Jennifer Lien’s portrayal of Kes in “Star Trek: Voyager” provided the series with a unique perspective on humanity and personal growth. Despite her relatively short tenure on the show, Kes left an indelible mark on the Voyager saga through some truly memorable episodes. Here are six of the best Kes-centered episodes that showcase Jennifer Lien’s talents and the depth of her character:

1.”Before and After” (Season 3, Episode 21): This episode is a standout for Kes fans, featuring a narrative that revolves around Kes experiencing her life in reverse. We witness an older version of Kes moving backward through time, getting progressively younger. It delves into themes of love, loss, and the impact one has on others’ lives.

2.”Cold Fire” (Season 2, Episode 10): Kes comes into her own as her telepathic abilities expand under the guidance of a fellow Ocampa who shows her how to tap into her psychokinetic powers. But she faces a moral dilemma when she discovers the potential destructive nature of these new abilities.

3.”Warlord” (Season 3, Episode 10): Jennifer Lien demonstrates her range as an actress in this episode where Kes’s body becomes host to an alien warlord named Tieran. Her performance is gripping as she portrays a vastly different personality from the gentle Kes viewers had come to know.

4.”The Gift” (Season 4, Episode 2): This emotionally charged episode is crucial for both Kes’s character arc and Voyager’s journey home. As her powers grow uncontrollably, threatening both her life and the ship, Kes makes a sacrifice that propels Voyager closer to home—a true testament to her evolution and selflessness.

5.”Elogium” (Season 2, Episode 4): In this early episode, Kes begins the Ocampa reproductive process called elogium but questions whether it’s too soon for her to have a child. The episode deals with issues of maturation and responsibility, providing depth to the character’s personal journey.

6.”Twisted” (Season 2, Episode 6): While not solely focused on Kes, this episode places her in an intriguing situation as Voyager encounters a spatial distortion wave that rearranges parts of the ship. It allows Kes to showcase her developing role within the crew as she helps them navigate this perplexing phenomenon.

In these episodes, Jennifer Lien’s portrayal of Kes helped explore complex narratives and deep emotional territory within the tapestry of “Star Trek: Voyager,” leaving fans with lasting impressions of her character’s journey.