Original Air Date: January 16, 1995 – May 22, 1995
Star Trek: Voyager (VOY) Season 1 introduces viewers to a new chapter in the *Star Trek* universe, following the adventures of the USS Voyager as it becomes stranded in the distant Delta Quadrant. This season establishes the series' premise, introduces key characters, and begins the journey of exploring uncharted space.
Season 1 of *Star Trek: Voyager* sets the stage for the series by presenting the initial circumstances of Voyager's journey and the challenges faced by its crew. The season focuses on the crew’s struggle to return home, the formation of alliances with various alien species, and the development of interpersonal relationships among the crew members.
Captain Kathryn Janeway, portrayed by Kate Mulgrew, is the commanding officer of the USS Voyager. The season introduces her leadership style, her commitment to her crew, and her determination to return home despite the challenges of being stranded in the Delta Quadrant.
Commander Chakotay, portrayed by Robert Beltran, is the First Officer and a former Maquis leader. His complex relationship with Janeway and his role in uniting the Maquis and Starfleet crews are central to the season's dynamics.
Lieutenant Tuvok, portrayed by Tim Russ, is the Chief of Security and the Vulcan Science Officer. The season explores his struggle to maintain his Vulcan discipline while dealing with the emotional and practical challenges of his new assignment.
Ensign Harry Kim, portrayed by Garrett Wang, is the Operations Officer and one of the youngest members of the crew. His experiences in the first season highlight his growth from an inexperienced officer to a valuable member of the team.
Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres, portrayed by Roxann Dawson, is the Chief Engineer and a half-Klingon, half-human. The season delves into her internal conflicts and her role in maintaining Voyager's systems while dealing with her personal struggles.
The Doctor, portrayed by Robert Picardo, is the Emergency Medical Hologram who becomes a key character in the series. Season 1 introduces his initial programming and his gradual evolution into a more complex and self-aware entity.
Kes, portrayed by Jennifer Lien, is a member of the Ocampa species with telepathic abilities. Her character development in Season 1 includes her relationship with Neelix and her adaptation to life aboard Voyager.
Neelix, portrayed by Ethan Phillips, is an alien scavenger and cook who becomes a member of the Voyager crew. The season explores his role as the ship's morale officer and his integration into the crew.
The primary theme of Season 1 is survival in an unknown and hostile environment. The crew must adapt to their new circumstances, learn to work together, and navigate the challenges of being stranded in the Delta Quadrant.
The season emphasizes the need for cooperation between the former Maquis and Starfleet crews. Themes of unity and working together despite past conflicts are central to the development of the show's narrative.
Exploration of new worlds and the discovery of alien species are recurring themes. The crew's encounters with new civilizations and their efforts to understand the Delta Quadrant's unique challenges are key elements of the season.
"Caretaker: Part I" introduces the USS Voyager and the circumstances that lead to its stranding in the Delta Quadrant. The episode sets up the central conflict and begins the journey of the crew's struggle to return home.
"Caretaker: Part II" concludes the two-part premiere, detailing the crew's initial challenges and the formation of their new alliance. The episode resolves the immediate threats and establishes the ongoing mission of returning to Earth.
"Parallax" features the crew dealing with the dangers of a spatial anomaly and the moral dilemmas that arise. The episode explores themes of responsibility and the consequences of decision-making.
"Time and Again" involves the crew investigating a time loop and uncovering the mysteries of a devastated planet. The episode delves into themes of time travel and the impact of past events on the present.
"Phage" features the crew encountering a species that steals organs for survival. The episode explores ethical dilemmas and the consequences of medical and technological interventions.
"The Cloud" involves the crew navigating a massive nebula and dealing with a malfunctioning ship. The episode explores themes of exploration and the risks associated with venturing into unknown territories.
"Eye of the Needle" features the crew discovering a possible means of returning home through a wormhole. The episode explores themes of hope, possibility, and the challenges of making contact with distant civilizations.
"Ex Post Facto" involves the crew investigating a murder trial on a planet where the judicial system operates differently. The episode explores themes of justice, cultural differences, and the quest for truth.
"Projections" features the Doctor dealing with a holodeck malfunction that questions the nature of his existence. The episode delves into themes of identity, artificial intelligence, and the nature of reality.
There is no Episode 10 due to the unique numbering system of the series.
"State of Flux" features the crew discovering a potential traitor among their ranks and dealing with the implications of espionage. The episode explores themes of loyalty, trust, and the consequences of betrayal.
"Heroes and Demons" involves the crew dealing with a malfunctioning holodeck program and its impact on their safety. The episode explores themes of virtual reality, heroism, and the consequences of technological failures.
"Cathexis" features the crew investigating a mysterious energy entity and dealing with the effects on their minds. The episode explores themes of possession, mental influence, and the impact of external forces on individuals.
"Faces" involves B'Elanna Torres being separated from her Klingon and human halves and dealing with the psychological consequences. The episode explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the integration of conflicting aspects of the self.
"Jetrel" features Neelix confronting his past when an old adversary arrives. The episode explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the impact of past actions on the present.
"Learning Curve" involves the crew addressing issues with new Maquis recruits and their integration into Starfleet procedures. The episode explores themes of adaptation, training, and the challenges of blending different cultures.
Season 1 of *Star Trek: Voyager* received mixed to positive reviews. Critics praised the show's potential and its fresh take on the *Star Trek* franchise, while some felt that it took time to find its footing. Episodes such as "Caretaker" and "Eye of the Needle" were noted for their strong storytelling and character development.
Season 1 of *Star Trek: Voyager* established the foundation for the series and introduced a new setting and cast of characters. It set the stage for future developments and storylines while exploring the challenges of being stranded in a distant part of the galaxy. The season's focus on survival, adaptation, and unity would continue to be central themes throughout the series.
