Series: Star Trek: Voyager
Season 3, Episode 1
Original Air Date: September 4, 1996
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| via Memory Alpha |
The story begun with Season 2's finale continues. While most of the Voyager crew is in survival mode on their new home planet, the Doctor, unexpectedly escaped detainee Lon Suder and Tom Paris team up to regain the ship from Kazon control.
Initially, there was talk of extending the story of the crew's new life away from the ship over several episodes. I'm glad the idea was scrapped. While complications are to be expected - and necessary to fulfill the needs of episodic television - the overall trajectory of our heroes' journey should always be incremental progress back to the Alpha Quadrant.
This is a strong start to the season. The survival story is satisfying, especially as our friends find a way to gain the trust of the native inhabitants. Even though the exile only lasts one episode, the first glimpse of Voyager coming back to rescue them is genuinely moving.
The episode also marks the end for several storylines, namely Suder's, Seska and the Kazon. I think moving on from the last two was essential. As noted above, the overall trajectory should be homeward and sticking to the same region of space for too long is a hindrance. Suder's demise, however, seems a shame. I suppose if you can't see where to move forward on a certain narrative path, it makes sense to move on. But character death - most of the time, anyway - means you can never revisit the idea at all.
Losing some ideas means making room for others. Let's hope they're good ones.
Acting Notes
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| via Memory Alpha |
Scott Haven played the part of a Kazon engineer. The episode is one of five Trek appearances, including the film First Contact. Haven was born January 8, 1964. Haven had recurring roles on both Beverly Hills, 90210 and JAG. Films include The Babe, Watch It and Lansky.
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