Caretaker

I just saw "Fallout" pilot on Prime and was reminded of Star Trek Voyager's pilot... rewatching this after 25 years, I was surprised by how naturally it still pulls me in.

"Caretaker" does exactly what a series opener should: it sets up the stakes, defines the personalities, and makes you want to keep watching. Janeway's introduction remains one of the strongest debuts for a Starfleet captain... firm, humane, and instantly compelling.

The episode balances Starfleet formality with rough-edged Maquis energy, and the cast slips into their roles with a confidence that feels rare for a pilot.

What struck me most this time is the clarity of the setup: a ship flung far from home, a crew forced to work together, and a tone that feels both classic Trek and its own identity. The effects and pacing still hold up, and the emotional beats have more weight than I remembered.

As far as franchise pilots go, this one genuinely earns its reputation.

The Maqui are a bit under-explained, but I know from the past that it will happen. This pilot episode sets everything up. We are introduced to all the principle characters (more, of course, will be added later). We see why they are in the predicament they are in. We internal combustion but Janeway is a decent hub in the wheel. I can't believe 23 years have passed since this show first appeared. I'm going to wade my way through it one more time.

Voyager's pilot episode is just as great and gripping as The Next Generation's pilot Encounter at Farpoint, but the Caretaker earns an extra brownie point because it establishes each character's basic traits clearly to the viewers. When all the principal characters' crossed paths at the Ocampan underground tunnel, you really feel that the show is really off to a great start on creating an ensemble show (well until Seven of Nine comes in halfway in season four, then the show becomes a rather one-sided affair). Bon Voyage, it has been a great seven seasons and all of its characters will be sorely missed.

As a pilot, Caretaker works reasonably well. Each new character is introduced adequately and also familar settings and characters are thrown in to support the plot.

Introducing the Kazon's was always going to be a bad move. However, the Neelix/Kes relationship was strong from the very start, and Mulgrew convinces as a new captain.

As he does throughout the series, the Doctor provided the humour elements which have become a trademark of ST: Voyager over the years. Its a shame Chakotay had to replace the demised 1st officer as he looked just right for the part.

Caretaker does not however grip you like the pilots for the other three Trek series', and although I think as a whole ST: Voyager outshines the lot of them put together, this TV movie demonstrates how they had to scrape away the mud before reaching the gold.

January 1995 Star Trek Voyager the first of the series with a Female Captain in the lead role. The anticipation for all Trek fans was incredible and Kate Mulgrew did extremely well and even excelled in the role of Captain Kathryn Janeway.

The first episode Caretaker set the series on it's path of a long, but very exciting Voyage home!