Star Trek: Lifesigns

Episode: "Lifesigns"

Series: Star Trek: Voyager

Season 2, Episode 19

Original Air Date: February 26, 1996

via Memory Alpha

The Doctor falls in love.

In responding to a distress call, our heroes encounter a lone, Vidiian traveler, dying from the phage.  While working desperately to save her, the Doctor creates a holographic clone of her to help in the treatment.  A healthy clone.  A beautiful, kind, intelligent, vulnerable clone.  Honestly, he never stood a chance.  

I'm going to take a risk here and say that this is not only the best episode of the series so far, it is the best of the first three seasons (pre-7 of 9).  I have been through most (but not all) of Voyager a few times now and "Lifesigns" sticks with me.  Obviously, it's wonderful development for the Doctor.  Who knew he was even capable of falling in love?  He sure didn't.  Plus the deeper examination of the pain and awkwardness of first love cuts deep.

If anything, the awkwardness is even more obvious for Danara (the Vidiian) than it is for the EMH.  She must overcome her own insecurities, having been shunned by society from a young age.  Much as Halle Todd's performance as Lal makes TNG's "The Offspring" one of Trek's all-time greats, Susan Diol's turn as Danara brings the magic to "Lifesigns."  Of course, in both cases, the exploration for the principal character is the whole point.  But it's the guest stars who make it work.

Acting Notes

via Quantum Leap Wiki

Susan Diol was born May 25, 1962 in Marquette, Michigan.  She's a Yooper!  She graduated from Otterbein College.  "Lifesigns" is her second of three Trek appearances, first of two as Danara.  

Most of her work has been on television.  Beyond Trek, she's made guest appearances on Night Court, Seinfeld and Quantum Leap among others.  Films include Reality and Loqueesha.