Janeway emotional at first contact with Starfleet Command

This moment brought some tears to my eyes. Capt. Janeway emotional with first real contact with the Alpha Quadrant, Starfleet command at San Francisco, all the way to the Delta Quadrant, 60000 light years away.
Season 6, episde "Pathfinder".

[@tennesseewilliams101]

I absolutely love the way Barclay’s commander immediately sprung into action when hearing Voyager even though he was just proven wrong in front of an admiral. No ego, his opposition to Barclay really was about the mission and he legitimately cared about his mental health.

[@deathstrike]

Barclay was always the sort of "in the background" hero. Time after time ,kind of like Forrest Gump, he proved he was probably one of Star Trek's greatest heroes. And he was really a perfectionist, taking every loss hard but bouncing back and proving he was invaluable.

[@bostonrailfan2427]

if he didn’t help he’d be relieved of command and kill his career…he had no choice but to assist

[@danlowe]

What I loved about Roddenberry Trek. Concrete morals, professional and dutiful above all else. Truly there to work together in a mutual endeavor

[@patrickcook1531]

@@deathstrike Sort of the hero that isn't really noticed until a miracle happens like reaching a star ship 40,000+ light years away for the first time. Barclay did the same things on the Enterprise under Capt. Picard.

[@swordsintheshadows2576]

AGREED and lt should be happy with that I would be said hero Barclay and the team killing the borg vessels set and commanded well

[@beavishulme180]

Reg Barclay is like the Neville Longbottom of the Star Trek universe. He starts out extremely awkward and clumsy, but in the end proves to be a hero.

[@Ozefan2580]

beavishulme180 Excellent analogy!

[@Hyperion5182]

Hero Nothing. The long term redemption arc of that character only highlighted just how good that actor really was. He's incredible.

[@hernamtirado8707]

Hyperion5182 he came a long way from playing Murdock on the A-Team

[@spurgear]

Excluding all of the horrors he committed in the holodeck, I can see that

[@WardNightstone]

man that is REALLY on the nose

[@TIG5574]

"We appreciate it sir! Keep a docking bay open for us...." You can hear the strain in Janeway's voice. She's trying so hard to keep it together. I love this scene so much!

[@Action_Figure_King]

Most def. The perfect actress for the part.

[@Dancestar1981]

@@Action_Figure_King absolutely the role was made for her

[@melodiefrances3898]

I first saw Kate Mulgrew way back in Ryan's Hope. Even then she stood out as a strong woman. I agree she was perfect for this role.

[@Aerojet01]

Kate Mulgrew didn't get the role for the sake of diversity quotas, she got the role because she was very good and a very good fit.

[@threefistbanddrummer4185]

​@Dawson Davis true as she has had a life time long friend who Vulcan to help her keep a level headed mind to not let her emotions go to far.

[@Mogwai786]

The best thing about this scene is after years in the Delta Quadrant alone, the first thing Janeway does when making contact with SFC is to send all the data Voyager has collected so far. She didn't get carried away, become overly emotional, or use it as an opportunity to leave messages for her loved ones. It was about information, knowledge. Because that's what Star Trek is all about at its heart: progress and advancement of humanity by the collection, transmission and comprehension of knowledge.

[@ZzCanonBull]

Who knows...something in all that data might spark something that someone was working on and get them home sooner...especially with all the borg info they collected

[@Knightphall]

@@ZzCanonBull The Krenim Empire's tech would've done it. Or asking Q, but Q said no. (Although he had no issue with taking the Enterprise home when they were in Borg territory)

[@ZzCanonBull]

@@Knightphall I think that's because he brought them there in the first place

[@christphern]

One has to keep in mind that Q is an omnipotent being that would almost certainly have know Voyager’s place in history. For example, had he brought them home early, the Borg would still be a threat to the Galaxy, rather than effectively extinct at this point in Trek history.

[@NATESOR]

Well said, but i think the writers of discover really nailed it when they had Spock say, "I like science." /S

[@bradleykramer2967]

This is my favorite scene of all the Voyager episodes. Reg Barclay being vindicated. His character tends to inspire those of us who have mental problems that make us outcasts in today's society.

[@thebroncosfan]

I tried to like your comment 100 times but apparently you can only do it once

[@porpus99]

I have to agree with this being a favorite scene from voyager. I also struggle with disabilities, have all my life. Going through bullying and hardships, but you learn to appreciate the struggle. To push yourself beyond the expectations of everyone else, and prove your worth. Kudos to Reg Barclay.

[@TheSaneHatter]

Aspies rock!

[@TheSaneHatter]

#aspergersyndrome Barclay would understand. :-)

[@TheSaneHatter]

***** Well *I* have my suspicions . . . and since I have it, I think I ought to know. ;-) Barclay's one of at least 4 "Trek" characters with Aspie traits, along with Spock, Data, and Seven of Nine. Of these 4, Data shows the clearest signs, but since he's an android, Seven is a Borg, and Spock's an alien, Barclay is the most likely to one to actually have Asperger's. And believe me, I do see a lot of myself in him! Thank you, however, for at least knowing what I'm talking about.

[@josephperdomo1536]

The look on Tom's face when he heard his father's voice...priceless

[@christianresel8051]

He legit cried. So did the admiral as he was aware that janeway would NEVER let something happen to his son or her crew. Those loses they took where hard as is (same for Archer. he might be the only trek captain to actualy have that same level of dedication for ALL of his crewmen(Picard would have ben imposible realy.. them Galaxy class fields 1000 personel, NOT counting civilians and the sovereign is 700 strong as well... just you wait for the F and her crew complement... not only dwarfs any starfleet ship and D'deridex class warbirds, nope, she has crew on board and i guess civilians made a comeback too(given she is again mainly for exploration and science)

[@HariSeldon913]

The admiral was probably breaking protocol just a bit by mentioning Tom specifically, it would have been nice if Janeway had bent the rules just a bit at her end and let Tom respond to his dad, even just an, "That's an affirmative, sir."

[@josephperdomo1536]

@@HariSeldon913 Tom was probably so choked up about what his dad said that he probably couldn't get the words out of his mouth.

[@T-1001]

@@HariSeldon913 There wasn't really time. Also Harry would probably have exploded if Tom got to talk to his Dad and he didn't get to talk to his family.

[@josephperdomo1536]

@@T-1001 his family wasn't in the room when first contact was made with voyager. That wouldn't have been Tom's fault.

[@AndrewLedwith]

I love how Barclay, under immense pressure to communicate clearly in the moment, absolutely nails everything he needs to say to Voyager. It's just a subtle character moment, overcoming his anxiety when it mattered most. Wonderful writing and a great performance.

[@brettsymons604]

As someone with anxiety (and I know it can be different for others), I'm find if a situation is sprung on me. The anxiety only comes on if I have a chance to think about it.

[@thephantomeagle2]

That’s the abilities of Dwight Schultz there

[@acidtwin]

A spin-off back then with Barclay would have been fantastic. A great character performed by an exceptional - and in my opinion, underrated actor.

[@Jayteaseepiirturi]

That's Barclay encapsulated. He would come through as the brilliant engineer he is, in the end.

[@ChevronSeven]

I was actually anxious myself when he talked to Voyager. I was like: Don't screw up Reg!

[@calanon534]

Rest in Peace - Richard Herd (Admiral Owen Paris) 1932 - 2020

[@armandoortiz9114]

I didn't know RIP

[@frodobaggins3974]

The Borg did not get him, but COVID did :(

[@666chapelofblood]

@@frodobaggins3974 No it didn't, he died of colon cancer.

[@calanon534]

@@666chapelofblood Dudebro. Chill. No need for bad language. I mean, it's kinda natural to assume anyone that died from '19 to '21 was a victim of The 'Rona. Not everyone does their research. It doesn't hurt to be polite, at first.

[@666chapelofblood]

@@calanon534 My apologies, it's just kind of annoying to see someone playing guessing games when it comes to the cause of someone's death.

[@blargd]

"He heard you Admiral...." A really subtle and touching way of telling him Tom was on the bridge as a productive member of the crew all before the micro wormhole collapsed... or that was my take on it at least

[@themuto1966]

Michael Coombes Very true.

[@ooooreality7190]

+Michael Coombes To be fair, the Admiral knew almost nothing of events concerning Voyager since her "loss" ...if not dead with the "lost" ship, his son was still in custody, in the brig, for all he knew.

[@blargd]

My Point being that saying "He heard you Admiral" implies he heard the transmission on the bridge

[@katien29101986]

he would of known tom wasn't in the brig from when the doctor was transported to alpha quadrant.

[@dharmindersingh949]

If i may clear this up for ya'll. Admiral Paris: How are you people holding up? Janeway: Very Well. They are an exemplary crew, your son Included.

[@JakeVeillette]

"Keep a Docking Bay open for us," Me- *literally making a river of tears*

[@UTubeTulip]

+Jake Veillette It was the emotion that she said it with. Kate Mulgrew is an exquisite actor.

[@Aquablue33]

Yes, she is terrific.

[@antr7493]

gets me every time too.

[@JokerSerbia]

Yes, I had tears in my eyes, in the set.... damned...!

[@peterjensen6844]

For me, that's the "tell him I'm proud of him" line. Every. Damn. Time.

[@willycanuck]

Barclay's journey is a great story. From C-rated crewman on Enterprise, whom Picard decided to keep instead of seeing him kicked out of Starfleet - to a hero who made contact with Voyager. Nice to see 'Murdoch' from the A-team in action again. Dwight Schultz - great actor.

[@gruncletim]

Barclay actually had more screen time on Voyager than he did on TNG.

[@scars2k2]

You should see em in 'Fatman and Little Boy'

[@Mobus_]

He's also a conservative radio host. Great guy!

[@FORZION]

it just shows how good leadership can turn someone around. picard could have transferred barclay or ignored him. instead he had him mentored.

[@HariSeldon913]

This should have gotten him a promotion.

[@bartolomeestebanmurillo4459]

What I liked about this scene is Admiral Paris asking Janeway how the ENTIRE crew was doing. There was no time for sentimental reunions or anything else, they were a stranded ship that needed help. The other part I liked, is Voyager sending Starfleet all the knowledge of species and civilizations and phenomena they encountered during their time in the Delta quadrant. Imagine being the technicians who were sifting through it!

[@decembergal]

I imagine it would take them years just to pour through all the data

[@bostonrailfan2427]

given how they were doing the same for decades, it’s probably itemized, indexed, and arranged for ease of use

[@r.c.auclair2042]

Remember that the transmission occurred in the middle of the night. Some librarians & technicians got calls that night.

[@lancer525]

@@decembergal "Pour" : To dispense a liquid from a container. "Pore": To read or study with great detail and attention. You're welcome.

[@redmondpeters6221]

Kids in a candy store am I right?

[@LordMazafeff]

And suddenly "Project Voyager" gets the FULL backing of Starfleet, Barclay get's heaps of recognition and Voyager becomes a subject of intense public fascination. Imagine the news and rumors that spread throughout the Federation about Voyager and it's adventurers. The dramatization's people live out on the Holodecks. The new training practices added to Starfleet academy in the event of being marooned like they were. I wish on the anniversary they do an in-universe documentary on the impact of "Project Voyager" to the Federation as a whole.

[@beawild]

Voyager became the little ship that could. After the Dominion war, the Federation needed a hero and that crew was heroic.

[@theforgottenelitedangerous4827]

imagine the consperacy theories from the romulans and klingons

[@CosmicCleric]

@Jonathan EilbeckWell played, sir. Well, played. :)

[@Nighthawke70]

And approval for the slipstream drive that powers AVENTINE.

[@dhinton1]

@@Nighthawke70 and Titan. and the Voyager fleet that went back out to the DQ. and the Enterprise-E got refitted, if memory serves me correct.

[@mk17173n]

i loved this episode because it represented persistence over ridicule and judgement. Barclay is smart person even though he is socially awkward.

[@biscuitninja]

You describef just about every engineer....

[@mk17173n]

most people who are engineers are introverts that's why they have the ability to study so much content. It also makes them less prone to being social.

[@decodeddiesel]

Barclay is brilliant, he just doesn't work well in a military-type environment.

[@mk17173n]

most smart people have social anxiety because they realize human interaction is a waste of energy.

[@StormchaserKnight]

Just being smart doesn't grant you a pass. He's also fairly incompetent, can be insubordinate and blows off work to have holo-fantasies with senior staff. No wonder he never got promoted.

[@bartolomeestebanmurillo4459]

I can see why Janeway chose becoming an Admiral after what they went through in the Delta Quadrant a desk job is a very very nice reprieve.

[@TheLSK]

I figure that she got promoted as part of the senior commanders (or THE commander) to oversee and upgrade the fleet with the tech they brought back with Voyager.

[@whereisriley]

Actually in the books that followed the series finale, Janeway was unhappy with becoming an admiral. There’s a scene in the book Homecoming in which Janeway is promoted and she realizes that being admiral means no ship, no voyager. Such a good book too

[@whereisriley]

James Kessler True, but for for Janeway she wouldn’t be Voyagers Captain. The book describes most admiral jobs as “desk” work. I imagine it’s the same reason Picard stayed Captain of the enterprise for so long, they like to be in the thick of it. Not behind a desk. James, you should read Homecoming. It’s the book 1 of 2. By Christie Golden.

[@bartolomeestebanmurillo4459]

@@whereisriley Oh. Then I see her getting back out there after a few years.

[@oddish4352]

Yes. People say Janeway shouldn't have been promoted before Picard, but Picard was offered a rear admiral's post before there was a Captain Janeway. Before Riker's beard, if I remember right. Janeway just chose to accept it.

[@stevenkaye1625]

"This is Admiral Paris", and then the look on Tom's face. I tear up every time.

[@jesusalfredofernandezcruz1833]

Imagine his face of the Admiral Paris, in the end of the series, when he know that is a grandfather now.

[@keiths81ca]

We will robbed by not having a reunion of the Paris family

[@PG-qw8er]

Bs

[@kamxam1384]

They have a novel out that details what happens after they get home which does include Admiral Paris seeing his granddaughter. Also has a main story that goes into a second novel. If i remember correctly its called "Star Trek: Voyager : Homecoming" by Christie Golden.

[@stevenkaye1625]

@@kamxam1384 oh nice! I’ll check it out!

[@august7535]

"Keep a docking bay open for us" That line always gets me.

[@jameskunz6590]

Same here. You can hear her almost break. That desperate yearning hope… it makes me sob.

[@banchas75]

One of my favorite moments in the franchise.

[@mudduck754]

It always brings a tear to my eye

[@christopherreed4071]

Kate Mulgrew plays this so realistically, she's the best thing about Voyager

[@jasonreed7522]

I would argue that the Dictor is the best but its so close between all of them. Except for when Chakotee's actor got sick of the writter and tried to get fired by asking for insane salaried and giving minimum effort at the end. You can't blame him because Breman was not a writer capable if growth and regected most of the ideas that would have elevated Voyager to the undisputed best Trek. (Also the suits in upper management never helped)

[@SBaby]

@@jasonreed7522 I really feel bad for Chakotay's actor, because I do believe that the feud with the writers was one of the main reasons why they tried to make his character unlikeable. They turned a stoic, strong willed character into a Native American stereotype and also into a character who cheats on anyone that he's in a relationship with.

[@Dancestar1981]

Absolutely there would be no Voyager without Kate

[@SBaby]

@@cadmus204 Except the change had started to happen before Voyager had ended (everything but the cheating part).

[@engine22emt]

She is my absolute favorite Captain in star fleet I’m sorry I know a lot of people disrespect voyager But I’ve always loved this series and I grew up On TOS

[@DoStuff1958]

Some episodes stand out in the Star Trek franchise. This is one of them.

[@24juan68]

This makes me tear up every time

[@Rob774]

You aren't alone!

[@corrollasful]

The music really adds well

[@Icha74]

same here...just now when I saw this again...

[@BeautyBeatdown]

I'm currently on my first rewatch of Voyager all the way through. I watched it when it came out weekly when I was a teenager, this is just really the first time I've ever sat down and rewatched. Love it! And it was at a time when women were getting more exposure in leading roles. Of course Ripley is still the Master of sci-fi to me

[@mrminerva2]

Me too. This is one of my favorite scenes in all of Trek

[@cypher515]

I think that what really turns on the floodgates for me is, it's Reg who did this. The character I always related to the most, the one with _crippling_ social anxiety who could barely relate to people enough to make them realize he had anything to offer, and it's _him_ that gets the job done.

[@GoldRushMedia2023]

You should be proud of being able to publicly post an admission like this. Reg would definitely admire you.

[@Willpower-74205]

Dwight Schultz's Barclay on TNG always struck me as sort of a Mary Sue-type character, but it was a very good one.

[@FortoFight]

@@Willpower-74205 How? He's literally the opposite of a Mary Sue. He suffers from crippling anxiety and a lack of self-confidence, causing him to make others around him uncomfortable and frustrated.

[@Willpower-74205]

@@FortoFight Granted, he's not a typical example, but the character (previously unknown) was introduced specifically to solve the problem in "Hollow Pursuits" and receive acclaim for his actions. That's the definition of a Mary Sue-type character. His crippling social anxiety issues and holo-addiction were the challenges he had to overcome in order to do so. This isn't a critique of Barclay, but an objective assessment. He has many traits I can identify with. In fact, he's one of my favorite Trek misfits, along with Ro Laren (😎) and Seven of Nine (😍).

[@jamesmartin9401]

Steve Shives on KZbin submits that Reg is perhaps the ultimate hero of the Federation in persevering in the face of his emotional issues. I'd say it's at the very least a cogent argument.

[@phillwainewright4221]

"Why the long face, Mr Barclay?" "Because I'm still a bloody Lieutenant after all these years."

[@rkmugen]

(>Ensign< Kim enters the chat.)

[@deusexaethera]

Not everyone wants to advance to positions of higher responsibility. Lt. Barclay struggles with his existing responsibilities.

[@billyboblillybob344]

I think there are varying degrees of Lieutenant for what it's worth. Also, Reg had that quasi-holodiction to contend with. It is possible that that is a recurrent issue keeping him from substantive advancement. He's also shown himself to be a competent tech; not so much for the red uniforms...

[@keyblader2k6]

@@deusexaethera i think barclay WANTS to be promoted but as youve said, he struggles with his current responsibilities, so his chances of being promoted is pretty small, no matter how brilliant he may be

[@deusexaethera]

@@keyblader2k6: Barclay is effectively a technical specialist, and in real military rank structures there is a limit to the promotion ladder for technical specialists, because above a certain rank a person is responsible for too many things to be able to specialize.

[@manofbeard]

Still watching voyager in 2019. Never gets old. Great show, great cast.

[@ZeitdiebX]

Man Of Beard You and me both, pal. Yeah, it was! Look out for the upcoming Star Trek Picard... 7 of 9 is a part of it. Among many others.

[@HowDyaYouLikeMeNow]

Yup. Only one more season left on Netflix before I finish the entire series. :(

[@nickmcmahon623]

Same here, good old Netflix. Watched the final episode yesterday and slightly disappointed but these scenes make it worthwhile.

[@alexanderg1935]

Still watching in the Pandemic era. Fantastic series.

[@Jay-bz2qt]

Same in 2021

[@shaunahuck8808]

It's been years since this show went off the air and this scene this gets me. The look on Tom's face when he hears his dad told us everything we needed to know about their relationship. Very beautiful moment for everyone.

[@kevinlawson477]

I agree I know I wish I could hear my dads and moms voices again

[@shaunahuck8808]

@@kevinlawson477 same, it's been many years since my dad passed away and I'd give anything to hear his voice again.

[@stephenmarino6753]

Admiral Paris: "Tell him, Tell him I miss him & I'm proud of him." Janeway: "He heard you Admiral!" I'd travel the Delta Quadrant infinity times over just to hear my father's voice again...

[@jasoncarpp7742]

This scene brought tears to my eyes. And I don't generally cry.

[@TheMotz55]

Stephen: you will hear that voice again...trust me.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

I can't remember what the episode was, or what the episode title was, but I remember watching this scene and just bursting into tears.

[@deusexaethera]

That is what tape recorders are for. When I want to hear my grandfather's voice I play a tape he recorded back in the 80's. I realize that doesn't do you any good now, but maybe you can make sure _your_ kids can hear your voice when they need to.

[@nickmcmahon623]

Stephen Marino damn, now you’ve made me cry! Best wishes fellow Trekkie, you are not alone

[@nuck97]

I always get a smile when Janeway puts her arm around Ensign Tom Paris (the same man whose collar she tore a pip off of a year ago) and states she has an exemplary crew that she's very proud of. :)

[@s0nnyburnett]

Pretty sure she beats them with a belt when starfleet isn't looking.

[@Foebane72]

I thought Janeway threw Paris in the brig for thirty days AFTER this moment?

[@koekjeshepard5085]

Foebane72 no, he's wearing one pip here already

[@Johnboydownunder]

Foebane72 "Thirty Days" he was demoted. It was earlier

[@thebeststooge]

Precisely, and I just watched that episode of him in the Brig for 30 days for going into the water world while disobeying her direct orders AND stealing the delta flyer. He lost the pip for disobeying her and not for the theft (the theft resulted in the 30 days in the brig)

[@zxtreme31]

This episode always makes me absolutely FURIOUS at the series finale. Instead of giving a real emotional ending by spending time with the reunification we go immediately from action scene to a quick “we made it home. Show over. Goodbye everybody”.

[@kamxam1384]

They do have a couple of books that tell what happens afterwards. (Plus the obligatory danger to everything plot) First one is called "Homecoming".

[@Dancestar1981]

It was rushed because the set was being pulled down for use on Enterprise

[@ukiyasenpai]

@@Dancestar1981 Sadly that is the case. I just wished that they took a year break before Enterprise starts production.

[@LaKellita]

They spent too much time with the Borg storyline to focus on the homecoming, which was the whole point of the show.

[@Dancestar1981]

@@LaKellita the whole series spent far too much time on the Borg in general and on 7 in particular at expense of everyone else so annoying

[@philbertchow5425]

The best of humanity in one clip: Pivoting to the greater good in an instant (Reg, give me a hand with this) The stalwart captain, doing what needs to be done while fighting tears. Then telling the admiral exactly what he needed to hear about his son without it even being articulated. Racing the clock to get the job done before the transmission ends. Giving a lost group of travelers some last minute hope Looking beyond past mistakes to give the man who made the impossible possible credit and command of the mission in an instant. Acknowledgement of a futile hope, rewarded. Really hits ya in the feels.

[@louisiananlord17]

When Tom hears his dad's voice, I choked up so much. Whenever you come away from home and you miss it. It is so amazing!

[@beawild]

I loved Voyager and its crew, particularly captain Janeway. It was an emotional episode. The look on Tom's face is priceless. He had a tough relationship with his father, but hearing that he missed him and was proud of him must have been something that he never thought he would hear from his father.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

@glenwo2 I imagine.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

I know the feeling.

[@jaynerushton9298]

I loved this series. So underrated. Janeway was brilliant.

[@SeatBill]

Voyager was better in a lot of ways than TNG; not as good as Deep Space Nine (nothing in the ST universe is as good as DS9!)...and WAY better than ST:Enterprise! Voyager is one of those series that has to grow on you as time passes; DS9 was FANTASTIC RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX!

[@mickeye6428]

@@SeatBill Everything in the Star Trek universe is better than DS9.

[@0623kaboom]

i enjoyed the series for the new episodes they brought ... but the rehash of old star trek themes for decades before just bores me ... you would think in 50 years writers could develop a new something to write about ... heck talk to little kids and get their ideas .... would be better than re doing the trouble with tribbles .. or the sweating sickness ... and so on

[@midlifecoding]

Still makes me tear up to this day.

[@nfinn42]

"Keep a docking bay open for us" I get choked up every time. ^_^;

[@Trek001]

+nfinn42 They should have added another minute or so to the final episode where Voyager docked at either Spacedock or McKinley Station with Admiral Paris waiting so he could say "Captain, I kept the bay open for you"

[@nfinn42]

Nah, that would have been too much, I think. Don't want to layer it on with a trowel. But maybe having him *say something to his frickin' SON* would have been good. Maybe Tom could tell his dad he's a grandfather? Or show Reg breaking down in tears in the background (we all know Broccoli's a softie). I guess they wanted more scenes where people spout Treknobabble and fire CGI at Borg. While a certain amount of that is fine, you don't need so MUCH of it to make a great, action-packed sendoff. "All Good Things..." managed to put a nice coda on TNG without needing endless battle and chase sequences. Forgive my grumbles. I still tear up every time I see "Endgame"'s final scene. But it could have been so much better. It could have been the second-best Trek series finale (after "All Good Things...". Instead, it ties Enterprise's "These Are the Voyages..." for third place. :\

[@nfinn42]

(side note: *still* mad at the Franchise for deciding to rename Nick Locarno to Tom Paris because of royalty issues. HUGE continuity opportunity lost.)

[@Trek001]

+nfinn42 Well he didn't know until right at the end that Tom was on the Bridge.

[@nfinn42]

Rewatching the series now with my wife, after finishing DS9. And, well, some parts are great, but mostly I've been cringing through seasons 1 and 2. She's been rolling her eyes nonstop. I keep telling her "wait until seasons 3 and 4, it stops sucking somewhere around there", but she's losing patience. Maybe it's different from when I first watched it as a teen, but Voy sure doesn't come off well in comparison to DS9. I'm hoping against hope that Bryan Fuller and the other showrunners of the upcoming series will have the sense to give it a continuing, story-arc based format rather than the episodic format that proved obsolete in Voy and season 1 of Ent.

[@dixonhill6739]

Such a great scene. Maybe its only me, but i love how Janway´s voice ist just a little bit trembling while she talks. Very well done.

[@Hyperion5182]

Its not you. They'd been waiting for this chance for a very long time. Even the Prometheus incident wasn't able to establish contact like this. Now they all had proof that home was still home, and more.

[@AchkeineAhnung24]

"keep a docking bay open for us" ... is anyone cutting onions right now?

[@omedeun2]

Uranos 96 every single time

[@Ajr5691]

Literally every God damn time

[@mulberryman1305]

Reginald Barkley, easily *one of* the most famous secondary character in Star Trek

[@ChristophProbst]

O'Brien is probably the most famous secondary character since he went on to become a main, but Barclay is pretty close up there!

[@Yroko]

Barclay was awesome in TNG. Reminds me of a classmate that i knew.

[@alexanderholscher6548]

I'd argue he's second only to Nog, as far as characters from secondary casts go.

[@mickeye6428]

@@alexanderholscher6548 Nog isn't secondary. Neither is O'Brien, at least in DS9. Also, my vote for most famous secondary character is Mudd.

[@CQ1032]

Lt. Broccoli

[@STiBebi]

Justin Brown : This is because Kirk told Picard: "Well let me tell you something. Don't! Don't let them promote you. Don't let them transfer you. Don't let them do *anything* that takes you off the bridge of that ship, because while you're there... you can make a difference."

[@thebeststooge]

Too bad that when Janeway got back home she was instantly promoted to Admiral and became a desk jockey from then on.

[@Trek001]

Dark Alchemist - she should have been Court Martialed the second she got home

[@charlie7mason]

Considering the stuff She and her crew went through, a long life of relaxed desk jockeying and chilling are probably warranted.

[@Trek001]

She deserves a GCM

[@Pyrotech56]

At that point, she was probably more than happy to do it. She'd had a lifetime of adventures and heartbreak, I don't blame her one bit.

[@mikeprovost]

This show deserved more credit than it got.

[@humaanwar8495]

I'm watching this afternoon 20 years and I'm tearing up.

[@jeffreyweitzman6463]

It really was some of the greatest years for Star Trek as a tv series when one after the other Next Gen. Deep Space Nine and then Voyager were on.

[@MissSarahG107]

Tom's face when he hears his dad!!!!! :) It would've been nice if they'd spoken, but I do still like the scene :D

[@catotheverymuchyounger]

+Lexington73300 Torres.

[@ooooreality7190]

+Sarah Gronow Well, that's Starfleet discipline... both father and son know that with such a narrow window of communication, they must make their priority the ship as a 'whole' ... their are many other members of separated families aboard.

[@NuntiusLegis]

Robert Duncan McNeill is one of the best actors in Star Trek. I can't remember one scene where he failed to appear as a real person as opposed to someone who is acting. Can't be said of all captains.

[@OrionOlamPiksie]

true. McNeil and Roxann make such a cute couple and it's actually believeable... it's rather good their dynamic.

[@OrionOlamPiksie]

and as I said, I loved Janeway/Chakotay. wish the writers could have changed it..

[@amandabagwellpruitt2541]

It is impossible for me to watch this scene without crying!! It happens everytime without fail!! I love this show!!

[@donbagert]

I had wished in the last scene of the final episode of the series, Admiral Paris would have said to Janeway, "As per your request, we have an open docking bay waiting for you" :)

[@eoghanlacey6384]

I would say as per your request , we have a docking bay open for you

[@TariAkpodiete]

An excellent suggestion!

[@lifeasafanpodcast9529]

I woulda had Barclay transport onto voyager for the last lil bit to shake hands with the crew

[@steveespinola7652]

I liked the series finale but both suggestions would have been perfect for the finale.

[@_WillCAD_]

A beautiful scene. One thing I would have changed is that when Adm. Paris said, "Tell him I miss him," she should have looked down at Tom and nodded, giving him the go-ahead to say, "I hear you, Dad. I miss you, too." I understand why she didn't. Time was short and there were more practical things to say. But I don't think those few words would have been an outrageous abuse, considering that Tom was the only one in the whole crew who had an actual loved one on the other end of the comm. It was good that Adm. Paris held back and didn't ask specifically about his son at first, not wanting to steal precious comm time with personal talk, but that Janeway mentioned him specifically, letting him know that a) his son was alive, and b) he was doing his family proud.

[@bartolomeestebanmurillo4459]

I think Janeway subtly did that with "He heard you, Admiral." This scene was a massive payoff because Voyager was just a little closer to home and they would eventually get there.

[@Brian13356]

But she said "He heard you". That told the Admiral that his son was on the bridge, doing his job and heard him.

[@crackwitz]

I also imagine Tom would have been a little lost for words in that moment.

[@AgileMJOLNIR]

I really like the direction they went with barclay. I remember hating his debut on The Next Generation but really liking and respecting the character later. So glad he didn't become Star Treks Jar Jar Binks!

[@Mokkari77]

I liked him when he was on TNG. I can relate to social anxiety.

[@kathiebroens2831]

His name is Broccoli! Ask Picard...

[@AgileMJOLNIR]

Kathie Broens Ha Ha that's right! ;)

[@NateSean]

Instead that honor fell to Neelix.

[@kathiebroens2831]

Tuvix ..my fave ep of him lol

[@timsmith3346]

Mulgrew showing here that she really _can_ act (the supressed but very real emotion seen here, played to perfection). The writers were the real problem. However, Voyager did manage 7 seasons, which is more than can be said for TOS or ENT. And it has a decent enough fanbase these days. I would say Mulgrew was easily second best captain to Picard in terms of acting ability.

[@Dancestar1981]

Tim Smith the producers had Kate reel back her performances to make the aliens more realistic. She was amazing, imagine what she could do on stage without restrictions

[@EMSpdx]

Where Voyager messed up was when the writers started to shift away from the ensemble crew towards the Borg and Seven of Nine. Seven was a good addition, but there was too much Borg conflict (which was resolved beautifully in First Contact) and not enough tussling with the more interesting baddies like Species 8 something. It lasted 7 seasons because UPN needed a flagship series to draw viewers honestly and they would have had to pay out the cast if they ended before then. All hat said, Kate Mulgrew is brilliant and beautiful and I wish the writers had been more imaginative with her!

[@Rockhound6165]

Don't knock TOS. It's failure had more to do with stodgy TV execs than anything wrong with the show. The fact that the TOS crew went on to make 6 very successful feature films and revitalized the entire franchise tells you how brilliant the original series and characters were. Believe me, without Wrath of Khan there would have been no TNG, DS9, Voyager, etc.

[@athlonen]

@@Rockhound6165 I'd go even farther. If it weren't for Lucille Ball, there would have been no TOS, TAS, TNG, DS9, VOY, ENT, STD, and now PIC.

[@Rockhound6165]

@@athlonen Desilu, yep.

[@wristdisabledwriter2893]

The admiral telling his son he misses him and his proud makes me cry

[@annalee280385]

I always get goosebumps when Tom hears his father's voice for the 1st time in years

[@ers586]

I like how Reg brought this moment to fruition. He was portrayed as a screw-up in New Generation and this series gave us a different look at this character.

[@bbenjoe]

+steven franklin I disagree with your first statement, he started as a feable coward, but came around in my opinion. He is one of my favorites for sure.

[@ers586]

+stink stinky Good one!

[@domoranzi638]

+stink stinky "Good, I look forward to your report Mister Broccoli."

[@christoffelmiddel6663]

+steven franklin The Doctor, redge are the best characters in star trek.

[@VintageMovieChannel]

+steven franklin he s still just an LT which is pretty much the equivalent of terminal lance...

[@vicorinpeppers7127]

Honestly, after all these years... this scene still hits me in the feels.

[@skatedurr]

facts

[@pauljmorton]

My favorite scene of this episode is when Paris declared Barclay an honorary member of the Voyager crew.

[@thejnelson88]

My dad died in 2019, Voyager has always been my comfort in the past and turned to it after his death. I forgot about this scene, when I rewatched this episode after he passed I lost it and still do. Everytime my dad and I talked he would always tell me how proud of me he was. This scene will always hold a place in my heart.

[@freedomstar3930]

Sorry about your dad. May he rest in peace. At least he lived long and prospered. 🖖🖖🖖🖖🖖🖖🖖🖖🖖🖖🖖🖖🖖

[@StrongOaker]

I loved how in this episode right before Seven receives the signal its just another day lost in the Delta quadrant, Seven telling Nelix he cant sing etc. During the transmission the acting is superb, you can feel Harrys excitement, Checkotay's just awe at the moment, Tom's look when he hears his fathers voice and Janeway barely composing herself. Even Tuvok had this look like he had to contain himself but was ready with those logs n reports and of course Seven's treatment like oh look a starfleet transmission like it was just any other unusual transmission.

[@danmcdonald3723]

That little bit with Seven and Neelix is hilarious. Her deadpan manner as she is just destroying his hopes of singing is first rate. SEVEN: In your case, practice is irrelevant. Your vocal chords are incapable of producing basic diatonic tones, not to mention your rhythmic shortcomings. NEELIX [disheartened] : I sound so good in the sonic shower. SEVEN: Perhaps you should confine your efforts to that location.

[@dazlovescarter]

one of the best moments in Voyagers run, making contact with home and it was all thanks to one man Lt Barclay. i love how Tom when he hears his dad for the first time in years and how Janeway asks that they keep a Docking Bay open for Voyager to give the people back home more hope that Voyager would be back in that Bay

[@SamaritanPrime]

And you know what? I fully believe that they DID keep a Docking Bay open.

[@toajaller992]

It brings tears to my eyes.....you can see the pain in the admirals eyes when Janeway mentions his son was included, pain yet mixed with relief.

[@khartog01]

"Leave no one behind" Starfleet carries the tradition ever onward.

[@ritchietheforky]

Star trek all genre's shows HUMANITY the way we should be. No money,jobs for all,friendly,fight as a last resort,diplomatic, enlightened,acceptance of all race's, genders,religions and adventurers

[@Galilee1964]

My favorite emotional Janeway moment (which I can't seem to find on here) is from "Message in a Bottle." The Doctor comes back and says he was told to tell the Voyager crew "You're no longer alone." Janeway gets emotional, her voice cracks, and she says "60,000 light years seems a little closer today." I'd love to see that downloaded.

[@elainestringfellow791]

It on netflix x

[@kineticdeath]

3 years after this comment was posted (4 years ago now) that scene was uploaded. Enjoy! kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5TGn42lfNKjpLc

[@legionaireb]

This scene would never have happened without that one.

[@jonnyb70]

ask and ye shall receive. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4SzhaGKec5-p6s

[@beawild]

That was a very moving moment. Admiral Paris must have been thrilled to know that his son was alright. For four years those on Earth thought that Voyager was lost, it must have been tough for the crew's families. Thanks to Reg, they had hope to see their loved ones again.

[@Trek001]

Its a nice touch from the actor who has a momentary pause before talking when Barclay says the wormhole is collapsing - you can tell from the few fractions of a second before he talks that he's thinking about Tom *THAT* is acting

[@karazor-el6085]

From the novella RITA HAYWORTH AND SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION by Stephen King (which was an excellent movie): Andy Dufresne: "Remember Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies."

[@voyager406]

This is what Discovery writers need to pay attention to, being a captain of a Star Trek ship is a professional, strong, slight sense of humor and with a sprinkle of emotions all in one.

[@jasonreed7522]

Ironically the original captain was all of that, we didn't get many scenes with her though. Also why where the 2 most compelling characters the engineer and doctor who i swear were originally created to be woke but ended up have actors good enough to make it work. The rest of the crew is pretty insufferable, i think i would be team Mirror universe captain if it wasn't for the engineer. Disclaimer: i only watched a large part of season 1 while it was on Hulu, it has since disappeared and I'm not supporting a bunch of streaming services, they need to die back to a normal amount. And especially not for STD.

[@angelus2193able]

So Capt. PIke

[@1aikane]

Discovery 🤢

[@SleepyHeather]

What I love about this scene is that after years of wormhole hunting, slingshot technologies, transwarp drives, experimental doohickeys all ending in failure, Voyager finally gets contacted by Starfleet on what is for them a quiet Tuesday afternoon.

[@nickmarsala3787]

I have to admit it that this really makes you cry

[@deusexaethera]

Not really. Good music makes me choke up; this is just a TV show.

[@nickmarsala3787]

@@deusexaethera Whatever

[@HunterBidenCocaineBag]

I always cry during this episode. Every.Time.

[@XjrhughesX]

Rest In Peace Richard Herd (Admiral Owen Paris) of Star Trek Voyager, Sienfield, and V Fame. Thank you for entertaining us.

[@BoyMex000]

This is the best Voyager's episode to me, that represents hope for a better future, values, resilience... this is the core of Star Trek.

[@Kavafy]

Took me ages to realise Barclay was Murdoch from the A team

[@Dr.Westside]

Really ? I tripped out because mad Murdock was my favorite character in The A-Team .

[@Andyb2379]

No way!

[@scottys1423]

He was doing a talk radio show for a while too, maybe still is.

[@beatrixthegreat1138]

ooh i completly forgot that! I love Murdck

[@emmettredding1]

Yep...Murdoch from the original TV series The A Team. In the 2010 movie remake with Bradley Cooper and Liam Neeson, there is a scene where they help Murdoch escape from a mental hospital. Murdoch is watching a movie during this scene...the names of the actors in this fictional film are being credited...one of the names scrolling across the screen is Reginald Barclay!! A very well hidden Easter egg

[@beawild]

This scene always made me teary eyed. After so many travails and losses, they finally are able to contact Starfleet. They now have a renewed hope to see Earth some day. I love Voyager, they did go where no man had gone before.

[@salilbhatnagar]

Paris "Why the long face Mr. Barkley?" Barkley " Because it's over sir." Paris "No Lt., I'd say project Voyager is just beginning thanks to you." RIP Richard Herd

[@fredsilvers1427]

Star Trek is my respite from PTSD. I didn't realize it until recently I heard a soldier that was hit by an ied and lost his legs and an arm talk about it at a star trek convention. So this episode is particularly satisfying for me, seeing Reg triumph over his own mental and social problems.

[@athlonen]

Just so you know, it was a story similar to this that came to Patrick Stewart as a letter from a lieutenant in the Las Vegas Metro Police Department that became his reasoning and justification for coming back to do ST: Picard.

[@robertdurant6616]

When Reg said the wormhole was collapsing who else was thinking "No, keep talking!!"

[@GiuseppeSilipo]

I've seen this scene many times, in Italian (I am Italian) and in the original language and all the times I was almost moved, I have identify with the Lt. Barclay, who in his small managed to do a great thing, having the courage of violating orders and regulations, without being able to value himself.

[@bartolomeestebanmurillo4459]

RIP Richard Herd, thanks for the memories.

[@RetroActiveGM]

"Keep a docking bay open for us!" Now that, is some damn fine acting.

[@robertschwartz9259]

This was probably the best moment of Voyager

[@TheMotz55]

I remember watching this episode when it first aired. As it was Voyager's first contact with Starfleet, it was incredibly uplifting. "We've been waiting a long time for this moment." Viewers felt what the crew felt. It was the first glimmer of hope, Voyager would make it...

[@gemarrs]

What's a real shame is that the writing for the finale didn't have an inkling as much of a care about itself as this episode did. I still to this day have no idea how they managed to avoid pretty much every opportunity for the kind of closing the show really deserved after everything they went through.

[@gprimr1]

I was really disappointed we didn't get to see a little more about what happened to the crew once they returned.

[@Trek001]

G.E. Marrs - according of what I have read, Beltran was told the ending and exploded at the writers and producers and said "Seven years and we're going out with this shit?"

[@BritishCommentWriter]

I'm amazed they didn't kill Chuckles or the bar rodent off. Offscreen. How amazing would it have been to have Tuvok say "Captain, it appears that Commander Chakotay has died after he stubbed his toe and cried so much that he dehydrated. He kept saying that he suddenly realised how much everything about him was so lame and how his face was so stupid looking".

[@spencer2571]

'Keep a docking bay open for us' does not make me tear up like an onion ninja victim at all.

[@robertmarze6333]

Katherine Mulgrew is an exceptional actress. In this scene alone she is attempting to maintain the poise of being a captain with an emotional overload for finally hearing from Starfleet. Knowing now that they know the crew is still out there and still trying to get home. It's a ray of hope for her and her crew. It's worthy of an emotional cry from all involved but she has to remain poise and a leader throughout.

[@markfox1545]

Shame you got her name wrong.

[@trashcandy.]

@@markfox1545 that's...her name? it's a little weird because she goes by kate, but katherine is her full first name.

[@Janvsone]

My fav scene....when Kes became a light being and said...my gift 2 u....and Janeway said, she thru us 10 years closer 2 home...though the relationship w/7 is good, the Janeway/Kes relationship was....awesome...

[@EMSpdx]

Okay, at last: Someone else who thought the Janeway/Kes relationship was wonderful and special! (yes, I am late!)

[@StormsandSaugeye]

To Lieutenant Broccoli!

[@xsailor85]

Storms and Saugeye 🍻

[@christinemusselman5499]

Picard, mortified and stone faced, walks back to his ready room. Great scene!

[@spaceflight1019]

Hoisting a pint!

[@billyboblillybob344]

Good old Reginald Barclay made an appearance in the A-Team movie with Liam Neeson some years back. They were showing a movie of the TV version of the A-Team when one of the 'stars' of the show was listed as REGINALD BARCLAY...clear as day. And, of course, Dwight Schultz had a cameo as well since he was an original A-Team member (along with Dirk Benedict).

[@ABCDG13]

F you Wesley” the only reason I can be a stuck up little immature jackass is because my mom may or may not be screwing the captain who used to be my late father’s friend!” Crusher! Shut Up Forever Wesley!

[@beawild]

I'm not crying, you are. It still hits me in the feels.

[@emstorm1725]

This was a fantastic episode and continues to shine 20 years later. Love the cast and the way they incorporated Barkley.

[@pattimcb31]

Best Barclay episode ever. I always wanted him to visit Quark's.

[@purple8ball82]

pattimcb31 didn't he visit quarks and get involved with a good digger ferengi?

[@pattimcb31]

Nicole Steward I don't know that episode, do you know which one?

[@christinemusselman5499]

It is. But the TNG episode that exposed his hollo-addiction is a close second.

[@karlsmith2570]

Ru New I could just picture how that interaction would play out

[@hansenkho3835]

RIP to Mr. Richard Herd a.k.a Admiral Owen Paris, Capt. Dennis Sheridan (TJ Hooker), etc. You will be always remembered

[@heleneb2105]

I loved, loved, loved this episode. Got all teary.

[@Renville80]

Thank you for thinking of the deaf people and ensuring closed captions are available.

[@voteDC]

I can watch this scene over and over, and indeed do, and love it as much as the first time I saw it. Every actor just performs perfectly.

[@rolandmiller5456]

That moment with Tom Paris was emotion for Janeway too. As was speaking to the admiral if I recall correctly she served under the admiral when she was a junior officer and he was a captain. So you can imagine how emotional even though she didn't show it very much it was for not only for him to hear that but for her to speak to a man who was her mentor

[@angeluss28]

My eyes got wet. Its not this, its dust. 😭😭😭 I can watch this hundreds of times and it makes me enotial everytime.

[@josephschultz3301]

As flawed a show as Voyager often was (the writing, not the acting), this scene still gets me right in the _real_ feels. It's one of the best scenes in the entire show and, in my mind's-eye, reflects how a realistic military command structure might respond to lost soldiers trying to find their way back home from far, _far_ away. Admiral: "We're doing everything we can to bring you home." Janeway: "We appreciate it, sir. Keep a docking bay open for us." Straight to the point. With Janeway showing no emotion and being tough for her crew. That's why it makes me cry. Boys and girls, we're goin' home.

[@cameronchesters5300]

"keep a docking bay open for us" Richard Herd :( we will miss you :(

[@Blaine10024]

The way Janeway says "Their an exemplary crew," this to me was the most satisfying moment in the series. I imagine this conversation being broadcast to all hands and people stopping in place to listen to something they have only imagined until then.

[@titanhades4331]

Nothing but a bunch of murderous cowards.

[@MrBellsa61]

"keep a docking bay open for us" still gets me a little bit, even after so many years

[@kashattack]

One of the best scenes in Star Trek

[@cruz5888]

“Keep a docking bay open for us” always makes me choke up a bit

[@jeibal02]

Everytime I see this scene, tears.

[@Bester76]

Even all these years later, this one still brings a tear to the eye. Beautifully written, masterfully played.

[@quietearthMT78]

Definitely one of the better moments of Voyager. The part where Paris' Dad talks always gets me.

[@scarypineapple8608]

One of the rare episodes where the good writers had their chance. Awesome episode with no crashed shuttles or transporter and holodeck malfunctions!!

[@aqueen04]

I grew up watching Voyager, and I remembered loving it, for the most part (every show has dud episodes). Janeway was my favorite character from start to finish. I remember not liking Seven much because I felt she was getting too much attention at the expense of the other characters, but after watching her on Picard I have fallen in love with her. I may go back and watch Voyager again someday with the perspective of an adult and see how I feel about her. My feelings may well change there. But this scene in particular was one of my favorites, hands down. Not only was Reg Barclay finally given his moment to shine, to persevere in the face of all those who doubted him and be utterly vindicated, but the crew finally gets a moment of live contact with home, something real and visceral to prove that Earth, Starfleet, and the Federation had not forgotten about them. So moving. It always brings a tear or two to my eyes.

[@CaptCovfefe515]

It’s so much more than Voyager making contact with Earth again. It’s the fact that Barclay was redeemed after his idea succeeded, and when Tom heard his father talking. Those add so much more emotion to the scene. It will always make me cry.

[@annatribe4244]

No matter how many times I've seen this clip it always makes me cry