Year of Hell

Voyager runs into trouble in a disputed region of the Delta quadrant:

This is a very strong episode with great visuals and character moments.

The plot has a great "what if" sci-fi premise that underlies some very effective visual storytelling. To see Voyager in such disrepair is one of the most memorable aspects along with the suffering of the crew.

What makes it work are the character moments. Numerous characters contribute to the story in both dramatic and humorous scenes. Janeway is written as a determined leader, whilst Annorax is introduced as an antagonist with a clear purpose and not a one-dimensional villain of the week. Katie Mulgrew and Kurtwood Smith are both on great form.

Events unfold to a climax that makes you want to see what happens next in a similar way to TNG's 'The Best of Both Worlds'.

If you are able to watch part 2 immediately after it is worthwhile as the story flows much better in one sitting.

For me it's an 8.5/10, but I round upwards.

As everyone except the show writers has noticed, Kes had warned them about the Krenim, and no one remembers it - it is a continuous problem that events of past episodes often are not reflected in the next ones, but this is the proverbial elephant in the room. The episode "Before and After" specifically foreshadowed the events here, yet it is like it never happened (huh...).

Nonetheless, if you forget this glaring error, the episode is great, both in its depiction of a ravaged Voyager and for introducing a villain who appears to have some depth and character - as well as a megalomania that will obviously be his undoing.