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Reviews
Star Trek: Voyager: Lineage (2001)
Identity
Lineage, a heart felt well written episode, deals with the relationship between B'Elanna's Klingon and Human background. The episode written by James Kahn, writer of the "Return of the Jedi" novel, is not only applicable to contemporary life issues, but works with the 24th century world in Voyager. Identity issues are common in today's world and fictionally in the inter-species world of Star Trek. I think that some Trek fans forget that Gene Roddenberry's original vision was not just of a fictional, Scifi world, but a world that relates 24th century life to 20/21st century life. A vision that is both far reaching and grand, yet grounded in contemporary society, 'Lineage' lives up to that vision.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: The Passenger (1993)
The empty promises of the Devil
Imagine watching a television program that has the guile to express the darkness of the human mind. Then think of a story well written that deceives both the mind and the soul. This is what "The Passenger" promised yet did not deliver; a huge thud.
As I have explained above it was not the idea or writing of this episode that disappoints. Rather, it is the lack of execution on the part of Siddig and director Paul Lynch that causes the thud in this episode. Siddig is burdened in the role, evidenced by his performance in the last scene when he is overcome by Rao Vantika's persona. Burdened with the fact that his acting, at this point in his career, is soap opera quality at best. He reminds me of a Garret Wang on "Voyager"; forced to play science fiction dramatic roles without having the ability to do just that. Moreover, why does director Paul Lynch allow this to happen? Some direction for Siddig would have been nice; like "can you stop talking like a robot in supposed "climax" and get the lines out before the audience falls asleep".
With that said, the writing and idea save this episode from a 5 out of 10.
6 out of 10
Star Trek: Voyager: Warhead (1999)
A Picardo Showcase
In this episode, Picardo plays the role of a manic A.I. with a confused identity. Not only does Picardo steal this episode from Wang (Ensign Kim), he demonstrates why the writers and producers of Voyager consistently gave him episode that would showcase his acting skills.
Picardo doesn't receive enough credit for his acting on Voyager. Time after time, episodes such as "The Darkling", "Warhead", "Latent Image" and "Real Life" demonstrate Picardo's depth, not only in dramatic acting, but also an ability to connect emotionally with the audience. He absolutely is more than a projection of light.
"Warhead" is a good episode for Picardo. Although, as I mentioned above, there are other episodes in which Picardo is great and exceeds his accomplishments in Warhead. If you don't believe me watch "The Darkling".
7 out of 10.
Star Trek: Voyager: The Thaw (1996)
Conquering Fear
Since its creation by Gene Roddenberry, Star Trek has explored the fear and doubts of humanity. Whether it was the Klingons in the original series or the Borg in TNG, the series seems to manufacture new ways fear and doubt can manifest itself.
The Thaw takes no backseat to the discussion. The performance by Michael McKean as fear, as well as the filming sequences that accentuate his creepy entourage, are superbly frightening. The costume design sprouts from one of Jim Henson's nightmares. The Thaw should have been nominated for an Emmy for set/costume design.
The thorough, scientific analysis of fear by the Voyager crew gives an enlightening take on how and why fear exists. This scientific approach is what makes so many Voyager episodes stand out.
Classic Voyager.
Star Trek: Voyager: Cold Fire (1995)
Power of the Mind
"Cold Fire" is an episode that, in the early stages of Voyager, created a strong foundation and perhaps the first 10 episode. The darkness that Kes explores through her telepathic abilities will continue to be explored throughout the series by other characters. Tuvok mentions in the last scene that without the darkness their would be no light, which his character, as well as some of the best episodes in following seasons will emphasize.
The name "Cold Fire" is ingenious as it refers to a harsh duality; the euphoria that Kes experiences comes at a cost,
A well written and acted episode, well deserving of a 10.
Star Trek: The Next Generation: The Pegasus (1994)
Riker's past
One of Riker's former captains returns as an Admiral in search of their lost ship. Pegasus forms a part of Riker's past, like the episode "Second Chances", to help us understand his evolution as Picard's "number one". The conflict between Picard/Riker/Admiral Pressman drives the drama.
The internal conflict within Riker is equally intriguing. He must choose between duty, friendship and the mistakes of his past to avoid disaster. "Pegasus" also showcases the directing talent of LeVar Burton, foreshadowing his future success as a director in other Star Trek series.
Star Trek: The Next Generation: Parallels (1993)
Temporal misfire
I have never rated any episode with Worf as the main character this low until now. With any Trek series there comes the temporal episode. These types of episodes are hit or miss; some being great, like "timescape" and some not so great like "Parallels". "Parallels" comes off as insincere and flat. Troi's performance is decent, but the Worf, Troi romance never made since like the Worf, Dax relationship in DS9.
I did like the idea of the bat'leth tournament. Too bad no one ever wrote an episode about that. In the future Star Trek should focus on aspects of the unique cultures it has created. Sometimes the elaborate time warp episodes are too much, and "Parallels" is an example of this.
Star Trek: The Next Generation: Aquiel (1993)
Hitchcock murder mystery
This is a well written and original TNG episode. Don't understand why it receives low rating on IMDb but it rings of Hithcock's TV show. A must see episode for Trekkies and Hitchcock fans. The plot is thick and it leaves the viewer guessing right up until the end. The suspense is masterfully shot by the director. It is an all around winner.
Also its nice to see Klingon's written into an episode that isn't about the empire or war.
I think if people look at this episode in that light then it is a justifiable 8 out of 10. It definitely does not deserve the 5.9 it has received so far.
Star Trek: Voyager: Nightingale (2000)
While searching for Dilithium, Ensign Kim takes command of an alien medical ship.
This episode explores ensign Kim's motivation to gain more experience in command situations. There have been many episodes featuring Kim as the main story arch, but this is the first time he actually takes command of a vessel, although it is not Voyager or another Federation ship. From early on in Voyager, ensign Kim's acting was suspect at best, but if you compare a later episode like this one to one of his early ones, a definite difference in the quality of his acting can be seen. In this episode he faces the weight of commanding a ship, a new experience for his character. That weight is handled well, resulting in a thoroughly watchable performance by Wang.