Although it finished airing more than twenty years ago,Star Trek: Voyagerremains one of the most belovedStar Trekseries ever. The story of Captain Cathryn Janeway’s starship lost in the Delta Quadrant had an iconic mix of unique storylines and compelling characters. From the very beginning, the crew of the USS Voyager was a mix of former Maquis rebels and Starfleet personnel, and over timeVoyagerincorporated more and more non-traditional crewmembers. Ethan Phillips Talaxian chef, Neelix, was a Delta Quadrant native, andJeri Ryan’s former Borg drone Seven of Nine became a CaptaininStar Trek: Picard.
One of the most fascinatingcharacters inVoyager, however, is the Emergency Medical Hologram, also known as the EMH or the Doctor, played by Robert Picardo. The Doctor appeared in the first episodes ofVoyageras a stopgap measure after the ship’s doctor died, but over seven seasons he evolved into one of the most compelling charactersStar Trekever created. Now,it is confirmed that the Doctor will be appearing in the latest series,Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, connectingVoyagerto the distant future ofTrek.
The Doctor In Starfleet Academy Confirms Voyager’s Importance To Star Trek
He Bridges The Gap Between The TNG Era And New Star Trek
Robert Picardo joining thecast ofStarfleet Academyas the Doctor means that Voyager remains important to Starfleet even hundreds of years in the future. But this isn’t a huge surprise. The USS Voyager-J already appeared in seasons 3-5 ofStar Trek: Discovery, where it was fitted with the new Pathway Drive. That confirms thatthe legacy of Captain Janeway and her crew was already alive and well in the 32nd century.Having the Doctor appear inStarfleet Academymeans that, above and beyond a legacy of ship designs, the Federation of still values experience and insight from Voyager.
The Doctor is an ambassador from the most popular era ofStar Trek.
From a meta-perspective, having the Doctor inStar Trek: Starfleet Academybridges the newStar Trekshows and the era ofStar Trek: The Next Generation. The Doctor is an ambassador from the most popularera ofStar Trek. Furthermore, it only makes sense for the Doctor to appear inStarfleet Academybecause, as a hologram, he is immortal, sono other characters from the TNG era can reasonably appear in the upcoming show. So, for new and old viewers ofStar Trekalike, bringing the Doctor intoStarfleet Academycreates an invaluable link between new and classicTrek.
Why Voyager Is Such An Influential Star Trek Show 30 Years Later
It Added A Lot Of Lore And Has A Lot Of Great Episodes
There is, of course, another reason why Robert Picardo is returning toStar Trekas the Doctor more than 30 years after he originated the role –Voyageris a great show. It broadened the horizons ofStar Trekby showing life deep in the Delta Quadrant. It added depth and complexity to the Borg and the Q continuum, both of which have remained important toStar Trekeven as new shows continue releasing. AndVoyagerwas the firstStar Trekseries to really show a Starfleet Captain on the back foot,without the power of the Federation at their back.
This Star Trek: Voyager Season 3 Episode Is The Best Place To Start Your Rewatch
Star Trek: Voyager can be enjoyed without starting at the very beginning. A season 3 episode is a great entry point to Captain Janeway’s show.
Beyond these narrative details that giveVoyageran undeniably compelling premise and place inStar Treklore,Voyagerhas a lot of genuinely incredible episodes. The moral quandary that Captain Janeway faced in “Tuvix” remains a subject of fierce debate decades after the episode aired. Also,Voyagerseason 5includes legendary episodes like “Course: Oblivion” and “Counterpoint.“Star Trek: Voyageris still influential in 2025 because it is a fantastic piece of television, and hopefully, Robert Picardo will bring that same energy toStarfleet Academy.
Star Trek: Voyager
Cast
In this sci-fi series, the starship Voyager becomes stranded in the Delta Quadrant, 70,000 light-years from Earth. The diverse crew, led by Captain Janeway, embarks on a perilous journey home, encountering unfamiliar species and challenges while adhering to Federation principles in uncharted space.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy follows a group of cadets as they embark on their journey to become Starfleet officers. Facing the challenges of friendship, rivalry, and romance, they confront a new enemy endangering the Academy and the Federation under the guidance of their rigorous instructors.
