Robert Duncan McNeill’s Lt. Tom Paris had a very specific character trait throughoutStar Trek: Voyager, and although it always made sense, it has come to be so much more effective since the show ended. After debuting in 1995,Star Trek: Voyager’s endingbrought the story to a close in 2001. As the ship’s helmsman,Paris made major contributionstoevery season ofStar Trek: Voyager, and McNeill was given countless storylines that allowed audiences to learn more about his character. While he was always a well-rounded character, the decades since the show ended have improved his legacy even more.
McNeill’s role as part of theStar Trek: Voyagercastwas brought about, at least in part, due to his franchise debut as Nick Locarno inStar Trek: The Next Generation- a quirky dual-casting that has since been acknowledged by a guest appearance wherehe reprised the latter role inStar Trek: Lower Decks. However, no canonical connection has ever been made between the two characters beyond a meta nod in the animated comedy. Regardless,Paris remains McNeill’s seminalStar Trekrole, and his fun-loving demeanor is remembered for various reasons - but perhaps one more than others.
Tom Paris' Obsession With The 20th Century Actually Works Better Now That Era Is Long Over
Real-world 20th-century nostalgia now aligns with Tom’s passion
With all the main characters inStar Trek: Voyagerbeing native to its 24th-century setting, there isn’t anyone who can act as the audience’s eyes aboard the ship commanded by Kate Mulgrew’s Captain Kathryn Janeway. So, Tom Paris is about as close as it comes. His passion for all things 20th-century is a brilliant way of communicating that, but it’s also somewhat predictable and arguably a bit forced. McNeill’s character could have fallen in love with any period of human history, soit’s a little coincidental that he favored the era in whichStar Trek: Voyagerfirst aired.
Tom Paris’Captain Protonholo-novels are perhaps one of the best examples of his love for Earth’s 20th century. He also incorporated throwback control features inStar Trek: Voyager’s Delta Flyer.
Now, almost a quarter of a century since the show concluded back in 2001,Paris being an aficionado of the 1900s comes across as far more organic. With the 20th century also in the rearview mirror for the audience, they can share in the nostalgia that Lt. Paris wishes he could experience. The writing choice also no longer comes across as just a default selection made to connect with the 1990s viewership. Instead, it’s been retroactively made to seem as though McNeill’s character has been drawn to 20th-century memorabilia in a far more believable way.
Star Trek: Voyager’s “Future’s End” Was Made So Much Better By Paris' Affinity For The 20th Century
McNeill’s character comedically proved his knowledge of his favorite era wasn’t perfect
Although Paris is by far the most knowledgeable member of Voyager’s crew when it comes to 20th-century Earth, his lack of firsthand experience with the era means some historical inaccuracies have crept into his research. In the setting of a 24th-century Starfleet vessel, the amusing little bloopers planted there by the writers can be easy to miss, and there are never any real consequences. However, inStar Trek: Voyager’s season 3 two-parter, “Future’s End,“Tom Paris' supposed expertise is put to the testwhen the ship and its crew are thrown back in time.
Why Was Tom Paris In Prison When Star Trek: Voyager Began?
What crimes did Robert Duncan McNeill’s Tom Paris commit to be a Federation prisoner before his Star Trek: Voyager redemption arc?
Tom’s knowledge of the 20th century certainly helps the away team blend induring their trip to 1996 California, but those native to the era easily pick up on his mistakes. Sarah Silverman’s Rain Robinson is especially eager to point out how his attempts at contemporary slang are ever-so-slightly outdated, and his other missteps that are just enough to rouse suspicion. Still, it’s very fun to see McNeill’sStar Trek: Voyagercharacter reveling in getting to visit the 20th century instead of just daydreaming about it.
Star Trek: Voyager
Cast
In this sci-fi series, the starship Voyager becomes stranded in the Delta Quadrant, 70,000 light-years from Earth. The diverse crew, led by Captain Janeway, embarks on a perilous journey home, encountering unfamiliar species and challenges while adhering to Federation principles in uncharted space.
