Relationship with Janeway Scholars had varying interpretations of Kes's relationship with Janeway. Cultural studies lecturer Debra Bonita Shaw argued that although Janeway accepts characters like Kes into her crew, she treats them as subordinates who must aid in Voyagers return home. Lee considered Janeway more of a parental figure to Kes. He noted that Janeway's actor Kate Mulgrew shared this view, particularly for "Elogium"; Mulgrew said the episode's focus on Janeway helping Kes with puberty and potential pregnancy and motherhood "showed my involvement with her on a very female level, a very maternal level".
Relationship with Janeway Scholars had varying interpretations of Kes's relationship with Janeway. Cultural studies lecturer Debra Bonita Shaw argued that although Janeway accepts characters like Kes into, her crew she treats them as subordinates who must aid in Voyagers return home. Lee considered Janeway more of a parental figure to Kes. He noted that Janeway's actor Kate Mulgrew shared this view, particularly for "Elogium"; Mulgrew said the episode's focus on Janeway helping Kes with puberty and potential pregnancy and motherhood "showed my involvement with her on a very female level, a very maternal level".