The Possibility of Kes’s Return to Star Trek: A Voyager Character’s Comeback Without Jennifer Lien

Star Trek: Voyager fans may still have a chance to see the return of Kes, even if actress Jennifer Lien does not reprise her original role. As an Ocampa, Kes faced a limited lifespan, estimated at only nine years. When she joined the crew of the USS Voyager alongside Neelix (Ethan Phillips) in 2371, Kes was just two years old. This means that, even if she survived the series’ seven-year journey, she would likely be nearing the end of her life by the time the Voyager crew returned to the Alpha Quadrant in 2378. Given that most recent Star Trek series occur in the 2380s or later, one might assume that Kes would **not** be alive—at least, not in her original form.

In the second season episode titled “Cold Fire,”which aired in Star Trek: Voyager, Kes encounters other Ocampa colonists who have enhanced their telepathic abilities, enabling them to extend their lifespans to 14 years or more. As Kes trains under Lieutenant Tuvok (Tim Russ), her telepathic prowess remarkably grows. Furthermore, in season three’s “Before and After,”an alternate timeline reveals a version of Kes who survives well into her 10th year. The last episode featuring Kes in a corporeal form, “The Gift” from season four, showcases her transformation into an energy being due to the overwhelming surge of her telepathic abilities.

Potential for Kes’s Return in Star Trek

Kes’s Return Without a Physical Form

Kes with Tom Paris and Neelix in Star Trek: Voyager

Kes and the Doctor in Star Trek: Voyager

Despite the inherent limitations of her Ocampa physiology, Kes’s character could still return in the Star Trek universe. As a being of energy, she could transcend her former physical constraints. One possibility includes being housed within an artificial golem body, akin to elements featured in Star Trek: Picard, or perhaps taking on a unique vessel, similar to Zero from Star Trek: Prodigy. Additionally, a holographic representation could honor her profound relationship with the Doctor (Robert Picardo), as she was among the first to recognize him as a sentient being.

Even if she were to exist in a physical form, an aged Kes might have managed to survive into the 2380s, particularly if she has mastered the ability to telekinetically extend her life—a skill she grappled with during her time on Star Trek: Voyager.

While the opportunities to revisit Star Trek’s 24th century are limited, they are not completely nonexistent. If Star Trek: Prodigy receives a third season, the characters could venture back to the Delta Quadrant, potentially reuniting with Kes. Given that Prodigy is often regarded as a spiritual successor to Voyager, bringing Kes back in this series seems highly plausible. Similarly, a live-action series, like Starfleet Academy, could allow Kes to reunite with her old friend, the Doctor. Moreover, the advanced technology present in the 29th century could feasibly offer a means to resurrect Kes, whether through sophisticated holography or other futuristic advancements.

The Possibility of Recasting Kes in Star Trek

Challenges with Jennifer Lien’s Return

Emotional farewell between Kes and Janeway in Star Trek: Voyager

Regrettably, the chances of actress Jennifer Lien returning to the Star Trek franchise are quite low. Lien exited Star Trek: Voyager after the third season. Initially, the explanation for her departure suggested that the character’s limited lifespan left the writers with little room for development. In retrospect, cast and crew members have disclosed that Lien faced significant mental health challenges at that time. Ultimately, her departure seemed to be the best option for both her personal well-being and the series as a whole. Since stepping away from acting, Lien has continued to navigate various mental health and legal obstacles.

Absent Jennifer Lien, any future stories featuring Kes would necessitate recasting the role. In a live-action format, a new vessel for the otherwise non-corporeal Kes could provide a narrative justification for a different actor taking on the role. While animated series typically feature the original voice actors, a talented newcomer could echo Lien’s portrayal of Kes effectively. Additionally, modern technology would allow for Kes’s likeness to be closely approximated, making an animated resurgence in Star Trek: Prodigy‘s anticipated third season a viable option for bringing back this beloved character.

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