It’s been over two decades since Star Trek: Voyager aired its most infamous episode, but the fandom is still light-years away from agreeing on it. “Threshold,” the episode that first aired in 1996, remains one of the most polarizing installments in Star Trek history — hailed by some for its bold storytelling and reviled by others as a bizarre misfire that pushed the boundaries of science fiction… and good taste.
In the episode, Tom Paris breaks the Warp 10 barrier, achieving infinite velocity — a feat that, according to Trek lore, means occupying every point in space at once. But what starts as a triumphant scientific breakthrough quickly spirals into sci-fi madness. Paris undergoes rapid genetic mutation, eventually kidnapping Captain Janeway and... transforming her into a salamander. Together, they have offspring — amphibious alien babies — before being “rescued” and returned to human form. No consequences. No explanations. Just awkward silence and a lot of questions.
For years, “Threshold” has been the subject of endless memes, debates, and “worst episode ever” lists. Critics tore it apart for defying internal logic and turning compelling characters into absurd caricatures. Yet, some fans argue that the episode is underrated — a bold attempt at speculative storytelling that dared to explore evolution and identity through an alien lens.
Even the creators had mixed feelings. Writer Brannon Braga once admitted he was “mortified” by the episode's outcome but defended its ambition. And while Voyager would go on to produce many fan-favorite episodes, none would spark as much lasting controversy.
Whether you think “Threshold” is a misunderstood masterpiece or a warp-speed trainwreck, one thing’s clear: few episodes have left such a strange and enduring mark on the Star Trek legacy.
