Warning: SPOILERS for Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5, Episode 9 – “Fissure Quest”
Garrett Wang has made a notable return as Ensign Harry Kim in the hit animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks. This time, he portrays multiple versions of Harry from various timelines within the Star Trek multiverse. Wang, who famously played the role of Harry Kim in Star Trek: Voyager for seven seasons, is reprising his character for the first time since 2001.
The ninth episode of Season 5 sees the starship Anaximander, led by Captain William Boimler (Jack Quaid), encounter a variant of Harry Kim who is uniquely promoted to Lieutenant. This Lieutenant Kim, feeling frustrated that the rest of the Harry Kims across the multiverse remain Ensigns, takes matters into his own hands, posing a significant threat to the multiverse itself.
Garrett Wang on His Star Trek Comeback as Multiple Versions of Harry Kim
Wang Plays a Whole Starship Crew of Harry Kims
Image via Paramount+
ScreenRant: Garrett, can I start by confirming you’re the original Garrett Wang and not one of the multiverse duplicates?
Garrett Wang: I am not. (laughs) I am Garrett Prime.
Garrett Wang: Yes, I think one of my favorite lines is when Tawny Newsome shouts, “Damn you, Two Pip Kim!”
As a voice actor, what techniques did you use to differentiate between each Harry?
Garrett Wang: I focused on maintaining different tones for each variant. The script had numerous characters talking, so I relied on a system of adjectives or identifiers—like ‘Super Confident Harry’ and ‘Nervous Harry’—to help me get into character quickly. I truly enjoy voice work, and this opportunity to create various versions of Harry was a dream come true.
Your impression of Janeway is fantastic, almost flawless!
Garrett Wang: Well, Kate Mulgrew might disagree—she often jokes, [as Kate Mulgrew] ‘He’s dined out on that imitation for years.’
Star Trek: Lower Decks Achieved an Incredible Crossover Event
Lower Decks Revives Six Iconic Star Trek Characters
Garrett Wang: Alfre Woodard! This episode may be the largest gathering of legacy characters, making it one of the all-time greatest episodes of Lower Decks. Fans of all Star Trek series cherish characters like Bashir and Garak, and to finally see them together is thrilling.
It’s fascinating how Lieutenant Kim became the villain, driven by his feelings of disrespect for the other Harry Kims still stuck as Ensigns.
Garrett Wang: Exactly! The promoted Harry, who should be enjoying a comfortable life, instead becomes overly obsessed by his peers’ underachievement. It’s a great twist.
I loved the moment when he’s confined, lamenting, ‘They wouldn’t even put us in the cell with the commanders!’ Perhaps “Harry Kim Destroys The Multiverse”would be a better title than “Fissure Quest.”
Garrett Wang: Or it could simply be “Kim Quest.”That sounds perfect!
The Unique Advantages of Animated Star Trek
Modern Star Trek Creators Are Fans
Your return as Harry Kim is something the fans have been clamoring for…
Garrett Wang: You have no idea how much I wanted this! I was thrilled to step back into the role.
The beauty of animations, especially in Star Trek, is it allows beloved actors and characters to return without the constraints of aging.
Garrett Wang: It’s remarkable! Animation has evolved beyond merely being for kids; it appeals to adults too, and I’m thrilled to be involved in this medium.
Last year, Terry Matalas mentioned wanting Captain Harry Kim to appear in Star Trek: Picard Season 3. Were you ever in discussions about this?
Garrett Wang: Yes, I was contacted for it, and I was even part of a script at one point. However, I was informed that budgetary constraints hindered the project.
I’d love to hear the full story sometime!
Garrett Wang: Catch me at a convention, and I’ll spill the details! (laughs)
Garrett Wang Reflects on the Legacy of Star Trek: Voyager
Voyager Inspires New Generations of Fans
I attended the premiere of the Star Trek: Voyager documentary in Los Angeles last month, and it was a fantastic event!
Garrett Wang: It truly was a lot of fun, and I was honored to be part of it as an executive producer.
Many fans grew up watching Voyager, with Janeway as their captain. It’s heartening to see the renewed respect for the series over the years.
Garrett Wang: It’s incredible! I often meet women at conventions who tell me, ‘I was ten when Voyager premiered, and Harry was my first crush.’ It resonates deeply when I hear this.
It’s likely you adorned the bedroom walls of countless fans!
Garrett Wang: It’s surreal to think about, but it’s true—I was on a wall, somewhere!
Garrett Wang Discusses What’s Next for Harry Kim
Is a Captain or Admiral Harry Kim in the Works?
Robert Picardo is part of the cast for the upcoming Starfleet Academy series. Have you discussed the potential for Captain Harry Kim in this show?
Garrett Wang: I haven’t yet spoken to Bob about his role or even Tawny about hers. It’s on my to-do list!
How exciting that you and Robert Duncan McNeill host a podcast, The Delta Flyers. It’s such a fantastic project!
Garrett Wang: I definitely stay busy with a lot of projects!
Because Starfleet Academy is set far into the future, if you appear, you’d likely be Admiral Harry Kim.
Garrett Wang: Absolutely! Imagine me making a special appearance as holographic Admiral Harry Kim.
About Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5
In Season 5 of Star Trek: Lower Decks, the crew of the USS Cerritos face a unique challenge dealing with “space potholes” —subspace rifts wreaking havoc in the Alpha Quadrant. Their assignment becomes complicated as they also contend with an Orion war, furious Klingons, diplomatic disasters, and personal career ambitions. This season celebrates this underdog crew, who find themselves on the brink of promotion to unfamiliar Starfleet roles.
- Lewis talent
- Mary Chieffo
- Gabrielle Ruiz
- Jerry O’Connell
- Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5 Cast Junket
- Star Trek: Lower Decks Cast At NYCC
Don’t miss the series finale of Star Trek: Lower Decks, set to stream on Thursday, December 19, on Paramount+.
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