An early audition note indicated a potential romance between Tom Paris and Captain Janeway

An early audition note indicated a potential romance between Tom Paris and Captain Janeway

As a long-time Star Trek: Voyager enthusiast with a penchant for delving into the behind-the-scenes tales of the galaxy’s favorite crew, I can’t help but marvel at the intriguing tidbit about Lt. Tom Paris and Captain Kathryn Janeway. The idea that their bond could have evolved into something more than mentor and protégé is tantalizing, to say the least.


On Star Trek: Voyager, I, Tom Paris (Lt. Robert Duncan McNeill), found myself in an extraordinary bond with Captain Kathryn Janeway (Kate Mulgrew). She rescued me from my New Zealand Penal Colony and offered me a new opportunity to make amends for past mistakes. It wasn’t easy for me to turn things around, but I eventually became an essential part of the Voyager crew, gaining Captain Janeway’s respect and appreciation. Our connection felt more like family, with her acting as a guiding force and mother figure in my life, providing me with the support I needed when I struggled to live up to my father’s expectations.

According to McNeill, an early hint suggested a unique dynamic might have developed between Paris and Janeway, potentially igniting some sparks. To elaborate, in the episode ‘Threshold’, we see Paris abducting Captain Janeway and taking her to another planet where they engage in a romantic relationship that results in having offspring. This episode is memorable, and if the creators of Voyager had opted for a romantic arc between the captain and the helmsman, it would have been challenging to surmount.

Fortunately, it’s worth noting that if a storyline like this had been suggested, Mulgrew would have objected, as she had no desire for the captain to be romantically involved with one of her crew members, such as Chakotay, despite fans’ wishes. However, their relationship remained platonic due to Mulgrew’s decision.

As a gamer, I find it more plausible for Captain Janeway and Chakotay to have a romantic connection rather than her and Paris. There was never any hint of romantic chemistry or tension between them. Chakotay admired her and aspired to make her proud, much like he did with his father. Reflecting on their bond now, it’s difficult to envision them as anything more than members of the Voyager crew. It’s a relief that the audition note hinting at something romantic between Janeway and Paris never materialized.

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2024-08-11 03:23

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