In the vast universe of Star Trek, unity and camaraderie reign, where diverse beings explore the cosmos together. However, hidden behind the success of Star Trek: Voyager, a different tale unfolds. The relationship between Kate Mulgrew, Captain Kathryn Janeway, and Jeri Ryan, Seven of Nine, was fraught with tension.
In 1995, Kate Mulgrew made history as the first female captain in the Star Trek franchise, embodying female empowerment and leadership. Her groundbreaking role as Captain Kathryn Janeway was lauded, inspiring countless young girls to dream big.
However, a new character’s arrival disrupted the equilibrium during the fourth season. The show’s makers aimed to boost ratings by targeting the young male demographic. Their strategy was to inject more sex appeal into the series, and thus, Seven of Nine was born.
Jeri Ryan’s Arrival as Seven of Nine in Star Trek
Seven Of Nine ♥️ Star Trek
Captain Seven Star Trek Picard/Voyager /Legacy x.#SevenOfNine #Startrek #CaptainSeven #JeriRyan #StVoyager #StPicard #StarTrekLegacy #Edits pic.twitter.com/lrDlC78EZ3— Glojo👩✈️ (@GlojoCuscuhing) July 29, 2023
Seven of Nine, portrayed by Jeri Ryan, was a unique character in the Star Trek universe. As a former Borg drone, she belonged to a machine race known for their collective consciousness and relentless pursuit of perfection. However, after being rescued from the Borg collective by Captain Janeway, Seven of Nine had to reacquaint herself with her humanity, and this journey became a central theme of her character arc.
Jeri Ryan brought Seven of Nine to life with a captivating performance. Her character was dressed in a form-fitting outfit that accentuated her figure, a stark contrast to the more conservative Starfleet uniforms. This bold move by the producers proved successful as the show’s ratings soared following her debut.
The sudden shift in attention from Kate Mulgrew to Jeri Ryan had a profound impact. While Mulgrew outwardly praised her new co-star and continued to champion the virtues of Star Trek and her character, Janeway, she felt left behind. The introduction of a character designed for sex appeal seemed to undermine her role as the franchise’s first female captain, a role she had hoped would be sufficient in its own right.
The tension between Mulgrew and Ryan was evident from the start, creating a challenging work environment. According to Rick Berman, Voyager’s executive producer, Mulgrew, who had been the “Queen of Star Trek,” felt threatened by the arrival of the “Busty, Gorgeous, blond babe” who suddenly stole the limelight. The media’s shift in attention from Mulgrew to Ryan only exacerbated the situation.
Garret Wang, who played Operations Officer Harry Kim on the show, also shed light on the situation. He stated that Mulgrew’s anger was initially directed towards the character of Seven of Nine, but as time went on, it began to target Jeri Ryan herself. This resulted in a hostile work environment that was, at times, almost unbearable.
One shocking anecdote shared by Wang involved Mulgrew attempting to restrict Ryan’s bathroom breaks. She reportedly told the line producer that Ryan was not allowed to use the bathroom during work hours because it took too much time to get her in and out of her costume. This request, which was not honored, demonstrated the extent of the animosity Mulgrew harbored towards Ryan.
Jeri Ryan herself has spoken about the difficult work environment. She admitted that the first season following her arrival was particularly stressful, to the point where she would feel nauseous before going to work due to the high levels of stress.
A Public Acknowledgment
Years later, Mulgrew publicly acknowledged the tension between her and Ryan. In an interview, she stated,
“This is on me, not Jeri. She came in and did what she was asked to do. No question about that, and she did it very well. It’s on me, because I’d hoped against hope that Janeway would be sufficient. That we didn’t have to bring a beautiful, sexy girl in.”
Mulgrew admitted that she found the situation insulting and hurtful, but she also recognized that she should have handled it better.
Despite the turbulent past, the relationship between Mulgrew and Ryan has since improved. Mulgrew has publicly apologized and taken ownership of her behavior on the Star Trek: Voyager set. In multiple interviews, she has acknowledged her actions and expressed regret for directing her frustration with the producers towards Ryan.
Today, Mulgrew and Ryan share a much more amicable relationship. They have appeared together at multiple events and conventions, demonstrating their ability to put the past behind them. Their friendship is a testament to their professionalism and their shared history in the Star Trek universe.
Fans of the series have expressed their happiness at seeing the two actresses reconcile. The transformation of their relationship serves as a reminder that people can change and grow, and past conflicts can be resolved. Despite the challenges they faced, both on and off-screen, the enduring legacy of Star Trek: Voyager endures as a beacon of hope and unity in a universe of infinite possibilities.
