Star Trek: Janeway Wouldn’t Touch the Enterprise, Because Voyager Is Worthy of Her
Captain Kathryn Janeway, the iconic leader of the USS Voyager, has earned her place in Starfleet history. After navigating the perilous Delta Quadrant for seven years, she returned home a hero, having not only survived, but thrived. Her perseverance and leadership in the face of unimaginable challenges cemented her legacy as a legendary captain. But when offered prestigious positions within Starfleet, Janeway ultimately chose to return to her "tough little ship" – a decision that speaks volumes about her character and the enduring bond she shared with the USS Voyager.
This sentiment resonated even in the animated series Star Trek: Prodigy. While the second season takes place approximately two decades after Voyager’s return, Janeway’s unwavering loyalty to her ship remained evident. The season’s premise centers around Janeway embarking on a rescue mission to find her former first officer, Chakotay, and the crew of the experimental ship Protostar. To accomplish this, Janeway was given a newly refitted Voyager – a potent vessel, but also a poignant symbol of her past. However, the production team had originally considered allowing Janeway to command the Enterprise, arguably the most iconic starship in Starfleet history. However, the actress who portrays Janeway, Kate Mulgrew, emphatically rejected this idea.
As Prodigy co-creator Dan Hageman revealed in an interview with IGN, "[There was] a moment where we were playing with the idea that [season 2’s ship] could be the Enterprise instead…We asked Kate, ‘What do you think if you’re the new captain of the Enterprise,’ and she was not thrilled. She’s like, ‘I’d rather it be the Voyager.’”
This response highlights the deep connection between Janeway and her ship. While the Enterprise represents Starfleet’s pinnacle of power and prestige, it simply doesn’t carry the same emotional weight for Janeway. The Voyager, on the other hand, is more than just a vessel; it is a testament to her resilience, a symbol of her leadership in the face of adversity, and a tangible reminder of the incredible journey she and her crew endured together. It is a ship that represents her personal triumph, a testament to her unwavering commitment to her vision of exploration, and a vessel that holds a significant place in her heart.
Beyond the personal connection, Janeway’s preference for the Voyager also carries narrative significance. The Voyager is recognized throughout the Starfleet universe for its pioneering voyage and its unwavering dedication to exploratory ideals. It was the first Starfleet vessel to successfully navigate the treacherous Delta Quadrant and return to Federation space. This feat demanded adaptability, ingenuity, and a commitment to exploration that few other ships could match. The Voyager wasn’t simply about power or prestige; it was about pushing boundaries and achieving the impossible.
By giving Janeway a refitted Voyager for her mission, Prodigy underscores these points. The ship represents a new chapter for Janeway, allowing her to apply her vast knowledge and experience to new challenges. It’s a symbol of her growth as a captain, of her unwavering commitment to exploration, and of her ability to adapt and overcome any obstacle. At the same time, it pays homage to the ship’s legacy and honors the sacrifices that were made to bring her home.
The fact that the Enterprise, despite its iconic status, can’t match the sentimental value of the Voyager for Janeway, speaks to the unique character of the latter. It suggests that Janeway doesn’t crave power or prestige for its own sake. Rather, she is driven by a deeper commitment to the values of exploration and the spirit of adventure – values that she embodies and that are inseparable from the Voyager itself.
Ultimately, Janeway’s refusal to command the Enterprise reinforces the idea that there is more to a ship than just its technological prowess or its status within Starfleet. A ship is a reflection of its captain, a vessel that embodies their vision and their ideals. While the Enterprise, as the flagship, might symbolize Starfleet’s strength and grandeur, the Voyager represents Janeway’s perseverance, her commitment to exploration, and her ability to overcome anything. It is a ship that embodies the very spirit of Janeway herself – a testament to her leadership, her courage, and her unwavering belief in the potential of humanity.
This dynamic is not unique to Star Trek: Prodigy. Throughout the franchise, iconic ships have been intrinsically linked to their captains. The USS Enterprise carries within it the legacy of Captain Kirk, James T. Kirk – his audacious spirit, his charismatic leadership, and his unwavering commitment to peace. Captain Picard’s command of the USS Enterprise-D and the USS Enterprise-E underscores his commitment to diplomacy, his thoughtful leadership, and his belief in the potential for humanity to overcome its failings. The Voyager, in its own right, carries within it the essence of Janeway – a leader who embodies resilience, pragmatism, and a unwavering belief in the power of exploration.
These ships are not simply vessels; they are extensions of their captains, reflections of their personalities, and testaments to their values. The Voyager isn’t just a ship; it is a symbol of Janeway’s legacy, her journey, and her enduring commitment to the ideals of Starfleet. It is a ship that Janeway could never truly leave behind, a vessel that will forever be etched into her legacy, and a powerful testament to the fact that a ship’s value goes far beyond its mere physical form.
This is why Janeway’s refusal to command the Enterprise resonates so strongly with fans. It is a profound statement that speaks to the deep connection between a captain and their ship. The Enterprise might be the pinnacle of Starfleet power, but it cannot match the sentimental value of the Voyager for Janeway. It is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most profound relationships are not defined by status or power, but by a shared journey, a common goal, and a shared commitment to ideals that transcend the limitations of time and space.
