VOY: “Alice”

Date: January 16, 2021

Season 6, Episode 5

Music Video of the Day:

“Come Close” by Common
“I know this world is crazy / What’s it without you?“

Interstellar News: This last week has been a lot of ups and downs

TL;DR: Voyager comes across a junkyard and acquire some supplies, including a small ship that Paris falls in love with… literally. It has a nuerogenic interface that takes on the female personification of ‘Alice’ who is only seen by him, and her only goal is to interface with a pilot to take her home, which is a particle fountain. Torres and the Doctor are able to finally get to him before the craft is destroyed, and he promises Torres he’s “just friends” with the Delta Flyer.

Favorite Quote:

Tuvok: We’ve detected a large group of vessels directly ahead.

Chakotay: Hostile?

Tuvok: Possibly. I’m charging weapons.

Janeway: On screen.

Kim: I’m counting sixty two ships and a few hundred pieces of ships. All dead in space.

Paris: It’s a junkyard. Congratulations, Tuvok. You just saved us from a flotilla of hostile trash.

Tuvok acting on the information he had at the time and Paris being his usual sarcastic self.
Alice in the background while Paris is hooked into the ship
“Who need arms when you have wings?”

“From now on, I promise no more affairs with strange ships.”: I love the science fiction technology piece of a ship that needs a biological unit to interface with, the neurogenic interface is so fascinating. As we’ve seen in “Vis a Vis” and several other times throughout the series, Paris is constantly getting himself into trouble. What starts life as a side project becomes his obsession, and Torres says it best to Kim when she asks why he always forgets she exists when he takes on a new hobby. I also love that we really see how much Paris and Torres care for each other when he chooses to share his project with her, even if it didn’t go as planned, and when she agrees to help link to his mind to get him to lower the shields. The one thing I absolutely hate about this episode is after Torres is assaulted by both Alice and Paris, she goes to Janeway and the first damn words out of Janeway’s mouth is “that doesn’t sound like Tom” and I’m back to what I felt during “Retrospect“. You can say it doesn’t sound like a person but I’m so sorry that happened and let’s get down to the bottom of this immediately… but not leave it as is. That one line and her reaction brings this down to a 6 for me, and that’s it… just the number.

TA Out!

VOY: “Tinker, Tenor, Doctor, Spy”

Date: January 14, 2021

Season 6, Episode 4

Music Video of the Day:

“Crash Into Me” by Dave Matthews Band
“Lost for you I’m so lost for you…”

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.

Valentina from RPDR: "sending me home doesn't make sense with my fantasy"
“But sometimes a fantasy is all you need…”

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!

VOY: “Barge of the Dead”

Date: January 13, 2021

Season 6, Episode 3

Music Video of the Day:

“Next 2 You” by Buckcherry
“I don’t know what to do to get next to you, next to you.“

Interstellar News: Today was the Wednesday-ist Wednesday that has ever Wednesday-ed.

TL;DR: Torres goes to Klingon hell, Gre’thor, but is revived just as her mother arrives. She convinces the EMH to medically send her back so she can save her mother by taking her place. Her Gre’thor is actually Voyager because she keeps putting walls up. She decides to stop fighting and gives Janeway a big, giant hug once she realizes she’s alive and has been given a second chance.

Favorite Quote:

Torres: What? It’s Klingon!

Chakotay: And it’s old. That’s about all we know. Looks like the Klingons beat Starfleet to the Delta Quadrant by a few hundred years. You may be holding the most important archaeological find in Klingon history.

Torres: Remind me to plant a flag on behalf of the Empire.

I can feel the sarcasm rolling off Torres.
"Bring out yer dead" from Monty Python
“Silence The dead ask no questions.”

“You cannot harm me. I’m already dead.”: This was quite the interesting episode, and very Torres heavy. At first it’s clear Torres is only mostly dead but Voyager got her in time… except everyone is acting a little strange, especially Tuvok. Once she winds up on the Barge, it’s now made clear that everything before that moment was all made up in her head, just like when Janeway died. What’s different is that it isn’t clear at any point if her mother is really dead too, if Torres dreamed this all up, what parts are “really real”. It’s likely that when Paris and the EMH wake her up in sickbay that that is real life and she really had a change of life experience and became a “born again Klingon” as Paris says. She’s also just like Janeway was in “Sacred Ground“, where she just wants someone to tell her what to do. Funny thing is it’s one of those things you just have to figure out. After almost 6 years on the ship, she still puts up barriers with everyone in her life. I think when she hugs Janeway at the end she shocks the hell out of everyone, including herself. It was neat to learn more about the other end of Klingon myth, as Worf was clearly always intending to go to Sto-Vo-Kor, and also have the spotlight on Torres again. I give this 7 circles of Hell, because why not?

TA Out!

VOY: Season 6 “Survival Instinct”

Date: January 12, 2021

Season 6, Episode 2

Music Video of the Day:

“Come On Get Higher” by Matt Nathanson
“Just pull me down hard, and drown me in love…”

Interstellar News: I have more mobility and less pain today, huzzah!

TL;DR: When Seven was still Borg, she and three other drones were stranded and cut off from the Collective. In present day, Voyager is at a Markonian outpost and has opened up the ship as well as let crew take some shore leave on the station. The three others drones have now been freed from the Collective but are still connected with each other. At first they try to force Seven, but when they are caught they explain the problem and all interconnect to try to remember what happened. Back on the planet they all began to get their memories back but Seven’s were of a scared child and she forced the others to go back with her. The EMH explains that they can be sent back to the Borg and live long, unhappy drone lives or he can make them individuals who will only have a few months. The three are separated and they part ways while Naomi Wildman comforts Seven as part of her family.

Favorite Quote:

Janeway: Well as far as I’m concerned, opening the ship has been a fascinating experience and an unqualified success. I’m very pleased.

Chakotay: Me too.

Tuvok: I am pleased that you are pleased.

Tuvok does not share the sentiment of his captain and first officer.
the three drones in the flashback around the fire.
“Agreed.”

“There is a third page.”: In “One“, Seven explains she was once severed from the Collective and this episode highlights what happened then via the flashbacks. There are several things happening in this episode and they don’t all get enough time, really. Kim and Paris get arrested and confined to quarters because of a bar brawl with some locals, Torres helps Seven look through the Borg stuff, Neelix gets to tell everyone to try pizza, and Tuvok is dismayed (for a Vulcan) about the security breeches. As this is a more Seven focused episode, the EMH and Naomi Wildman make excellent pairs for her while Chakotay and Janeway just get to exist and make a good point once in a while. Naomi does an amazing job at being adorable and wonderful and I love that she went from being terrified of Seven to wanting to emulate her. It was also great to see Seven feel remorse for what she’s done and to realize how brainwashed she was when she was with the Borg. Overall a fun episode in some places, somber in others, and heartwarming somewhere in there too which earns this 6 neck warmers.

TA Out!

Sports Night: “Pilot”

Date: January 11, 2021

Season 1, Episode 1

Music Video of the Day:

“Everything I touch just seems to break…“, Rise Against’s “House on Fire”.

Interstellar News: Happy birthday to my puppy, Professor Zoom, who turns four today! My neck is still hurting and my mother-in-law is visiting, so there was no time for Trek today. I am, however, planning on watching Sports Night with a dear friend over lunch when we can… so I should totally write about it on days when I can’t Trek. Today we take a look at the pilot episode.

Favorite Quote:

Dana: Where are you strongest?

Jeremy: Oh, football.

Dana: Let’s talk about basketball.

Jeremy: I said football.

Dana: I heard you. Let’s talk about basketball.

Jeremy: We could talk about baseball or hockey.

Dana: Oh you’re pretty strong in baseball and hockey, are ya?

Jeremy: Not as strong as football, but…

Dana: Good. Let’s talk about the Knicks.

Jeremy: I walked right into that one didn’t I.

Dana: Well, I left the door wide open for you.

The beginning of one of my favorite interviews.

“I’m getting a divorce. I don’t need a cruise director.”: We’re introduced to all of the main and some of the supporting characters who make up the show “Sports Night” on the CSC network. There’s the duo of Casey and Dan, the main anchors of the show, who are obviously very good friends and make a fantastic team. Unfortunately Casey’s going through a divorce and is a bit disillusioned with life right now. I love the little things that come from watching a show several times, is some of the new things you pick up or some of the actors and their baby faces. The guy who plays Dan was in The Good Wife (along with several other million things) but I’m not sure I’ve seen Casey anywhere else. Seeing Dan in shorts behind the table was fantastic, though I can’t remember them doing this again in future shots.

Isaac, Dana, Casey, and Dan watch the dude run
“Do you have any idea how to spell Ntozake?”

There’s the producer Dana and her co-assistant Natalie, who are also a wonderful duo but it’s clear Dana wears the pants and is in charge while Natalie is learning all she can but trying to make her mark. I love that two women are in charge of the show, mostly, especially one that is about sports. Dana does her best to balance her professionalism and her emotions, but it’s clear her priority is the show and that she considers the whole group her work family. Isaac is both wonderful and wise, but he’s also firm and reminds me a lot of my work mom at times. The last of the main bunch is Jeremy is who is interviewed and hired during this first episode, and boy does he need to take every chill pill. I forgot how neurotic he was at first but he has also been in a variety of amazing shows I’ve loved, like The West Wing and Scandal, and he’s just awesome every time.

"are you crying? there's no crying in baseball" says Tom Hanks
One of my favorite quotes…

We’re also introduced to the folks that help produce behind the scenes, the ones who help pull up stats and get things done, and JJ from the network… who is a complete and utter tool. The episode glosses over how the show is run, how decisions are made, and also shows us Casey’s “aha” moment when a man from an impoverished nation breaks a world running record after having his legs shattered and being told he’d never walk again. Casey excitedly calls his son to make sure he watches this historic moment and remembers the joy he found in sports. It’s just a fantastic set up for a truly wonderful show. I’m excited for all the guest stars I forgot about and all the quotes we’ll get to. If you haven’t watched this show, it’s on Amazon Prime with commercials and I highly recommend it.

TA Out!