VOY: “Tinker, Tenor, Doctor, Spy”

Date: January 14, 2021

Season 6, Episode 4

Music Video of the Day:

Interstellar News: Today was the day I went to the chiropractor and all the things cracked and I feel SO MUCH BETTER.

TL;DR: The EMH programs some daydreaming algorithms that are observed by an alien in the Hierarchy. The alien believes the daydreams, so they plan an attack to raid them for resources. Due to the interference, the EMH starts to daydream all the time which leads to the crew observing his innermost thoughts. The alien realizes it’s all a fantasy, but it’s too late to stop the attack so he contacts the EMH who then has to pose as the Captain. At first he stammers and is super nervous, but eventually he bluffs the Hierarchy with his “photonic cannons” and they retreat. The crew puts on dress uniforms and throws a celebration for the EMH where he is awarded a commendation.

Favorite Quote:

Paris: What I wouldn’t give right now for a whoopee cushion.

Kim: A what?

Paris: Ancient technology.

Paris poking fun at the EMH being timid about sitting down in the captain’s chair.

“That was a Platonic gesture. Don’t expect me to pose for you.”: This is a super fun and super silly episode. The first bit where he puts on an opera for the crew got me hooked, because up until Tuvok was crying I totally thought it was real. Well, okay, I’ll be honest. I thought it was real until he started singing about Tuvok’s pon farr, and then I realized it was a dream or holodeck simulation. But seriously, watch the whole clip! This one was absolutely the best day dream, it was truly wonderful. I liked his “ECH” daydream because who doesn’t dream of being the person to save the ship? It was a normal daydream and worked well with the story when he eventually has to play it out and gets to live out his fantasy.

I absolutely hated that he had Janeway, Torres, and Seven all fighting over him… I mean I get his fantasy was to be desired by the three most powerful women on the ship, but he’s only ever indicated he’s had the hots for Seven. It shows he doesn’t respect the Captain or Chief Engineer and I’m not having it. Other than this one bit, the rest of the story was fun. We see the Hierarchy and how they work as well as the EMH finally getting to be the badass he always thought he could be. He shows Janeway how much he loves and appreciates the crew and that gets her thinking about they need to do more for the one being on the ship who has saved their asses on more than one occasion and has been with them since the beginning. For the sheer ridiculousness, I give this episode 8 yummy milkshakes.

TA Out!