Star Trek: Voyager, a beloved installment in the Star Trek franchise, introduced audiences to a diverse cast of characters, each navigating the challenges of being stranded 75,000 light-years from home.
Among these characters was Ensign Harry Kim, portrayed by Garrett Wang. While Kim became a staple of the series, there was a time when Wang’s character was almost written off the show. Let’s delve into the behind-the-scenes drama that almost led to Wang’s exit.
The Backdrop
One of the lesser-known aspects of the show’s production was the tension between Garrett Wang and one of the series’ producers, Rick Berman.
The exact origins of the discord between Wang and Berman are not entirely clear, but it’s evident that their professional relationship was strained. Wang, passionate about his role and the series, often had ideas and suggestions for his character and the show’s direction. However, these were not always well-received by the production team, particularly Berman.
By the end of Voyager’s third season, the show was facing several challenges, including declining ratings and network interference.
As is often the case with long-running series, producers and writers sometimes consider shaking up the cast to rejuvenate the storyline and attract viewers.
As the series approached its fourth season, there was a consensus among the production team that a change was needed.
The idea was to introduce a new character to the show, the former Borg drone Seven of Nine.
However, this addition meant that there was a possibility of an existing character being written off to make room for the new storyline.
Garrett Wang’s Unexpected Lifeline
Garrett Wang’s portrayal of Harry Kim was consistent, and he had built a connection with the Star Trek fanbase.
However, behind the scenes, there was serious consideration of writing Kim out of the series. The decision seemed almost final until an unexpected turn of events.
In a fortuitous twist, Garrett Wang was featured in People Magazine’s list of the “50 Most Beautiful People” in 1997.
This recognition not only boosted Wang’s profile but also made the producers reconsider their decision. The publicity and attention from this feature played a significant role in saving Wang’s character from being written off.
The Aftermath
Instead of Wang’s exit, it was decided that Jennifer Lien, who played Kes, would leave the show.
Kes’s character was written out at the beginning of the fourth season, making way for Jeri Ryan’s Seven of Nine.
Further Sleights
One of the longstanding traditions in the Star Trek franchise is allowing cast members to step behind the camera and direct episodes.
Several actors from various Star Trek series have taken on this role, showcasing their directorial talents and providing a fresh perspective on the series.
Garrett Wang expressed a keen interest in directing an episode of “Voyager.” Given the precedent set by other Star Trek actors, this seemed like a natural progression for Wang. However, his request was denied, making him one of the few regular Star Trek cast members not given this opportunity.
The denial of Wang’s directorial ambition was perceived as more than just a professional decision; Wang took it as a personal slight.
This incident further exacerbated the tensions between him and Berman. Wang felt that he and his character, Ensign Harry Kim, were underappreciated aspects of “Star Trek: Voyager.”
While the off-screen tensions did not directly influence the on-screen content, they undoubtedly added a layer of complexity to the show’s production.
Wang continued to portray Ensign Harry Kim with dedication and professionalism, ensuring that the off-screen dynamics did not overshadow his on-screen performance.
