This Star Trek: Voyager Episode Made Me Finally Love the Controversial Neelix

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Since its debut in 1995, “Star Trek: Voyager” has been a cherished part of the broader “Star Trek” universe. Among many memorable characters, one episode particularly endeared me to an often-controversial one. Across its seven seasons, the cast of “Voyager” consistently delivered captivating character interactions on the small Starfleet ship adrift in the Delta Quadrant. Characters like the holographic Doctor (Robert Picardo) and Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan), a former Borg drone, were part of Captain Kathryn Janeway’s (Kate Mulgrew) crew, each contributing uniquely to the “Voyager” family through various episodes.

Although every character in Voyager’s crew evolves significantly throughout the series, it’s worth noting that not all characters have been equally well-received by the audience of Star Trek: Voyager, particularly Ethan Phillips’ character, the Talaxian chef and guide Neelix. I must confess that I once shared this negative sentiment towards Neelix, often siding with Lt. Commander Tuvok (Tim Russ) who found him bothersome and superfluous on Voyager. However, upon revisiting season 6 of Voyager, I’ve come to see that Neelix plays a more substantial role in the show than I initially believed.

Neelix’s Most Important Attributes Make Him A Great Star Trek: Voyager Character

In His Darkest Moments, Neelix Is A Compassionate Character Who Cares A Lot About The Future

The episode titled “Memorial” highlights Neelix’s admirable qualities, as it presents a contrast between him and key characters from Voyager. In this episode, Neelix, Lt. Tom Paris (Robert Duncan McNiell), Ensign Harry Kim (Garrett Wang), and Commander Chakotay (Robert Beltran) encounter a shared, telepathic memorial of the memories of soldiers involved in a civilian massacre. However, Neelix’s reactions are particularly insightful.

In the heart of a chaotic emotional upheaval triggered by memories, Neelix’s primary concern is shielding Naomi Wildman (Scarlett Pomers). During turbulent times, a person’s genuine character often surfaces, and “Memorial” uncovers that Neelix’s essence lies in safeguarding those he cherishes. What stands out even more is Neelix’s kind and forward-thinking response when Voyager encounters the telepathic memorial. He handles this extraordinary structure with great empathy and foresight.

Commander Chakotay, understandably, seeks to remove the memorial due to its association with painful memories. However, Neelix advocates for preserving it as a tribute to the fallen civilians. This scene demonstrates Neelix’s deep empathy and compassion. In the end, Captain Janeway concurs with Neelix, choosing to preserve and restore the memorial, showcasing “Memorial” as a testament to Neelix’s resilience and strength that we often underestimate.

Why Neelix Doesn’t Deserve His Negative Reputation With Star Trek: Voyager Fans

He Starts Off Strange, But Improves Over Time

It’s not hard to see why many “Star Trek: Voyager” fans might not take an immediate liking to Neelix, and I used to share that sentiment. His early interactions with Kes (Jennifer Lien) and his initial comedic role can come across as annoying, but it’s essential to recognize that there’s more depth to Neelix than just his portrayal in the first season of “Voyager.” As the series progresses, Neelix undergoes significant growth, and numerous episodes demonstrate that he is a multifaceted character with a good heart.

Early episodes such as “Fair Trade” in season 3 of Voyager, and later episodes like “Memorial”, demonstrated that Neelix was not merely a guide for the USS Voyager, but rather a character with depth. Over six seasons, his development revealed he deserved respect. Even three decades after the initial airing of Star Trek: Voyager, Neelix continues to charm us and prove how lovable he truly is when revisited.

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2025-04-20 02:21