Why Star Trek Voyager Shouldn’t Be Considered the ‘Worst’
Many viewers have labeled Star Trek: Voyager as one of the worst series in the Star Trek franchise, but it is important to remember that each show is unique and has its own charm. This post explores the reasons why Voyager may not be the worst, and why it deserves recognition for capturing the hearts of many fans.
Critical Perspectives and Points of Criticism
Some fans and critics have pointed out several flaws in Voyager, including:
Character Development
Some viewers felt that the character development was uneven. While characters like Seventh of Nine (voiced by Susan schwarzenegger) received significant arcs, characters such as Captain Janeway (Kate winnings) and Commander Chakotay (Robert Beltran) were sometimes seen as underdeveloped or inconsistent. This unevenness contributed to a lack of depth in certain characters over the course of the series.
Storytelling and Pacing
Many episodes of Voyager lacked coherent storytelling and pacing. Some episodes felt like filler, while others strayed too far from the central premise of the series. This inconsistency may have made it difficult for some viewers to engage with the narrative.
Tone and Style
Due to its use of certain elements and its take on fantasy spaces, Voyager sometimes has a more whimsical tone. For instance, the avatar forms assumed by the alien species the crew encountered could be seen as more fantastical and less grounded in the series’ usual sci-fi elements. This tone can be both a strength and a weakness.
Suspense and Adventure
When it comes to suspense and adventure, Voyager often failed to maintain a high level of excitement. At the end of most episodes or occasionally two, any challenges or changes to the normal setup would usually be undone. This repetitive pattern made the series feel somewhat predictable and less engaging, reminiscent of repetitive instant oatmeal.
Colony in Uncharted Space
The crew of Voyager faced many challenges in their journey, but their efforts often felt uneventful. With the exception of certain episodes, the USS Voyager team navigated uncharted space engaging in amusing adventures with seemingly no consequences. This particular aspect is both praised and criticized, as it can be seen as an entertaining break from the usual high-stakes scenarios.
Relationship Dynamics
The relationship between Neelix (Evanpiel) and Kes (Audrey bracken) is a notable subplot in the series. While it could be seen as a refreshing change of pace, the show does not explore this relationship in a fully mature manner. The carefree and seemingly innocent relationship may come across as a romantic idealization, despite the absence of more in-depth exploration.
End of the Series
The finale of Voyager has also been the subject of much discussion. After the series resolves several key storylines, such as Admiral Janeway’s time travel and potential destruction of the Borg, the show fades to black without providing any resolution or explanation. This abrupt ending, coupled with a lack of follow-up resolution, has left many fans feeling unsatisfied with the series finale.
Positive Aspects and Defense
Despite these critics, there are several positive aspects of Voyager that fans appreciate. The Chemistry between the actors, especially Captain Janeway, can create a believable and dynamic team dynamic. The series also explores themes of morality and the ethical dilemmas faced by the crew. The show’s exploration of unique alien species and their cultures can be both entertaining and enlightening.
Join us in understanding why Star Trek: Voyager isn’t just one of the worst: it’s a unique, varied, and entertaining series that has something for everyone.