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An episode that seems to focus on "morale chief" Neelix (EthanPhillips) but which, in fact, brings to a conclusion a pair of subplots thathave been festering for several shows. Ostensibly, this story is aboutNeelix's intraship TV show about news of the day. But when Tom Paris (RobertDuncan McNeill) transfers off Voyager, Neelix is upset--and he's moreupset when, after discovering that a spy has been sending communications tothe Kazon, he comes to the conclusion that the spy was Paris. Viewers willknow better and may enjoy the cat-and-mouse nature of the scenes involvingNeelix and the real spy. On the other hand, the final battlesequence--involving Voyager and the Kazon ship, as well ashand-to-hand grappling between Neelix and the villain--is decidedlylackluster, particularly the fisticuffs with Neelix, who doesn't appear ableto punch his way out of a paper bag. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Neelix thinks that Paris is the traitor on "Voyager"
"Star Trek: Voyager," Episode 35, "Investigations" (Story byJeff Schnaufer and Ed Bond, Teleplay by Jeri Taylor, Aired March 13, 1996) begins with Neelix (Ethan Phillips) hearing a rumor that someone is leaving "Voyager" to join a Talaxian convoy. It turns out the rumor is true and that Tom Paris (Robert Duncan McNeill) is leaving the ship, which stuns most of his crewmates. No sooner is Paris gone but the Talaxian vessel is attacked by the Kazon Nistrim and Paris has been taken hostage by Seska, the former Maqui who was really a Cardassian spy, who tries to persuade him to join her side. Meanwhile, back on "Voyager" Neelix has become suspicious about how the Kazon could have known Paris was aboard the Talaxian vessel and starts to figures out there must be a spy aboard. But instead of suspecting Jonas, the true Kazon spy, Neelix finds evidence that Paris was the traitor.

Of course Paris cannot possibly be the traitor, which means there is more for Neelix to investigate and plans within plans within plans. "Investigations" is a pivotal "Voyager" episode in that it provides a resolution to several sub-plots that Janeway and the crew have been dealing with for most of this second season. Making Neelix the focal point of the episode is basically a diversionary tactic, because he is on the outside of everybody else's machinations. Unfortunately, this means that Neelix has to be front and center during the episode's climax. I understand the impulse to use Neelix in this regard, but it does end up keeping this from being a really great episode. "Investigations" also opens up some new sub-plots, especially when the new rift between Janeway and Chaoktay as "Voyager" continues to make its way across the Delta Quadrant.

I was wondering about that.....
Well, this episode of Voyager is rather important to watch because it brings resolution to a couple of storylines that have been going on for the previous several episodes. For the past couple of episodes, we have been wondering why Tom Paris has been so obnoxious lately. And we have also been wondering about when in the world the senior crew was going to discover the covert communications between Jonas and the Kazon. This episode wraps both of these storylines up rather well, so I give it four stars.

However, I held back on 5 stars for a couple of reasons. Number one...I kinda thought that the whole "Briefing with Neelix" thing was kinda cheesy. But I'll let it go because after all, the Voyager crew *is* far from home in a stressful situation, so there must be some relaxation of the formal atmosphere! But the other reason I didn't give this episode 5 stars is because the writers seemed to just drop the issue of Janeway and Tuvok's manipulation of Chakotay. Given Chakotay's character and his sensitivity to being "duped", I think that the writers should have written Chakotay as much angrier at this manipulation than he actually appeared to be in the episode.

Oh...one other thing! Note that this episode should be viewed after episode #36 "Lifesigns". Episodes are numbered in order of their production dates...not the order in which they were shown during the actual run of the series! In many cases, it doesn't matter, but in this case, it does!

King Abdulla of Jordan is in this episode!
This episode has great historical value. In the opening teaser, Prince (now King) Abdulla of Jordan has a non-speaking cameo role as a member of Voyager's crew! This is proof of the reach of Star Trek's vision. A man of such importance in his country today is also such a fan of Star Trek that he arranged to be in one of the episodes (before he became King, of course).

Great episode!!
In this episode, Neelix discovers that a crewmwmber is secretly sending messages and tactical information to the Kazon, one of Voyager's worst enemies. Through his investigating, he discovers who the traitor is, but will he live to tell the captain who it is? ... Read more

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Lauded by most insiders on Voyager's creative team as one of the most satisfying episodes in the series, "Phage" is indeed a nice balance amongcharacter development, story hook, and moral and emotional conflict. With power sources dwindling aboard the ship, Captain Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) sends an away team, including Neelix (Ethan Phillips), to a planet in search of dilithium crystals. While there, Neelix is literally robbed of his lungs by the Vidiians, a once-civilized people who are combating a deadly disease called the Phage by stealing organs. Set up with a pair of holographic lungs by Voyager's doctor (Robert Picardo), Neelix is forced to remain absolutely still while Janeway chases the alien thieves.

Writer Skye Dent may be the only person not entirely happy with the show: he describes the Vidiians he had conceived as arrogant and formidable, while their actual portrayal is, in his words, "wimpy." Point taken, but both Dent and Brannon Braga, series producer and cowriter of "Phage," do find a way here to capitalize on one of the few real relationships--Neelix and his lover, Kes (Jennifer Lien)--among the characters at that time, and the result is tender. Best of all, however, is Janeway's visible pain when she has to get tough with such a pitiful people as the Vidiians; executive producer Jeri Taylor says Mulgrew was quite moved by those scenes. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Is Neelix gonna die?
With the annoyance that Neelix's character seemed to cause pretty much everyone else on the ship, I thought this is the episode that he would leave the show.

An alien with a disease called the "Phage" steals Neelix's lungs and graphs them into this own body. After hunting down the lung theft, Janeway demands the organs back, only to find out he's already using them. Kes offers to give Neelix one of her lungs, the alien offers to perform the surgery using their advanced technology to modify organs from 2 unlike species.

This was a good episode, but I feel that the plot was a little weak. Most episodes have a major story line and a couple of minor ones, as well as the other 'day to day' ongoing struggles. This one seemed the lack the minor conflicts.

Aliens steal Neelix's lungs and Janeway wants them back
One of the prime tenants of Gene Roddenberry's "Start Trek" universe is that plot lines will dress up contemporary issues in futuristic situations. The "Phage" is a devastating plague (think AIDS) that is afflicting an alien race searching the Delta Quadrant for "donors." During an Away Team survey trying to retrieve some raw dilithium, Neelix (Ethan Phillips) is brutally attacked and his lungs are removed. The EMH (Robert Picardo) comes up with a pair of holographic lungs to keep the Talaxian alive, but confined to sickbay for the rest of his life. Captain Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) personally leads an Away Team back to the planet where they discover a medical lab filled with organs harvested from other unwilling donors. The bad news is that Neelix's lungs are not in the lab and when a space ship blasts off from the planet "Voyager" is in hot pursuit. But when they catch up with the Vidiians the crew discovers that these aliens suffer from a horrible plague that destroys their cellular structures that forces them to find healthy organs to replace their own, which is why Neelix's organs have already been transplanted into one of their crew. Thus we come to the big question of this episode: will Janeway kill the Vidiian to get Neelix's lungs back?

"Phage" (Episode 5, Story by Timothy De Haas; Screenplay by Skye Dent and Brannon Braga; Aired: February 6, 1995) plays off the "Star Trek: Voyager" pilot in an interesting way. The ship is stuck in the Delta Quadrant because Captain Janeway put principle ahead of her crew and here we are just a few episodes later and she is confronted with essentially the same decision on a smaller scale. The episode also establishes the principle of bartering and negotiation that serves the crew in good stead as they try to get back home. "Phage" is also the episode when the Doctor comes up with the idea of Kes (Jennifer Lien) being his medical assistant (remember, the EMH was only supposed to a short term solution). It also provides a serious side to the happy go lucky Neelix, who is probably the most cheerful alien in the galaxy. Although he will always remain quaint until the very end of the series, Neelix really does provide necessary social and diplomatic skills and services to "Voyager."

Slightly bizarre, but good character development
Well, I must say that I enjoyed this episode, even though at first blush, the premise (Nelix gets his lungs stolen by aliens) sounded pretty silly.

However, by the end of this episode, we were further aquainted with the characters of Neelix, Kes, and The Doctor...and we met for the first time a species of aliens (the Vidiians) that would come to plague Voyager's crew throughout many episodes to come.

In short...this was a sleeper episode for me. Before I saw it, I must admit not expecting much. But it turned out to be a lot better than the packaging blurb lets on.

Fantastic!
This is a fantastic episode. The plot may seem rather funny at first, but is actually quite serious. While search for dilitheum, Neelix has a strange encounter with an alien who removes his lungs. In order to servive, the Doctor makes Neelix a pair of holographic lungs, but he must remain motionless or they won't work. The crew on Voyager goes searching for the aliens who did it and when they find them, the aliens admit to what they did and offer to do a lung transplant for Neelix. Who will donate a lung? This video shows emence bravery on the parts of Neelix and Kes and is definently worth buying.

Entertaining with Good Characterizations
"Phage" does rely on one slight contrivance to get its plot going, but its a very nice show. The concept is mildy goofy, but the show executes it so well it almost plausible someone's organs can be snatched out from their body using some kind of magical beam. This was the premise behind "Spock's Brain" but DO NOT worry, "Phage" is much smarter than that brainless (pun-intended) travesty. The crew's search for Neelix's lungs is very quick and interesting. Meanwhile, the doctor has created Neelix a pair of holo-lungs. Once we find the thiefs, even they prove interesting. Not usual for Voyager's villians. The final scenes reveal some wonderful characterizations. "Phage" is classic episode of Voyager. ... Read more

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Voyager's most intriguing character, the holographic Doctor(Robert Picardo), gets a plot of his own. When Voyager rescues a dyingVidiian woman named Denara Pel (Susan Diol) who suffers from the phage (anAIDS-like epidemic), the Doctor springs into action, digitizing her brain andcreating a holographic version of her, as he tries to save her actual bodywith a brain graft. But even as he works on her humanoid form, he findshimself beguiled by the holographic version he has created--and despite thefact that he is also a computer-generated hologram, he realizes he is fallingin love with her. Picardo, one of the great unsung character actors in moviesof the 1980s (he's a regular in the films of director Joe Dante), has a goodtime with the persnickety hologram's attempts to come to grips with humanemotions, including a lesson in love from the redoubtable Tom Paris (RobertDuncan McNeill). --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Why can't the doctor be an EMH in love?
In "Star Trek: Voyager," Episode 36, "Lifesigns" (Written by Kenneth Biller, Aired February 26, 1996), we discover the EMH has taken another significant step along the road to personhood. "Voyager" rescues a Vidiian female who dying from the Phage, the horrible Delta Quadrant disease that is killing off her people. The Doctor (Robert Picardo) puts the dying woman in statis and not only transfers her synaptic patterns into the holobuffer but creates a holographic body of what she would look like without the disease. The Viddian is Dr. Denara Pel (Susan Diol), a hematologist, and while the Doctor's solution is only temporary, he has hopes of being able to save her life.

Since Klingon DNA is resistant to the Phage, the Doctor is able to persuade Torres (Roxann Biggs-Dawson) to donate brain tissue that is then grafted onto Pel's brain. While waiting to see if the graft works and retards the Phage, the two physicians send time together and the Doctor is surprised to learn that he has feelings for Pel. Of course, his programming gives him no clue as to what he should do next. Fortunately Kes (Jennifer Lein) is around to give encouragement and Tom Paris (Robert Duncan McNeill) is available for dating advice. However, the two doctors are clearly a star-crossed pair.

Until Seven of Nine joined the cast of "Voyager" it was the Doctor that was the most intriguing character, not to mention the one that underwent the most change over the course of the series. There is something compelling, or perhaps reassuring, about what is basically a computer program that exhibits anxiety and is plagued by doubt. The Doctor's unrequited love for Seven of Nine down the road offered as much pathos as any "Voyager" subplot (although the echoes of Odo and Kira on "Deep Space 9" were rather obvious), and this episode constitutes the first major step in that direction with Picardo's performance driving home the emotional impact. Bonus points for "Lifesigns" having a one word that title that applies to both of the main characters.

The Doctor turns out to be a nice guy!
I really enjoyed this episode of Voyager and feel that it represents a real turning point in the character development of The Doctor. In this episode, The Doctor first saves the life of, then falls in love with a Vidiian woman who is seriously afflicted with the Phage.

What I really enjoy about the episode is the "new ground" that the character of The Doctor is breaking with his exploration of human love and desire. This is a significant step forward in the overall character development of The Doctor, and Robert Picardo does some excellent acting in this episode as well. I give it 4 stars.

Lifesigns displayed
Another terrific episode of the voyager series. This episode deals with a Vidiian female who is found and seriously injured from the phage, their species AIDS virus. In order to treat her the docter creates a holographic body for her consciousness to reside in while he treats her body's injuries. As the episode progresses the she and the doctor begin to form an interesting relationship. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Captain Janeway tries to make an alliance with the Kazon
"Star Trek: Voyager" Episode 31, "Alliances" (Written by Jeri Taylor, Aired January 22, 1996) has Captain Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) confronting the realities of being stuck in the Delta Quadrant trying to get home when she agrees to try and form an alliance with the Kazon. "Voyager" has been under repeated attack by the Kazon and the ship has been damaged. Running out of options, Chakotay tells Janeway that the Maquis would have exploited the competing factions of the Kazon and urges her to do the same thing. Janeway is reluctant, but when Tuvok argues that such an alliance could provide some degree of stability to that section of the Delta Quadrant, she agrees to make the appropriate overtures. However, both the initial talks between Janeway and Chakotay with their old friends Seska (Martha Hackett) and Culluh (Anthony De Longis), and those between Neelix (Ethan Phillips) and a representative of another Kazon faction go from bad to worse. But then things take a turn for the better and a conference of warring Kazon factions is called to try and establish peace in the quadrant. Unfortunately arriving on the scene as well are the Trabe, who were once the slaves of the Kazon and who are now exiles. Throw into the mix Seska's machinations to use the conference as another move in the effort to capture "Voyager" and it is just a question of how bad things are going to be at the end of this one.

My only real problem with this episode is that even if Chakotay has things he wants to keep secret from Janeway regarding Seska there is no way that the Captain should ever trust Seska or her ally. However, I certain appreciate the way "Alliances" complicates the situation for the "Voyager" crew, although it is a bit difficult to follow all the political implications. Granted, forming alliances is going to be a prime ingredient in getting "Voyager" further along on its long journey home, but Janeway's first diplomatic steps should probably have been something considerably less ambitious. Then again, just to argue out one final flip, after the monolithic enemies of the Star Trek universe from the Klingons and Romulans to the Borg and Cardassians, it is a pretty good change of pace to have the Kazons with their multiple factions (although, once again, it seems there is a pretty good parallel between the Kazons and the factions of the Middle East that are vying for control). The bottom line is that "Alliances" is an above-average "Voyager" episode, with implications down the road for more than the Chakotay-Seska sub-plot.

One of Voyager's best!
This episode is full of action and it has an interesting plot twist! I love it! And to keep things interesting, Seska's hair is curled this time around! Haha! (Not that that is important!). More importantly, we get to see that darned ol' Seska again. I was a little surprised that she agreed to talk about an alliance with Voyager, but oh well, the episode was still great!

Good background for the Kazon
Well, since the Kazon are perhaps "the" villans of Voyager Seasons 1 and 2, it's good that we discover the roots of their aggression. In this episode, we explore the hostile and distrustful relationship between the Kazon and the Trabe, and the result is an excellent episode filled with good dialogue and action.

Unfortunately, the crew of Voyager is, by the end of the episode, left in a position of complete isolation from both the Kazon and the Trabe...but Janeway stands her moral ground with both, and that counts for something!

Also in this episode, Seska makes an appearance, giving us still more reasons to hate her (as if we didn't have loads by this time!)

Overall, and enjoyable episode and one worth viewing from season 2.

Trabe who?
In this episode we learn more about the Kazon revolt against their enslavers and how they were truly treated. By the end you almost feel sympathy toward them. Voyager tries to form a protective alliance with the Trabe but let's just say there's more than a few problems. This is a MUST for every Star Trek fan. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

"Voyager" finally encounters the female Caretaker
Way back in the two-part pilot episode for "Star Trek: Voyager" the Caretaker, the alien responsible for trapping the Captain Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) and her crew in the Delta Quadrant, made reference to the existence of a female of his kind. In Episode 26, "Cold Fire" (Story by Anthony Williams, Teleplay by Brannon Braga, Aired November 13, 1995) "Voyager" meets up with the alien being who has the power to send them home. However, this becomes a pivotal second season episode of the series for other reasons.

The first clue comes when Kes (Jennifer Lein) and the Doctor (Robert Picardo) discover the remains of the Caretaker are resonating in response to a strange energy source. Aware of how dangerous such an encounter could be, Tuvok (Tim Russ) creates a toxin that should work against the female Caretaker if she proves to be a threat. But when "Voyager" follows the energy trail back to its source they find a space station occupied by the Ocampa, who attack "Voyager." Kes convinces the Ocampan leader, Tanis (Gary Graham), that "Voyager" is not a threat and he provides information that the female Caretaker, Suspiria, has been looking over his Ocampa group for 300 years helping them to develop their psychokinetic abilities. Kes is intrigued, but when Tanis contacts Suspiria, she orders him to deliver "Voyager" to her.

What makes "Cold Fire" an above average episode is that while the lure of the female Caretaker is the hook for the episode the payoff has to do with Kes and her psychokinetic potential. After all, Kes is the clearly the least significant member of the Voyager" cast (I was going to say the "Voyager" crew but that would not be the case), and the consequences of this episode radically changes her place in the show's hierarchy. I am reminded, not without cause, the transformation of Marvel Girl into Phoenix in "The X-Men," although the upgrade her for Kes is to the initial Jean Grey level not the uber-Phoenix. The episode also deals rather pragmatically with the problems Kes faces: her initial attempt to boil water ends up boiling Tuvok's blood instead.

Female Caretaker makes an appearance
This is an important episode for any fan of Star Trek Voyager to see and I highly recommend it. Shown in the middle of the second season of the show, this episode finally introduces us to the female Caretaker that we've been hearing about since episode one and at the same time allows us a glimpse into the telepathic potential of Kes - very important in the plot set-up for later episodes.

Certainly this episode is a "must see" among the season two episodes.

One o' the best!
This is one of the episodes that no Star Trek: Voyager collection should be without. It's the one where Voyager finds the Caretaker's mate. Kes shines in this one and her struggles about whether to go with Telis and the others or not is very much like personal struggles we in the real world expirience, too. A real good vs. evil episode. One of the best, in my opinion.

The Caretaker is back
Voyager locates a space station similar to that of the Caretakers and hopes that they will be able to send them home a little faster, but the residents are not too happy to see them. In this episode we learn about the Caretaker's mate and about the potential psychic power of the Ocampans. A great conclusion to the season premier's unresolved questions. A wonderful addition to your collection. ... Read more

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Original airdate: 8/28/95. Stardate: 48975.1. Granted, the sight of a 1936 Ford pickup truck floating in space is pretty cool, and although the truck's presence is never explained, it does lead to one of Voyager's quirkier encounters in this, the series' second-season opener. The vintage Ford leads to an even bigger discovery: eight humans--including the famous Earth aviatrix Amelia Earhart (Sharon Lawrence)--preserved in cryostasis on a distant planet, having been abducted from Earth in 1937 by an alien race called the Briori, who forced over 300 abducted humans into slavery. The Briori were defeated in a slave revolt and now, 15 generations later, the humans have developed a thriving city-based civilization. With Voyager having safely landed on the planet (a series first, allowing for some memorable visual effects), Janeway must face the possible exodus of her crew to the safety of a tempting new home. Will anyone leave Voyager? The answer is anticlimactic, and this episode (scripted by series veterans Brannon Braga and Jeri Taylor) leaves too many unanswered questions to be truly effective. (Details about the Briori are not forthcoming.) Still, this is one of those nifty "What if?" episodes that are Star Trek's bread and butter, and Lawrence (who was still a semiregular on NYPD Blue at the time) makes Earhart a believably misplaced explorer.--Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (9)

The "Voyager" crew solves the mystery of Amelia Earhart
So, there you are on the good ship "Voyager," stuck in the Delta Quadrant 70 light years from home and feeling pretty sorry for yourself. What could be worse? Well, an answer to that question is provided in the premier episode of the second season of "Star Trek: Voyager." Episode 20, "The 37's" (Written by Jeri Taylor & Brannon Braga, Aired: August 28, 1995) begins with the starship encountering a pickup truck from the Earth circa the 1930s. The trail leads to a planet where "Voyager" actually lands on the planet (remember when the ship was preserving energy because they are in the middle of no where?). There an Away Team discovers eight human beings in cryo-statis units. When they are revived the crew discovers these people were kidnapped by aliens in 1937 and that one of them is the famed aviatrix Amelia Earhart (Sharon Lawrence) and her co-pilot Fred Noonan (David Graf). Another mystery solved by the friendly people at Starfleet.

Of course the revived earthlings want to know where they are and what happened to them and being told that they were abducted by strange visitors from another planet 400 years earlier is met with disbelief. Apparently aliens in need of slave labor raided the earth and brought back hundreds of humans (this extremely wasteful use of energy for such limited returns makes landing "Voyager" on the surface of a planet seem like a stroke of genius in comparison). Ultimately it turns out that what "The 37's" is about is that, in the grand tradition of premier episodes of a show's second season, the "Voyager" crew gets to rededicate itself to the mission going home. All things considered, this is the long way around to make that particular point. Furthermore, the episode continues the tradition of less than stellar "Star Trek" stories from various series in which we find 20th century human beings alive and well in the Star Trek universe. The point of having Amelia Earhart be one of the humans is not really exploited to great effect and the entire affair ends up being something of a silly diversion from the task at hand.

'What If?' ... Who Cares?
A truly dumb outing for any series, THE 37S is made equal parts dumber by taking a wonderful television actress (Sharon Lawrence) and stuffing her into a glitzy, no-brainer role. 'What If' scenarios generally work for Trek, but this time out -- the discovery of missing Earth items along with Amelia Earheart -- bares no significance. 'What If' stories work when they present some interesting aspect to ponder which makes you re-examine your world: this episode just makes you want to re-examine better episodes on the same theme.

Imagine you see a 1936 Ford Truck floating in outer space...
The Voyager second season opener is one of those episodes fans seemed to have a friendly debate over. After a first season filled mainly with the type of shows that define character roles and generally focusing on their differences, I think Voyager fans were looking to be treated to an action filled episode. 'The 37s' wasn't what most of us had in mind but I wasn't at all disappointed with it. The story is derivative of the TNG episodes, 'The Neutral Zone' and 'Up The Long Ladder' - it's more like a melding of the two of them actually.

Harry reports that he has found traces of rust during a routine scan of the area of space Voyager is traveling. More than just a mere anomaly it is investigated by the bridge crew who then follow the trail to a 1936 Ford Truck floating in outer space. Bringing the truck aboard they discover it has an AM radio which they play with - and hear an old style SOS signal being broadcast. That signal is traced to a planet, which the crew travel to and are forced by atmospheric conditions to land the entire ship. They soon find the source of the signal, which is an early 20th century earth aircraft. Inside it they notice an alien device that powers the SOS signal. Further, they discover a cavern that houses several humans held in cryogenic suspension; upon investigation one of them turns out to be Amelia Earhart! Of course the crew releases them all from suspension and that begins the fascinating mystery.

Admittedly, some of the elements present in this story can be a bit tough to swallow for the Star Trek fan that insists on hard science fiction only. This episode reminded me of the pulp science fiction & fantasy short stories I read as a youth growing up in the sixties. Perhaps it is a bit slow, but what it lacks in action it makes up for in intrigue. During their investigation of the plane 'someone' silently observes them. When they enter the cavern to explore it, that same 'someone' observes them again. We wonder if they aren't falling into a well-plotted trap. The discovery that the present alien culture are descendants of a group of over 300 earthlings "shanghaied" to this planet by an alien race during the early 20th century also piques our interest.

The intro to the show is great as well - it's an excellent hook device. The crew's quizzical treatment of the truck; their reaction to it's backfiring; one of the earthlings demanding to speak to J. Edgar Hoover in Washington; and other such awkward moments adds humor in all the right places. Again, the Star Trek writers devised a clever way for the crew to interact with the past without having to time travel. (See also TNG's, "The Big Goodbye", "The Neutral Zone" and "Up The Long Ladder".) All in all I found this a very satisfying episode and one of the Voyager shows that I like to watch frequently.

One final note: The first use of surface landing by a Federation starship is seen here - "ST IV: The Voyage Home" featured a Klingon ship landing in San Francisco bay, for all you buffs.

Interesting Twist on Earhart Disappearance
Sensors detect a trail of rust and Voyager follows it to an old pickup floating in space. The truck is pulled into the cargo bay and Tom Paris discovers an SOS is being picked up by the radio. The crew tracks the SOS to an earth-like planet and Star Trek history is made when Voyager becomes the first starship to actually land on a planet. Captain Janeway, Ensign Kim and Lt. Tuvok find an old style airplane with an alien fusion-based transmitter onboard that is the source of the SOS. Meanwhile, Chakotay finds a cave which is the source of some power readings and upon investigation by Janeway, Chakotay and B'Elanna, 8 cryo-stasis chambers are discovered inside. Amelia Earhart (Sharon Lawrence) and her navigator, Fred Noonan (David Graf) are among the 8 people in stasis. After being revived, the eight believe they have been kidnapped by Janeway and the others and Fred pulls a gun on them. Janeway persuades Earhart to accompany her to Voyager to prove that the 8 have been 'asleep' for a few hundred years and the crew mean them no harm. When they leave the cave, they discover other humans on the planet who turn out to be descendants of 300 people who were brought there by aliens to be slaves. The human slaves revolted and drove the aliens off and are now free. The 300 were abducted from Earth in 1937 and the last 8 of these have been in stasis since that time. The planet's inhabitants explain that the 8 people are known as The 37's and that they are monuments to their ancestors. The humans invite Voyager's crew, as well as Earhart and the other 7 people, to stay on the planet with them. Janeway worries that too many of her crew will stay behind and that would effect Voyager ever getting home. The captain is disappointed when Earhart tells her that she and the others are staying behind. It's a tense moment for Captain Janeway as she and Chakotay walk toward the cargo bay to discover how many of the crew will be waiting there to transport to the surface and begin their new life.

This is a good episode with an interesting twist on the Earhart disappearance. The only thing that bothered me was that I don't think Amelia Earhart would really have decided to stay on the planet. Being an independent, adventurous person, I believe she would have left with Voyager. But, understandably, the writers had to write the story with her staying. Too bad - she would have made an interesting addition to the crew.

The dumbest "Voyager" episode
This is the single worst episode of "Voyager" -- what "Spock's Brain" is to the original "Star Trek". What a stupid idea -- aliens drag Amelia Earhart halfway across the galaxy for no apparent reason; the crew finds a 1937 truck floating in space(with it's AM radio still functioning after 400 years!); they get to a planet where Earhart is in suspended animation; wake her up; and then -- NOTHING HAPPENS! Nothing, except a dumb debate about whether they should stay or go. No action, tedious, pointless. Fortunately, "Voyager" reached it's bottom early, with this debut to its second season and got better from here. Don't waste money on this -- any other episode would be a better purchase. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Torres comes down with pon faar and goes after Paris
It is "pon farr" time in the "Star Trek" universe once again with "Blood Fever" (Written by Lisa Klink, Aired February 5, 1997), Episode 57 of "Star Trek: Voyager." However, the afflicted Vulcan is not Tuvok, but an ensign named Vorik who's warped logical mind decides that he should asked Torres (Roxann Dawson) to be his mate. She rejects his overture, not only with a polite refusal but also by dislocating his jaw when he grabs her face. For those few souls who missed "Amok Time" on the original "Star Trek," the Doctor (Robert Picardo) explains that Vorik can die is he does not mate. While Vorik endeavors to get through this trying time through intense meditation, Torres joins an Away Team searching for gallicite on the planet below. The only problem is that her Klingon side seems to be making its presence known as she become more and more aggressive, even biting Paris at one point.

Of course when Vorik touched Torres' face that was enough to initiate a telepathic mating bond between them, which means now she is experiencing "pon farr" as well. Meanwhile, back on "Voyager" the Doctor has programmed a holographic Vulcan female for Vorik (which pretty much confirms what you suspected about Quark's holosuites on DS9). However, it is down on the planet where Torres is making the moves on Paris that things are getting interesting, especially for those who know where that relationship is going to end and what happens in the final episode of the series. Consequently, "Blood Fever" is a important story in terms of the entire series since it is in many ways the first significant Torres-Paris episode.

There are also some aliens on the planet who have had some major problems in what will also become a major subplot down the road, but this episode is primarily about this pon farr a trois. Just like in the original "Star Trek" show, this one comes down to a fight. Consequently, "Blood Fever" manages to do something of a homage to the original episode but ground it entirely in the context of this series and its characters. This is not a classic "Voyager" episode per se, but it is an important one in terms of what is to come.

Just a few words
Klingon vs Vulcan a can't miss episode

Star Trek - Voyager, Episode 57: Blood Fever
If you are a true Voyager fan, this is an episode you should not miss, I own it. It shows us all how the real relationship between Torres and Paris begin...but does so with humor and in true Klingon form...a ritual of sorts. Paris is not sure what hits him, but knows he wants more, thus the relationship truly begins. A great video. Paris and TOrres are perfect together. Don't miss this one!

My Favorite Episode
I am a true Voyager Trekkie, and a big fan of the Tom/B'Elanna storyline. If you are wondering how the whole intrest got started, this episode is for you! I highly recommend it--wonderfully written, beautifully directed, and the acting is above par. I'm ordering you to buy it!!!

The Power of Sexuality
This episode tackles the complex web of issues regarding the power, seduction, and responsibility underlying sexual attraction. Afflicted by the Vulcan Pon Farr, B'Elanna dramatically embodies the deep and sometimes unconscious human struggle between normal consciousness and the hormone-aroused, instictually-driven self. In contrast, Tom Paris, who has not been afflicted as such, embodies moral clarity and maturity regarding his pre-existing attraction to B'Elanna, which includes his selflessness both in withholding and offering sexual contact. This is by far the most positive and exemplary depiction of sexual ethics I have yet seen. The characters and story are attractive and though within the genre of science fiction, the essence is certainly true to life. Engaging and uplifting, this episode makes a great departure point for sparking self-inquiry or a discussion between interested teens and parents on the topic of responsible, caring, self-aware sexual decison-making and behavior. It is also the beginning of the Tom and B'Elanna story arc in the series. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

The beginning of the TV series "JAG"
This video is the pilot episode of the TV series of the same name starring David James Elliot. The first case he must try takes place on aircraft carrier. Harm(the name of the JAG lawyer) is sent with his partner to find out if a member of the miltary (a woman moving up the ranks) was drowned, murdered or committed sucide.To make matters worse there is a problem with some European country and Harm must go fly into combat to save the people and keep the USA safe. The pilot also co-star Kevin Dunn(Stir of Echoes,Godzilla,Almost Heros,Dave) as a JAG officer in Washington D.C. The video is about 1 1/2 hours. The only thing I missed watching the video was the titles I'm used to seeing on the reruns on USA network and CBS!!Other than a must for fans of the TV series!please put more of the series on Video !although I prefer DVD over VHS any day!please who ever owns this series bring the rest of the series out on DVD/VHS!!You've have many fans thankful for awesome show about our country's miltary forces and the trials they face in and out of the courtroom!if anyone knows of any e-petions to put this show on DVD/VHS please e-mail me!!

this series begs for DVD
JAG fans unite to request this series on DVD!!! I am a new viewer of this series, having just started watching during the 2002 season. I could kick myself for what I have missed. I am catching up on previous seasons in syndication as best I can, and taping episodes. The pilot episode offered here is better than many series pilots, and holds up well to repeated viewings. I am very glad to see that Terry O'Quinn as the CAG was there from the start, as he is my favorite recurring character and guest actor. See why Bud became a series regular. Lindsey, too was there from the start - in 8 years he became more asserive while remaining so smarmy. Some of the dialog surprised me, more overt sexual references than in the regular series. I agree most whole heartedly with other reviewers that this show should be offered on DVD. CBS could at least offer the seasons that aired on their network.

What i would like to see happen since this has happenes
I would like to see this go on to be a DVD box set with the whole series on it...i work in a movie store and have been asked several times about this and would like to see it happen.

MORE JAG PLEASE!!!
I have read many of the reviews of the folks who wrote about the Series JAG. I want to add my LOUD agreement with them when they speak of JAG being the BEST show on TV! I have taped many of the shows, and am trying to put them in order, but by looking at the list of episodes, I discover I have missed many!! I SURE WOULD like to see the whole series on tape or dvd..IN SEQUENCE!!
MY KUDO's to the Cast, crew and directors, and the writers! Great Job!! A.Anderson

More, Please!!!!!!
I enjoyed this video very much. As in many of the other reviews, I am also a big JAG fan. Other series such as Friends and West Wing are out on DVD. Please bring the full set of JAG out on DVD also, ASAP. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

It is Q versus Q2 with Janeway and "Voyager" in the middle
Just knowing that Q (John de Lancie) makes his way to the Delta Quadrant is going to be enough to sell most of you on watching "Star Trek: Voyager" Episode 30, "Death Wish" (Story by Shawn Piller, Teleplay by Michael Piller, Aired February 19, 1996), but this is also a solid episode that actually explores the life of the Q. "Voyager" accidentally beams board a member of the Q Continuum (Gerrit Graham) who was imprisoned inside a comet. The grateful Q (okay, really Q2) tries to go on his merry way, but all of the male members of the "Voyager" crew disappear instead of him. Captain Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) wants her crew back, but instead the "original" Q arrives to "help." He tells Janeway that Q2 had been imprisoned in the comet for 300 years because of repeated attempts to commit suicide. Q2's demands asylum and then proceeds to hurtle the starship around the universe in an attempt to lose Q. Janeway ends the fun by agreeing to hold a hearing to consider Q2's request. Because of her decision either Q2 will be returned to his prison or will become mortal so that he can end his existence.

Tuvok (Tim Russ) represents Q2 at the hearing while Q makes the case for the continuum. Q2 is bored with being immortal and Q is worried about what happens when immortal beings shed their immortality. Witnesses who have been affected by the Q are called, including one very familiar bearded face. Of course, Q tries to persuade Janeway to see things his way by telling her he will send "Voyager" home if she rules in his favor. But you know Captain Janeway and her overly developed sense of justice. The ending is not without it twists and in terms of Q episodes across the "Star Trek" universe "Death Wish" is certainly different, and not just because Q takes has a different reaction to Janeway than he did to Picard or Sisko. This is an excellent episode that introduces the "Voyager" crew to the joys of Q without getting the series off track.

A very good Star Trek episode
SPOILER ALERT!!
his is probably the best ST:VGR episode I have seen yet.
Q(John DeLancie) is exceptionally funny.
While investigating an asteroid, a visitor beams up claiming to be Q (here referred to as Q2), who explains that he is not the same Q The Enterprise encountered.In an attemp to magically commit suicide, he makes all voyager's male crew members dissapear. Suddenly, the Q that trekkers are familiar with arrives.He restores all the male crew members and explains to the crew that Q2, fed up with experiencing everything, is in favour of self-terminition, and therefore the Q continuum considers him a mental case. Q transports all the people whose lives have been changed by Q2 to Voyager, and explains that Q2 should not commit suicide, considering all the wonderful things he's done.The voyager senior staff ask to see the living conditions of the Q continuum that depressed Q2. As it turns out, nothing is new, and everything possible has been,said,done and learned.
Q later becomes influenced by Q2 and grants him mortality.

My favorite lines:
Q2: And you only live nine years!
Kes:That's right
Q2: Oh, how I envy you!

Perhaps the best Q-related episode in Star Trek
Okay...I absolutely loved this episode and consider it to be one of the high points of Voyager Season 2 - and this is saying alot because I'm not usually a big fan of the Q episodes, in any of the Star Trek series.

The reason I enjoyed this episode so much is because it made me think. What *would* it be like to be immortal? Would existence become boring once I'd seen everything and done everything there was to do? Interesting questions to ponder, especially for a person who believes in the after-life!

Additionally, in this episode I found the character of Q to be quick-witted and interesting rather than just immature and annoying...which is how I have historically felt about Q episodes. John DeLuncie does a good job here, as does the actor who plays the "other" Q (Quinn).

Plus, as an added bonus for all you Riker fans...Will makes an appearance in this episode. Sorta nice to see him after all these years!

All in all, a "must see" for Voyager Season 2.

Thought Provoking Episode
This episode of Star Trek Voyager examines the issue of suicide or better put, the right to die.

A member of the Q Continuum later known as Quinn (Gerrit Graham) wants to become mortal so he can die. Q (John DeLancie) intervenes stating that Quinn's death would bring chaos to the Continuum. Captain Janeway sets up a fromal hearing to determine if Quinn should be allowed to die.

This is an interesting eppisode and has a special guest appearance of Commander William Riker (Jonathan Frakes) of Star Trek TNG.

The episode has an unanticipated ending that may surprise some, but that is all I can say without a spoiler.

This episode was listed as one of the fan's favorites by UPN

Q enters and asserts domination on Star Trek: Voyager
This is the first episode of Star Trek: Voyager with the omnipotent Q in it and one of two episodes with Q in it. The other episode is "The Q And The Grey", Episode 53. In this episode, another Q, called Q2 according to startrek.com, wants to die. He wants to commit suicide because, according to him, after living for hundreds or thousands of years, you've done everything and seen everything. There is nothing left to see and do. Everything is the same, day in and day out, and the Q's should have the right to die. As you may or may not know, the Q's are immortal; they never die. And, according to Q2, immortality becomes a disease that inflicts his people. As a result, Q shows up to stop him from doing something rash. Q wants him to be like the rest of the Q's: happy and free living with immortality. But Q2 doesn't listen to him and wants to put an end to his dredgeful existence. This is all being said aboard Voyager. So, Capt. Janeway, attempting to save her ship from this tug of war, plays the role of judge, jury, and, unbeknownst to her, executioner, and has a hearing on Voyager on Q2's behalf. Q has changed since he was tormenting the crew of the Enterprise and this episode links his doings now and all of those in his past with the Enterprise. Superb episode of Q with Star Trek: Voyager. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Not since the psychedelicized days of its fellow 1960s television seriesThe Prisoner and The Avengers has Star Trek looked quiteas trippy as it does in this wild episode of Voyager. Upon encountering automated messages from Kohl settlers who have slipped into cryogenic hibernation, Captain Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) attempts to stir the sleepers from stasis by sending the minds of Harry Kim (Garrett Wang) and B'Elanna Torres (Roxann Biggs-Dawson) into a computer-generated virtual reality keeping the Kohls' brains active. Once inside, however, Kim and Torres find that the settlers are in a permanent hell, a hallucinatory circus ruled by a monstrous clown (Michael McKean) who can read thoughts and who punishes disobedient humanoids with the generous use of a guillotine. McKean is fantastic as an avatar of fear, and the acrobats and other background performers from Cirque du Soleil help create a marvelous, feverish set of whirling energy and primary colors. Robert Picardo is brilliant as Voyager's fussy doctor hologram, the one crew member who can reasonably survive a rescue effort in the clown's domain. Mesmerizing to watch and fascinating to outguess, "The Thaw" is as adventurous as Voyager was meant to be. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Michael McKean clowns around with scaring Harry Kim
Michael McKean guest stars in a quite different sort of role in "Star Trek: Voyager," Episode 39, "The Thaw" (Story by Richard Gadas, Teleplay by Joe Menosky, Aired April 29, 1996). "Voyager" receives an automated distress call from the Kohl settlement. Facing an ecological disaster, the small group of settlers went into artificial hibernation. When the hibernation pods are beamed aboard two of the settlers are dead and the other three remain in deep stasis, connected to a computer. The Doctor reports that both of the dead settlers suffered heart failure that might have been caused by extreme fear (hear ominous organ music at this point). That means when Harry Kim (Garrett Wang) and B'Elanna Torres (Roxann Dawson) decide to enter the two available pods and hook up to the computer that this is not a good idea.

When they enter the computer-generated dream world of the settlers they discover a nightmarish carnival run by an evil Clown (McKean), whose followers drag Kim off to a guillotine. Although Harry keeps his head he and Torres now understand how the Kohl settlers could have been frightened to death. The computer gives the Clown access to the darkest fears of his guests, which he then uses to torment them. Living off their fear, the Clown refuses to let Kim and the settlers wake up, but sends Torres back (how much fear can you get from even a half-Klingon?) to warn Captain Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) that she tries to disconnect the hibernation pods, all of his guests will die. While the Clown is torturing Kim, Janeway tries to figure out a way to rescue her young officer.

The chief attraction of "The Thaw" is McKean indulging his dark side as the malevolent Clown, aided and abetted by performers from Cirque du Soleil as his minions. They always say comedies can do tragedy, but watching them do horror can be fun as well. Carel Struycken, best remembered as Mr. Homm on "Star Trek: The Next Generation," plays Spectre, the incarnation of death for the Kohl settlers. Of course, the idea of being terrified for eternity is better in the mind than seeing it acted out, by this episode definitely has its moments. On balance it comes in at a 4.5 but we round up for McKean's memorable performance.

"When illusion is your only reality...
...then illusion IS your reality." This telling statement is made by one of the characters in 'The Thaw' a surreal exercise as only Trek can do. Since its inception in the mid-sixties Star Trek has worked to create the reality of space travel and our world as having found a peaceful resolution to it's conflicts and living in accord. This well constructed illusion of reality has brought legions of Trek fans decades of enjoyment, the characters and their backgrounds and myriad experiences become such a strong part of our own psyche that they fairly breathe with life. Within this imagined universe there are still those who attempt to disrupt this golden age, be they warlike aliens or unsuspected enemies from within the harmonious ranks of the Federation. Having worked this formula successfully for years the writers of this particular Voyager episode find a ingenious way to invent an entirely new villain in the Star Trek universe, though it has been present all along.

When Voyager scanners reveal a once populated and technologically advanced planet that was laid waste by a biological disaster Janeway orders the starship into an orbit around the dead world so they can get further scientific data. The ship's scanners report that the planet has begun to recover ecologically but find no life forms present. Janeway presumes that since the disaster was easily predictable to the planet's scientists they would have made arrangements for people to survive such a catastrophe. Bearing witness to this is a self-activating message from the planet that explains that a group of scientists have placed themselves in medical stasis. After computer equipment detects a sufficient recovery in progress the program maintaining their stasis is to be interrupted and awaken the group. Harry then scans below the surface and finds life signs coming from a cavern; further scans disclose that there are five medical stasis tubes each containing a humanoid. Since the equipment has obviously failed for reasons not understood Janeway considers it wiser to beam the containers and the life sustaining equipment to a cargo bay on the starship. Two of the five are discovered to be dead and the others in an irretrievable condition but still alive. Harry and Torres determine that the computer shared by the five tubes also creates and maintains a mental environment for them to live in while in stasis. The two are then connected to the same computer by utilizing the now empty two chambers to see if they can interact with the alien life forms and hopefully get instructions on how to retrieve them from their stasis. Once there Harry and Torres discover that the aliens are trapped within by a computer generated virtual life form, The Clown, who is the embodiment of Fear; playing deadly games with the surviving trio The Clown welcomes the two to the bizarre and inescapable world. After all attempts to barter for the group's safe return fail Janeway devises a way to cleverly outwit that most overwhelming of our emotions.

'The Thaw' takes a relatively simple premise and stretches it just as far as it dares to in order to get the most out of this inspired idea. The sets designed for the illusory world the aliens have inadvertently created are a throwback to the mod sixties, in fact they look like they might have been leftover from a production of "Laugh-In" or an episode of "The Monkees". Playing the pivotal role of The Clown is Michael McKean, one of the stars of 'This Is Spinal Tap'; McKean's performance is completely over-the-top without being the least bit annoying. He really does seem to be computer generated, both in appearance and his spontaneous actions or gestures, and he reasons in much the same way a computer would also. He even outsmarts Voyager's holographic Doctor when he attempts to intervene. The final twist to the ending comes as a complete surprise though there is a hint at the resolution during The Doctor's first visit. Other interesting highlights to this episode include the nature of fear and its pathos being discussed between the officers of the starship as they try to come up with a solution, and especially the final confrontation between Janeway and The Clown. Also noteworthy is the casting of Carel Struycken as one of the inhabitants of the sham world; Struycken was cast as Lwaxana Troi's male servant, Mr. Homm in several episodes from the TNG series.

Excellent! One of the best episodes!
This episode proves that Star Trek is not just for sci-fi fans. Its a completely unique idea, visually entertaining, and an attention grabber! I definitly think you see this episode!

Terrible!
I'm sorry but this is one of the worst episodes, from what I've seen of it. The clown looks ridiculous. He's not really scary -- he's more stupid. I didn't like this episode at all!

Fear takes on a life of it's own
This episode of Star Trek Voyager is interesting as it takes on the issue of what fear can do in the life of an individual.

The basic plot involves the crew stumbling upon three individuals who have been connected to a joint computer and held in stasis in an artifical world for several years. The characters in the computer program, however, do not want to give up their "existence", and so they have terrorized the humanoid participants into not ending the program and coming out of stasis on schedule. Interesting plot.

I thought that the use of The Doctor in this episode was very well done...and actually made sense, given the fact that he is also computer generated! However, the fact that in the end, *only* Captain Janeway could effectively shut down this "world" was, in my opinion, somewhat contrived. Yes..she's the captain...but that fact alone does not make her any less suseptible to fear than any of the others she sent into the artifical world before her (Torres, Kim and The Doctor).

For that reason, I give the episode 4 stars instead of 5. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Perfect man - too bad there's only one
In order to end a devastating war, the Y bomb was created, so called because it carries a virus that kills only men. The point was to kill soldiers and not civilians, however there are unexpected repercussions. The end result is that, at the time the story takes place, the only men remaining are very few and aging. They are the small percentage that had a natural immunity and live in a militant group that dreams of taking back their world.

Society is made up entirely of women. This makes cloning necessary as a form of reproduction. Men are reviled as uncontrollably violent and dangerous. However, some of the female characters belie the stereo-type that only men are capable of such behavior.

A young female scientist creates a man with no violent tendencies in the lab. When he escapes, he becomes hunted even though he has harmed no one.

Personally, I liked this movie. It is a sci-fi flick, so expect a reality different than the one you know. I'm sure many people think the world would be less violent and war prone if it were run by women. This movie gives one opinion on what a society where women held all the power would be like. Does power corrupt everyone?

As if
Where to start, first of all don't waste you time even attempting to rent or buy this movie.
A world without men? Grant it they get on your nerves but there's no need to off them completely. They are good for some things...like killing crawly things.
Cloning instead of giving birth? Okay, maybe this isn't such a bad idea. I mean just think, no pain, no puking, no swollen ankles...I could live with that.
Women not being as violent as men? AS IF. Who ever wrote this has never been in a house or office full of women all with pms.
Talk about a war zone with hidden land mines. Walk through that and you'll be lucky to have any body parts left.
This isn't a movie. It's someone's long drawn out rantings about why they hate men. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Original airdate: 5/8/95. Stardate: 48784.2. Veteran makeup artist Michael Westmore does double duty for this episode, in which a Vidiian scientist--suffering from the deadly, hideously disfiguring "Phage" disease (from episode 5)--genetically engineers an all-Klingon version of Voyager's Chief Engineer B'Elanna Torres, to prove Klingon resistance to the Phage virus and, hopefully, create a cure for his own infected species. The experiment results in two B'Elannas, the aggressive all-Klingon version and the skillful but comparatively weak and cowardly human version, now devoid of Klingon DNA. This provokes some debatable questions about stereotypical portrayal of Klingons and humans, but it's a fine showcase for series regular Roxann Biggs-Dawson, who convincingly portrays the separate halves of her bispecies character. The situation is played too broadly (echoing the original-series episode "The Enemy Within"), and a prison-escape subplot (requiring Chakotay's temporary transformation into a Phage-stricken Vidiian) is a bit too reminiscent of the penal-planet sequence in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. Still, this is a fine episode for B'Elanna Torres fans, who will readily agree that Biggs-Dawson can shine when given the chance, and remains highly attractive with or without Westmore's Klingon prosthetics. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A Vidiian scientist splits Torres into a Klingon and a human
If you remember the first season episode "The Enemy Within" from the original "Star Trek" series, then the main idea behind "Faces" (Story by Jonathan Glassner & Adam Grossman, Teleplay by Kenneth BillerAired May 8, 1995), Episode 14 of "Star Trek: Voyager." The Away Team of B'Elanna Torres (Roxann Biggs-Dawson), Tom Paris (Robert Duncan McNeill), and the expendable Lt. Durst (Brian Markinson) has disappeared on the planet "Voyager" is visiting, which leads to a second Away Team consisting of Chakotay (Robert Beltran), Tuvok (Tim Russ), and Harry Kim (Garrett Wang) to go down and investigate. Of course this puts the entire command crew in jeopardy, but this apparently does not worry Captain Janeway (Kate Mulgrew). However, the trail leads to some caves where a force field stops them from proceeding further. Meanwhile, on the other side of the force field a Vidiian scientist named Sulan has created an all-Klingon version of Torres. Searching for a cure for the Phage (See Episode 5, "Phage") Sulan's plan is to inject a pure Klingon with the deadly disease and see if that works (pretend this makes sense). Meanwhile, an all-human version of Torres ends up in the cell with Paris and Durst.

Not only do we have two Torreses for the price of one, it seems that Sulan is attracked to the Klingon version. So much so that he finds a rather gruesome way of having Durst help the Vidiian scientist more attractive. Since several seasons later Torres will marry Tom Paris and have a baby in the final episode of "Star Trek: Voyager" this thing between Sulan and the ship's Chief Engineer is not going to work out. Aside from watching actress Roxann Biggs-Dawson play her split personalities (one with considerably more makeup and the other with virtually none) the resolution is rather easy to anticipate and the lesson in "Faces" has not changed since Captain Kirk went through the same thing (It does make you wonder what what would have happened if they had tried this with Mr. Spock). The result is rather entertaining and allows the Torres character to get some needed depth, but is not a great episode. However, Torres will address being half-Klingon and have-human again, most notably during her pregnancy ("Lineage").

some missed opportunities
B'Elanna Torres, Voyager's Klingon-hybrid Chief Engineer, has resented and resisted her warrior heritage all her life. In this, the best Klingon episode of the series, she has an opportunity to reconcile with her two "faces". Torres and some of her crewmates are captured by the villainous Vidian, an alien species which has suffered for generations from a loathsome flesh-eating plague called the Phage. In their efforts to combat the disease, the Vidian have developed medical technology far in advance of the Federation's. But whatever morality they might have once possessed has been long abandoned, as they raid the Delta Quadrant "harvesting" other inhabitants' tissues and organs as replacements for their own. To the Vidian's delight, the Klingon physiology, with its exceptional hardiness and unique redundancies, promises new breakthroughs in finding a cure. So they separate Torres' Klingon half from her less valuable Human half. For a while there coexist two distinctly different B'Elannas, who must join forces to rescue their crewmates and escape their captors. The Klingon doppelganger is brawny and brave, but brash. The Human entity is brainy, but wimpy and annoyingly whiny. Unlike the Vidians, B'Elanna's comrades, (including her boytoy-to-be, Tom Paris) prefer the timid Torres over her volitile counterpart. Personally, I believe the writers missed their golden opportunity to dump the hybrid character altogether and keep the more impressive full-Klingon version. What they did not miss was the opportunity for some leering innuendo about Klingon females' indiscriminate sexual mores, which have provided a sophomoric source of titillation for the Franchise. And of course, the fate of the formidable warrioress was totally predictable -- Klingon women have replaced the unfortunate "red-shirts" in token Trek expendability. Ultimately, Klingon B'Elanna had little impact on the character, the series, or the Star Trek mythos. But for her sole episode, she was pretty terrific, and so popular with the fandom, that she even got her own collectable action-figure.

B'Elanna Torres explored
Certainly, this episode is one of the most important to the character development of B'Elanna Torres. In this episode, B'Elanna discovers how important her Klingon half is...and comes to peace with the part of herself that she's always struggled with most.

I also feel that this episode is the real beginning of the friendship between the characters of B'Elanna Torres and Tom Paris...very important to the future storyline of the show.

Personally, I feel that it is a "must see" from Voyager season one.

Finally, Some Character Exploration!
VOYAGER never lived up to the potential promised in the premise, THE CARETAKER, but this stand alone episode could've played anywhere in the series seven year run and would've still been one of their finest hours. Through genetic experimentation by the Phage (evil organ-stealing space villains), B'Elanna Torres is split into two halves ... one Klingon, one Human ... and, in the process of getting to know one another, these two unique personalities realize how much they make her what she is. Some fine acting by Ms. Dawson, and one helluva script.

'Yam' erific!
I can't believe some people didn't like this episode! (Or am I remembering the other reviews wrong?) I think this was one of the greatest episodes as far a characterization goes . . . . or that could just be me because B'Elanna's my favorite character. Anyway, I liked having a look at her Klingon side and her human side! Wow! She's actually kind of cute when she cries (what am I talking about? She's always pretty) and it's really sweet how Tom's always trying to comfort her (foreshadowing to . . . ah . . . Blood Fever, Day of Honor(my fave), Vis a Vis, Alice, Drive, etc, I could go on & on) Anyway this is a great episode and I think I'm gonna buy it so I don't have to wait for UPN to show it and it won't get taped over after a week! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Ah, the Vulcan mind-meld, a longtime favorite that goes all the wayback to Mr. Spock in the classic Star Trek. It's at the center of thisepisode, in which Tuvok (Tim Russ) arrests an engineer named Suder (theever-creepy Brad Dourif) who has killed a fellow crew member "because Ididn't like the way he was looking at me." This doesn't sit right with theever-logical Vulcan Tuvok, who can't get anything else out of Suder andcannot comprehend the notion of random violence. So he performs the notoriousmind-meld on Suder--and discovers that, in fact, humans are capable ofunprovoked violence, a wholly foreign concept to the Vulcan mind. But even asthe process imparts some of Tuvok's Vulcan aloofness and logic to Suder, itunleashes a distinctly human reaction in Tuvok, triggering long-suppressedemotions that allow him to experience the kind of violent rage that Suderundergoes. Terrific performance by Tim Russ, allowing him to escape LeonardNimoy mode and actually act human; he's matched by Dourif, who has beenplaying psychos since One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. --MarshallFine ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Tuvok picks up some violent tendencies from a mind meld
In Episode 33, "Meld" (Story by Michael Sussman, Teleplay by Michael Piller, Aired February 5, 1996), "Star Trek: Voyager" finally gets around to really dealing with Tuvok (Tim Russ) as a Vulcan. A crewmember is found dead in Engineering and the Doctor (Robert Picardo) discovers he was murdered. As Security Officer Tuvok investigates and his suspicions fall upon Suder (Brad Dourif), one of the Maquis. When physical evidence points to his guilt, Suder confesses, explaining that he killed the other man because "I didn't like the way he looked at me." This motivation does not compute to Tuvok, who continues to interrogate Suder about the murder. But when Suder cannot explain his violent outburst he agrees to let Tuvok do the good old mind meld. The Vulcan not only wants to understand this act of violence but hopes that some of his sense of self-discipline will help Suder to control himself in the future. Of course as we all know from Picard's legendary mind meld with Sarek, such exchanges go in both directions.

"Meld," as you would expect, comes down to the performances of both Tim Russ and Brad Dourif. Obviously Russ gets to really brake out of the straight laced mold into which Tuvok is poured, but Dourif, one of the great psychotics of recent vintage, is almmost as important to the story. Yes, I would agree that Tuvok should have expected some of the risks to himself in attempting this particular mind meld, but as "Star Trek: Enterprise" has repeatedly reminded us, your average Vulcans are extremely arrogant people (and underscoring that Spock was only half-Vulcan). Consequently, Tuvok's sense of self could well contain this tragic flaw, although with all his interactions with humans on "Voyager" he really should have known better. In the final analysis, "Meld" is an above average episode on the strength of the memorable performances more than the storyline, but the stor

Good Tuvok Episode
B'Elanna and Ensign Hogan investigate a problem with the warp drive and when B'Elanna goes to check it out, she discovers the dead body of a crewman. What at first appears to be an accident turns out to be murder. Evidence points to Ensign Suder and he is interrogated by Tuvok, who has taken charge of the investigation. Suder seemingly proves his innocence until the doctor discovers DNA on the dead body of the crewman and the DNA turns out to be Suder's. When he realizes he is caught, Suder confesses to the murder. Tuvok asks him why he committed the murder and Suder replies that he had no reason. Tuvok is not satisfied with this answer because to his Vulcan mind, every crime has a logical purpose, an established motive. The Vulcan decides to mind meld with Suder so he can understand why Suder killed the crewman. Suder agrees to the meld in hopes that the meld will somehow help him to control his violent tendencies. The meld has an adverse effect on Tuvok however, which makes him gradually violent like Suder. Suder, in the meantime, has finally found some peace as a result of the meld. Tuvok tries to control his violent thoughts but is unsuccessful. He returns to Suder and while talking with him, Suder realizes that the violent impulses have found their way into Tuvok. Tuvok also realizes that he is about to lose control, locks himself in his quarters and notifies the captain that he is unfit for duty. When the captain talks to Tuvok, she realizes how dangerous he has become. Tuvok is transported to sick bay where the doctor tries desparately to cure him before he sinks too far into his dementia.

This is a very good Tuvok episode as it shows the dark side of the Vulcans, as they used to be. Tim Russ always did a wonderful job of portraying Tuvok and he really outdoes himself in this episode. We get to see Tuvok not only with emotions, but violent emotions. Brad Dourif does a fantastic job of portraying Ensign Suder! If you're a Tuvok and/or Vulcan fan, this is a must see episode. Note: The character of Ensign Suder will re-surface in 'Basics.'

Explores the mind of a psychopath
This is great episode of Voyager, and I'd highly recommend it - especially to fans of the character of Tuvok. Tim Russ does some of his best acting to-date in this episode, and is matched perfectly with the violent psychopath who cannot control his urges.

This episode also gives one pause to think about some very important issues facing us today. What to do with violent individuals who cannot control themselves? How do some violent offenders live with themselves? Do they struggle at all with their violent urges? Interesting questions to consider, and some consideration is given to those questions here.

All in all, a strong episode for Tuvok and an opportunity to think.