It took them a long time, but in 1995 the makers of Star Trek at last delivered a series with a female Captain. Kate Mulgrew, as Janeway, made television history, a fact not lost on her:

'Captain Captain Kathryn Janeway is the quintessential woman of the future....both commanding and discerning in her warmth; she's authoritative while remaining accessible. Beneath her extraordinary control runs a very deep vein of vulnerability and sensitivity that will continue to be explored in upcoming episodes.'

Vulnerability and sensitivity should certainly not be misread as weakness, for Janeway has had to make some tough decisions throughout the series in order to hold her crew together and maintain control.

Janeway comes from farming stock. Although her parents were both scientists they wanted her to study the land. This just wouldn't do for an aspiring starship captain and, much like Picard on his homeworld, Janeway looked to the stars. She was soon off to Starfleet as Science Officer under Tom Paris's father, and now she is building her own reputation as Captain of Voyager.

There has been a mixed reception from fans Stateside as to whether Janeway can cut it in the honoured position of Star Trek lead. She may not have the brawn of Kirk or the sheer baldness of Picard, but she could provide a unique perspective as she struggles to bring her people home safely and there is the possibility of presenting the Star Trek adventures from an entirely new angle. Whatever the arguments may be, how Janeway shapes up against the best of the rest is up to you decide....