Movies - TV
Why Star Trek: Voyager's Captain Janeway So Often Clashed With The Franchise's Ideals
By WITNEY SEIBOLD
When “Star Trek: Voyager” debuted in 1995, Trekkies found themselves in new, exciting territory as the U.S.S Voyager explored the Delta Quadrant. The show also introduced audiences to a new kind of leader, Captain Janeway, who was different from captains of the past and often clashed with the ideals behind “Star Trek.”
Janeway was enthused, upbeat, energetic, and communicative, but as seasons went on she became more of an authoritarian. While she was no dictator, it was rare that she deferred to the group. “Voyager” doesn’t promote authoritarianism, but through Janeway’s character the show seems to acknowledge that in desperate times, it may be necessary.
This is not to say that Janeway was never questioned, and in "Endgame", Janeway seems surprised by her own cavalier attitude toward power when she encounters a future version of herself. That said “Voyager” never advocates for authoritarianism, but it delves into its philosophical implications with care and foresight.