10 Star Trek: Voyager Episodes That Were Almost Completely Different

9. In The Flesh

Voyager In The Flesh
CBS

This fifth season episode of Star Trek: Voyager saw the return of the dreaded enemy, Species 8472. While the episode was always planned to have these CGI beasts return, it started as something very different - and arguably, ridiculously expensive.

The first idea had a photo from the past turn up in Voyager's archives, showing a member of 8472 in Earth's distant past. This would begin an investigation as to how and why the alien race was visiting Earth via time travel. This version of the episode would see a large space battle, as well as a dream sequence showing Janeway's hometown being wiped out by the Bioships.

The conclusion would have seen a beat of understanding between the two, before reinforcements arrive and Voyager had to escape at high warp. The idea sounds like it would have made for a truly spectacular show - one that would require the budget of a season finale or an opener to truly pull off.

The released episode, while very different, is far closer to the Star Trek ideas of TOS. The resolution comes from diplomacy, rather than violence, which is far more in keeping with Janeway's character as well.

 
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Seán is the host and head writer/presenter for TrekCulture, as well as a writer/presenter on WhoCulture and WhatCulture Horror. He has authored two novels, dozens of short stories, and hundreds of articles for WhatCulture. He holds a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from University College Dublin. As part of his work with TrekCulture, Seán has been invited to participate in collaborations with Roddenberry Entertainment, as well as contributing to several Star Trek community projects. An avid fan of Star Trek, Doctor Who, and the horror genre at large, Seán's expertise has helped develop these channels to the successes they are today. As host of the Ups & Downs series on TrekCulture, Seán has become internationally recognised for his positive yet critically informed approach to reviewing every episode of modern Star Trek, ensuring he is one of the go-to voices in the Trek community. Favourite Quote to describe himself: "I'm serious about what I do, just not always about the way that I do it"