Voyager top 5

[RyuRoots]

I'm curious what people think is VOY with its A-game on, the best of the best. 2-parter eps count as one episode, and preferrably list why you think they're the best and not just a list. I think it could be a fun discussion. They don't have to be in any particular order, either. Just 5 eps that you think really show the very best of what Star Trek: Voyager has to offier.

Scorpion - I have my complaints about how VOY handled the Borg, but this one was just amazing to me. Everyone put up a phenominal good performance, even Chuckles. The Borg were every bit as scary and huge as they seemed in Best of Both Worlds, and 8472 was a fascinating, terrifying new enemy, and Janeway's solution was creative.

The Killing Game - it's funny, because it SOUNDS horrible at first. I mean, "Holodeck Hirogen Space-Nazis." But it's great! At least to me. It's the best use of the Hirogen as a race, and the hunter's parallel with the ardent Nazi officer was kind of interesting, and I liked the ultimate goal of the Hirogen leader. I tend to hate holodeck episodes, but this one really was cool, and added some depth to the Hirogen in that some of them see that they'll drive themselves to extinction if they keep as they are without thinking.

Hope and Fear - One of the few really good "Will they get home?" eps. I loved it because it showed that actions have consequences, and that VOY is still part of a consistent world, even if it's stranded in the DQ. Janeway really had a lose/lose situation in Scorpion, but it still comes back to bite her here. It's also a good episode for Seven, watching her having to cope, a little, with what she'll have to do with herself.

Living Witness - One of those great eps that only Voyager could've done. I'm a huge doctor fan, and it was great seeing him as Voyager's lone defender on a misinterpreted history. Watching the ripples that VOY caused, and seeing the doctor deal with how that affected this region and doing his best to clear their names, and the ultimate resolution is really cool.


Life Line - Picardo at his best! I definitely enjoy Pathfinder and the other episodes with Barclay, but I think this one is the best of the lot. Zimmerman comes off as a more interesting character here than he did when he was trying to get into Leeta's pants, especially when it comes out WHY he's so bitter about the EMH Mark I's. It also is an interesting look at just how far the doctor HAS come, and watching him strive for Zimmerman's approval even as he's mistreated does make for a touching story. I also had a chuckle at the scene with Seven deciding what would/wouldn't be necessary for the trip.

 

[Emnabtond]

It appears we have fairly similar taste, I agree 100% about "The Killing Game", I don't care what anyone says but that episode was superbly entertaining and extremely well written. However it won't make my list mainly because putting a two parter even episode feels like cheating.

Its tough drawing up a top 5 because although Voyager was a very troubled series IMO, the sum of its parts are actually more than its whole, it had a lot of very good episodes.

My list:

Deadlock: This episode was full of moments that would give you goosebumps - That eery sound that came before each proton burst, Harry Kim dying, the baby dying, Kes vanishing, The Vidiians harvesting the crew.
I think the episode comes together really well and is a good example of an action-oriented episode. Too often in the show was action thrown in regardless of plot, here the action and the technobabble all served a purpose to make a very satisfying whole.

Before and After: I think most of us like time travel episodes and this is probably my favorite time travel episode in all of trek. There's something very unique about this episode but then I think this was down to the fact Kes was a fairly unique character in Trek.
I loved almost everything about this episode - the well placed action scenes, Kes's new look, the interesting alternate Voyager, the music. Seeing 7 years of an alternate future that never was is pretty exhilarating.

Waking Moments: An odd choice perhaps but I found this episode to be immensely fun to watch. Voyager is ultimate comfort tv for me and this epitomises that feeling. It has an interesting plot (and being a big fan of the Nightmare on Elm Street series, I like it even more) and some fun character interractions. I also loved these season 4 episodes purely because of Seven being around, she was a new, exciting and fresh character that lifted any episode up in these days...and continued to do so in fact for quite a long time.

Barge of the Dead: Character development was certainly not Voyager's strong point by any stretch of the imagination but it could pull out individual episodes that could take your breath away. Everything about this episode was perfect for me which is strange considering how fed up with Klingons I was at this point (I was beyond burned out after all the DS9 Klingon exposure). I loved the emotional ending where B'Ellana throws away the bat'leth and the hug between Janeway and B'Ellana- perfection.

Blink of an Eye: One of the best science fiction concepts to be played out in Voyager. This episode pales on rewatching it but the first time round, its a superbly intriguing episode that kept my attentions 100%. These kind of episodes Voyager did very well.

 

[All Seeing Eye]

I couldn't possibly pick favourites out of so many episodes.

 

[Lynx]

OK, here we go:

1. Cold Fire
I find this episode amazing. A bit spooky and exciting. The whole story is good, they finally meet the female Caretaker but she isn't what they expected her to be. Not to mention that Kes, who happen to be a favorite is the main character. I also like how Kes is tempted by evil forces but is able to withstand them in the long run, thanks to her determiantio and willpower and in the end she saves the ship from destruction.

2. Persistence Of Vision
I like this episode for similar reasons as I like "Cold Fire". Spooky episode with some unexpected twists and turns. Kes plays an important rle here too.

3. Caretaker
This is the best pilot episode for a series I've ever seen. Exciting from beginning to end and the main characters are introduced in a very good way.

4. Warlord
OK, another story with Kes in focus but this one is good too. Kes is taken over by an evil entity but she fights that entity and manage to get rid of it with a little help from her friends. Great acting by Jennifer Lien.

5. Basics
Voyager is actually conquered and taken over by enemies and the crew stranded on a hostile planet. Interesting to see how the crew handles the situation and I also like the interaction between The Doctor and Lon Suder plus the fact thyat the convicted murderer actually plays an important part when it comes to taking back the ship. Not to mention that Seska and Culluh are the villains. I like the episodes where they show up.

 

[Odo's Bucket]

Distant origin
Real Life
Scorpion
Living Witness
Eye of the Needle

When i get time, I'll explain why..

 

[StarryEyed]

1. Scorpion

This was a spectacular episode in so many ways with an epic feel to it. It's one of the best examples of the pure gall of Captain Janeway! And of course, it introduced Seven, my favorite Voyager character.

2. Timeless

This a great sci-fi story and it's loaded with great stuff for tech heads like me. This may have been Garrett Wang's best performance as the hardened, cynical future Harry.

3. Counterpoint

This episode was a masterpiece that kept me totally entertained from start to finish. So many plot twists! Janeway and Kashyk played off each other very well.

4. Pathfinder

I'm a big Barclay fan so I loved seeing him be the big hero. This is a turning point in the series as Voyager is no longer quite so alone.

5. Someone To Watch Over Me

This is far and away my favorite light-hearted episode of Voyager. I love everything about it. Terrific Seven-Doctor moments. The B-story was great fun too with Nelix loosing control of the Kadi ambassador.

It was tough picking just five episodes out of seven seasons. Others I considered were:

Message In a Bottle
Lifeline
Relativity
Future's End
One Small Step
Unity
Memorial

 

[RyuRoots]

Someone To Watch Over Me

This is far and away my favorite light-hearted episode of Voyager. I love everything about it. Terrific Seven-Doctor moments. The B-story was great fun too with Nelix loosing control of the Kadi ambassador.

I enjoyed the episode, but there's something about it that really irked me. When the doctor is going through candidates for Seven, it's just...assumed that she'll be with a human male and not a moment's thought is given to the possibility of anything else. It's very frustrating, also because there's an easy fix. If they just said that it'd be the easiest/most natural situation for Seven to become acclimated to, then problem solved. But the way it's presented, you'd think it was rare normally for a human to be interested in anyone other than an average counterpart human. But I did like the ep overall. It just bothers me a bit to think about. And I actually felt bad for Neelix in this episode. Poor bastard had his whole plan lined out, but it turns out the ambassador is just...whoo!

And I think my wording in the OP and title was poor. I'm basically trying to get a discussion on what Voyager was at its very best more than a "the five best episodes" kinda thing. I just thought five sounded like a reasonable number for people to talk about individually.

 

[tomalak301]

Scorpion

Probably the best Voyager ever got

Before and After

This was a time travel story done unconventionally. It was just a fantastic episode featuring what would become my favorite character and introducing that beautiful new look.

Timeless

I've always thought Harry Kim was the weakest character, but this was his best episode.

Blink of an Eye/Memorial

This one is a tie mainly because they are my two favorite episodes in Season 6. Memorial showed how important it was to never forget war (DS9 addressed this too in Nor the Battle and Seige at AR-558) and Blink was just a neat concept in a time before I saw the original Wink of an Eye

Latent Image

The definition of a soul has always been a hot topic. This one dealt with it greatly.

 

[kimc]

Resistance
Classic trek with a good social story and solid performances including guest star Joel Gray. Oh, and for those who complain about the constant pristine conditions of the ship Voyager was actually low on something.

Death Wish
I love Q. Plus another great social topic and great performances. I"m sensing a theme here...

Basics
My favorite two-parter. No kewl explosions but who needs them when you have good basic storytelling and a nice wrapup to the Kazon arc.

Counterpoint
This one had me guessing up to the end. I mean I knew the guy was a jerk but what I didn't know is if Janeway was fooled by him or not. Mulgrew once called it the "sting within a sting" which sounds like a good descriiption to me.

Bride of Chaotica
Too much fun not to be on the list, imo.

 

[Janeway72]

OK Here are mine:

Scientific Method: I thought Kate Mulgrew was fabulous in her nearly demented state. You could almost feel her pain

The Killing Game: Brilliantly done and a good take on WWII. Interesting use of the Hirogen as an enemy and Harry Kim showed a bit of fire for once

Counterpoint: Kept on the edge of my seat. Couldn't decide if He really was a baddie or not

Repentance: I use this to teach kids at school the Muslim view of Capital Punishment. Excellent episode.

Night: Again one that explores the character of Janeway and her despair at having stranded everyone in the Delta Quadrant. A good look at the consequences of putting duty first.

There were loads more and if you ask me on a different day, I'd probably give you a different answer.

 

[Orac Zen]

^
Welcome to TBBS and to the Voy forum.


Geez, only five??

"Year of Hell" - I don't give a damn about the "reset button" or the "it didn't happen so it doesn't matter" argument or whatever else; this episode rocks. It's a what-if scenario done right.

"Living Witness" - another what-if ep that was absolutely spot-on.

"Resistance" - simple, yet incredibly effective. Joel Grey is extraordinary.

"Someone to Watch Over Me" - an episode that's greater than the sum of its parts. Wonderful stuff.

"Death Wish" - one of the few Q episodes (across TNG and Voy) I can stomach. Provocative in the best way, with some marvellous performances.

Honourable mentions go to "Scorpion", "Eye of the Needle", "Before and After", "Real Life", "Prey", "Timeless" (about the only chuckles episode I don't skip), "11:59", "Survival Instinct", "Endgame"... It's quite a list.

 

[Pemmer Harge]

I wouldn't want to list a top five, since I've not seen every episode and some of those I have seen I haven't seen for years, so I'll list two that stand out for me:

Latent Image - I love this one: the story is well crafted and I really liked the fact that the crew really were conspiring against the Doctor. I found the Doctor's dilemma and the fallout from it very powerful and I love Seven of Nine's role in this episode.

Equinox - As an big event episode this one was more exciting and better executed than many such episodes on Voyager, but it also had more weight - we see people like the Voyager crew doing something they know is wrong but trying to put it out of their minds. It's not evil aliens zapping people and twirling their moustaches, it's a more realistic type of evil.

 

[RyuRoots]

I wouldn't want to list a top five, since I've not seen every episode and some of those I have seen I haven't seen for years, so I'll list two that stand out for me:

Latent Image - I love this one: the story is well crafted and I really liked the fact that the crew really were conspiring against the Doctor. I found the Doctor's dilemma and the fallout from it very powerful and I love Seven of Nine's role in this episode.

Equinox - As an big event episode this one was more exciting and better executed than many such episodes on Voyager, but it also had more weight - we see people like the Voyager crew doing something they know is wrong but trying to put it out of their minds. It's not evil aliens zapping people and twirling their moustaches, it's a more realistic type of evil.

My big problem with Equinox is that Janeway's psychotic rage is never addressed beyond "Maybe I went to far. OH WELL". And she still has the NERVE to give such a severe dressing-down to the Equinox survivors after the shit she pulled.

 

[StarryEyed]

There are so many things I couldn't handle when it comes to Equinox, it would take up a whole thread of its own. But Janeway's meltdown...

I can see her having it as a result of stress - she sure had been through enough by that point. But Chakotay should have summoned Tuvok and had her arrested. It was Janeway herself that insisted thay Voyager was a Starfleet ship with a Starfleet crew following Starfleet rules. Tuvok would have been forced by his own logic to comply.

It's a shame the writers didn't do that. It would have made the scene (maybe even the whole episode) worth it. Imagine Janeway, Chakotay and Tuvok working out their interpersonal feelings afterward. It could have been followed up in an episode in the spirit of TNG - Family.

 

[The Boy Who Cried Worf]

Threshold
Q2
Spirit Folk
Fair Haven
Virtuoso

Just kidding


Death Wish- An intelligent examination of not only the suicide debate, but the nature of an omniscient being. Didn't go overboard advocated one side of an issue as Trek tends to do. Showed us a weakness to the Q Continuum that was philosophically based, and not simply gutting a powerful alien like they did to the Borg or 8472.

Remember- Yet another examination of a moral issue without being obvious or pedantic. Showed how such things can really come about even in people with the best of intentions. A poignant final scene showing as long as their is a younger generation willing to ask questions certain truths will never die.

The Void- Should have been what Voyager was like all along.

Resistance- Poignant episode and one of the best performances by a Trek guest star.

Meld- Tuvox exploring his dark side. Snapping Neelix's neck. Need I say more?

 

[Itisnotlogical]

Here I go:

Timeless

One of my fave episodes. Harry Kim actually does something useful, and they explore some more serious storytelling.

The Thaw

I'm not sure if this is the name of the episode, but it's about these three people in cryogenic freeze that Voyager picks up, but they're trapped in a hallucination where Fear holds them captive. Used to be my favorite before I watched Timeless.

Drone

What the Borg might be like in the future. It actually depicts what the Borg imo were always supposed to be: unstoppable.

Prophecy

An excellent Klingon episode, that didn't cause me to die of Klingon overdose! A really hilarious subplot, Paris kicking ass with a Bat'Leth, and a D7 cruiser. What more can an episode need

Workforce, parts 1 and 2

I just love this episode. An excellent performance from everybody, especially Mulgrew at the end. Brought a tear to my eye. One of my favorite episodes in all of Trek, right up there with Reunification from TNG and Call to Arms from DS9.

 

[PKTrekGirl]

Okay...let's see if I can make a post in the VOY forum without getting into an argument.

1. Deadlock - this is just a great episode. In about a million different ways. I love episodes with surprise plot twists...and in my estimation, there are only two really great ones in all of Trek. And this is one of them (the other being Improbable Cause/The Die is Cast). This episode is very likely among my top 10 episodes of Star Trek...which is saying something special because I promise you, the other 9 are all DS9 episodes. This episode just rocked. Best episode in VOY....and the best non-DS9 episode in all of Star Trek, IMO.

2. Death Wish - with the possible exception of Deja Q (you can't beat the mariachi band pissing Picard off - that was a classic moment. ), this is the best Q episode in all of Trek. It was funny...but it also made you think.

3. Year of Hell - this episode is where VOY really showed it's potential. Would have liked for the whole series to have been this way....but this episode showed that this cast had it in them.

4. Timeless - I just love this one. You can tell they spent alot of money on this one. It shows. Very well made episode.

5. Bride of Chaotica - best 'camp' episode in Star Trek.....and quite possibly my favorite holodeck episode as well. This was HILARIOUS. And you can tell that the cast had alot of fun making it. Who wouldn't?

Honorable mentions go to: Eye of the Needle, Counterpoint, Maneuvers (I liked the Seska arc), Message in a Bottle, Unimatrix Zero, Resolutions, Extreme Risk, Workforce and Shattered.

Okay...how'd I do? Need to duck the rotten tomatoes?

 

[Orac Zen]

^
You'll have to do better than that.

 

[kimc]

Okay...how'd I do? Need to duck the rotten tomatoes?

That depends. Did you bring coffee?

 

[Luckyflux]

I am bad with Voyager ep titles, but I'll try

First for me is Nemesis. I know Beltran didn't like the Chakotay character and he did some phone in acting, this episode has a line in it that I repeat more often than not. It was at the end of the ep when the ambassador is on Voyager talking to Janeway. Chakotay enters the transporter room and sees the alien and does a double take. Then the look on his face is great as he quickly exits the room. Outside the room somone asks Chakotay what is wrong, and he replies "I wish it were as easy to stop hating as it was to start". I love that line and it is so true. It is also something I have wished for myself. It is easy to hate.....but tough to stop


The episode where Tuvok lost his mind and is friends with Neelix. I forget the title, but this is such a great and fantastic episode. Watching the way nuTuvok interacted with his friend Neelix is great. Even if we all know (including Neelix) what will happen when Tuvok goes back to normal. You can see it in Neelix that he knows Tuvok will go back to normal, but until then Neelix is super supportive of his new friend. Such a great epsiode!

Blink of an Eye. Great ep as many have said before....

I always liked the esisode with the Dauntless.

I liked the one where the out of phase aliens are doing experiments on the crew. I always thought the super-tense climax at the end was strange. I kept thinking about how uncomfortable and awkward the crew must have felt after the ep. I mean, when Voyager knows the two ships are attached to the hull, Janeway goes alittle crazy and orders the ship to go inbetween the two stars of the Binary systme they were in. When Janeway gives the order the crew kind of looks around at each other giving looks like "Did that crazy bitch just say what I think she said?" Then Janeway gets even more intense and tells them to do it! Everyone in the crew is like "No frelling way", but they do it anyway. After wards I always pictured everyone standing around looking at Janeway with incredulous eyes and Janeway just slighly saying "What, me worry?" I guess I can imagine it funnier than I can write it...

Scorpion. A fantastic two parter. I have told Chakotays story about the Scorpion and the Frog many times to many different people. And even once or twice it was actually sounded like it was wise and profound advice...Great ep, even if it finished nailing the coffin closed on the Borg as a scary adversary.