10 Worst CGI Moments In Star Trek

9. Star Trek Voyager - In The Flesh

Voyager In The Flesh
CBS

Species 8472 were the largest scale, entirely digital race that were created for Star Trek Voyager and so singling them out may come across as slightly harsh. However, this particular scene lands on this list because it is a disappointing entry to Species 8472's canon.

The big reveal in sickbay during the episode was designed to be a shocking moment. The Doctor administers his treatment that will reverse the DNA sequencing and both he and Janeway show shock and fear. However, the thing they fear is neither shocking nor frightening.

For their first appearance in the show, 8472 was shrouded mostly in darkness and when the ships began to attack, it was an entirely CGI scene. This scene however shows the digital creature superimposed on the sickbay set, with two defined actors only serving to highlight the soft, CGI edge in the foreground. With the limitations of television budgeting available, it is entirely forgivable to attempt this as, the alternative (guy in a suit) would have looked equally ridiculous.

It is somewhat fair to say though that the members of 8472 who are played by human actors in this episode serve a far better purpose for the plot than the CGI puppet in sickbay and the more time that is spent with them raises the overall quality of the episode.

Contributor
Contributor

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"