The Fates of Neelix and Kes on Star Trek: Voyager

Neelix and Kes, two significant characters in the sci-fi series Star Trek: Voyager, experienced complex and often controversial storylines in their final episodes. Their journeys were marked by personal growth, ethical dilemmas, and the broader narrative of the series. Let's delve into the details of their endings.

Neelix's Departure and Reconnection

Neelix, the gentle Talaxian chef aboard Voyager, played a pivotal role in the series. He left Voyager near the end of the series by the writers' choice, marking a significant turning point in his character's development. One of the key reasons for his departure was the creation of a colony of Talaxians on an asteroid, an event that Voyager had a hand in establishing during their journey through the Delta Quadrant.

Neelix's life after his departure was marked by happiness and contentment. He found a new love and established a family with a female Talaxian, becoming a beloved figure in his community. The series suggests that his time with Voyager ended on a positive note, with him continuing to serve as an ambassador to the Federation and making occasional cameos right up until the final episode of the series. The colony maintained communication with Voyager as long as they could, symbolizing the enduring bonds formed during their shared adventures.

Kes's Journey into the Unknown

Kes, the young and talented Bajoran trainee telepath, had a tumultuous and often controversial arc in the later seasons of Voyager. Her final appearance saw her leaving Voyager under a mysterious and dramatic circumstances. In the final episode, Kes was faced with a pressing moral dilemma involving the Warp Core and her friend B'Elanna Torres.

The plot was complex: Kes decided to commit a grave act by attempting to use the Warp Core to travel back in time to prevent herself from developing her powers, essentially manipulating her own history to avoid her own future. Her plan was intercepted by a hologram of her younger self, a poignant touch that underscores the series' exploration of self-recognition and identity. This version of Kes convinced her to return to her homeworld, a place that must have been thousands of lightyears away due to the vast expanse of space and time.

Within her final moments, Kes displayed a profound emotional journey. She chose to go home and die surrounded by her family, a stark contrast to the 'psychopathic' behavior hinted at earlier in the series. Her decision to return to her family, rather than staying on Voyager despite her internal struggles, is a testament to her character's growth and complexity.

The series did manage to portray Kes as a character undergoing a significant transformation, one that combined elements of self-discovery, moral reckoning, and ultimate closure. Her choice to face her 'end' with love and support rather than in isolation highlights the profound emotional depth of the character and the series as a whole.

Overall, the stories of Neelix and Kes encapsulate the intricate and at times harrowing journeys faced by characters in Star Trek: Voyager. Their endings speak to the enduring theme of personal transformation and the consequences of decision-making, marking memorable and impactful episodes in the series' extensively documented history.

Keywords: Star Trek: Voyager, Neelix, Kes