10 Most Forgettable Star Trek: Voyager Episodes

Sadly, yet unsurprisingly, we have another Harry Kim episode. Emanations holds the status of being Voyager's first Harry-centric story. 

While investigating what appears to be a burial site found on an asteroid, Harry Kim is somehow transported to an unknown planet whilst a, seemingly dead, alien woman materialises in his place on Voyager. The beings on this planet believe that, after death, they move on to a greater afterlife. Harry's arrival places doubt on that theory and he is eager to return to Voyager before he can interfere too much with their cultural beliefs. 

Though the examination of different cultural rituals and beliefs about death is certainly a thought-provoking topic, Emanations lacks anything epic or challenging to stick in the memory of viewers. 

The solution to Harry's return is obvious - go back through the same rift that brought him - yet it takes the entire episode to achieve despite there being very little conflict or restriction. Yes, the planet's doctor insists on analysing Harry's biology but he isn't a prisoner per se. If he had been locked in a cell, or physically restrained in some way, then his plight to escape and activate the cenotaph would have added a level of thrill and anticipation to the episode.

Season 1 had already introduced the high stakes conflict between Voyager and both the Kazon and the Vidiians, so a standalone, tame story such as Emanations gets lost in the crowd. It is also followed by Prime Factors which explores the desperate measures certain crew members are willing to take to find a way home - another episode with much more relatable and emotional stakes for both the crew and also the viewers.