Chakotay investigates a distress call that leads to a surprising collective of individuals.
This is a strong episode with interesting themes and good reintroduction to previous Star Trek antagonists.
The story is good, as it brings the Borg into the Voyager narrative in an intelligent and philosophical way. It is interesting that the writers accept that certain aspects of a collective identity have merit and give a more rounded portrayal of the Borg than the one-note baddies of previous stories. We all know the writers were inspired by communist states, so it feels a bit more balanced in this one. Saying that, Janeway's general skepticism, the seductive nature of the characters, and Janeway's final conversation with Chakotay feels like it represents their take on the subject.
Technically it is very well made, with effective moments such as when Chakotay first sees a guest character looking more Borg like and the brilliant way multiple voices are brought together to eventually resemble the voice of the collective.
The visuals are great during both planet and space scenes. The Borg makeup and costuming is iconic as ever, plus the art design is generally strong throughout.
All actors are and good form and Robert Beltran leads it well.
This is a strong episode with interesting themes and good reintroduction to previous Star Trek antagonists.
The story is good, as it brings the Borg into the Voyager narrative in an intelligent and philosophical way. It is interesting that the writers accept that certain aspects of a collective identity have merit and give a more rounded portrayal of the Borg than the one-note baddies of previous stories. We all know the writers were inspired by communist states, so it feels a bit more balanced in this one. Saying that, Janeway's general skepticism, the seductive nature of the characters, and Janeway's final conversation with Chakotay feels like it represents their take on the subject.
Technically it is very well made, with effective moments such as when Chakotay first sees a guest character looking more Borg like and the brilliant way multiple voices are brought together to eventually resemble the voice of the collective.
The visuals are great during both planet and space scenes. The Borg makeup and costuming is iconic as ever, plus the art design is generally strong throughout.
All actors are and good form and Robert Beltran leads it well.