10 Most Forgettable Star Trek: Voyager Episodes

This season 4 story perhaps deserves more recognition than it gets. The premise of Random Thoughts explores the notion of craving something forbidden and presents an interesting allegory for the extreme lengths someone might go to obtain such contraband.

On a planet where crime is all but eradicated, B'Elanna is arrested after her violent thoughts supposedly influence an attack in the marketplace. With Tuvok working to prove her innocence and prevent the punishment of a risky engramic purge, he uncovers a black market network dealing in violent thoughts.

This particular episode suffers two misfortunes. As is a common theme with many entries on this list, Random Thoughts directly follows the epic two-parter Year of Hell. Airing in the shadow of such a popular and memorable story meant that this episode was destined to be forgotten, despite its premise and unexpected twist.

On top of that, this is another episode that suffers from a lack of creativity with regards to its characters. While there is a great twist in the plot itself, the characters behave predictably. It comes as no surprise that it's the half-Klingon character who is accused of violence. It is equally unsurprising that Tuvok channels his inner Sherlock Holmes to crack the case or that Paris wants to ignore protocol and break B'Elanna free. Even Neelix keeps things consistent, setting his sights on pursuing yet another impressionable young woman in an entirely unnecessary micro subplot which ultimately ends in said young woman's murder.

Of course, it wouldn't be logical for every episode to explore established characters acting unusual - that would undermine the impact of the instances when it does happen - but naturally, it is those storylines that remain more memorable, and, unfortunately, Random Thoughts just isn't such a story.