Jeri Ryan had issues with Star Trek: Voyager’s presentation of her almost immediately

Jeri Ryan had issues with Star Trek: Voyager's presentation of her almost immediately

As a long-time Trekkie and avid gamer, I can’t help but be fascinated by the evolution of Jeri Ryan‘s character, Seven of Nine, in the Star Trek universe. Having grown up watching The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine, I was thrilled when Voyager premiered, with its fresh take on the franchise. And let me tell you, the arrival of Seven of Nine was a game-changer.


For most people, Jeri Ryan is recognized as Seven of Nine. This character was once a Borg drone who was liberated from their control by Captain Kathryn Janeway and the crew of the starship USS Voyager. The audience was deeply engaged with this character and tuned in every week to watch their journey back home. Later, Ryan returned to portray Seven of Nine in Star Trek: Picard, but in a new and distinct way.

The character used to come across as unchanging and monotonous, sounding more like a sophisticated robot than a genuine human being. However, now she speaks with a more authentic rhythm and feels more human. This transformation was appreciated by some, and it’s not a change that occurs frequently.

Based on ScreenRant’s report, Ryan initially disliked the early scripts she received for Star Trek. An old interview from TV Zone magazine revealed her dissatisfaction with the beginning of her tenure on the show. One of the initial scenes she had to read for was a part of the fifth episode in season four, titled “Revulsion.” In this scene, Harry Kim attempts to pursue Seven, who casually consents and instructs Kim to disrobe for their encounter. The unexpected response leaves Kim feeling uneasy, resulting in an abrupt conclusion to the interaction.

In one of the audition scenes she was given, it came close to driving Ryan away from considering her for the part, as she went on to explain.

“It was not one of my favorites, I personally found it terribly predictable and a bit cheesy. If it had been that scene alone there wouldn’t have been a question in my mind; I would have never done the audition.”

I’m glad she didn’t abandon the role because her presence brought a refreshing energy to the show. The intricate relationship between Neelix and Kes left a bitter aftertaste for many viewers, and moving past their problematic pairing was a significant factor in the series reaching new peaks during seasons three and four.

The depicted scene featuring Seven of Nine stands out for its uniqueness. In this instance, she’s shown to exhibit a strong fascination with human experiences rather than any sexual inclinations. Her comprehension of flirting or emotional connections seems elusive at present, making her actions appear unusual. This portrayal highlights that despite her exceptional intellect and skills, Seven of Nine is deficient in certain aspects of maturity typical for adults her age.

In my view, this scene isn’t unpleasant at all. Given that shows such as Picard, Discovery, and Lower Decks have explored graphic elements like gore and disfigurement, this part seems relatively mild by comparison within the context of Star Trek’s recent developments.

Maybe that’s not a good thing, though.

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2024-07-19 04:23

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