10 Reasons To Greenlight Star Trek: Janeway NOW

3. Janeway Is (And Always Will Be) A Beacon Of Representation

When Captain Janeway took to our screens, full of confidence and courage, she inspired a generation.

Her scientific skill and intellect resonated with so many girls and women, helping them imagine a future where they too might seek out new worlds, or be welcome in a lab. And it's time for a fresh wave of ambition.

Seeing Janeway sit in that iconic centre seat opened the eyes of countless women. As she gave orders to a loyal and trusting crew, girls saw themselves as leaders and mentors. But we need more.

In the 90s, Janeway represented women who chose to make their careers an integral part of their lives. She was respected for her efforts and remained steadfast in the face of adversity. But a 25th century Janeway would be in a very different part of her life.

For years, older female characters have been underrepresented in both television and film. While we're finally starting to see more, they're all too often restricted to the role of grandmother or matriarch. Admiral Janeway would represent all those women who, like her, pursued their work or their passion and either decided not to start a family or found themselves without one. Many of those girls and women who were inspired by a younger Janeway may well be experiencing that same journey right now.

If an older Janeway does find herself facing life after Starfleet, how does that sit with a woman who put duty above all else? With no children of her own, has she surrounded herself with friends or adopted a more solitary lifestyle? Is it bittersweet to watch people like Torres and Paris with their own family, or does she feel pride for being such an important part of their story?

Seeing Janeway reconnect with her found family while coming to terms with a future without a uniform could be a beautiful and inspiring story in its own right. And just as Janeway became a role model in the Voyager years, she can continue to champion the complex stories of women that are rarely told.