocent beings during their hunts involved granting them access to Voyager's holodeck technology. Nevertheless, this course of action raised its own moral dilemmas, as Janeway effectively endorsed the creation of holographic beings for the sole purpose of being slaughtered. It presented a captivating exploration of the challenging moral trade-offs when preserving cultural practices that are considered "regressive".

3 Krenim

The Krenim, formidable adversaries of Star Trek: Voyager, posed a significant threat with their advanced temporal weaponry, causing the demise of numerous crew members. Ingenious Krenim scientist Annorax, portrayed by Kurtwood Smith, created a weapon capable of erasing rival extraterrestrial species from existence. He utilized this devastating technology to eliminate his foes and restore supremacy to the Krenim Imperium, thereby capturing the attention of the Voyager crew. In their valiant efforts to shield the Garenor from Annorax's malevolent weapon, Voyager became a target for annihilation, but fortunately, his endeavor was thwarted. Subsequently, when Captain Janeway successfully reversed the destructive timeline, the USS Voyager charted a new course, skillfully evading the harrowing ordeal known as the "Year of Hell" in Krenim territory.

2 Vidiians

The Vidiians were formidable antagonists in Star Trek: Voyager, known for their illicit practice of harvesting organs to counteract the catastrophic effects of the Phage virus. These extraordinary individuals resorted to replacing infected organs with those of different species to extend their lifespans. The crew of Voyager initially encountered the Vidiians when they plundered Neelix's lungs in the episode "Phage". Additionally, they were responsible for separating B'Elanna Torres into two distinct beings, one Klingon and one Human. Interestingly, the Vidiians also provided assistance to Voyager on occasion. Notably, the Vidiian scientist Danara Pel (portrayed by Susan Diol) developed a close bond with the EMH Doctor (played by Robert Picardo), ultimately aiding in the recovery of Captain Janeway and Chakotay from a terminal illness.

1 Species 8472

The formidable aliens known as Species 8472 initially emerged as a formidable threat, surpassing even the notorious Borg. However, their true nature extended beyond mere intimidation. These groundbreaking CGI beings, the first of their kind in Star Trek, prowled through the ship's corridors reminiscent of the menacing xenomorphs from Aliens. Despite eventually learning they were essentially a peaceful species acting in self-defense, they remained a formidable adversary that Voyager had to contend with. The intensity of their menace actually drove Captain Janeway to make a pivotal error in Star Trek: Voyager—forging an alliance with the Borg Collective.