Season two of Star Trek: Voyager presents a bit of a bumpy ride for fans. Interestingly, the initial episodes weren’t even planned for this season, leading to some odd pacing right from the start. If you’re diving into Voyager Season 2, you might be wondering Where To Watch From Season 2 and which episodes are truly worth your time. Consider this your essential guide to navigating this season, helping you decide which episodes to watch and which you might want to skip.
- “The 37’s”: Skip it. Unless you have a particular fascination with Amelia Earhart, this episode might not be for you. It leans heavily into a very US-centric perspective, posing the somewhat improbable scenario of aliens abducting humans from Earth in the 20th century when they could choose anyone from across the galaxy.
Amelia Earhart Star Trek Voyager
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“Initiations”: Watch it. This recommendation goes beyond just appreciating Aron Eisenberg’s performance. The episode delves into Kazon gang culture, which offers a more nuanced villain approach compared to simply creating Klingon knock-offs. It’s an interesting exploration of conflict and societal structures within the Delta Quadrant.
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“Projections”: Watch it. Any episode focusing on the Doctor is usually a treat, and this one is no exception. Plus, it features Reginald Barclay. Missing a Barclay episode is practically a crime for any Star Trek enthusiast.
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“Elogium”: Skip it. If you’re not a fan of stories saturated in assumed heteronormativity (especially in a future setting), this episode might grate on you. While there’s some decent “feral” acting and eating scenes, you can essentially grasp the main plot points by fast-forwarding to the last few minutes and saving yourself from some questionable CGI.
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“Non Sequitur”: Skip it. While an episode about Harry Kim having a girlfriend and getting into fights sounds potentially interesting, this one unfortunately doesn’t quite deliver. It’s generally considered skippable.
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“Twisted”: Skip it. Unless you’re deeply invested in characters discussing their feelings while facing mortal danger, or fascinated by Tom Paris’s holodeck French cafe antics, this episode is likely skippable. It also raises questions about resource management on Voyager, given their supposedly limited supplies.
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“Parturition”: Skip it. You can comfortably go through life without witnessing Neelix and Tom Paris co-parenting a baby alien puppet. This episode is widely considered unnecessary viewing.
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“Persistence of Vision”: Skip it. If you’ve seen one episode where aliens make the Voyager crew experience reality-bending illusions, you’ve pretty much seen them all. This one doesn’t bring much new to the table.
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“Tattoo”: Watch it. This episode is worth watching for several reasons: to explore the mystery behind Chakotay’s tattoo, perhaps to appreciate his body double, and to engage with the concept of ancient alien contact with indigenous North American cultures, even if the latter is a bit of a stretch.
Promotional image featuring Chakotay from Star Trek Voyager highlighting his distinctive face tattoo.
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“Cold Fire”: Watch it. Connecting back to the series’ pilot episode, “Cold Fire” allows Kes to develop her abilities and showcase some intense moments, including a fair amount of screaming. It’s a significant episode for her character arc.
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“Maneuvers”: Watch it. This episode marks the return of the surgically altered Cardassian, adding intrigue to the ongoing storylines. However, it also highlights a recurring theme of Janeway having to constantly reprimand her Maquis crew members, which some viewers find repetitive.
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“Resistance”: Skip it. This is another instance of Voyager’s crew getting involved in a planet’s resistance against tyranny, a plotline that can feel somewhat formulaic and predictable by this point in the series.
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“Prototype”: Skip it. Essentially B’Elanna Torres versus evil robots. The episode reinforces the trope that robots are inherently untrustworthy, which isn’t particularly groundbreaking.
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“Alliances”: Watch it. This episode is relevant to the overarching Kazon storyline, contributing to the season’s narrative arc. However, it also raises questions about Janeway’s continued trust in potentially untrustworthy individuals after numerous encounters with hostile species.
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“Threshold”: Watch it. Famously known for its sheer awfulness, “Threshold” is often cited as one of the worst Star Trek episodes ever made. It’s a must-watch for those who appreciate spectacularly bad television. Be prepared for some truly bizarre plot developments involving Warp 10 travel.
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“Meld”: Watch it. Featuring Brad Dourif and focusing on Tuvok, “Meld” is a standout episode. It’s a compelling character study and one of the first truly appreciated episodes of the season, largely thanks to Dourif’s performance and the exploration of Tuvok’s character.
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“Dreadnought”: Watch it. While not exceptionally thrilling, “Dreadnought” is a solid episode centered around B’Elanna, offering further development for her character and skills.
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“Death Wish”: Skip it. Q episodes in Voyager are generally less successful compared to Next Generation. While not terrible, this episode feels out of place and heavy-handed with its moralizing.
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“Lifesigns”: Skip it. A romance-centric episode, even with the Doctor involved, might not appeal to all viewers. The B-storyline has some importance, but its key points are generally covered in the subsequent episode.
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“Investigations”: Watch it. Plot-relevant and surprisingly engaging, “Investigations” manages to create an interesting whodunnit scenario even when the audience is already aware of the culprit.
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“Deadlock”: Watch it. The resolution in “Deadlock” might seem theoretically weak, but the episode executes it effectively, turning it into a brave and impactful solution. Plus, it features double Janeways, which is always a plus.
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“Innocence”: Skip it. Another episode revolving around cultural misunderstandings, this time involving children. While not bad, it’s not particularly memorable, though it does include a sweet scene of Tuvok singing.
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“The Thaw”: Skip it. Even the Doctor’s excellent moments can’t fully salvage this episode’s strangeness. While the concept of being trapped in a mind by a fear demon is potentially terrifying, this episode doesn’t quite reach its potential.
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“Tuvix”: Skip it. If you’re tired of transporter mishaps, “Tuvix” might test your patience. It culminates in a controversial resolution with ethical implications and is largely ignored in subsequent episodes.
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“Resolutions”: Watch it. The dynamic between Janeway and Chakotay is a focal point, described as compelling. This episode explores their relationship in a unique context, and for viewers invested in their dynamic, it’s a must-watch.
Image capturing Janeway and Chakotay in a scene from “Star Trek Voyager” episode “Resolutions”, highlighting their close dynamic.
- “Basics, Part I”: Watch it. Ending the season on a high note, “Basics, Part I” features Brad Dourif again, promising a compelling cliffhanger to lead into the next season.
In Summary: Navigating Season 2
Season 2 of Voyager offers a mix of hits and misses, with about half the episodes being recommended for viewing. Many “skip it” recommendations aren’t due to poor quality, but rather because they are bogged down by excessive exposition and philosophical discussions that can feel heavy-handed. However, for those wondering where to watch from season 2 to get the best experience, focusing on the “watch it” episodes will provide a more engaging and plot-relevant journey through Star Trek: Voyager.
Finding Voyager Season 2 to Watch
For viewers in English-speaking markets looking for where to watch from season 2, Star Trek: Voyager is available on various streaming platforms. You can typically find it on services that specialize in science fiction content or those that host the Star Trek franchise. Digital purchase options are also usually available through platforms like Amazon, iTunes, and others. Checking local streaming guides and digital storefronts will provide the most up-to-date information on where to watch from season 2 in your region.
Enjoy your journey through Star Trek: Voyager Season 2, and may this guide help you make the most of your viewing experience!
