1.3 — “Parallax”
Plot: Amidst tension between the Starfleet and Maquis members of the crew, the Voyager encounters a quantum singularity with a ship trapped inside its event horizon. B’Elanna is considered for the position of Chief Engineer.
Thoughts: The technobabble has survived the transition to the Delta Quadrant intact. “Gravimetric flux density is over 2,000 percent. If I’m not mistaken, we’re looking at a type four quantum singularity!” Still, for an entirely manufactured premise, the episode is surprisingly compelling, with the reflected ship and the “Lady and the Tiger” moment in the shuttlecraft.
I like that they are leaning into the conflict between the Starfleet and Maquis officers, and the lack of readiness of many of the survivors for their duties. We are reminded that both Torres and Paris failed out of school or their careers, and we are allowed to see them make mistakes. Torres proves she is fit to lead the Engineering Department, but it is Janeway who figures out how to get back to the ship. The flavor is noticeably different from TNG.
The writing and performances are a bit heavy handed, but the Doctor is still funny and I ended the episode liking Chakotay and Torres more than I did after the pilot. So I see some promise. This is my analytic brain talking, however–I’m not sure the right side of the brain is convinced yet that I want to spend another 169 episodes with these characters. I don’t see anyone yet who is as compelling as half the cast of DS9.
They should find another way to dress Neelix. I see him in richer, dark colors.
Touching on new series design elements: the opening credits. Whew. Space is crowded, right? Why is the ship buzzing past stars and so forth? Maybe the theme will grow on me, but I’ve heard it a couple times and couldn’t hum it at all. I like the new look of the corridors.
3 of 5 nose punches.
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