Season three of Star Trek: Voyager marks a pivotal point in the series, delving deeper into the challenges faced by the crew stranded far from home. For fans eager to revisit this season or new viewers looking to embark on the Voyager journey, knowing Where To Watch From Season 3 is essential. This guide not only directs you to platforms where you can stream or purchase season three but also provides a curated episode breakdown to help you decide which episodes are must-watch and which you might consider skipping.
Before diving into the episode specifics, it’s worth noting the evolving nature of television storytelling at the time Voyager was produced. Serialization was not the norm, especially in the Star Trek universe. Syndication models favored standalone episodes, a constraint that sometimes clashed with the desire for deeper, ongoing narratives. Voyager season three, as discussed in many online forums like Memory Alpha, showcases this tension. While the show inherently has a cumulative element due to its premise of a long journey home with a fixed crew, the season often defaults to episodic adventures, sometimes at the expense of long-term character development or plot continuity.
However, within this structure, season three delivers a mix of memorable and less impactful episodes. To help you navigate through the season effectively, here’s a breakdown with recommendations on which episodes to prioritize, especially if you’re catching up or have limited viewing time. And importantly, we’ll point you to where you can actually watch them.
- “Basics, Part II”: Watch it. While this episode concludes the Kazon arc and makes some questionable narrative choices, it’s a significant moment in the season’s overall storyline. Be prepared for some character exits and a somewhat abrupt end to the Kazon storyline, as the creators pivoted away from this antagonist.
Voyager crew facing Kazon
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“Flashback”: Watch it. A standout episode featuring George Takei, this episode offers a compelling exploration of Tuvok’s past and raises interesting questions about human-centric perspectives. The plot device might be a bit contrived, but the character development and Takei’s performance are well worth watching.
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“The Chute”: Skip it. Unless you are deeply invested in the Harry Kim and Tom Paris dynamic, this episode is largely skippable. It’s a confinement story that doesn’t particularly advance the overarching narrative or offer significant character insights for these characters.
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“The Swarm”: Watch it. This episode is notable for showcasing the Doctor’s vocal talents and highlighting the show’s sometimes-frustrating approach to continuity. Spoilers ahead: The Doctor’s personality is essentially reset, erasing two years of development, with minimal long-term consequences. Despite this continuity hiccup, the episode itself is engaging. End of spoilers.
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“False Profits”: Skip it. Considered by many to be a low point for Ferengi representation in Star Trek, especially when contrasted with the nuanced Ferengi storylines in Deep Space Nine. This episode relies heavily on caricature and may not appeal to viewers seeking more sophisticated storytelling.
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“Remember”: Skip it. This episode attempts to tackle a sensitive topic with a Holocaust metaphor, but it may fall short in its execution and can be uncomfortable viewing for some.
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“Sacred Ground”: Watch it. If you enjoy episodes with mystical or philosophical themes, this one might appeal to you. It features cryptic monastic figures and a plot that, while perhaps unconventional, can be entertaining. Keep an eye out for a familiar face – the actor who played the Mayor of Sunnydale in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
8-9. “Future’s End” and “Future’s End, Part II”: Skip it. Many fans consider this two-parter a significant misstep. A time travel story involving 1996 Los Angeles and “hobo time cops” is generally seen as outlandish and not in line with Voyager‘s strengths. Even guest appearances, including Sarah Silverman, and Tuvok in a do-rag, can’t salvage what many view as a narrative mess. The episode also seemingly ignores the Eugenics Wars timeline, a recurring issue in Trek continuity.
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“Warlord”: Watch it. Despite a cringeworthy holodeck subplot and a hesitant approach to bisexuality, this episode is worth watching for Kes’s portrayal as a powerful and assertive character. Her transformation is a highlight, even if the surrounding elements are flawed.
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“The Q and the Grey”: Skip it. An episode that continues to frustrate many viewers, this Q-centric story is often criticized for its narrative choices. It’s widely recommended to skip this one unless you are a die-hard Q fan and want to see every appearance.
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“Macrocosm”: Skip it. Giant, CGI viruses and body horror elements make this episode a pass for many. If you’re not a fan of this type of creature feature, you’re unlikely to find much to enjoy here.
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“Fair Trade”: Watch it. A more character-focused episode centered on Neelix, this story, while following a fairly standard sitcom-like plot structure of escalating lies, is considered solid and enjoyable. It’s a Neelix episode that even those who are not fans of the character can appreciate.
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“Alter Ego”: Watch it. Despite initial concerns about another holodeck-centric episode, “Alter Ego” delivers a compelling story. It manages to transcend the often-criticized holodeck premise and offer engaging character interactions and plot developments.
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“Coda”: Skip it. If temporal mechanics are not your cup of tea, this episode might be one to avoid. While it has moments of interest and a noteworthy score, it’s generally seen as a muddled story that struggles to find its focus until late in the episode. This highlights a common criticism of Voyager episodes: a tendency to start slowly and rush the resolution.
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“Blood Fever”: Watch it. The pon farr storyline, a classic Star Trek trope, takes center stage in this episode. While the Tom/B’Elanna romance might not be the most captivating aspect, the episode itself is generally entertaining, especially for fans of Vulcan-centric stories and the “Amok Time” episode from the original series. It also humorously questions the lack of personal comfort devices for away missions in stressful situations.
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“Unity”: Watch it. This episode marks the introduction of Borg themes that become increasingly important later in the series, especially with the arrival of Seven of Nine. It sets up concepts and ideas that will be revisited and expanded upon, including Chakotay’s unexpected connection to the Borg Collective.
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“Darkling”: Skip it. Widely considered a weak episode, “Darkling” is often recommended for skipping due to its lackluster plot and execution.
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“Rise”: Skip it. Another episode frequently listed as skippable, “Rise” generally fails to engage viewers and is considered one of the weaker offerings of season three.
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“Favorite Son”: Skip it. This episode is almost universally recommended to skip. It’s often cited as one of the least enjoyable episodes of the entire series.
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“Before and After”: Watch it. After a run of less-than-stellar episodes, “Before and After” is a welcome change of pace. A time-travel narrative focused on Kes, it’s generally well-received, although some might find the romantic subplot slightly unsettling due to the age dynamic between Kes and Harry Kim.
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“Real Life”: Skip it. Unless you have a particular interest in seeing the Doctor in sitcom scenarios, this episode is typically skipped. It relies on somewhat tired sitcom tropes and may not offer much in terms of Voyager‘s typical strengths.
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“Distant Origin”: Watch it. This episode comes with a qualified recommendation. While the central premise might be seen as somewhat simplistic (a Galileo lizard allegory), it’s praised for its creative alien concepts, a relative rarity in Voyager. However, the portrayal of alien anthropologists is notably flawed.
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“Displaced”: Skip it. The “crew members disappearing” trope is explored in this episode, but it’s generally considered uninspired and not particularly engaging.
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“Worst Case Scenario”: Watch it. An ensemble-focused episode, “Worst Case Scenario” is a good example of Voyager at its best when highlighting the crew’s dynamics. While the ending might be a bit weak, the character interactions and premise are enjoyable.
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“Scorpion, Part 1”: Watch it. A crucial episode and a strong season finale, “Scorpion, Part 1” introduces the Borg in a significant way and features visually striking and somewhat horrifying elements. It’s a cliffhanger that sets the stage for major changes in the series, often compared favorably to Babylon 5 in its scope and impact.
Season three concludes with a 13 watch, 13 skip episode split, mirroring the previous seasons. This even division reflects the season’s mixed bag nature.
One recurring critique of season three, and Voyager in general, is its anthropocentric tendencies. Episodes frequently revolve around Earth references, historical figures, or settings, sometimes at the expense of exploring truly alien cultures and concepts. While Tom Paris’s 20th-century interests are a recurring theme, the show often defaults to familiar Earth-based touchstones rather than delving into more imaginative or less Western-centric cultural references. This tendency, while not inherently negative, points to a missed opportunity for Voyager to fully embrace the vastness and diversity of the galaxy.
Where Can You Watch Star Trek: Voyager Season 3?
For viewers in English-speaking markets looking to watch from season 3 of Star Trek: Voyager, here are the primary platforms:
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Paramount+: As the streaming home for the Star Trek franchise, Paramount+ is the most reliable option to stream Voyager season 3. A subscription is required, but it offers access to the entire Star Trek universe, including all episodes of Voyager.
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Amazon Prime Video: Episodes and seasons of Star Trek: Voyager are often available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video. Availability may vary by region, but it’s worth checking if you prefer purchasing episodes or seasons digitally.
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iTunes/Apple TV: Similar to Amazon, iTunes often offers Star Trek: Voyager for digital purchase, allowing you to buy individual episodes or entire seasons.
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Physical Media (Blu-ray/DVD): For collectors or those who prefer physical media, Star Trek: Voyager season 3 is available on Blu-ray and DVD. These sets can be purchased from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and other media stores.
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Other Streaming Services (Vary by Region): Depending on your geographical location, Voyager season 3 might be available on other regional streaming services. It’s advisable to check local streaming guides and services in your country.
Conclusion:
Season 3 of Star Trek: Voyager is a mixed bag, offering both standout episodes and some that are less compelling. By using this guide, you can navigate the season more efficiently, focusing on the “Watch it” episodes to get the most out of your viewing experience. And with platforms like Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, and iTunes, accessing where to watch from season 3 and beyond has never been easier. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new viewer, Voyager Season 3 has episodes that contribute significantly to the overall Star Trek narrative and are worth exploring.
Whitney Bishop is editor-in-chief of Shousetsu Bang*Bang. She is also the best for doing this.
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Posted on July 8, 2013, in Other People Telling Liz Stuff, Skip It/Watch It Guide, Some Spoilers, TV and tagged skip it/watch it guide, star trek, star trek voyager. Bookmark the permalink. 5 Comments.
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