As a lifelong fan of Star Trek: Voyager, I’ve revisited the series countless times since first watching it as a child. With over 170 episodes spanning more than 120 hours, the journey of Voyager’s crew in the Delta Quadrant is an expansive one. However, when I find myself ready for a rewatch, I don’t always start from the very beginning with Season 1, Episode 1 titled “Caretaker.” Instead, I’ve pinpointed the ideal episode from which to commence.
It’s widely recognized that most Star Trek series exhibit notable improvements as they progress. The phrase “grow the beard,”introduced from Star Trek: The Next Generation, reflects the significant uplift in quality, marked by Commander William T. Riker’s beard growth in the second season. In parallel, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine begins its compelling narrative threads in Season 3 with escalating tension surrounding the Dominion. Thus, starting from Season 3 of Star Trek: Voyager offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the show’s strengths in full.
Start Your Rewatch with Star Trek: Voyager Season 3, Episode 16, “Blood Fever”
An Episode Worth Watching with Significant Follow-up
“Blood Fever”stands out as a highlight of Voyager’s third season, consisting of 26 episodes. This particular episode, placed about two-thirds into the season, effectively establishes the nuanced dynamics between Lieutenants Tom Paris (Robert Duncan McNeill) and B’Elanna Torres (Roxann Dawson). Additionally, the subplot involving Ensign Vorik (Alexander Enberg), who is affected by the Vulcan Pon Farr, underscores the dire circumstances stemming from USS Voyager’s isolation in the Delta Quadrant.
While “Blood Fever”is entertaining in its own right, it also serves as a pivotal entry point for a Voyager rewatch. The final stretch of Season 3 includes episodes that excellently introduce almost every significant character. For instance, “Unity”provides critical development for Commander Chakotay (Robert Beltran), “Favorite Son”is a defining moment for Ensign Harry Kim (Garrett Wang), and “Real Life”offers a deep dive into The Doctor’s (Robert Picardo) character.
It’s during Season 3 that Star Trek: Voyager truly blossoms.
It’s Acceptable to Bypass the Initial Seasons of Star Trek: Voyager
Recommended for First-Time Viewers, But Not Necessary for Rewatching
Beginning with “Blood Fever”means missing the earlier two seasons of Star Trek: Voyager. While I strongly suggest first-time viewers start from the beginning, those who have previously seen the series can safely bypass the first two seasons during a rewatch. Episodes such as “Blood Fever”encapsulate the core themes of the series effectively, making it unnecessary to dwell on the introductory episodes that lay out the crew’s predicament in the Delta Quadrant.
The Kazon, initially meant to serve as formidable adversaries, proved to be unpopular and are hence downplayed in the series. Interestingly, they’ve made a return in Star Trek: Prodigy.
Diving into Season 3 allows fans to evade the more contentious elements from the earlier seasons. The Kazon were notably deemed the least engaging villains in Star Trek: Voyager. Starting with “Blood Fever”ensures that encounters with them are limited, showcasing them mainly as holographic projections. Moreover, fans can skip the arguably uncomfortable phases of Kes (Jennifer Lien) and Neelix’s (Ethan Phillips) relationship, concluding around Season 3, Episode 10.
Why “Blood Fever”Prepares Viewers for Star Trek: Voyager’s Most Iconic Character
The Introduction of Seven of Nine in Season 4
One of the most compelling characters in the Star Trek realm is Jeri Ryan’s Seven of Nine, whose character groundwork is firmly established in the latter part of Season 3 of Star Trek: Voyager. Notably, “Blood Fever”introduces the Borg for the first time in the series, setting the stage for the subsequent episode, “Unity,”which focuses on a community of liberated Borg drones. This paves the way for the iconic two-part episode “Scorpion,”which transitions viewers from Season 3 to Season 4 and introduces Seven of Nine.
It’s noteworthy that Jeri Ryan’s inclusion was a response to Jennifer Lien’s exit from her role as Kes. Although Kes played a significant role in the early narrative, the show’s creators expressed concerns over her character’s development, compounded by Lien’s personal challenges. Thus, a complete rewatch of Voyager should also celebrate Kes at her most impactful.
By beginning with “Blood Fever,”audiences are treated to a rich narrative that encompasses both Kes and the emerging presence of Seven of Nine. Episodes like “Darkling,””Before and After,”and “Real Life”provide opportunities for Kes to shine, ultimately delivering a heartfelt farewell to her character as the season progresses. Hence, starting your rewatch with Star Trek: Voyager at “Blood Fever”is a decision that captures the essence of both Kes and Seven, making it the perfect entry point.