Endgame (Star Trek: Voyager)

"Endgame" is the two-part series finale of the American science fiction television series Star Trek: Voyager, serving as the 171st and 172nd episodes overall, and concluding the show's seventh and final season. It originally aired on UPN on May 23, 2001.

The episode revolves around Admiral Kathryn Janeway, from a future timeline, travelling back in time to alter the events of Voyager's return to the Alpha Quadrant. In the alternate future, Voyager eventually returned to Earth, but at a significant cost: numerous crew members, including Seven of Nine and Chakotay, died, and Janeway herself became infected with a neurolytic pathogen. Haunted by these losses, future Janeway embarks on a mission to provide Voyager with a tactical advantage that will ensure a safer and faster return.

Her plan involves utilizing future technology and knowledge to disable the Borg transwarp hub, a network of conduits that significantly shortens travel time across vast distances in the galaxy. She provides Voyager with advanced armor, weaponry, and holographic technology, enabling them to successfully infiltrate and destroy the hub.

However, her actions have unintended consequences. The Borg Queen, alerted to Janeway's presence and interference, retaliates, leading to a confrontation with Voyager. In the ensuing battle, Janeway sacrifices herself to destroy the Borg Queen and the transwarp hub, effectively crippling the Borg's ability to rapidly expand and threaten the Alpha Quadrant.

The alterations to the timeline result in Voyager arriving back in the Alpha Quadrant twenty-three years ahead of schedule, ending their long and arduous journey home. "Endgame" explores themes of sacrifice, regret, and the ethical implications of altering time to prevent past tragedies. It provides closure to the series-long narrative of Voyager's attempt to return home, while also highlighting the enduring bonds between the crew members.