In the vast universe of Star Trek, one of the most beloved characters to emerge from the series is Seven of Nine. Portrayed by Jeri Ryan, Seven of Nine brought a fascinating depth to the show Star Trek: Voyager. Known for her struggle with regaining her humanity after being liberated from the Borg Collective, Seven's journey resonated with viewers around the world. And while her character had many meaningful relationships on the show, there is one that fans often wonder about: the possibility of a romantic connection with the USS Voyager's holographic Doctor, played by Robert Picardo.
In the fifth season episode titled 'Someone to Watch Over Me,' the Doctor's efforts to help Seven understand the intricacies of dating inadvertently led to him falling in love with her. Unfortunately, for the Doctor, Seven did not reciprocate these feelings. Despite this, their bond remained strong, evolving into one of the most compelling friendships in the Star Trek franchise.
Jeri Ryan, in her recent comments featured in The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years, expressed her fondness for the relationship that Seven developed with the Doctor. Ryan admits that she is 'still sad' that Seven didn't fall for the Doctor, acknowledging his sweetness and the unique dynamic they shared. Both characters existed on the fringes of humanity, often observing from the outside. The Doctor, being a hologram, longed for experiences he couldn't have, living vicariously through Seven. This commonality gave them a deeper understanding of each other's struggles and brought them closer together.
While the Doctor may not have had the romantic connection he desired, his friendship with Seven of Nine proved to be both meaningful and impactful. In contrast, Seven found an unlikely friend in Ensign Harry Kim, who had initially harbored feelings for her. Although Harry's crush eventually faded, their friendship didn't carry the same weight as Seven's relationship with the Doctor.
One of the remarkable aspects of Seven's journey is her evolution from a former Borg drone with a limited understanding of individuality to embracing her own humanity. The Doctor played a significant role in this transformation, helping her navigate the nuances of human interaction. The Doctor's role went beyond medical assistance; he took on the responsibility of ensuring Seven's social functionality, offering guidance and support along the way.
The connection between Seven of Nine and the Doctor was based on shared experiences of being outsiders among the crew of the USS Voyager. Both were caught between their non-human and non-machine identities, and this common ground allowed them to form a bond that transcended the complexities of human relationships. For Seven, who was skeptical of forming friendships due to her Borg background, the Doctor provided a safe space where she could trust and be understood without the need for conventional social customs.
Jeri Ryan acknowledges in her comments that the romance between the Doctor and Seven of Nine would have been sweet and supportive, but ultimately it was not meant to be. Although fans may have hoped for a different outcome, the depth and authenticity of their friendship should not be overlooked or diminished.
Star Trek: Voyager continues to captivate audiences, with its exploration of humanity, relationships, and the vastness of space. The connection between Seven of Nine and the Doctor will forever be remembered as a testament to the show's ability to tell compelling stories and create unforgettable characters.
If you're yearning for a cosmic adventure, you can dive into the Star Trek: Voyager series on Paramount+ and relive the captivating journey of Seven of Nine, the Doctor, and the rest of the USS Voyager crew.
