Episode Review - Unity (Voyager, Season 3)

For those who are new to my episode reviews, you can find the post where I establish my point criteria here

Overview – Chakotay and Ensign Kaplan arrive on an unknown planet and are attacked. Kaplan is killed and Chakotay is injured. When he awakens, he finds himself under the care of Riley Frazier, a human from Earth. He soon learns that Riley, like all the inhabitants, is a former Borg drone. Their ship, which Janeway and Voyager have discovered during all of this, was suddenly cut off from the Collective. Since then, they have begun to fight among themselves. They help Chakotay heal by forming a mini-neural link that functions a bit the way the Borg Collective did. They request that Janeway and the crew of Voyager assist them in restoring the neuro-electric field generator on the Borg vessel to assist them in re-establishing the neural link and unite all of the former Borg on the planet. This is met by resistance from Janeway.

Score: 8/10 – As was eluded to in a previous episode “Blood Fever”, the Borg were going to become a major part of Voyager’s story. “Unity” takes the first real plunge down that path. What we get is a fascinating look into what life for a bunch of Borg who used to be united in a collective suddenly regain their individuality. It is interesting to note that this episode was designed to be an analogy to the break up on the Soviet Union, and it does bear some resemblance. There is mystery and danger and we see a side to being in the collective that we have never truly faced. It seems that for some, the unity found in the Borg Collective has some positive attributes to it, or at least for those who have been a part of it. Chakotay does have some great moments, and Robert Duncan MacNeil does a great job in the director’s chair. While we will not fully encounter the Borg until the season finale, this is a good way of getting our feet wet in what will ultimately become the best antagonist for Janeway and her crew.

Relevance – 3 points. A point is scored for taking the next step in the slow and steady Borg introduction. We went from discovering a Borg corpse to now finding a deserted ship and a word of former drones. The neural interface that they use on Chakotay will come into play in the fourth season opener, so that also scores a point. Finally, we see the death of Ensign Kaplan. Wait, who? Well, she’s the plucky ensign that we had seen filling in various roles in “Future’s End” and “Macrocosm” and never really got much to do or say. In the beginning of this episode, she actually gets some decent dialogue and action. That, of course, means she’s about to be killed. Like so many characters from Voyager, she was there and then killed, which led to a disappointing payoff. Ah, well. At least her death gives this episode a relevance point here.

Continuity - 1 point. Universe continuity is good here. Some plausible explanations for how the Borg have not reclaimed the damaged vessel are provided. Character continuity is not as clear cut. Chakotay gets duped a bit by Riley and the Cooeprative. We have sadly seen this trusting nature of Chakotay before, and like before he learns his lesson the hard way. Where I am deducting the point is due to a throw away line for Chakotay. When given the choice of accepting the linking into the collective or death, he mentions the “happy hunting ground”. In truth, I was surprised even when it first aired how stereotypical that line was. Chakotay did embrace his Native American ancestry and culture as he saw fit, but I don’t recall him stooping to such dated stereotypes, even in jest. I also have to take away a point for story continuity. I love the idea of many different species being assimilated by the Borg, and how they respond when they are separated from the Collective. There are many ways they could have incorporated Riley Frazier as a human into this. The writers chose to go with Wolf 359. I have to admit that this is one sticking point with me when it comes to continuity. The ship that wiped out the fleet at this battle was destroyed at the end of “Best of Both Worlds: Part 2”. There was no plausible explanation that anyone assimilated at this battle were sent back to the Delta Quadrant before the cube was destroyed. While I like tying things together, this one just does not add up for me. Yes, there are possible ways that this could have been accomplished, but I have yet to see one established in Trek canon, so the point is lost here.

Character Development – 2 points. Lots of development for Chakotay. As I mentioned before, he has been duped by Frazier, who some could suggest only did it as a last resort and was not truly malicious in her intent. This gives Chakotay a chance to really think about the ethics of her actions and how it might play out in the future. This episode also gave him a romance as well as a unique experience that will come into play in the near future. This is quite a good episode for Chakotay.

Social Commentary – 2 points. As mentioned, this episode was meant to parallel the breakup of the Soviet Union. Today, we see some even more startling parallels that make this episode even more topical today. The former drones desire to have the unity that they once had when they were part of the Collective. They think that if they get that unity back, they can still maintain their individual goodness. We see some similarities with the break-up of the USSR, and how some felt that things were better in their communist days (looking at you, Vladimir P). We see how the Cooperative quickly broke with their ethics to achieve what they desired, and Chakotay rightly wondered how long it would be before the Cooperative became more like the Collective. Well, the former Soviet Union seems to be working its way back to the old ways. Interesting commentary on how the nostalgia for what once was can cause us to make some of the same mistakes as was made in the past, despite “knowing better”.

Cool Stuff – 1 point. Seeing what happened to a bunch of former Borg is always interesting. Here, we see them several years after it happened. When we saw the effects of re-introducing Hugh to the Collective in TNG’s “Descent”, we see something quite recent. Seeing how the group evolved and how they tried to establish the Cooperative is an interesting foil to the Collective.

Rank – Captain (17 points). A solid third season episode with a lot of setting up for the Borg vs. Voyager. It’s always good to have some Chakotay time, and the concept of the former Borg trying to take the “best of both worlds” is a little ironic considering that we are dealing with the Borg here.

If you would like to read other reviews from Star Trek: Voyager, click on the link here.

If you would like to read an episode review from any of the Trek series, click the following link to get to the series catalog. If the episode you want reviewed has not been done yet, then feel free to request it in the comments and I will see what I can do.

Episode Review - Tattoo (Voyager, Season 2)

For those who are new to my episode reviews, you can find the post where I establish my point criteria here

Overview – On an away mission, Chakotay is startled to discover markings that remind him of an expedition that he was on as a child with his father. The markings are followed by visions and leads Chakotay on a personal journey of resolving a past regret. Meanwhile, the Doctor takes it upon himself to experience what his patients endure when they are sick. While he intends it to be a lesson for the rest of the crew to not be so “whiny” about being sick, it soon turns into a lesson on empathy.

Score: 7/10 – I found this to be a great character story that really fleshes out Chakotay (who, up until this episode, has only had “Initiations” to give us some depth to our first officer). The idea that various indigenous cultures have been influenced by extraterrestrial life has been around for a while, and it was interesting to see it come to fruition here. I liked how the story was more than just finding a connection between aliens and Earth, but instead became about Chakotay. Star Trek is always at its best when it is character driven. The B story with the Doctor is also quite entertaining, giving us some a funny moment when Kes reprograms the Doc's illness to turn the tables on his self-righteous attempt to teach the crew a lesson.

Relevance – 2 points. Scoring a point for continuing the story of Ensign Wildman’s pregnancy. This will eventually end with the birth of Naomi. Another point for delving deeper into the reasons that Chakotay joined the Maquis. The reasons as to why Chakotay leaves Starfleet are not given much detail throughout the episode, and “Tattoo” seems to be the most detail that is given on this.

Continuity – 3 points. Scoring a point for story continuity. With two stories here, namely Chakotay’s journey of self-realization and the Doctor’s back-firing attempt to teach the crew a lesson, do not intertwine much beyond a superficial level, each one plays out well. Character continuity is solidly maintained. With Chakotay, his spiritual side had already been developed, and now some much appreciated depth has been added. His reverence to the land fits his character well. The Doctor, meanwhile, is in full Doc mode as he believes that his programming is superior to the human condition, and programs himself a viral infection that will indicate that the crew is quite capable of performing their daily duties while ill (or pregnant). When Kes alters the program to extend the duration of the illness, he responds in a predictable (and funny) manner. Kes, of course, is the best person to teach the Doctor such a lesson, and her motivations for it are on point. As far as universe continuity goes, everything seems to be in place here as well. The idea of the Sky Spirits influencing the “Inheritors”, of who Chakotay is descended from, is a cool addition to Star Trek mythos.

Character Development – 3 points. It’s impossible to not give full marks here. Chakotay doesn’t get much attention in the character development department, and the second season is likely his strongest one with three great episodes focused on him. We see much more depth and detail given to his spiritual side, as well as how it ties in with his joining the Maquis. We see him as a young man and witness some of the tensions between him and his father, and by the end of his story we are made privy to seeing some closure. The Doctor and Kes get some good attention in the B story. The Doctor gets a dose of his own medicine as he tries to show the crew how to work through a cold. Kes has the clever idea of altering the program a bit, which teaches the Doctor a valuable lesson in compassion.

Social Commentary – 2 points. Finding peace with one’s past and heritage is a key message here. Chakotay comes face-to-face with an important feature of his ancestry, and he finally to understand the lessons his father tried to teach him when he was younger. We ourselves often discover a comprehension of the lessons that our parents, teachers, and mentors from our past have tried to teach us much later in life. Typically those lessons come with experience and gained wisdom. As far as the Doctor’s flu story goes, well, we learn a basic lesson on empathy, but it is fairly superficial.

Cool Stuff – 1 point. I must score a point for the Sky Spirits and their story. They give us a fascinating idea as to how a group of indigenous Americans developed into a significant culture. The connection between these aliens and Earth is a fun concept to ponder.

Rank – Captain (18 points). A very solid episode for Voyager’s second season. Chakotay’s fans are definitely wanting to see this episode as it provides our first officer with a cool, almost origin-like story. There is some suspense and intrigue in the mystery of these aliens that are soon identified as the Sky Spirits, but there is also some humor, warmth, and heart-felt connections. It is a shame that more was not done with Chakotay over the years, but this episode is a gem for him.

If you would like to read other reviews from Star Trek: Voyager, click on the link here.

If you would like to read an episode review from any of the Trek series, click the following link to get to the series catalog. If the episode you want reviewed has not been done yet, then feel free to request it in the comments and I will see what I can do.

Episode Review - Initiations (Voyager, Season 2)

For those who are new to my episode reviews, you can find the post where I establish my point criteria here

Overview – While on a solo mission to perform a sacred and personal ritual, Chakotay encounters a young Kazon boy named Kar who has been sent to kill him. Defeating the boy, but not killing him, Chakotay is eventually captured by Kar’s sect, the Kazon Ogla. Chakotay soon finds himself having to fight to not only save himself, but to help Kar avoid being executed for failing to kill Chakotay. The two develop a unique bond.

Score: 7/10 – The second episode pf the second season gives us our first Chakotay-centric episode. The episode does a good job of really giving us an insight into the Maquis-turned-first officer, establishing him as a man of compassion balanced with action. We are given a look at the Kazon society, who up to this point just seemed like a lesser version of the Klingons. In preparing the script for this episode, it was decided that the Kazon should be modeled after street gangs that were in Los Angeles. The influence is recognizable as the young children (all males) are expected to earn their name by killing an enemy, or at least to die trying. It adds some depth to a species that has largely been overlooked after their introduction in Season 1. We also have the treat of seeing Aron Eisenberg play his second Trek character as the youth Kar. Kar is very different from Eisenberg’s more popular character, DS9’s Nog, but Eisenberg does a great job in this role. The story is fairly basic, with Chakotay trying to befriend Kar and help him escape the brutal life of a Kazon. He even goes as far as being willing to be killed to help Kar earn his name (with the idea that Voyager can resuscitate him shortly afterwards). The two share a unique bond, and the story does not quite turn out the way we would expect, but it is a good ending.

Relevance – 2 points. Scoring a point for the return of the Kazon Ogla, who were first encountered in “Caretaker”. They have had at least one new leader since then (the previous leader, Jabin, is not seen, and the new leader is Razik). Of course, by the end of this episode, Razik is also offed and a new leader is crowned. Another point is scored for the first mention of the Trabe, a civilization that once enslaved the Kazon and will be seen later this season.

Continuity – 3 points. Story continuity works here, as does the universe continuity. Most notably is how the Kazon are fleshed out a bit more. They have only been given a minimal degree of development, and now we get a better understanding as to why they are the way they are. Character continuity is also a go here. Chakotay acts in a way that we had not seen much of since the series’ pilot episode, being all spiritual one moment, all business the next, mixing iron will with compassion as only he can.

Character Development – 2 points. This is all about Chakotay. We see more of his spiritual side, his action side, and, more importantly, his nurturing side. It almost makes me wonder why he rose to be a leader among the Maquis as he shows himself to be full of compassion for an enemy. There is not much else in character development for this episode, and that is fine as Chakotay, being the first officer, has largely been a background character or has had to share the spotlight in previous episodes. There is a little hint of something with Neelix being left out of training drills that he wanted to be a part of, and we see a rare example of his experience being useful to Janeway, but the rest of the crew is there to simply find Chakotay.

Social Commentary – 2 points. The Kazon were meant to be mirrored after the LA street gangs. This works for the Kazon, and in the process gives us an parallel that grants us a glimpse into the lives of gang members. It definitely takes away the glamour that others tried to envision. We see the violence inherent in the gang system and how it is basically a sure way of shortening one’s life.

Cool Stuff – 1 point. Aron Eisenberg does a great job as Kar and establishes him as being very different from Nog. It is always cool to see an actor that you recognize in a different role.

Rank – Captain (17 points). A nice episode that gives Chakotay a chance to shine. Robert Beltran and Aron Eisenberg have some great chemistry together, which really provides the heart of the story.

If you would like to read other reviews from Star Trek: Voyager, click on the link here.

If you would like to read an episode review from any of the Trek series, click the following link to get to the series catalog. If the episode you want reviewed has not been done yet, then feel free to request it in the comments and I will see what I can do.