25 Essential episodes to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Star Trek: Voyager

S2E12: Resistance

I debated whether or not to include “Resistance” in this list. It takes place almost entirely on an alien planet where Captain Janeway, Tuvok (Tim Russ), and B’Elanna are looking for a component to power Voyager. The trio gets separated and Captain Janeway ends up being rescued by a man who mistakenly believes she’s his daughter.

For the majority of the episode, Captain Janeway merely wants the man’s help to save her fellow crew members, get their parts, and make it back to Voyager safely. Seems straight-forward enough?

Well, by the end of “Resistance”, you will be ugly-crying and holding your nearest and dearest to your heart because this episode does not turn out like you expect it to.

Not only do you come away with a renewed respect for Tuvok—who may be Vulcan but can teach us humans a thing or two about patience and resolve—but you will absolutely adore the sensitivity and kindness of Captain Janeway, who shows the fans just how well she understands people. Brb, crying again.

S2E25: Resolutions

Another Voyager episode that takes place largely off-ship. “Resolutions” sees Captain Janeway and Commander Chakotay confined to a planet because of a disease they have contracted.

While Chakotay makes the most of their new life, Janeway refuses to let go of Voyager and spends her time constantly looking for a cure and a way home. But as more time goes by with no end in sight, the two become more comfortable with their new surroundings and each other.

As we all know, this doesn’t last. How do the top two commanders of Voyager return to their old life? With difficulty.

“Resolutions” is as much about human relationships as it is about counting your blessings—Janeway and Chakotay were always close but this episode brought them closer than ever before.

It’s also super-romantic without there being any actual romance, which makes the episode that much more tragic and memorable. In another life, Janeway/ Chakotay would have been a reality, but sadly not in this one.