Death Wish (Star Trek: Voyager)

"Death Wish" is the eighteenth episode of the second season of the American science fiction television series Star Trek: Voyager. The episode originally aired on UPN on February 19, 1996.

The episode centers on the discovery of a Q, an immortal being of near-omnipotent power, being held in a stasis field by a pair of alien beings. The Q, named Quinn, requests asylum aboard Voyager and demands to be released so that he can commit suicide. The crew of Voyager, particularly Captain Kathryn Janeway, must grapple with the ethical implications of allowing Quinn to end his own existence, especially given his immense potential and knowledge.

Complicating matters is the arrival of another Q, commonly known as simply "Q," who argues against granting Quinn's wish and attempts to persuade Janeway to keep Quinn imprisoned. The episode delves into themes of free will, the right to die, the burden of immortality, and the nature of existence.

The episode is notable for featuring two Q characters, the only instance of this occurring outside of a courtroom setting in the Star Trek franchise. It explores the philosophical differences between the Q Continuum and offers a glimpse into the motivations and potential unhappiness of beings possessing god-like power. Quinn's desire for mortality provides a counterpoint to the seemingly carefree and capricious nature often displayed by Q.

The conclusion of "Death Wish" sees Captain Janeway ultimately deciding to grant Quinn his wish, allowing him to terminate his existence with dignity. This decision has ramifications for Janeway's own understanding of the universe and the complexities of morality.