Tonight I watched one of my favorite episodes of the entire series, Before and After, and I started thinking about this question. I've mentioned many times that my favorite character on the series was Kes (And Lien's leaving kind of saddened me, because of this episode actually, but that's not what this thread is about) and this was the episode that solidified that. Granted, I know the writers didn't have much for Lien in the 3 years she was on, but this was the episode that really showed me that when they had an awesome Kes Story to tell, Lien stood up to the plate and absolutely shined. That, and the new hairstyle (Which was so much better than the old look) I think really added a confidence to Kes, kind of like how Timeless added a confidence to Harry Kim that was much needed as the series went on. Many people say Warlord was Lien's best episode, and I can understand that but it was basically her playing someone else. In Before and After, she took the actual character of Kes to a whole new level, and it made me respect the character so much more in the episodes that came before. Anyway, to the thread question. Was there an episode where your current favorite character solidified that fact that he/she was definitely your favorite?
For me, this is a hard question to answer since my favorite character from VOY changes so often. It's not like the other series where I definitely know who my favorite is (TOS = Spock, TNG = Data, DS9 = tie between Kira and Ezri, ENT = Archer). With VOY, I'll think one is my favorite one day and another the next day. Though, to be fair, it often flips back and forth between Seven, the Doctor, Torres and Kes. Right now, my favorite is probably Torres. And I think the episode that solidifies that for me is Faces. That episode has some truly amazing work by Dawson, as both Klingon B'Elanna and Human B'Elanna. It really shows what the character is all about, deep down. She hates the fact that she's part-Klingon, but in many ways depends on her Klingon side, not just biologically.
My favourites have always been Janeway and Tuvok. For me Janeway became special in Coda, while Tuvok was the one where he became emotional and like a teenager (I dont know the name of that one). Im re-watching the complete series from today with Caretaker so Im sure I'll let you know more.
Right from the start I knew Seven Of Nine was awesome! Ok actually I would say "The Raven" is where I knew the character was gonna be something special.
Nice thread! But at the same time ... I can't really name any specific episode, where Kes became my favorite character (yes, I, too, love her). I either favored her right from the beginning or came to love her over the first couple of episodes; I can't really tell. It's the background of her character and the way Lien portrays her that makes me like her. Forced to name my favorite Kes episode, however, I'd choose "Warlord", because I think it not only was a great showcase for Lien as an actress but was also a very good episode for Kes as a character. I'm specifically thinking of the scenes where we see her fighting against Tieran inside of her mind. She's such a strong character. Which is one of the reasons why I like her so much.
It's hard to say who's my favorite because I like most of them to a certain degree. However, I do really like Tom. Ever since the episode where he says what he remembers from his childhood is crying in his room all the time (can't think of the name of it off the top of my head) I felt there was a vulnerability to his personality that he attempts to cover up by being a bit of an ass. It kinda makes me have a soft spot for him.
Janeway in "Caretaker." I was so impressed with the way she put aside Chakotay's criminal record and focused, instead, on their mutual problem of finding and rescuing their missing crew members. I like the way she gave and demanded respect. Then, as the series went on, I felt she had to make some big sacrifices and maintain a strong facade in front of the crew. Yes, it had consequences, but she was still always there when they needed her, and she never complained or whined. I thought she was a wonderful example of a strong woman, and I give Trek credit for giving us such an inspiring character. But then, I like all the captains best for one reason or another. Maybe it's a power thing.
Tuvok, the Doctor, and Janeway are my favorites. Janeway became my favorite in Prime Factors. The Doctor became a favorite in Lifesigns And I always like Tuvok but he became a favorite in Riddles
It's from "Threshold" My favourites are Tom and Janeway. Right from the start, I knew they are my favourites and past 2 years (I've been VOY fan), I never changed my favourites.
^I very much agree with this sentiment. Agreed! :] That episode was both cute and sad. I have to be lame for a moment and admit that the part where Neelix starts up the Vulcan music in sick bay just cracks me up. It's "Heroes and Demons," I believe. I used to actually hate this episode, but I saw it again recently and thought it was pretty good - if you just watch it to have fun. The warrior chick is pretty funny, really. Anyways, back on topic, this is a good question. I would have to say it's a toss up between Janeway, B'Elanna, and Tuvok, in that order. I don't know what episode exactly made me love B'Elanna, I just know it happened in the later seasons. My like for Janeway has more to do with the fact that she reminds me of an exceptional art instructor I know. In fact, in the episode "The Good Shepard," there are parts that vividly remind me of how my art instructor approaches teaching. You can't just fall through the cracks! You are expected to give it your all, all the time.
Chakotay is my fav. I falled in love with him in the first minutes of Caretaker when I saw him as Marquis. But my fav Chakotay episode is "Unity" (although I like all Chakotay episodes except of "The Fight").
I'm not sure exactly when Kes became my favorite character because I took an immediate liking to all of them in "Caretaker". But her little speech to Toscat, the Ocampa Elder in "Caretaker" plus the fact that she did show a lot of courage in that episode might have started it, not to mention her beauty as well. Episodes like "Time And Again", "Persistance Of Vision" and "Cold Fire" speeded up the process I guess. If I must choose a favorite episode with Kes as the main character, then it's "Cold Fire". By the way, nice to see that My Favorite Ocampa is other peoples favorite as well!
B'Elanna Torres Right from "Caretaker" I found Roxann Dawson an amazing but very underrated and overlooked actress among the Trek fan base unfortunately. I found she captured the core element of the character right from the start and was consistent with her all though the series. I felt Dawson knew B'Elanna as if she had been playing the role for years before we meet her ourselves. Picardo was great but Mulgrew, Dawson & Ryan really stepped up and played the hell out their characters. All 3 IMO deserve much praise.