Overview – Low on energy reserves and morale,
Janeway orders the ship into what appears to be a nebula rich with energy. She
and the crew soon discover that the cloud is more than it appears, and Janeway
works towards repairing the damage that they have done.
Score: 7/10 – A nice little bottle episode that takes
the familiar space creature concept and uses it as a backdrop to explore the
people that make up the crew. This being an episode early in the season, it is
important because it helps flesh out these characters that we are just starting
to learn about. While there is not too much in the way of action, the
revelation of the cloud as being a life form is interesting. Most of all, I
like how this really starts to explore Katherine Janeway’s character. While the
pacing is a bit off at times, there are some great moments between characters
that give us some great dialogue.
Relevance - 3 points. I scored a point for Chez
Sandrine, a holodeck program created by Tom Paris and will be the usual social
gathering place for the next few years. It was an attempt to give the crew something
to bond over, similar to the poker games in TNG, only using pool as the game of
choice. A second point is scored for the Doctor’s desire to expand his
programming, maybe even creating a family. He does this in Season 3. A third
point is scored for the first mentioning of Lewis Zimmerman, creator of the
EMH. We will see him a few times, both in Deep Space Nine and Voyager, played
by Robert Picardo. If that wasn’t enough, this also marks the beginning of
Neelix as Chief Morale Officer, a self-imposed rank that he will carry out
throughout his tenure on the ship.
Continuity - 2 points. I had to deduct a point here
for story continuity. Chakotay tells Janeway that she is the first person he
has shown his medicine bundle to, and yet Torres reveals that she has also gone
on the animal guide experience, suggesting that she was familiar with the
medicine bundle. Character continuity is solid as everyone acts in a way that
we have come to expect. Janeway shows a bit more vulnerability, but it is
natural as their journey continues that she does so. Universe continuity is
also intact here.
Character Development – 3 points. There are few
episodes that really give such great, in depth character development as this
one. Janeway is the focus, but practically everybody gets some important
attention. Chakotay’s spiritual side is highlighted with the vision quest that
he helps guide Janeway on. Tom’s love for nostalgia and holo-programming that
will resurface multiple times is brought in. Neelix shows hints of his cautious
and protective nature as he is infuriated when the Captain orders the ship to
enter the cloud, and it is further more aggravated when he learns that the
cloud is a life form and that they are entering it again. When he realizes that
he is not going to get his way, he makes the best of himself by self-appointing
him as ship’s Morale Officer. Kes, meanwhile, reveals more of her
adventure-loving self that is balanced with sense of trust and loyalty towards
the crew. The Doctor talks about his desires to expand his programming, and
also shares some of his frustration towards Janeway’s desire to explore as they
return home. We learn more about Harry, always wanting to please the Captain,
but he does start to stand up for himself more. When Tuvok scolds Harry for
expressing awe on the bridge, and later Tuvok expresses the same sentiment
(albeit in a more Vulcan-like fashion), Harry privately gives his superior a
bit of sarcastic chastisement of his own. Torres shows that she was once, too,
sent on a spirit guide journey with Chakotay, although it ended badly when she
tried to kill her spirit animal. As mentioned above, Tuvok takes to the senior
officer role with
Social Commentary – 0 points. As enjoyable as
this episode is, I find it hard to identify anything that provides us a lesson
or an insight into our own societal issues. Sorry, no points here.
Cool Stuff – 1 point. Janeway discovers that her
animal guide is a small lizard. That was actually a surprise as one tends to
think that great magnificent animals such as eagles or bears would be the
animal of choice for a starship captain. A simple lizard is actually a cool
little twist.
Rank – Captain (16
points). If
you are wanting to only catch important episodes, I would suggest watching this
one as part of your Season 1 experience. It gives you a great look at all of
the main characters and helps you understand them all a bit better. It is a fun
though not too serious episode that has plenty of entertaining moments.
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