Robert Picardo had a major influence on some of the best aspects of Star Trek: Voyager, including his character's relationship with Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan). As two of the most popular members of Voyager's cast of characters, Seven and the Doctor were the subject of many episodes throughout the show. Although Seven wasn't introduced until season 4, her character arc quickly came to monopolize Voyager season 4-7, but this didn't stop other characters from sharing the spotlight, including the Doctor. What was most interesting, however, was how the two characters began to evolve together as Voyager progressed.
On the surface, the Doctor and Seven had little in common, but their slowly growing friendship became one of the most interesting, complex, and enjoyable relationships on Voyager. This was mostly thanks to the Doctor taking Seven under his wing, acting as her guide to relearning humanity after she was rescued from the Borg. While in many cases, the Doctor teaching Seven how to be human was misguided (given that he was a hologram), the odd friendship that developed from his tutelage was wonderful to watch. Interestingly, it seems this relationship wouldn't have happened without Robert Picardo.
Seven & The Doctor’s Student/Teacher Relationship In Star Trek: Voyager Was Robert Picardo's Idea
Picardo proposed the idea to Voyager's creative team in season 4
In a video interview with The Companion from 2022, Robert Picardo explained several aspects of his influence on the Doctor's character during Star Trek: Voyager's run, including his relationship with Seven. While discussing their initial acquaintance, Picardo revealed that he was the one who pitched to Voyager's creative team the idea that the Doctor should teach Seven about humanity, specifically to writer and producer Brannon Braga, who was on board from the beginning. Read Picardo's full quote from the interview below:
“Taking the relationship I had with Kes and flipping it so that the Doctor has the ego to think he's a better teacher of how Seven should reclaim her Humanity than a real Human would seem to have a lot of comic possibilities. I specifically suggested we could have roleplaying exercises in which I would teach her appropriate behavior under different social situations."
Since Seven replaced Kes (Jennifer Lien) after she left Voyager's cast, it makes sense that Picardo would be inspired to flip the relationship the Doctor had with Kes and apply it to the newest member of the crew. Indeed, Seven and the Doctor's relationship improved what he'd had with Kes, creating something just as hilarious and heartwarming but with a new, more expansive dynamic that only got better as time went on. While Kes and the Doctor's potential was never fully realized, his relationship with Seven ticked nearly all the boxes and was arguably one of Voyager's best.
Why The Doctor & Seven Of Nine Were One Of Star Trek: Voyager's Best Relationships
Picardo's idea really improved Seven and the Doctor's relationship
Thanks to Picardo, Seven of Nine and the Doctor became one of the most complex, funny, and sweet relationships Voyager ever produced. Part of what made the two characters so compelling together was that they were the quintessential odd couple, with Seven's deadpan demeanor and straightforward attitude balancing out the Doctor's more fanciful and garrulous personality. However, if not for their student/teacher dynamic, Seven and the Doctor might not have had much to do with each other at all, making it such a blessing that Picardo saw their potential.
Jeri Ryan and Robert Picardo are also both phenomenal actors, and seemed to find kindred spirits in terms of balancing each other out in scenes. The Doctor and Seven's give and take as the navigated conflict, friendship, and even romantic undertones was truly a joy to watch as Voyager progressed, and a lot of credit should be given to Picardo and Ryan for their equally nuanced performances. Seven and the Doctor may not be one of Star Trek: Voyager's most popular relationships, but they remain one of the show's best regardless.
