Kes, portrayed by Jennifer Lien, had the potential to be one of the standout characters in Star Trek: Voyager. However, her departure from the series during its fourth season left many subplots unexplored and fans wondering what could have been. Critics often regard Kes as a less impactful character due to the constraints of her nine-year lifespan, which arguably trapped the show’s writers in a narrative corner. Yet, early seasons of the show provide glimpses that indicate Kes was more complex than she initially appeared. She embodied a spirit of kindness and curiosity, showing great enthusiasm for exploring the galaxy alongside the crew of the USS Voyager. Most notably, her emerging telepathic abilities hinted at darker, uncharted territories of her character.
The lack of development for Kes can be attributed to Jennifer Lien’s exit from the show a few seasons in. At the time, her departure was presented as a necessity to make space for Jeri Ryan’s character, Seven of Nine, who was introduced to enhance viewer ratings. In recent years, Lien’s mental health struggles have shed new light on the situation, suggesting that keeping Kes aboard was never truly feasible. Nonetheless, certain episodes of Star Trek: Voyager subtly allude to what could have been in terms of Kes’ character arc had Lien remained with the series.
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Star Trek: Voyager Season 1, Episode 5 – “Phage”
Kes’ Optimism Could Have Faced Greater Challenges
The fifth episode of season one, titled “Phage,”illustrates Kes’ inherent kindness and sets a foundation for her character. This is exemplified in her friendship with the Doctor (Robert Picardo), where she is the first crew member to treat him as a sentient being capable of growth. Her willingness to sacrifice her own lungs for Neelix (Ethan Phillips), whose organs were compromised by the alien Vidiians, further highlights her selflessness.
In season two’s “Tattoo,”Kes differentiates between mere niceness and true kindness, as she refrains from revealing to the Doctor how to end his holographic flu, showing depth in her character. “Phage”posits that a significant journey for Kes would revolve around maintaining her optimism in a world that could easily turn cynical. This theme eventually becomes a pivotal exploration in Star Trek: Voyager, questioning the value of holding onto one’s ideals amidst unkind circumstances. This subplot could enhance Kes’s character, particularly as her powers amplifed, adding intricacy to her already optimistic demeanor.
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Star Trek: Voyager Season 2, Episode 10 – “Cold Fire”
Kes Recognizes Her Darker Instincts
During the episode “Cold Fire,”the USS Voyager discovers an Ocampa settlement, leading Kes to form a bond with Tanis (Gary Graham), who encourages her to explore her innate psychokinetic abilities. In a pivotal moment, Kes unexpectedly loses control and harms Lieutenant Tuvok (Tim Russ), showcasing that she has the capacity for destruction. This encounter unfolds a darker side of Kes, one that she ultimately rejects by the episode’s end.
Tanis, though young at 14, embodies a level of enlightenment that Kes might potentially aspire to. If she had matured beyond his level, she could feasibly remain alive in the timeline of other Star Trek iterations like Prodigy. “Cold Fire”represents a significant turning point, as Kes begins to confront the darker aspects of herself, which could have paved the way for a classic moral dilemma—whether to use her burgeoning powers for good, even if it jeopardizes her personal integrity.
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Star Trek: Voyager Season 3, Episode 18 – “Darkling”
Kes Embodies Star Trek’s Message of Cooperation Over Malevolence
In “Darkling,”viewers witness the Doctor confront his darker side, giving rise to a malicious version of himself, while Kes contemplates leaving the ship with a new romantic interest, Zahir (David Lee Smith). The subplot reveals a significant transformation for both characters; much like Neelix improved post-breakup with Kes, it suggests that Kes could also achieve personal growth. A defining moment occurs when the Evil Doctor, who represents unchecked selfishness, encounters Kes, who advocates for the goodness innate in humanity and the essence of cooperation.
Kes’ beliefs align closely with the core ethos of Star Trek: that kindness and cooperative efforts will ultimately triumph over evil. This tenet surfaces prominently as Kes, despite her knowledge of humanity’s darker instincts, insists on the goodness that comes from communal support, akin to the way cellular cooperation sustains life within an organism. Had she remained, Kes would have emerged as a profound embodiment of this belief, enriching the narrative of Star Trek: Voyager.
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Star Trek: Voyager Season 3, Episode 21 – “Before And After”
The Episode That Chronicles Kes’ Entire Life
In “Before and After,”the narrative cleverly unfolds Kes’ life from end to beginning. The episode takes viewers on a journey through Kes’ experiences, revealing her maturity and personal milestones—such as marrying Tom Paris, becoming a mother, enduring the tragedies of the “Year of Hell,”and ultimately experiencing the passage into grandmotherhood. This unique storytelling method highlights her telepathic skills and fleeting lifespan as pivotal components.
Even as the events of this episode are eventually erased, it offers insight into Kes’ potential future and the trajectory her life could have taken, providing a captivating glimpse into her character had she remained on the series.
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Star Trek: Voyager Season 4, Episode 2 – “The Gift”
The Pivotal Episode Showcasing Kes’ Immense Potential
“The Gift”serves as Kes’ final pivotal episode, displaying the magnitude of her powers. With dramatic enhancements to her telekinetic abilities, Kes proves capable of manipulating matter itself, posing a significant risk to the very structure of the USS Voyager. While this episode concludes her journey on the series, it hints at a potential character arc that could have been explored further throughout season four and beyond.
In an alternate finale, one might envision Kes harnessing her extraordinary powers to propel the USS Voyager home. Her confident demeanor in “The Gift”heightens the intrigue around her potential character growth and the balance of her darker inclinations. This could culminate in a noble sacrifice, marking her as a powerful and essential member of the crew in the narrative of Star Trek: Voyager, a farewell that fans would have cherished.