There's always speculation about whether a show's star wants out. Even when it's popular and ratings are high, the media needs drama. Kate Mulgrew was the star of Star Trek: Voyager; she played Captain Janeway, the most important character on the series. What would the show have been without its Captain?

In 1999, viewers almost experienced Voyager without her because she apparently wanted to leave, but then she didn't. It's complicated, so let's get into it.

An article in the Sun-Sentinel, in 1999, is titled "Mulgrew wants to abandon ship." It explains that the actress first gave off the vibe that she wanted to depart through her comments at a press conference. "I don't want to see words like petulant or upset in your stories. I feel so privileged and happy to have been a part of this show. I love my character and this company, the cast, the crew. After five years, there's not a bad apple in the bunch," Mulgrew said.

She then added, "Well... Jeri Ryan (who plays Seven of Nine) is new, so I'd put her aside." At first, it was rumored that Mulgrew's dislike of Ryan's character created tension on set that made her want to leave. Then it was because she met a politician she loved more than the series, who would eventually become her husband; she wanted to spend more time with him in Cleveland.

"I've given them (the show) 150 percent, and I expect they will be gracious." Apparently, the network CEO at the time, Dean Valentine, responded sarcastically to her comments, even saying Ryan would get a promotion. This caused backtracking from network executives and Mulgrew to refocus attention on the show.

"Let me clarify some things. I have no intention of leaving this show before its time. Although I'm contractually bound to a sixth season, the door is wide open to a seventh."

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