Star Trek: Maneuvers

Episode: "Maneuvers"

Series: Star Trek: Voyager

Season 2, Episode 11

Original Air Date: November 20, 1995

via Memory Alpha

Seska is back.  She and her current Kazon biker gang entourage steal transport technology from Voyager.  An embarrassed Chakotay, in defiance of orders, sets off on his own to get it back.  Understandably, Janeway is furious, especially considering the fact she must now also try to rescue her insubordinate officer.  Torres urges her to exercise compassion when/if they get Chakotay back.

For me, this is much more satisfying Chakotay development than we got a couple episodes ago.  We see pride, shame, courage, impulsiveness, resourcefulness.  Now that's a well-rounded, interesting character.  Let's build on that.

Seska's a satisfying foil, too.  There are strong Lady Macbeth vibes in her relationship with her Kazon lover Culluh.  For what it's worth, I don't buy Torres's suggestion that Chakotay is/was in love with Seska.  That's not the vibe I got when Seska was still in the fold.  Maybe uncomfortable with how vulnerable his sexual relationship with Seska made him.  But that's not the same as "in love."  And yes, the difference matters.

Acting Notes

via Logan's Run Wiki

Anthony De Longis played the role of Culluh.  He was born in Glendale, California, March 23, 1950.  He went to Cal State-Northridge for college.  "Maneuvers" is his second of six appearances as Culluh.

De Longis is an expert swordsman, a highly valued skill on both stage and screen.  In fact, his fight choreography resume is more impressive than his on-screen work.  He provided whip training for Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and for Michelle Pfeiffer in Batman Returns.  Television appearances include Highlander: The Series, Days of Our Lives and MacGyver.  Films include Fearless, Masters of the Universe and Road House.