path: root/content-org/star-trek.org

#+TITLE: Michał Sapka's Emacs Confie
#+AUTHOR: Michał Sapka
#+URL: https://michal.sapka.me/star-trek
#+STARTUP: show2levels indent logdone

#+HUGO_BASE_DIR: ~/sites/site-crys-startrek/
#+HUGO_WEIGHT: auto
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* Main                                                           
** DONE Star Trek
CLOSED: [2023-11-16 Wed 23:00]
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_FILE_NAME: _index
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER: :abstract Homeapage of my small Star Trek fansite :type special :hardback true
:EXPORT_HUGO_PAIRED_SHORTCODES: recent-updates st-logo menu menu-inline img-r st-voy-reviews
:END:

** DONE Star Wars or Star Trek?
CLOSED: [2023-01-29 Wed 23:00]
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_FILE_NAME: star-wars-or-star-trek
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER: abstract Why I consider Star Trek to be best western SciFi series
:EXPORT_HUGO_MENU: :menu star-trek
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :primary_menu star-trek
:END:
For me, the answer is clear: "Star Trek". The classic series are fantastic. While I like "Star Wars," "Star Trek "owns my heart. Although I am still watching Voyager an have not seen a single episode of "Enterprise," "Deep Space 9" is easily my top #1 western SciFi series. It is (in contrast to "Star Wars") aimed at grown-ups. 

Yes, "Babylon 5" was mind-blowing, and DS9 was its clone. The Xero machines, however, removed all of the wrong things. For example, there is no King Arthur episode; there are no plots without end (what happened to Londo?!). When we compare the top with the top, I will put "Babylon 5" higher, but when we count in the worse episodes of the series, DS9 is on top.

When "The Next Generation" was taking its sweet time looking for footing, DS9 quickly got it. 

When Voyager completely ignored the crew, who were there only for the plot, DS9 fleshed them out. Those Durak/Bashir lunches! That Jadzia or Odo plots!

DS9 takes the best thing - the real humans - from TNG and adds an excellent and engaging main plot. Yes, it's derivative from B5, but who cares? 

"Star Wars," on the other hand, is so small. The first three movies were great on their own. However, it was a childish fantasy, and everything that came later was disappointing. Well, I can't talk about :everything" as "Last Jedi" is so bad that I can't force myself to watch anything after that. Although I've heard good things about "Mandalorian", I haven't seen it. Maybe someday. There is so much good Star Trek to enjoy! 

"Picard," however, is terrible. The second season was easily the worst Star Trek I have ever seen.

What else could I compare to "Star Trek"? 

"Battlestar Galactica" is excellent. It may have the best characters in any western SciFi; the story is engaging. But the world is small and has no place for other stories. "Stargate" is a distant #3, but other than that? "Expanse" is mediocre at best; "Firefly" and "Dark Matter" were killed in infancy. "Doctor Who" has like a thousand missing episodes, so why even start? 

"Orville"? Well, I'll need to start it again, as I stopped watching sometime when season 1 was still new. This leaves me with "Farscape," the muppets in space series. This is also something I need to return to.

Let's also mention "Lexx." The euro-soft porn version of space opera. I liked the first season - it was not something I would ever expect to see. But after that? After that, it was sometimes bad, sometimes terrible, but never watchable. Well, except for the musical episode. It was a banger.

So yeah. "Star Trek" is my number one, and nothing else comes close. In western SciFi, at least, anime is on an entirely different level.

#+BEGIN_QUOTE
"Out of all the stories you told me, which ones that you told me were true and which ones weren't?" — Dr. Bashir 

"My doctor, they all were true." — Garak

"Even the lies?" — Dr. Bashir
 
"Especially the lies" — Garak
#+END_QUOTE


* Voyager                                         
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_HUGO_SECTION: voy
:EXPORT_HUGO_PAIRED_SHORTCODES: img-c
:EXPORT_HUGO_MENU: :menu star-trek :parent voy
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER: :primary_menu star-trek
:END:
** DONE Incidents (Episodes)
CLOSED: [2023-02-01 Wed 23:00]
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_FILE_NAME: episodes
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER: :abstract List of Star Trek: Voyager episodes
:EXPORT_HUGO_PAIRED_SHORTCODES: st-logo
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER: type special
:END:
Please note, that I started to write notes about episodes starting with Season 5.
If the name is underlined, you can read the notes on the linked page.

Markings:  
★ great episode!


*** Season One
- S01E01 Caretaker
- S01E02 Parallax
- S01E03 Time and Again
- S01E04 Phage
- S01E05 The Cloud
- S01E06 Eye of the Needle
- S01E07 Ex Post Facto
- S01E08 Emanations
- S01E09 Prime Factors
- S01E10 State of Flux
- S01E11 Heroes and Demons
- S01E12 Cathexis
- S01E13 Faces
- S01E14 Jetrel
- S01E15 Learning Curve
*** Season Two
- S02E01 The 37’s Rating
- S02E02 Initiations Rating
- S02E03 Projections Rating
- S02E04 Elogium Rating
- S02E05 Non Sequitur Rating
- S02E06 Twisted Rating
- S02E07 Parturition Rating
- S02E08 Persistence of Vision Rating
- S02E09 Tattoo Rating
- S02E10 Cold Fire Rating
- S02E11 Maneuvers Rating
- S02E12 Resistance Rating
- S02E13 Prototype Rating
- S02E14 Alliances Rating
- S02E15 Threshold Rating
- S02E16 Meld Rating
- S02E17 Dreadnought Rating
- S02E18 Death Wish Rating
- S02E19 Lifesigns Rating
- S02E20 Investigations Rating
- S02E21 Deadlock Rating
- S02E22 Innocence Rating
- S02E23 The Thaw Rating
- S02E24 Tuvix Rating
- S02E25 Resolutions Rating
- S02E26 Basics, Part I Rating
*** Season Three
- S03E01 Basics, Part II Rating
- S03E02 Flashback Rating
- S03E03 The Chute Rating
- S03E04 The Swarm Rating
- S03E05 False Profits Rating
- S03E06 Remember Rating
- S03E07 Sacred Ground Rating
- S03E08 Future’s End, Part I Rating
- S03E09 Future’s End, Part II Rating
- S03E10 Warlord Rating
- S03E11 The Q and the Grey Rating
- S03E12 Macrocosm Rating
- S03E13 Fair Trade Rating
- S03E14 Alter Ego Rating
- S03E15 Coda Rating
- S03E16 Blood Fever Rating
- S03E17 Unity Rating
- S03E18 Darkling Rating
- S03E19 Rise Rating
- S03E20 Favorite Son Rating
- S03E21 Before and After Rating
- S03E22 Real Life Rating
- S03E23 Distant Origin Rating
- S03E24 Displaced Rating
- S03E25 Worst Case Scenario Rating
- S03E26 Scorpion Rating
*** Season Four
- S04E01 Scorpion, Part II Rating
- S04E02 The Gift Rating
- S04E03 Day of Honor Rating
- S04E04 Nemesis Rating
- S04E05 Revulsion Rating
- S04E06 The Raven Rating
- S04E07 Scientific Method Rating
- S04E08 Year of Hell Rating
- S04E09 Year of Hell, Part II Rating
- S04E10 Random Thoughts Rating
- S04E11 Concerning Flight Rating
- S04E12 Mortal Coil Rating
- S04E13 Waking Moments Rating
- S04E14 Message in a Bottle Rating
- S04E15 Hunters Rating
- S04E16 Prey Rating
- S04E17 Retrospect Rating
- S04E18 The Killing Game Ratingx
- S04E19 The Killing Game, Part II Rating
- S04E20 Vis a Vis Rating
- S04E21 The Omega Directive Rating
- S04E22 Unforgettable Rating
- S04E23 Living Witness Rating
- S04E24 Demon Rating
- S04E25 One Rating
- S04E26 Hope and Fear Rating
*** Season Five
- S05E01 [[/star-trek/stv/05x01-night/][Night]]
- S05E02 [[/star-trek/stv/05x02-drone/][Drone]]
- S05E03 [[/star-trek/stv/05x03-extreme-risk/][Extreme Risk]]
- S05E04 [[/star-trek/stv/05x04-in-the-flesh/][In The Flesh]]
- S05E05 [[/star-trek/stv/05x05-once-upon-a-time/][Once Upon A Time]]
- S05E06 [[/star-trek/stv/05x06-timeless/][Timeless]] ★
- S05E07 [[/star-trek/stv/05x07-infinite-regress/][Infinite Regress]] ★
- S05E08 [[/star-trek/stv/05x08-nothing-human][Nothing Human]] ★
- S05E09 [[/star-trek/stv/05x09-thirty-days/][Thirty Days]]
- S05E10 Counterpoint
- S05E11 [[/star-trek/stv/05x11-latent-image/][Latent Image]] ★
- S05E12 Bride of Chaotica
- S05E13 Gravity
- S05E14 Bliss
- S05E15 Dark Frontier
- S05E16 The Disease
- S05E17 Course
- S05E18 The Fight
- S05E19 Think Tank
- S05E20 Juggernaut
- S05E21 Someone To Watch Over Me
- S05E22 11
- S05E23 Relativity
- S05E24 Warhead
- S05E25 Equinox
*** Season Six
- S06E01 Equinox, Part II
- S06E02 Survival Instinct 
- S06E03 Barge of the Dead
- S06E04 Tinker, Tenor, Doctor, Spy 
- S06E05 Alice 
- S06E06 Riddles 
- S06E07 Dragon’s Teeth 
- S06E08 One Small Step
- S06E09 The Voyager Conspiracy 
- S06E10 Pathfinder 
- S06E11 Fair Haven 
- S06E12 Blink of an Eye 
- S06E13 Virtuoso 
- S06E14 Memorial 
- S06E15 Tsunkatse 
- S06E16 Collective 
- S06E17 Spirit Folk
- S06E18 Spirit Folk 
- S06E19 Child's Play 
- S06E20 Good Shepherd 
- S06E21 Live Fast and Prosper 
- S06E22 Muse
- S06E23 Fury 
- S06E24 Life Line 
- S06E25 The Haunting of Deck Twelve 
- S06E26 Unimatrix Zero, Part I 
*** Season Seven
- S07E01 Unimatrix Zero, Part II
- S07E02 Imperfection 
- S07E03 Drive 
- S07E04 Repression 
- S07E05 Critical Care 
- S07E06 Inside Man 
- S07E07 Body and Soul 
- S07E08 Nightingale 
- S07E09 Flesh and Blood, Part I
- S07E10 Flesh and Blood, Part II 
- S07E11 Shattered 
- S07E12 Lineage 
- S07E13 Repentance 
- S07E14 Prophecy 
- S07E15 The Void 
- S07E16 Workforce, Part I 
- S07E17 Workforce, Part II 
- S07E18 Human Error 
- S07E19 Q2
- S07E20 Author, Author 
- S07E21 Friendship One
- S07E22 Natural Law 
- S07E23 Homestead 
- S07E24 Renaissance Man 
- S07E25 Endgame (1)
- S07E26 Endgame (2)
* Voyager reviews                                        
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_HUGO_SECTION: voy
:EXPORT_HUGO_PAIRED_SHORTCODES: img-c
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :primary_menu star-trek
:END:

** Season 5
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :hasNavSection st-voy-episodes
:EXPORT_HUGO_MENU: :menu star-trek :parent voy-r-s5
:END:
*** DONE Star Trek: Voyager 05x01 - Night
CLOSED: [2023-02-12 wed 23:00]
:PROPERTIES:
:export_file_name: 05x01-night
:export_hugo_custom_front_matter+: :abstract my opinion on star trek voyager 05x01 - night
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :menu_item_override "1"
:END:
**** Synopsis

The crew enters a void in the Delta Quadrant, an area without any stars of 2 light-years radius. The crew morale is very low as the vast emptiness gets to them. The episode starts in the Holodeck, and I was afraid this would be another Holodeck malfunctions story. However, when the ship loses power, the plot goes in a completely different direction - it turns out someone is living in the emptiness—a hostile creature. Soon after, the ship encounters another living form - a ship emitting large doses of radiation piloted by Emck, a Malon. The strange ship offers help with quick passing of the void on one condition - Jenway is to transport the creature to their ship.

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-night.jpg" "http://www.myyearofstartrek.com/2015/10/voyager-re-watch-demon-one-hope-and.html"
#+begin_img-c
Jenway, challenged
#+end_img-c

Jenway being Jenway, declines and decides to first talk with the now-imprisoned alien. It informs her that they are a dying breed due to the poisoning of space by Emck. It is soon revealed that Emck's job is to drop toxic waste, a by-product of Malon industries. Jenway tries to give Voyager's technology to Emck, but he refuses, as clean energy would ruin his business. Jenwey then orders her crew to go into a vortex leading out of the void while she stays behind and destroys it so Malons can no longer dump their waste. The staff, however, goes to mutiny. Jenway agrees, and Voyager fires torpedoes as it enters the vortex. The episode ends with the crew seeing stars again.

**** Impressions

What a nice start for season 6, but also a wasted potential. While the main plot is what Star Trek does best and the special effects are becoming great, the period between entering the void and the ship losing power could be filled with the crew's intimate moments. I said it before, and I'll repeat it - Voyager is in deep need of idle moments where people could simply hang out. Some chats, some banter, maybe a dinner or a classic concert. Next Generation's greatest strength was not in the SciFi elements but in the people living on Enterprise. I understand that Voyager faces incomparable dangers. Picard was always close to home, so even in the most severe of circumcisions could ask for help from Starfleet. Voyager, however, is always in hostile space, fighting for resources. Jenwey keeps her humanity and hunger for exploration, but her mission is survival. But why can't we have a Shakespearean performance? Yes, we get glimpses here and there, but we deserve more.

But what strikes me most is how Jenway grew on me. First, she annoyed me. She was always the loudest and greatest. She knew tactics better than her military officers, engineering better than her engineers, and perfect diplomacy? For here is just another Tuesday. She was the anti-Picard, who always treated his crew with dignity and admiration (sans Wesley) But I learned that she is the captain Voyager needs. The Delta Quadrant is so hostile that the crew needs a decisive leader. She also changed, however. She knows that she puts the crew at constant risk, and this is the episode that confronts it. 

There's a lot more to her that she allows the crew (and the viewer) to see. She is fully aware of the burden on her arms and how much she relies on her judgment. This is why the mutiny is fulfilling. She finally allows the crew to decide! There is no fight in her, but rather a relief. The old Jenway would not agree to a plan contrary to her own. The previous 4 years in the Quadrant have taught her to trust others. I wonder if this will in any way impact her in the future.

**** Doctor factor

Not satisfactory. He was there, but not enough.

*** DONE Star Trek: Voyager 05x02 - Drone
CLOSED: [2023-02-22 Wed 23:00]
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_FILE_NAME: 05x02-drone
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :abstract my opinion on Star Trek Voyager 05x02 - Drone
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :menu_item_override 2
:END:

A small team, including Seven of Nine and Doctor, is returning from a mission. Due to a transporter malfunction, Doctor's emitter starts failing. B'Elanna takes the emitter to the science lab for repairs. Soon it is revealed that during the malfunction, Seven of Nine and Doctor's patterns briefly merged. The emitter has gained some of her Borg nanoprobes and starts assimilating the ship's equipment. 

The crew discovers a borg maturation chamber with a rapidly growing Borg drone. This is the first time Seven sees something like this, as the Borg assimilate living beings and don't reproduce. Jenway has yet another moral dilemma - as Doctor's emitter is based on 29th-century tech, it would doom the galaxy if it fell in Borg's hands. But, on the other hand, the drone has not connected with the collective and may learn human customs and ways. She goes with the latter, and Seven is tasked with teaching the new drone. It all goes well until the drone accidentally connects with the collective.

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-drone.jpg" "https://the-avocado.org/2021/05/27/you-talking-trek-to-me-best-of-voyager-drone/"
#+begin_img-c
Borg round thingy
#+end_img-c

Voyager faces the Borg. Drone decides to help mankind. It transports to the Borg ship, takes over control, and flies into a nearby nebula. The Borg ship is destroyed. 

The crew detects a life sign and finds One, as the drone named itself. It is imminently transported to sickbay but refuses treatment. Borg know of its existence and will pursue Voyager in order to assimilate One's technology.

The episode ends with One's passing away.

**** Impressions

Whenever Borg shows, one can be assured that the episode will touch on the individual vs. collective dilemma. Is giving up one's freedom in order to help a collective a good thing? Star Trek is often called "commies in space," as Starfleet is already very much a collective. People don't work for themselves but instead for the betterment of mankind. Even in DS9, when we see the earth that still has money, everyone still works for the greater good of society. But at the same time, people are free to pursue the betterment of themselves - primarily via art, but sometimes by trying to sleep with every species in the galaxy (hello Kirk!).

The Borg, however, takes the collective to the extreme. An individual only serves the Borg, so it has no needs and wants. They are drones. This is why Borg are scary as hell - they are anti-humanity. 

As for the episode, it was ok. We've already seen a Borg drone emancipated ([I, Borg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I,_Borg) from TNG and Seven of Nine from Voyager). As a whole, I was reminded of an episode of Startrek SG-1 where they encounter an ancient library just before it is destroyed. What ifs are much more interesting than what happened. What if One joined the crew? Its technology would strongly empower Voyager. It could even change the balance of power in the region. Maybe Jenway would change her haircut again? Perhaps they would be able to replicate some clothes for Seven that are not two sizes too small? We will never know as the next episode will return to a world without One. It won't even be mentioned again. 

It's a shame, as One was cool.


 **** Doctor factor

Oh yeah, a lot better than last time. We have Doctor interacting with B'Elanna, which is always a treat. Very much a huge plus here!
*** DONE Star Trek: Voyager 05x03 - Extreme Risk
CLOSED: [2023-02-28 Wed 23:00]
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_FILE_NAME: 05x03-extreme-risk
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :abstract my opinion on Star Trek Voyager 05x03 - Extreme Risk
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :menu_item_override 3
:END:
**** Synopsis
Voyager's probe is launched at a gas giant, but Malons spot it and attempt to capture it. To prevent it, the crew sends the probe into the gas planet's atmosphere. Malon's ship follows the probe and is subsequently crashed. Paris presents a design for Delta Flyaer, a specialized shuttlecraft based on Starfleet's and Borg's technology. Malons want the probe as the resources it collected are too valuable, and, as Jenway puts it, we've got a space race.

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-extreme-risk.webp" "https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Extreme_Risk_(episode)"
#+begin_img-c
Contemplating suicde?
#+end_img-c

In second story arch, we've got B'Elanna putting herself at risk by going into extremely dangerous Holodeck simulations with safety protocols off. Doctor learns about multiple injuries and diagnoses her with clinical depression. Jenway puts her off the Delta Flyer project, and subsequently, Chakotay approaches her. She reveals she stopped feeling anything - not about her job, future, Paris, or the massacre of Maquis by Cardassians and Dominion. Only putting herself at risk of death allows her to have any feelings.

Meanwhile, Delta Flyer is completed, and Torrens volunteers to join its crew. The mission is a success, and B'Elanna experiences her first positive emotions in quite some time.

**** Impressions

Look at how much FX this bad boy can handle! Every few scenes, we get some new CGI. Either the technology caught up to the writer's ambitions, or someone threw a lot more money at them.

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-extreme-risk-2.webp" "https://www.tor.com/2021/01/25/star-trek-voyager-rewatch-extreme-risk/"
#+begin_img-c
Look at that scan!
#+end_img-c

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-extreme-risk-3.jpg" "https://voy.trekcore.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=133"
#+begin_img-c
Look at this vessel!
#+end_img-c

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-extreme-risk-4.jpg" "https://voy.trekcore.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=133"
#+begin_img-c
Look!
#+end_img-c

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-extreme-risk-5.jpg" "https://voy.trekcore.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=133"
#+begin_img-c
Just look at this. Stunning!
#+end_img-c

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-extreme-risk-6.jpg" "https://voy.trekcore.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=133"
#+begin_img-c
Kara Thrace, is that you?
#+end_img-c

I'd say it's just a step below what Marvel movies look like these days.

But outside of the visual, the episode got me hard. I always await crew-centric episodes. All the Sci-Fi techno-bubble is cool and all, but what I consider to be the meat of Star Trek is always the crew. And this was almost a perfect episode. The probe story was in the background, and B'Elanna's trauma was the focal point. It *would* be perfect if her problems wouldn't end with just a friendly chat. It's juvenile, but to fully develop this, the writers would need to expand it into a multi-episode arc. Nowadays, they would do it, but Voyager was still too early for such endeavors. On the other hand, this dark storyline is still much more seriously taken than what Picard did with its first two seasons.

As for the second storyline - I was surprised to find out Malons returned as I considered them dull enough for a monster of a week. After "Extreme Risk" I am not holding my breath to see them again, as they are still uninteresting.

Paris gets my vote for most-relatable-character after vocalizing his distaste for touch screens. Give me real buttons, or give me death!

**** Doctor factor

Unsatisfactory. Doctor is nothing more than a minor plot device here.

*** DONE Star Trek: Voyager 05x04 - In the Flesh
CLOSED: [2023-05-23 Wed 23:00]
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_FILE_NAME: 05x04-in-the-flesh
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :abstract my opinion on Star Trek Voyager 05x04 - In The Flesh
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+:  :menu_item_override  4
:END:
**** Summary
The crew encounters what appears to be Earth's Starfleet Acadamy. It's inhabited by people who should be present, including the groundskeeper Boothby[^boothby]. After an investigation (and seduction) conducted by Chakotay, it is revealed that it's a training replica of the site - one of many training grounds for Species 8472.
[^boothby]: Played again by excellent Ray Walston.

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-in-the-flesh.webp" "https://www.tor.com/2021/01/28/star-trek-voyager-rewatch-in-the-flesh/"
#+begin_img-c
Familiar face.
#+end_img-c

Both sides agree on a truce and negotiations. Its conclusion is a trade of information - Voyager gives their knowledge about Borg nanoprobes and, in exchange, receives information about  Species 8472 genetic modifications.

**** Impressions

/Non placet./[^latin] I saw this episode 2 weeks ago and didn't feel like writing about it at all. The basic premise is excellent as it develops Species 8472. However, the execution was boring. It seems that the creators feel much better when they are not confined within a bigger story arch. There was no tension, nor anything deeply exciting happened in the episode. However, I love that the day is saved not by phaser fire but by talking over a round table - and that was the only thing I remembered when sitting to write this post about the entire episode.
[^latin]: [[https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/non%20placet][a negative vote]]

Homefront[^homefront] did it better.
[^homefront]: an episode of Deep Space 9 sharing a lot of similarities

**** Doctor factor

Was he even here? I don't remember.

*** DONE Star Trek: Voyager 05x05 - Once Upon a Time
CLOSED: [2023-05-25 Wed 23:00]
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_FILE_NAME: 05x05-once-upon-a-time
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :abstract my opinion on Star Trek Voyager 05x05 - Once Upon a Time. Worst episode yet?
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+:  :menu_item_override  5
:END:
Delta Flyer, with Paris, Tuvok, and Samantha Wildman on board, crashes on a planetoid and is buried under kilometers of rock. Wildman's daughter, Naomi, is taken care of by Neelix.

Guess that's the story of the episode.

**** Impressions

On a surface level, this is a terrible episode. The story is forgettable and has no tension since we know Tuvok or Paris will be killed (we're not in Westeros yet). A lot of time is used to show a children's story Naomi explores in Holodeck. And it's full of Neelix, which is never a plus.

However, this is one of the few episodes where Neeling has its place and is not annoying. In most cases, he doesn't add anything to the crew except of food, and his counseling is nowhere near Deanna Troi's. At best, he is forgettable; at worst, he becomes annoying. It's not the actor, as Ethan Phillips gives a lot of personality to this character, putting him above Wesley Crusher[^wesley]. Here, his interactions with this little girl are what build the episode. He cares (as always), but his actions rarely have so much impact as here. Interspecies negotiations? Over his head. Battle with Borg? Nope. Being a caregiver? Perfection!
[^wesley]: having said that I was very much into Wesley's story, and I am still angry about his disappearance midway through TNG and the terrible scene in Picard. I want a spin-off!

But how Neelix can become god-father in this post-religion world is beyond my understanding.

Nothing saves the Holodeck scenes. I guess it was too reminiscent of Wizard of Oz with all of its quirks, but it comes poorly here. The simulation was made for kids, and I see no point in showing so much of it here. Maybe the creators needed something to fill the full episode run with?

However, something that hit me hard was Neelix's dilemmas about telling Naomi that her mother may be dead. There's this dark thread between those sometimes charming but most often useless scenes. It hits too close to home for me.

**** Doctor Factor

Not enough Doctor in the last few episodes!

*** DONE Star Trek: Voyager 05x06 - Timeless
CLOSED: [2023-05-31 Wed 23:00]
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_FILE_NAME: 05x06-timeless
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :abstract my opinion on Star Trek Voyager 05x06. A good time travel episode.
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+:  :menu_item_override  6 
:END:

Due to Kim's calculation error, the Voyager crashes on a frozen planet, killing the entire crew. Only Chakotay and Kim, who were not on the ship during the incident, survived. Somehow they manage to reach Earth but are hunted by the memory of being the cause of death of the entire crew.

Fifteen years later, they manage to return to Delta Quadrant and find a way to communicate with the past, where Voyager is still preparing for the test, which resulted in the incident.

**** Impressions

Woohoo, episode 100! And what an episode it was! It's clear that the creators were saving money for this episode. The first scene is probably the best CGI in Star Trek on TV up to this moment.

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-timeless.webp" "https://the-avocado.org/2021/06/03/you-talking-trek-to-me-very-best-of-voyager-timeless/"
#+begin_img-c
Voyager down
#+end_img-c

The story is straightforward. We've got a mission to save Voyager - but this time, we bypass the most significant problems of this series. We know that no matter how great the plan is, it will fail. The crew won't return to Earth before the last episodes of the final season. If the story focused on the test, it would not work as well as it does. Yes, we know that Chakotay and Kim will succeed, but with the twist that we see a different version of the characters we are used to know. They are scared and angry, which is especially shocking when it comes to Kim, who is often the nice guy in the room. Unfortunately, the most emotional moment is downplayed by soap opera-level overacting and screaming at each other.

Technically, I love the structure here. We've got intertwined scenes from both timelines. It's something I've seen recently in Made in Abyss season 2, and it really works great!

One episode I was reminded of was "The Visitor" from Deep Space 9. Unfortunately, it's not a favorable comparison as it only shows the weakness of Voyager. In DS9, we had actual, fleshed-out characters. You really cared about Jake and his relationship with Sisko. Here? Not so much. We're over halfway through the series, and they are still only filling the roles needed on a starship (and Neelix). I still have no idea who they are, what drives them, what scares them. They simply don't feel real. They are not persons but characters. 

Still, we see a druken Seven, which was unexpected. Also we see removal of her eye, but in a better taste than whatver happened in Picard.

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-timeless-2.jpg" "https://the-avocado.org/2021/06/03/you-talking-trek-to-me-very-best-of-voyager-timeless/"
#+begin_img-c
It's also much more mechanical than in Picard
#+end_img-c

**** Doctor's factor

A lot of scenes with the Doctor, I am content.

*** DONE Star Trek: Voyager 05x07 - Infinite Regress   :@update:@st_update:
CLOSED: [2023-12-02 Wed 23:00]
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_FILE_NAME: 05x07-infinite-regress
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :abstract a shining Seven episode
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+:  :menu_item_override 7 
:END:

Another simple episode.
Seven of Nine is starts being controlled by people who were once assimilated by the Borg.
During the course of episode it is revealed that is caused by a weapon Species 6339 aimed at Borg.

**** Impressions

Story wise, we've got not much to talk about here. 

But this is the first time I've noticed how *beautiful* Voyager is.
Since almost the entire episode takes place on the ship, we see a lot if it.
It's mostly corridors, but still - I love the aesthetics we've got here.
The ship is much darker than Enterprise was, but it's still not pitch black.
It's atmospheric, without being overly grim.
Season 5 had to receive a significant funding upgrade.

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-infinite-regress-1.jpg" "https://voy.trekcore.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=140"
#+begin_img-c
Look at this corridor!
#+end_img-c

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-infinite-regress-2.jpg" "https://voy.trekcore.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=140&page=3"
#+begin_img-c
And this corridor!
#+end_img-c

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-infinite-regress-3.jpg" "https://voy.trekcore.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=140&page=5"
#+begin_img-c
And this engineering room!
#+end_img-c

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-infinite-regress-4.jpg" "https://voy.trekcore.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=140&page=5"
#+begin_img-c
And this corridor in this artsy-fartsy angle
#+end_img-c

I've also noticed how consistent the design of aliens is.
They mostly limit the FX to adding something on the face, but they do it an away that makes it believable.
They make them look similar enough to make me believe that this place actually exits.

Also, we see a lot a little girl here (Naomi).
She is cute and not annoying.
Previously, whenever we've seen a child on /Star Trek/, we could assume that it will be (as the kids say) cringe.
Seems the writers learned how to write kids properly.

But this is Seven's episode, and we are finally able to see what a great actress Jeri Ryan is.
Since she is being possessed by different races, she can be a Human, Klingon and Ferengi - all in the span of a single episode
And she nails each one, especially Ferengi. 
The second she became one there was no doubt who this persona is.
The way she speaks, her moves, even the hand twitching.
Perfect.

Also, one of the personas was a little girl. 
Never before have I thought that Borg would assimilate a small kid.
I'm getting soft with age as this really moved me.

Finally, we see growth of Seven.
This episode and her relation with Naomi mark a huge step toward regaining her human side.

**** Doctor Factor

Failed! There was quite a lot of him here, but he as not given a chance go shine

*** DONE Star Trek: Voyager 05x08 - Nothing Human      :@update:@st_update:
CLOSED: [2023-12-06 Wed 23:00]
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_FILE_NAME: 05x08-nothing-human
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :abstract what an episode!
:export_hugo_custom_front_matter+: :menu_item_override 8
:END:
B'Elanna is attacked by a non-humanoid alien creature and her life is danger.
Doctor creates a holographic representation of a famous Cardasssian exobiologist, Crell Moset, to help save her life.
It is soon revealed that the Cardassian scientist used to experiment Bajorans during their occupation.
**** Impressions

A breathtaking episode.
This is what I call SciFi - to use made up, fantastic setting in order to tell story about *humanity*.
Episodes like this make *Star Trek* my favorite western SciFi.

We've got a real moral problem here.
Does the goal justify the mean?
Is using prisoners of war as test subjects justified if it pushed all of us forward?

#+BEGIN_QUOTE
> *Ensign Tabor*: I can still remember the sounds his instruments made, the screams of his patients, the smell, chemicals and dead flesh. He operated on my grandfather, exposed his internal organs to nadion radiation. It took six days for him to die. He blinded people so he could study how they adapted, exposed them to polytrinic acid just to see how long it would take for their skin to heal.

> *The Doctor*: Ensign, the man you're accusing cured the Fostossa virus. He stopped an epidemic that killed thousands of Bajorans.

> *Ensign Tabor*: By infecting hundreds of people so that he could experiment with different treatments - old, helpless people, like my grandfather, because he considered their lives worthless.

> *The Doctor*: How do you know this?

> *Ensign Tabor*: Everybody knew.
#+END_QUOTE

But the biggest question here: does applying knowledge gained from atrocities, give those actions validity?
This entire episode is an allegory of World War II where Germans, Japanese or Russians did unspeakable things.
This which gave them knowledge we use every day (I am writing this on an semi-IBM machine).
And it does it without sounding cliché or forced.

I was expecting a rogue hologram episode (like TNG did a lot) and I was not ready for what I got.

On a lighter tone: once again we see an improvement in special effects. 
The team created a nice animatronic alien and a CGI version.
We've all seen Babylon 5 and know that the tech was not ready for computer graphics.
They tried and did what they could.

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-nothing-human-2.jpg" "https://voy.trekcore.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=142&page=3"
#+begin_img-c
Animatronic greatness
#+end_img-c

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-nothing-human-3.jpg" "https://voy.trekcore.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=142&page=3"
#+begin_img-c
CGI definitely not greatness
#+end_img-c

**** Doctor Factor
Wooohoooo! 
Finally, a rare Doctor-focused episode, and they nailed it.

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-nothing-human-1.jpg" "https://voy.trekcore.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=142"
#+begin_img-c
The in-between-names doctor in full glory
#+end_img-c
*** DONE Star Trek: Voyager 05x09 - Thirty Days        :@update:@st_update:
CLOSED: [2023-12-22 Fri 23:19]
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_FILE_NAME: 05x09-thirty-days
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :abstract A good Paris episode
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+:  :menu_item_override  9
:END:
We start where it ends: Paris is locked in Voyager's brig, locked for 30 days. 
A really welcome narrative mechanism!
The entire episode is a retelling of the story of how he got there.

In a series of flashbacks we learn about on ocean planet on the brink of doom and of Paris, who yet again disobeys orders to follow his call of ethics.

**** Impressions

Paris should have been a much more interesting character.
He is to be the cool guy in the crew[^kim].
Handsome, intelligent, rebel.
But as most of Voyager's crew, the writers somehow fall short of those expectations.
[^kim]: but, deep inside, we all know that Kim is the coolest.

This is one of the few episodes where they succeed.

Yes, the start is over the top.
Kim and Paris are on a double date in the holodeck where they pretend to be in a 50s SciFi flick - with superpowers and mad scientists.
I am fully aware the Star Trek is a direct descendant of those shows.
But I had never watched them[^twilight], and, at the same time, I am so tired of Marvel, so I didn't enjoy it.
There has to be some nostalgia (even misplaced) to like this sort of things.
And yes, I am watching a 30-year-old show, thank you for noticing.
[^twilight]: except for few episodes of Twilight Zone. I will *need* to return here, as they were amazing

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-thirty-days-1.jpg" "https://voy.trekcore.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=177&page=3"
#+begin_img-c
Complete with black and white filter
#+end_img-c

I also found Paris dressed up as a sea captain a but goofy.

But they are FINALLY letting the characters have fun.
Last time it was not Moriarty level of fun, and this time it's still not.
But finally something nice is happening and are witnessing it.
Most of goofy scenes up to recently were strictly Neelix centered, but what we needed was exactly this.

I am always happy when we to know the crew outside their duty, as this is (always) my primary issue with the show.
Bring back the fun!

As for the primary plot, I also enjoyed it.
Not loved it, but it was very enjoyable.
Paris refusing orders from Jenway was, at the same, expected, and thrilling.
What Chakotay fails at, Paris delivers.
We've got one character on the entire crew who is not afraid to go against his captain's if it means following his instinct.

This is not a must-see episode, but what is, is one of those where you start valuing the show more.
Paris is cool, end of story.

And, once again, the CGI is breathtaking.
#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-thirty-days-2.jpg" "https://voy.trekcore.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=177&page=3"
#+begin_img-c
We deserve more underwater SciFi shows.
#+end_img-c

**** Doctor factor

Unsatisfactory

*** DONE Star Trek: Voyager 05x11 - Latent Image
CLOSED: [2024-03-08 Fri 22:07]
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_FILE_NAME: 05x11-latent-image
:EXP+: :abstract A great Doctor episode!
:EXPORT_HUGO_PAIRED_SHORTCODES: img-c
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+:  :menu_item_override  11
:END:
After a longer hiatus, I am back watching Voyager.
The previous episode was not memorable, so no review for now.
But this?
This is a WOW episode!

Doctor learns that he performed a surgery on Kim 1,5 year ago.
After an investigation, we learn that /something/ happened then, and it was erased from his memories.
After and even longer investigation it turns out that Doctor had to make a choice between saving Kim and Ensign Ahni Jetal.
He has chosen Kim and Ahni dies.
This causes /moral dilemma/ powerful enough, to break Doctor's programming and Jenwey decides to rewrite him, as he was no longer able to perform his duties as a doctor.

**** Impressions

Wow!
I was left speechless.
There are so many aspects that this episode nails.

We've got the basic premise of The Doctor evolving from a simple program into a person.
I love they have not made it a /Seven/ episode, as Borgs are goto when it comes to such stories.
Moreover, we've got Jenway who made tough choice between a doctor and The Doctor.
Love it!

Speaking of which - Jenway is slowly becoming my favorite captain.
At first, I could not stand her - she was all knowing, perfect and deeply annoying.
But it's episodes like this that show /why/ she is the captain.
I can't imagine Picard or Sisko in a situation like this.
Yes, they all had some tough moral dilemmas - genocides and such - but none were so deeply, interpersonally involved.
None had to live with the results.
And Mulligan's performance is perfect.
We have a scene where Doctor confronts her. In a span of few seconds, se moves from goofy and having fun with the crew to martial tribunal level of seriousness.
This is not the first time she does it, but everyone I am floored.

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-latent-image-1.jpg" "https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/video/A_IC0KJPUnyl6XGYILsz17io5kee4P2H/"
#+begin_img-c
There's more and more of Naomi.
I can't wait to see what the show has planned for her!
#+end_img-c
**** Doctor factor

Happiness of the highest order.
It's a not only a Doctor episode but also a Perfect Doctor Episode.
The episode ends with:

#+begin_quote
In that book, which is my memory, on the first page of the chapter that is the day when I first met you appear the words, 'here begins a new life'
#+end_quote


I love how he is developing through the series and sure hope authors won't forget that this episode exists!

*** DONE Star Trek: Voyager 05x12 - Bride of Chaotica!
CLOSED: [2024-03-13 Wed 16:06]
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_FILE_NAME: 05x12-bride-of-chaotica
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :abstract A fun Capitan Proton episode
:EXPORT_HUGO_PAIRED_SHORTCODES: img-c
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+:  :menu_item_override  12
:END:
Paris and Kim are forced to keep a holodeck program of Captain Proton running when they leave the simulation.
Suddenly, a spatial distortion hit the Voyager.
The ship is trapped and extra-dimentional beings enter the simulation believing that it is reality, while the crew is just a simulation.
Soon after, we learn that the aliens fight a war against the Chaotica, and Paris, Kim, Jewnway,and Doctor join the fight as characters from the simulation. 

**** Impressions
I am definitely *not* enjoying these Captain Proton episodes.
I guess the reason it that I never watched classic US SciFi shows it builds upon?
Or maybe I prefer conflicted Paris?
Either way, I have not found it interesting at the sightest
The premise sounds cool, and everybody seems to be having a lot of fun.
But that's all.

Don't get me wrong - this is not a /bad/ episode.
It's just not for me.
I'd have much more fun if I was invested in Proton.

Now, if it was Star Trek that was referenced with such respect in some modern show, I'd be all over it.

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-bride-of-chaotica.jpg" "https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0708860/"
#+begin_img-c
Though those episodes look simply stunning.
Here: Jenway in the best aspect format (4:3).
#+end_img-c

**** Doctor Factor
Yeah, he was here.
It's something!

*** DONE Star Trek: Voyager 05x13 - Gravity
CLOSED: [2024-03-16 Sat 10:06]
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_FILE_NAME: 05x13-gravity
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :abstract A *great* Tuvok episode
:EXPORT_HUGO_PAIRED_SHORTCODES: img-c
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+:  :menu_item_override  13
:END:

Tuvok, Paris, and Doctor are stranded on an alien planet.
Soon they meet Noss, who's been trapped there for 14 seasons.
She falls in love with Tuvok, and he can't stop having feelings for her.

**** Impressions

Well, I had to see this episode twice, two nights in a row.
The first night I was in a bit of a dark place, and I remembered nothing when the credits rolled.
The second time I was /so glad/ I made it the second time!
This is an excellent episode.

I've been told that Tuvok's casting was controversial, as he is black.
Tim Russ sure proved them that he was a /great/ casting choice.
I adore Tuvok!
He is an amazing Vulcan - logical, distant, analytical.
Tuvok is, however, so much more[fn:spock].

As I learn about his past, about his trainings to overcome /love,/ I like him even more.
He is not only a Vulcan[fn:only], as there is still emotional being underneath the cold exterior.
She has a family back home, and despite all odds, this is still essential to him.
No cheating in space!

I adored liked Noss here.
She seems to be one-off character, and I doubt I'll ever see her again, but sure was she a compelling one-off.
I'd love to learn more about her and let her interact with Tuvok more.

As for the episode itself, I love that writers added the temporal disruption: for every 0.4744 of a second on the Voyager, a minute would pass on the planet.
Completely unnecessary on one hand, but on the other it adds tension.
Since the crew spent /months/ on the planet, Tuvok had a chance to get to know Noss.
It made it so much more believable.
Ok, she /suddenly/ starts to talk in broken English and I had hard time accepting it until we learned of the temporal disruption.
It also allowed us to learn about her as a person - it's only one episode, but with her bonding with the team we see that she is much more than love interest.

All in all: highly recommended!

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-gravity.jpg" "https://www.amazon.com/Petty-Voyager-Original-Autographed-Photo/dp/B00TLA0596"
#+begin_img-c
Tasty space spider!
#+end_img-c

[fn:spock] I haven't seen too much of TOS, so I can't compare him to mr. Spock.
[fn:only] I fully accept the ban on mind-melt that is sure to follow this sentence

*** DONE Star Trek: Voyager 05x14 - Bliss
CLOSED: [2024-03-17 Sun 21:36]
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_FILE_NAME: 05x14-bliss
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :abstract A monster a week type of trek
:EXPORT_HUGO_PAIRED_SHORTCODES: img-c
:export_hugo_custom_front_matter+: :menu_item_override 14
:END:
**** The plot
Voyager encounters wormhole leading directly to Earth.
Too beautiful to be true?
We learn that it's actually an alien creature that has the ability to project dreams and hopes to people minds, in order to trap them.
Only Seven and Naomi are immune to this, and Voyager enters the wormhole - which in reality is the creature's body.
Inside, we meet Quatai, an alien who has been trapped there for quite some time.

**** Impressions
Sometimes POSTE[fn:poste] is all you need.
Nothing out of the ordinary - just a problem in outer space.
This is very much ok.
The basic premise - great; crew on happy pills - perfect; Seven out to get to the bottom of it - ideal; Naomi - still cool.

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-bliss.jpg" "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ2DRFP44K4"
#+begin_img-c
The creature in all of its glory
#+end_img-c

The most memorable part of this episode was the reaction of Quatai upon meeting Voyager.
After countless lies and deceptions by the creature, he can no longer accept that a good thing can happen.
He assumes that it's just another ploy to mess with his mind.
When we are in a dump, it's very hard to trust in positives.

This episode also deepens the relation of Seven and Naomi.
They are the only ones on the Voyager /not/ waiting to return to Earth, as Voyager is their true home.
Fascinating.

A good episode.

**** Doctor Factor

Reduced to plot machine. Unacceptable!

[fn:poste] Plain Old Star Trek Episode

*** DONE Star Trek: Voyager 05x15&16 - Dark Frontier 
CLOSED: [2024-03-22 Fri 22:45]
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_FILE_NAME: 05x15-15-dark-frontier
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :abstract A Borg themed two-parter
:EXPORT_HUGO_PAIRED_SHORTCODES: img-c
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+:  :menu_item_override 15&16
:END:

Voyagers crew decide that it's a good time to plan a heist on Borg and steal their transwarp coil.
During the heist, Seven meets the new Borg Queen who has huge interest in her.

We're also witness of Sevens memories from just before being assimilated by the Collective.

**** Impressions

Oh, a two-parter!
Of course, it's about the Borg.

Say what you will, the basic premise of Borg still scares me.
The idea of loosing /self/ and to be reduced to a drone?
Not even corporate America is capable of doing it fully.
But I started watching Trek years ago.
When Picard became Locutus, I was some 7-8 year younger.
It was a scary concept, sure.
But here I am, in 2024, a father.
The premise of Borg assimilating children is terrifying.
A young kid loosing /self/ and becoming part of the collective?
Yeah, scary stuff became terrifying.
I get we're dealing with alien-third-reich and /borg-jungen/ make perfect sense.
But in unnerving at the very least.

Here we learn that Hanses fought for the title of worst parents ever.
Not only have they risked their own lives, not only have they not thought of the risk making Anika an orphan, but they took her with them.
They took their little girl to the most dangerous place in known space.
Star Trek is about "boldly going were no one has gone before", but have some restrains!
Even the Doctor agreed.

Speaking of children in dangerous areas of universe - Naomi continues to rock.
When /TNG/ introduced Alexander, they could not throw his character fast enough.
They had no idea how to write children. 
But here?
Here she acts like a kid.
Cute and believable.

On the other hand, we're seeing assimilation.
I don't remember how graphical the previous ones we witnessed were, but hot damn.
Strogg... Borg aren't fooling around - arms are cut off, and it's actually scary.
People complained about the eye-removal scene from /Picard/, but it wasn't so off.

But my biggest takeaway: there are privacy protocols on federation ships!
I always wondered how they store all this private info without prying eyes.
The answer: protocol.
Oh! you crazy space-commies!

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-dark-frontier-01.jpg" "https://voy.trekcore.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=96"
#+begin_img-c
Borg ships always gives me a sense of claustrophobia.
Games with Borg ignored how small the living space is there.
#+end_img-c

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-dark-frontier-02.jpg" "https://voy.trekcore.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=96"
#+begin_img-c
The Death Star makes a guest appearance
#+end_img-c

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-dark-frontier-03.jpg" "https://voy.trekcore.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=96"
#+begin_img-c
Chibi-Seven
#+end_img-c

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-dark-frontier-04.jpg" "https://voy.trekcore.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=96"
#+begin_img-c
I am often amazed by the quality of special effects on display here.
#+end_img-c

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-dark-frontier-05.jpg" "https://voy.trekcore.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=96"
#+begin_img-c
Borg Queen doing her best Alex Murphy impression.
#+end_img-c

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-dark-frontier-06.jpg" "https://voy.trekcore.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=96"
#+begin_img-c
Say what you will, Queen looks better here than she looked like in Picard.
#+end_img-c

#+begin_quote
Seven: I will resist

Queen: I know
#+end_quote

 Factor

The episode is so good, that I don't care that we deserve more of The Doctor.

*** DONE Star Trek: Voyager 05x17 - The Disease
CLOSED: [2024-03-22 Fri 23:27]
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_FILE_NAME: 05x16-the-disease
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :abstract Space STD and rebelion?
:EXPORT_HUGO_PAIRED_SHORTCODES: img-c
:export_hugo_custom_front_matter+: :menu_item_override 17
:END:

Voyager assists Varro - an alien species who live in a huge spaceship for the last 400 years.
Kim falls in love with one Varros females, Tal, who are (as we learn) have surprisingly different physiology compared to humans, making sex weird.

Later we learn that some Varro don't want to live aboard the ship, but are forbidden from leaving.


**** Impressions

A Kim episode, finally!
He is one of the most underutilized characters in the entire series, so it's always nice when he is not only background for Paris.

I loved the first part of the episode.
It's infantile and funny.
/STV/ lacks the humour of /TNG/.

And then we got the Space STD which was extremely unexpected turn of events.
Not the *smartest* part of the episode, but it was the funniest idea I've seen here in a long time.

Unfortunately, the subplot 2 is underdeveloped.
Some part of Varro want to leave the collective.
We've got terrorists, resistance and all the jazz.
Remember when part of the fleet of Battlestar Galactica decided to stop pursuing earth?
Remember how much has happened as a result?
Nothing of this magnitude happens here.
I think this is the weakest aspect here - great idea, but a low effort execution.

If those were two separate episodes - one completely of the wall, one serious and deep - I'd love it.
Both stories deserve so much more.
I left unsatisfied.

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-the-disese.webp" "https://them0vieblog.com/2017/08/30/star-trek-voyager-the-disease-review/"
#+begin_img-c
Varro's ship.
#+end_img-c
**** Doctor Factor

Present, but just as unsatisfying as the entire episode.
*** DONE Star Trek: Voyager 05x18 Course: Oblivion
CLOSED: [2024-04-03 Wed 21:14]
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_FILE_NAME: 05x18-course-oblivion
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :abstract One of the  best episodes I've seen
:EXPORT_HUGO_PAIRED_SHORTCODES: img-c
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :menu_item_override 18
:END:


We start with B'Elllanas and Parises wedding and celebration of successful enhancement of Voyagers drives.
The ship is 2 years from reaching earth.

The celebration is cut short, as Torres comes down with illness breaking her molecular structure.
We learn, that we are not on /our/ Voyager, but on a identical copy.
The entire crew are clones  born on the Demon planet.

Soon, rest of the crew comes down with the same illness as B'Ellana.

"Course: Oblivion" is a direct continuation of Demon (04x24[fn:before])
#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-course-oblivion-1.jpg" "https://voy.trekcore.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=96"
#+begin_img-c
Look how happy they are. 
#+end_img-c

**** Impressions

This may very well be my favorite Voyager episode yet.
This series is far from happy-go-lucky, but damn.
Seeing the entire crew die is not something I would have expected.
But it is a Bryan Fuller episode, so it doesn't come as such of a surprise.

We're still thematically around the /self/ problem.
Are the clones the same people as the originals?
They possess the same memories, they have the same goals, they have the same personalities.
Moreover, they don't remember being clones.
It's closer to a /Twilight Zone/ brain melter, than I would have anticipated.

The only downside are the effects.
It's a nitpick, but we're seeing /crap-on-face/ type of decomposition, which starts as cool.
Unfortunately, the with time and the process progression, more and more faces are covered - and with it, all the problems are more visible.
Near the end, we see dried up, cracked masks.
I'm glad it's not a 4K remaster.

But this does not matter.
I finished the episode seriously sad.
I wanted a different ending.
Not often we are left with such soul-crushing scenes.

It is not a story episode, /Trek/ gave us plenty of those.
It simply goes from point A to B.
After we learn that we are not seeing That Voyager, Fuller does not give us any more surprises.
This is pure emotional episode.
It came late in season 5, so I know those characters and I really felt their deaths.
I'm glad this not how the entire series is, but I will mention it anytime I am asked about greatest Trek episodes.
It right there, besides "The Inner Light" (TNG) and "The Visitor" (DS9).
It adds nothing to the main story, yet it is /essential/ to appreciate /Voyager/.

I think it's time to say it out loud: /Voyager/ is a better series than /The Next Generation/.
It's more mature, less goofy and overall has amazing episode quality.
#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-course-oblivion-2.jpg" "https://voy.trekcore.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=96"
#+begin_img-c
Look how sad they are.
#+end_img-c

**** Doctor factor

Reduced to plot device, but I still love this episode.

[fn:before] I have not reviewed episodes before reaching season 5, sorry.

*** DONE Star Trek: Voyager 05x19 - Fight
CLOSED: [2024-04-03 Wed 21:38]
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_FILE_NAME: 05x19-fight
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :abstract Voyager, you are not Northern Exposure!
:EXPORT_HUGO_PAIRED_SHORTCODES: img-c
:export_hugo_custom_front_matter+: :menu_item_override 19
:END:

Checkotay undergoes a vision quest while laying in sickbay.

**** Impressions

After a great episode, we've come to this.
I don't care about any of this native-american plot that they are bringing with Checkotay.
It worked in /Northern Exposure/, but it does not work here.
I don't think /Trek/ is a good place for spiritual stories.
It didn't work in ghost-love-story in /TNG/, it does not work here.
It's not nearly half as bad, but it is boring and forgettable.

**** Doctor Factor


I was snoring so loudly, that I didn't notice.
He was here, right?
It's sickbay so he should.

*** DONE Star Trek: Voyager 05x20 - Think Tank
CLOSED: [2024-04-08 Mon 19:30]
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_FILE_NAME: 05x20-think-tank
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :abstract The episode about nothing
:EXPORT_HUGO_PAIRED_SHORTCODES: img-c
:export_hugo_custom_front_matter+: :menu_item_override 20
:END:

Voyager employees help from a suspicious group calling themselves a /Think Tank/.
Everything goes fine until the time of payment.
The /Tank/ expects part of payment to be Seven leaving Voyager and joining them.

**** Impressions
First, and most important: Jason Alexander!
We've got a guest star, and it's one of my all-time favorites - Constanza from /Seinfeld/.
There are zero winks to /Seinfeld/ fans, just the same actor.
And it's strange seeing him as super-inteligent character with a normal-sized wallet.
Villain?
Sure.
But intelligent?
After few minutes Jason stops being Constanza, as he is doing a splendid job here.
Kurros is that's left.

As for the episode, I am once again floored by the quality of FX.
Alien makeup becomes absurdly great.

To bad, I was not invested deeply into the story.
As much as Sevens plot goes, we're not seeing anything /too/ interesting.
She has already established herself as vital part of Voyager crew, and as more human than Borg.
Not for a second the viewer believes that she will abandon the crew.

So, a solid episode in my book.
The /Think Tank/ is a great idea, Alexander is a great actor, the story is interesting.
All it needed was a more believable stake.
If the payment was to be Jenway doing some little genocide (Sisko style) - boom, I'd be on the edge on my seat.
The way it plays out is, basically, /about nothing/.

**** Doctor factor

I'm getting a bit annoyed that it's either a doctor-centeric episode, or his involvement is unsatisfactory.
This was not a doctor-centric episode.

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#+begin_img-c
Disregarding obvious joke (Da Ba Dee), this looks phenomenal
#+end_img-c

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-think-tank-2.jpg" "https://voy.trekcore.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=96"
#+begin_img-c
He lives in a society!
#+end_img-c

*** DONE Star Trek: Voyager 05x21 - Juggnaut	
CLOSED: [2024-04-20 Sat 18:51]
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_FILE_NAME: 05x21-juggernaut
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :abstract My mini review
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :aliases '(//star-trek/stv/05x21-juggernut/)
:EXPORT_HUGO_PAIRED_SHORTCODES: img-c
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :menu_item_override "21"
:END:

Voyager meets Malons again.
This time they need to act together, as the Malon's ship is about to explode and destroy everything in radius of 3 light years.
There is also a monster in play.

**** Impressions

A true monster of the week episode, we haven't seen that in a while.

The episode starts with Torres learning meditation from Tuvok.
Well, Tuvok tries to teach her, as her proud Klingon heritage is always in the way.
I dig this concept.
I liked Worf's problems with being Earth-raised, and I like the same things with B'Elanna.
It's not as developed as in /TNG/, since there is no family honor at stake, but still - always a pleasure.

Unfortunately Malons are a mediocre... enemy?
They are often /against/ Voyager, but are the enemy?
As much as criticizing capitalism in Trek goes, they are not a comic relief (like the Ferengi are) as it would not match the tone of the series.
But it's very much obvious, as they basically are a race whose sole reason to exist is to dump toxic products of their culture all over the universe.
[[https://www.youtube.com/@CainOnGames][Timothy Cain]] recently gave a talk about developing fractions, and he mentioned that we need to understand individual persons.
We may have an enemy race, but there should be unique people with different world views.
And this episode tries this.
We hear that Malons are /proud/ of their toxic dumps as it makes their home planet beautiful.
They are not evil for being evil sake, but there is some reasoning behind this.
Is it an interesting explanation?
Not really.
But it's there!
Mallons are not Borg, and there are individuals!
I'll take any development when the alternative is nauseating.

And then we've got a monster.
We've got scares, ugliness and fight scenes.
It didn't go into the hall of fame, as it wasn't all that interesting.
But it's there!

This matches the entire episode.
It's not bad, it's not really good.
It's there and it's enjoyable.

**** Doctor factor

Unsatisfactory, like most of the time.

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#+begin_img-c
Most definitely not a Ferengi.
#+end_img-c

*** DONE Star Trek: Voyager 05x22 - Someone to Watch Over Me	
CLOSED: [2024-05-05 Sun 00:10]
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_FILE_NAME: 05x22-someone-to-watch-over-me
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :abstract My mini review
:EXPORT_HUGO_PAIRED_SHORTCODES: img-c
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :menu_item_override "22"
:END:

Seven, with a help from the Doctor explores another aspect of being human - intimate relations.
At the same time Voyager is visited by an ambassador of a very strict-moral race.

**** Impressions

What an episode!
I don't remember when was the last time I've laughed so hard.

The idea is amazing: the Doctor is to teach Seven how to date.
The one person who has no idea how.
The execution is perfect.
The duo is playing of themselves marvelously.

It starts with Doctor giving Seven some exercises which she perfects swiftly.
At least she thinks so...
A lot of scenes happen in Holodeck with simulated partners.
It works very well and allows the scenes not to stop suddenly, as the programs are designed not to leave their worst dates ever.

The one downside here is that we have a /kids show/ trait of Doctor and Paris betting on Seven's success, and it ends in a bit of drama.
But this is small scratch on this diamond of an episode.

The religious plot B is, well, ok.
Nothing to write about.

This applies to the entire episode: not much to *write* about, but a lot to experience.
It's not a story-heavy episode but a visceral one.

**** Doctor factor

Yes!
Yes!
Yes!

This may have been the best Doctor episode, even though he was not the primary focus.
Not only is he hilarious, but this may be his biggest growth yet.
My disappointment will be immeasurable if authors won't develop his love toward Seven deeper.

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-someone-to-watch-over-me.jpg" "https://imdb.com"
#+begin_img-c
Yes, Doctor and Seven dancing.
#+end_img-c


*** DONE Star Trek: Voyager 05x23  - 11:59
CLOSED: [2024-05-09 Thu 23:17]
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_FILE_NAME: 05x23-11-59
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :abstract My mini review
:EXPORT_HUGO_PAIRED_SHORTCODES: img-c
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :menu_item_override "23"
:END:

Jenway reminisces about her distant relative, Shannon O'Donnell, who was one of her biggest inspirations to join the fleet.

**** Impressions

Did we deserve some bookstore porn?
Because we've got one!
I think we all dreamed about selling and surrounding ourselves with books, even if we don't read much these days.

And how did we get it?
Most of this episode happens right before the year 2000 - hence, the episode's name.
No space travel, replicators, aliens.
And it looks glorious!
I forgot how much I love the classic TV aesthetic, with those /perfect/ smaller American cities.
I don't have any idea if US ever looked like this, but image of such city is forever etched into my brain.
It's not as disgusting as in /Midnight Cowboy/ nor as dirty as in /Coming to America/[fn:usmovies]
Yet, it's still kind of same?
And TV had this specific /feeling/ of enclosed spaces full of close up shots.
Be it /Seinfeld/ or /Cojack/, America never looked better.
Nowadays, TV series pretend to be cinema movies.
They fail miserably at this, but they try.
Kids will not know how a TV shot can look like.

And it's so fitting, as the story here is about our relation with history.
Is it as perfect as we remember it?
Does it matter if we look at it through pink tinted glasses?
I don't think so and nor does the Trek crew here.
All glory to then!

11:59 is a cute little episode.
I enjoyed it immensely, even though in 3 years I'll have no memory of ever seeing it.

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-11-59.jpg" "https://voy.trekcore.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=151&page=4"
#+begin_img-c
Books and books and books and books
#+end_img-c

[fn:usmovies] I've been raised in the 90s, so I was subjected to USA's cultural propaganda and I still love it.
Movies were simply better back then.


*** DONE Star Trek: Voyager 04x24 - Relativity
CLOSED: [2024-05-14 Tue 22:51]
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_FILE_NAME: 05x24-relativity
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :abstract My mini review
:EXPORT_HUGO_PAIRED_SHORTCODES: img-c
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :menu_item_override "24"
:END:

Seven is recruited by Captain Braxton for a time-traveling mission to save the Voyager

**** Impressions

/Star Trek/ is an amazing space for "standard" stories with a twist.
Here we've got a detective story, but with time travel.
It's close to the greatness of /Time Crimes/ or /Predestination/, which is a huge thumb up from me.

What those two have in common?
They are totally unpredictable, but they do so without being insulting.
Very often twists are done on the expense of the viewer, as important parts of the stories are hidden and explained afterwards.

Here, we're learning everything together with Seven and the others.
I love that!
And it was hell of a ride - on a few occasions I could not predict where the story will go next.

But the biggest shock for me was something I most likely missed a few times before: Jenway was a science officer.
I hated how she instructed her own science officers, but now it makes sense.
She already may be my favorite captain, and this may just cement it.

One thing I did not like was the self-referencing to multiple time-travel problems with Voyager.
If authors found it funny, it should not happen.
Such self-awareness has no place in a decent SF.
Marvel may have become a self-parody, but /Trek/ is on a completely different level.
Here it was a little wink, not a full-blown movie (like the third /Thor/) so I'll allow it.
But I have to say that I am not a fan.

Also - look!
They can make darker ship that is not /black/, like they are in the new ST!

**** Doctors factor

Nope, I left unsatisfied.

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-relativity.jpg" "https://voy.trekcore.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=134&page=5"
#+begin_img-c
Dark, but not modern-trek Dark.
#+end_img-c

*** DONE Star Trek: Voyager 05x25 - Warhead
CLOSED: [2024-05-14 Tue 23:02]
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_FILE_NAME: 05x25-warhead
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :abstract My mini review
:EXPORT_HUGO_PAIRED_SHORTCODES: img-c
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :menu_item_override "25"
:END:

Voyager meets a sentient bomb a tries not to destroy an alien planet in the process.

**** Impressions

Captain Kim?
I love how he is progressing.
No major problems nor scandals.
He simply does his job, learns and gets better.
Jenway sees it and gives me more and more.
This is how it should be!

But the episode is basically a retelling of /Dark Star/.
Both, that movie and this episode, show us a sentient weapon where a crew of spaceship needs to reason with it.
It's not a bad thing, as both /Dark Star/ and /Warhead/ have great and distinct stories[fn:ds].

The twist here is that the Warhead gets possession of Doctor's holoprojection.
What a great idea!
It gives Picardo yet another chance to shine, and he nails it.

I think authors were very inspired by early SF stories, as the way the Doctor-Warhead talks is reminiscent of Asimov or Clarke.
He tries to convince himself that the attack is justified, even when facing evidence.
He fights with his programming, testing his free will limits.
Very 1950s I might say.

It also asks similar questions: who we are? Why are we here? Can we change it?

Great episode.
I'd love more of such brilliant little stories.

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-warhead.jpg" "https://voy.trekcore.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=152&page=4"
#+begin_img-c
Starts as a love story
#+end_img-c

**** Picardo factor

Yes!
I love him as an actor, and he is absolutely marvelous as /The Warhead/.

[fn:ds] Yes, the red-ball fight on /Dark Star/ was terrible.
I try to pretend that it did not happen, thank you very much.

*** DONE Star Trek: Voyager 05x26 - Equinox (part 1)
CLOSED: [2024-05-19 Sun 18:10]
:PROPERTIES:
:EXPORT_FILE_NAME: 05x26-equinox-part-1
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :abstract My mini review
:EXPORT_HUGO_PAIRED_SHORTCODES: img-c
:EXPORT_HUGO_CUSTOM_FRONT_MATTER+: :menu_item_override "26"
:END:

Voyager meets a Starfleet Spaceship - Equinox.
The crew holds a secret.

****  Impressions

Not a fan of cliffhangers.
Especially of those with multi-month wait time in between.
I mean, it's 2024, and it's all in the past, but this strategy still make me uneasy.
Lack of closure is my biggest gripe with modern TV.
All they want is to keep me invested and waste hours of my life.
It used to be different - you get a closed episode, and you can get back to your life.
Not anymore, we lost it.
Well, we used to have it but even back then we caught the bait.

As for the episode, I disliked it.
It starts great.
Crew of Voyager jumped to help the Equinox and the crews were working together.
This is what I want from /Star Trek/ - a fantasy where men is good.

Soon after we learn that the Equinox is powered by carcasses of peaceful species.
If I wanted this, I'd watch /The Expanse/.
Or the Parliament!
I know current Trek is dark, and the federation is rotten to it's core.
I get that earth was not perfect in /DS9/.
But we are in a far away land.
Everything we've witnessed before was Voyager trying to be the good guys in the Delta Quadrant.
Why the hell do we need to have *this* twist?

I'm making a hiatus in Trek, and I'll have to return to /those assholes/ from Equinox.
They will most likely need to attack Voyager or something.
They need to be /the assholes/, because we are not allowed to have nice things.

I hope I am wrong.
The Trek is about what mankind /can/ be, not what it is.

**** Doctor Factor

Meh.

#+attr_shortcode: "star-trek-voyager-equinox.jpg" "https://voy.trekcore.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=153"
#+begin_img-c
Looks like Alien, plays like Man Behind The Sun.
#+end_img-c