Initiations (Star Trek: Voyager)

"Initiations" is the second episode of the second season, and eighteenth episode overall of the American science fiction television program Star Trek: Voyager. The episode originally aired on September 4, 1995, and tells the story of Commander Chakotay's capture at the hands of a young Kazon. Originally intended to open the second season, "Initiations" was bumped to second by "The 37's".^[4]

To better utilize the character, this is one of several second-season episodes that focuses on Chakotay. It was written with a mind to recall the action story of Chakotay from the pilot. Writer Kenneth Biller extensively rewrote the episode after input from series co-creators Jeri Taylor and Michael Piller; whereas the Kazon originally came across as too much like the Klingons, Biller's research helped emphasize their more street-gang nature. This substantial rewrite of the episode required an overhaul of production work already invested in the episode.

Aron Eisenberg guest starred as Kar, the young Kazon warrior. Though his performance was lauded, executive producers found Eisenberg too recognizable from his recurring role on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Mixed reviews noted the familiarity of both Eisenberg and the shooting location of Vasquez Rocks.

The episode aired on UPN on September 4, 1995.^[5]