I was thinking today how much I wish they had gone in a really different direction with Neelix. He really grates on my nerves most of the time. So I though it would be fun to make up a new character to replace him.
What if instead Kes's boyfriend had been a Kazon? Maybe they were sneaking around to see each other when she was captured and the Kazon - call him Nikon - betrayed the other Kazon to rescue her. I'd get someone young, buff and hot who'd make a more popular match with Kes. He'd need to be more well rounded, but at first he'd be an aggresive primitive. He'd have served a similar purpose to Neelix in the early seasons with knowledge and contacts in the Delta Quadrant. His betrayal of the other Kazons would set up Voyager's bad relationship with the Kazons and make the whole thing personal to them. Besides serving as an advisor to Janeway he'd serve as a security officer. It's hard to justify that he'd be suitable for chief of security, but maybe over time he'd earn the position and we'd just pretend that none of the surviving security crew members had much experience. I picture him being played by Keith Hamilton Cobb who was Tyr on Andromeda.
On a side note, I'd get rid of Tuvok and have instead promoted Seska to a series regular, keeping her somehow even after she was revealed to be a Cardassian. This would be a huge story that would develop over time. At first she'd spend a few episodes in the brig and slowly over time win Janeway's trust to be allowed out, and to work on the ship, but in a role of reduced responsibility. She'd still be a dark character, but would work with Voyager because she wants to get home too. Her friendships would be rocky and most of the characters wouldn't trust her ever. I really love the actor and character and think she'd have added a lot of excitement and drama to the series. Voyager could've done with more Seska and less Tuvok, Neelix and Kim.
What if instead Kes's boyfriend had been a Kazon? Maybe they were sneaking around to see each other when she was captured and the Kazon - call him Nikon - betrayed the other Kazon to rescue her. I'd get someone young, buff and hot who'd make a more popular match with Kes. He'd need to be more well rounded, but at first he'd be an aggresive primitive. He'd have served a similar purpose to Neelix in the early seasons with knowledge and contacts in the Delta Quadrant. His betrayal of the other Kazons would set up Voyager's bad relationship with the Kazons and make the whole thing personal to them. Besides serving as an advisor to Janeway he'd serve as a security officer. It's hard to justify that he'd be suitable for chief of security, but maybe over time he'd earn the position and we'd just pretend that none of the surviving security crew members had much experience. I picture him being played by Keith Hamilton Cobb who was Tyr on Andromeda.
On a side note, I'd get rid of Tuvok and have instead promoted Seska to a series regular, keeping her somehow even after she was revealed to be a Cardassian. This would be a huge story that would develop over time. At first she'd spend a few episodes in the brig and slowly over time win Janeway's trust to be allowed out, and to work on the ship, but in a role of reduced responsibility. She'd still be a dark character, but would work with Voyager because she wants to get home too. Her friendships would be rocky and most of the characters wouldn't trust her ever. I really love the actor and character and think she'd have added a lot of excitement and drama to the series. Voyager could've done with more Seska and less Tuvok, Neelix and Kim.
"...pesky invaders...hellacious hedgehog..."
