But then came Seven. A former Borg drone, severed from the hive mind and forced to navigate individuality for the first time. She wasn’t just a crewmate; she was a challenge. A disruptor. And that, Ryan believed, was exactly what the show needed.
Looking back, Ryan has reflected on what made her character so important, not just to the series but to the broader Star Trek legacy.
”Humanity, in general, was one of the things Seven allowed them to explore,” she reflected. “She brought conflict to the show — something that was sadly lacking. Once the Maquis made up with Janeway and company, it was just one big happy family.”
But it wasn’t just conflict that made her addition so compelling. Seven of Nine fit into a classic Star Trek archetype: the outsider who forces humanity to examine itself. Much like Spock, Data, or Odo before her, Seven provided a unique lens through which the series could explore deep philosophical questions about identity, morality, and free will.
Why Seven of Nine wore high heels
Ever wondered why Seven of Nine strutted around Voyager in high heels? Fans have debated the practicality of it for years, but Jeri Ryan has a simple answer: everyone wore heels!
“All the female characters wore boots with heels,” she explained. “And if you’re going to walk around in a body stocking, I want to see you pad around in flats—it’s not happening!”
The heels weren’t necessarily a character choice, but rather a design decision to create a sleek, elongated silhouette.
So while it may not have been the most practical footwear for a former Borg drone, it certainly made for an unforgettable look.
The hidden challenge of playing Seven of Nine
We know that Jeri Ryan’s Star Trek: Voyager costume was one of the toughest parts of her time on set. But there was another challenge — one that isn’t as obvious when watching the series but becomes amusingly clear when looking back at behind-the-scenes photos.
Keeping a straight face.
“The two biggest challenges with Seven were keeping a straight face and working with all those guys who were absolutely nuts,” Ryan once admitted.
