Star Trek’s Most Disappointing Episode Gave Fans Exactly What They Wanted (Then Took It Away Again)

by

Star Trek: Voyager (1995-2001) was the fifth series in the Star Trek franchise. It debuted shortly after Star Trek: The Next Generation ended and as Deep Space Nine was beginning. For several years, both Voyager and Deep Space Nine were on the air, each offering a fresh perspective on the Star Trek universe. Like previous Star Trek shows, Voyager is fondly remembered for its strong ensemble cast who created a believable sense of camaraderie. Notably, it was the first Star Trek series to have a female captain.

Star Trek: Voyager lasted for seven seasons. Despite its run, one episode stands out as particularly frustrating: Season 2’s “Resolutions.” This episode gave fans what they’d been hoping for since the very beginning of the show, but the payoff was incredibly short-lived, lasting only a single episode and leaving many viewers disappointed.

Fans Desperately Wanted a Romance Between Janeway & Chakotay

It’s common for each *Star Trek* show to feature a romantic pairing that fans wish had actually happened, even though it wasn’t part of the official storyline. A prime example is the connection between Doctor Beverly Crusher and Captain Picard in *The Next Generation*. She once directly asked him why he never admitted his feelings for her, but their relationship never developed on screen. Despite this, many fans still believe they deserved a chance to explore a romance.

Fans of the original *Star Trek* (1966-1969) often discuss the possibility of a romantic connection between Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock. Dr. Leonard McCoy, known as “Bones,” is frequently included in these discussions as well. While it was unlikely for the show to depict an openly gay relationship at the time it aired, many viewers saw potential for romance between these characters. As *Star Trek*’s popularity has grown, fans continue to enthusiastically support this pairing. Another popular, though less prominent, pairing is Chekov and Sulu. However, the connection between Kirk, Spock, and Bones remains the most favored by fans.

When it comes to *Star Trek: Voyager*, many fans wished Captain Kathryn Janeway and First Officer Chakotay would become a couple. Their strong on-screen connection is easy to understand. They led the USS *Voyager* and cared for its crew with remarkable skill and empathy. Despite their different backgrounds, they complemented each other well, covering for each other’s weaknesses. Their deep and selfless care for one another made them seem like a natural romantic match.

It was obvious the creators recognized the chemistry between these characters, as hints of a romance appeared throughout the show. Fans were consistently hoping they would become a couple, making it disappointing to see that potential never fully realized. There was even an episode where their feelings were confirmed and they genuinely connected, but that progress was quickly undone.

“Resolutions” Gives Fans Exactly What They Want, For All of 45 Minutes

In the Star Trek: Voyager episode “Resolutions,” Captain Janeway and Chakotay wake up on an alien planet after being in suspended animation. They’ve been infected by a dangerous virus from an insect bite, and the ship’s Doctor can’t find a cure. To stay alive, they’re sent to a unique planet that strangely stops the virus from harming them. While they can live peacefully there, they’re unable to leave without succumbing to the illness.

As a huge fan of *Voyager*, this storyline really got me thinking. Captain Janeway made this incredibly tough call – she actually *forbade* the crew from reaching out to the Vidiians, even though they were potentially the only ones who could help with this nasty virus. The Doctor was convinced they had information, but Starfleet knew the Vidiians were dangerous, and honestly, *Voyager’s* past run-ins with them had been nothing but violent. Janeway and Chakotay basically agreed that finding a cure wasn’t worth risking the whole crew. So, instead of contacting them, Janeway decided to really dig into the virus herself. They found this planet – they nicknamed it ‘New Earth’ – that somehow suppresses the virus, and she’s hoping by studying the local wildlife, she can figure out a cure. It’s a risky move, but you can see her reasoning – she’s desperate to save her crew, and she’s willing to take a huge gamble to do it.

Chakotay unexpectedly adapts well to life on New Earth, focusing on making their temporary home more comfortable. He builds things like a bathtub for Janeway and headboards for their beds, suggesting he’s accepting that they might be stuck there permanently. This worries Janeway, who still believes they can find a cure. While Chakotay assures her he hasn’t lost hope for a future without the virus, he argues against risking their present lives for a cure that isn’t guaranteed. Usually, Janeway would disagree, but this time, she recognizes the wisdom in his words and accepts them.

A severe plasma storm damages much of Janeway’s equipment, leaving her unable to continue her research on the virus. This leads her to the difficult conclusion that she can’t find a way to help her crew escape New Earth. Meanwhile, Chakotay reveals his romantic feelings for Janeway, and she admits she feels the same way. They’ve developed a connection since arriving on the planet, and being away from the ship allows them to explore their feelings without professional boundaries.

It’s a really tense episode! While Janeway and Chakotay are dealing with their own health crisis, the rest of the crew is desperately trying to convince Tuvok to go against orders and reach out to the Vidiians, hoping they have a cure. Tuvok’s super focused on keeping the ship and everyone safe, so he’s really hesitant. But the crew *really* pushes him, arguing that getting a cure is worth the risk, and eventually he gives in. Of course, dealing with the Vidiians doesn’t go smoothly – it turns into a fight! – but they manage to get the cure. Then, they race back to New Earth to save Janeway and Chakotay. It’s a classic *Voyager* episode where everyone has to work together, even when it means bending the rules.

In the end, the story delivered what fans hoped for. Viewers didn’t want to see Janeway and Chakotay permanently separated from the rest of the Voyager crew – they’re central characters, and removing them would have damaged the show. However, once Janeway and Chakotay return to the ship, their developing romance fades. They fall back into their established roles as Captain and First Officer. Chakotay seems disappointed by this, but understands it’s necessary. He previously acknowledged that supporting Janeway’s needs brought him peace, and he’s willing to continue doing so on Voyager, even if it means sacrificing a romantic relationship.

Fans Were So Close to Having Everything They Wanted

The series finale, “Resolutions,” disappointed many viewers. After 40 episodes building towards it, fans were excited to finally see a romantic relationship between Janeway and Chakotay become official. The episode even showed them admitting their feelings for each other. While no one wanted them stuck on the new planet forever, viewers hoped to see them return to the ship as a couple, not just as captain and first officer.

Some Star Trek episodes feature a small group of crew members becoming separated from the ship, allowing the show to explore ‘what if’ scenarios for those characters – imagining their lives if they left Starfleet. These storylines usually end with the characters returning to the ship, but in the episode ‘Resolutions,’ that return felt particularly frustrating. The episode gave fans a satisfying development in the relationship between Janeway and Chakotay, only to abruptly take it away shortly after.

Read More

2025-10-09 20:08