Identity of Voyager's Kes Character
Inventive Ocampan Character Kes Shines in Notable 'Voyager' Episodes
Star Trek: Voyager, the space-faring series that captivated viewers for several seasons, boasted an impressive ensemble cast. Among them was Kes, the young Ocampan nurse, who left a lasting impact on fans despite her short life span of nine years. Despite some initial controversy surrounding her romantic relationship with Neelix, Kes became a character viewers grew to respect and admire.
Our platform, Voyager, highlighted the significance of its female characters, with veteran actress Kate Mulgrew setting an admirable example for all. Throughout Kes' tenure, spanning three and a half seasons, she shone brightest in these five standout episodes:
"Eye of the Needle" – Season 1, Episode 16
This episode revolved around the crew's discovery of a Romulan-guarded wormhole that led to the Alpha Quadrant. However, the episode's B-story provided a pivotal moment for Kes and the Doctor, as it showcased Kes' advocacy for the sentient hologram. Recognizing his plight as a trialled being, Kes lobbied Captain Janeway to grant him autonomy, helping the Doctor assert his rights and value. At the same time, Kes demonstrated her eidetic memory and aptitude for medical science, surpassing her young age.
"Tattoo" – Season 2, Episode 26
This B-story presented an opportunity for Kes to confront The Doctor about his insensitive behavior. When he dismissively diagnosed a pregnant crew member, Kes challenged him, teaching him a valuable lesson about empathy and vulnerability. To reinforce her point, Kes manipulated his program, enabling him to experience the symptoms and fears of illness himself. The result was a direct positive impact on the wellbeing of the entire crew.
"Warlord" – Season 3, Episode 10
Kes put on a powerful performance in this episode as she was possessed by the malevolent spirit of Tieran. Although possessed, Kes exhibited unwavering determination and resilience, ultimately thwarting Tieran's plans. The possession experience left an indelible mark on Kes, as it changed her perspective and allowed her to understand her own power.
"Before and After" – Season 3, Episode 21
A precursor to the captivating two-parter "Year of Hell," this episode saw Kes aging rapidly and eventually dying at the age of nine. This unique episode explored Kes taking charge of her destiny, even when confronted with a chaotic and unpredictable timeline. Key moments included her confrontation with her own mortality and her giving birth without knowing how she arrived in that moment.
"Fury" – Season 6, Episode 11
This season six installment found Kes returning to Voyager, driven by a desire for revenge against Captain Janeway for supposedly abandoning her. Using power from the warp core, Kes killed B'Elanna in the process and sought to rescue her younger self. The eventual reunion of past and present Kes allowed for a fascinating examination of the emotional impact of abandonment and the redemptive power of forgiveness.
Throughout these episodes, Kes was a beacon of strength and tenacity, demonstrating her growth and evolution as a character. Although her tenure on Voyager was short-lived, Kes' impact and influence resonated with fans and remains a shining example of stellar storytelling in Star Trek lore.
Kes' impact on 'Star Trek: Voyager' was substantial, extending beyond her brief stay to episodes that highlighted her growth and charisma. Her advocacy for the Doctor in "Eye of the Needle" and her stand against insensitive behavior in "Tattoo" showcased her intelligence and empathy, making her a respected character amidst the diverse ensemble. The transformative episodes, such as "Warlord," "Before and After," and "Fury," demonstrated Kes' resilience and her ability to shapeshift the timeline and confront her own mortality. In these episodes, the character Kes resonated with viewers, reinforcing her significance in the world of movies-and-tv, entertainment, and pop-culture.
