Prey

Tracy -- 18 Feb 1998, 9:06 PM

The question is: Who's the Hunter and who's the Prey? This is one I'll have to watch again, mostly because I had a Fraidy-Cat of a daughter attached to my lap or my legs throughout most of the episode. "I'm Scared!" Well, sweetheart, don't watch it! (Yeah right. She's already a fright junkie, and only four...)

Anyhow, to get back to the subject, this was one of those episodes that was big on action in the beginning and big on story in the end. Very well done, both the acting and the directing (although I tawt I taw a pwegnant woman...again....) were superb. We were given an enemy who was merciless in it's dealings with Voyager and the Borg, and our view of this enemy is converted from one of hatred to one of compassion. We are given yet another enemy who has shown itself to be rigid and unbending and even a little maniacal in their "hunt", and we find ourselves respecting them even though we cannot agree with what they are doing. I like that.

Okay, that and the fact that RDM seems to be losing weight and gaining hair. Think I'll view it again tomorrow evening, and then write up all my likes/dislikes.

But, all in all, a nicely intense episode that makes me look forward to next week. (Although wasn't the preview a little bit too melodramatic? Too Soap Opera-ish for my tastes.)

G'Inny -- 19 Feb 1998, 8:07 AM

I usually watch a VOYAGER episode twice before I post a review, but I had church obligations last night (which may explain the above quote from Mark) and only got to see it once. Forgive me, if I miss some obvious stuff.

I thought this was a pretty good episode. The acting was good to excellent, the direction was non-intrusive, the dialogue was well done, and the plot made sense. Well, shoot--does this mean that I have to stop making Brannon Braga jokes?

GRIPES

Not too many.

--If the Hirogen have no home planet, where do they build all those ships?

--Why is the ship's best pilot going on an away mission to the damaged Hirogen ship (other than to give RDM a chance to earn his salary)? It wasn't as if he was there to render first aid--the injured Alpha-Hirogen was immediately beamed to sick bay.

--I can't say that I much like the sound of next week's episode.

GRATIFYING BITS

--The initial conversation between the Holodoc and Seven was terrific. "Bridge Banter for Beginners" just cracked. me. up. And it's nice to see that the Holodoc both has some empathy for Seven AND remembers what Kes did to help him interact more effectively with the crew.

This encounter is interesting to contrast with the look of censure that the Holodoc later gives Seven after she transfers the Alpha-Hirogen and Species 8472 off the ship.

--Finally, a prompt and reasonable response to an intruder--a lock-down on essential systems, which, believe it or not, the alien intruder wasn't able to conveniently override with his trusty Swiss Army encryption decoder ring.

--I liked the pursuit of Species 8472 down the corridor in the enviro-suits with the magnetized boots. Did anyone else notice the way RDM held his arms after he got knocked unconscious by Species 8472--floating out away from his body? It was just a brief shot, but a nice touch by Director Eastman. And doesn't this count as an official entry in the Destucto-Man pool?

--The conversations and confrontations between Kathryn and Seven were extremely well-written and well-played. I was particularly taken with Kathryn last words--"As you were." Did she really mean for Seven to revert to a less individualistic attitude, or was she just pissed off and exercising her command prerogative to cut off debate with a subordinate?

G'Inny adds more to the "As you were" comment: ...but I thought there was a whole lot more to it than, "Seven, return to your alcove and ponder the command structure." Frankly, I think some of Kathryn's anger and bitterness is, or really should be, directed towards herself. After all, it was her decision to throw Seven into the deep end of humanity. Kathryn took on the role of uber-mom and gave her new favorite daughter almost unlimited personal freedom and access to the ship's primary systems, despite the qualms of other senior officers, most notably, B'Elanna, and the events in RAVEN.

I'm pleased to see B'Elanna somewhat vindicated, though. Personally, I think someone owes the Chief Engineer a great big ol' apology, and his initials are Chakotay.

--Best line? No contest: Tuvok to Seven: "You missed."

--Other random observations:

*At one point, Kathryn tucked one leg up under her as she sat in the captain's chair. Has she done that before?

Vickie T. -- 19 Feb 1998, 8:21 AM

I'm beginning to get that "broken record" sound. Another great episode. In fact, I might even agree with Jason - one of, if not the, best of the season. It was perfect Trek. My quick, sound-bite comments:

In spite of the impression given by previews, Janeway did not do anything stupid. As insane as bringing a Hirogen on board *and* helping 8472 sounded in the press release about the episode, it all unfolded perfectly and made complete sense. Janeway *is* a good captain. Yes, I know, Mike D. never doubted it for a moment, but I admit that my faith has wavered.

Seven of Nine is turning into a teenager. I recall making that same speech to my parents: "You tell me to use my own judgement, then you criticize my decisions, etc., etc., etc." I am thrilled to see that TPTB aren't softening Seven's sharp edges too soon.

The writers managed to get the captain/first officer relationship right (which they seldom do). Janeway was clearly in charge of the ship and policy decisions. Chakotay was tough, acted independently and issued orders with regard to ships operations-like a first officer is supposed to do, and did what he needed to do to carry out the spirit of Janeway's orders. And I liked the way he went nose-to-nose with the Hirogen and made the tall guy back down (temporarily, at least).

I've said it before and I'll say it again: doesn't our Tommy look adorable with the more "relaxed" hairdo?

When are they going to *stop* calling Tuvok "Lt."?

Neelix gets his (temporary) assignment to security!??!

Harry was a competent *and* peripheral member of the crew.

I absolutely loved the scene with Chakotay, Tuvok and Paris on the Hirogen ship.

Could it be that Voyager is finally on a roll? Has finally found it's footing? Is finally going to live up to it's full potential? Oh, I hope so!

MEG -- 19 Feb 1998, 8:29 AM

Well, I guess you'll have to come after me, Jason, because I wasn't nearly as impressed with this episode as you were. But I warn you -- I've been threatened by experts. . . ;-)

Observations:

-- I'm already tired of the Hirogen, who IMO bear an unfortunate resemblance to the Kazon -- big, bad, stereotypical male chauvinistic types who appear to have been designed specifically to provide obvious stark contrast to Voyager's female contingent. Every time the Hirogen come on the screen, I expect to hear variations on "Dueling Banjos" playing on the soundtrack. They completely lack the depth and complexity of Annorax and the Krenim, who remain my favorite Voyager villains to date.

-- Up through "YOH" and "Mortal Coil", I liked Seven. She was complex and appeared to be genuinely struggling between humanity and Borg natures. Now she seems to be struggling mainly with hormones. "Mom doesn't trust me -- waaah!" "Nobody understands me -- waaaaaahhh!" "You won't let me make my own decisions -- WWAAAAAAHHHH!!!" Great. A Borg teenager with PMS. How novel. When Janeway finally sent Little Miss Pouty Face to her room and took away her privileges, I cheered.

-- The redeeming feature of the episode was Janeway's compassion for and efforts to help the 8472, which reminded me of Kirk's refusal to kill the Horta in TOS's "Devil in the Dark", still one of my favorite ST episodes.

-- Character comment: For a guy who supposedly doesn't like hunting, Chakotay certainly adapted in a hurry to the language, didn't he? "This is my hunt, and I will take the point!" His deer-hunting father would be proud of him.

-- Nice technical effect of the 8472 creeping up Voyager's hull. Made me want to run for the can of Raid!

Overall -- I liked "Hunters" very much, but that was because of the character development and interaction. "Prey" I could take or leave, and if given a choice I'd leave it. It didn't really offend me, the way "Scientific Method" did, but it didn't do anything for me either. I really can't say I'm looking forward to the rest of the Hirogen arc.

JimL -- 19 Feb 1998, 9:56 AM

I really did enjoy watching this episode, but the ending really left me with a bad taste. Not in the way it was acted or directed, I think this was some of Voyager's best stuff here.

My problem is with Janeway's direction in the big scheme of things. On one hand she is Captain Ahab in trying to get her crew home at any and all cost. Yet on the other hand she is taking chances like this and endangering the entire crew and their chances on getting home for a creature that not too long ago would have killed all of them just as soon as breathing.

Yes I realize all about the standards and moral codes that Starfleet is supposed to uphold. However, I just feel that showing Janeway at these extremes of logic at times makes her a little hard to buy as Captain sometimes.

I will agree though that this was a very good episode, all around. It seems as though TPTB have heard some of the complaints and have really gone all out with this story arc to try and make Voyager into a show that can stand as a peer amongst it's predecessors.

Mrs. Mac -- 19 Feb 1998, 9:55 AM

Here is my opinion of Prey:

Janeway: Correct: Wants to investigate the Hirogen ship and the injured pilot using her usual line that it is an opportunity to learn and make peace.

Seven: Correct: Caution! Danger Will Robinson!

Janeway: Correct: Was ultimately right to help Hirogen and 8472.

Janeway: Incorrect: Hirogen came after her as a result endangering entire crew and ship.

Janeway: Correct: Let Hirogen go and search for 8472 on ship.

Seven/Hirogen/Chakotay: Correct: No time to play around with stun nanoprobes. Danger! Will Robinson!

Janeway: Incorrect: Hirogen socks Chakotay, zaps Paris, and slimes 8472.

Janeway: Correct: Send 8472 back to Fluidic Space.

Janeway: Correct: Ask Seven to help.

Seven: Incorrect: Should have done it.

Janeway: Incorrect: "It is wrong to sacrifice another being to save our own lives." Yea, like the whole crew is going to agree to that logic considering that 8472 almost annihilated them.

Janeway: Correct: Banished Seven to the Cargo Bay "until over."

Janeway: Inconsistent: Unbanishs Seven - needs nanoprobes.

Seven: Correct: Defended 8472 against Hirogen on the loose.

Seven: Correct: Beamed them both to a Hirogen ship because there was immediate danger.

Seven: Choice: Could have zapped them both in the hallway but that wouldn't rid them of the Hirogen ships.

Janeway: Incorrect: Seven really did make the correct choice. Voyager was dead in the water. However, since this was a prey species, I don't think the Hirogen would have destroyed them. I think the Voyager crew could have defeated them in hand combat.

Janeway: Incorrect: Punishing Seven. Why? Because Seven has stepped over the line before and Janeway didn't sit Seven down on her knee all those other times and explain what she did wrong. Janeway should have arrested the bad behavior the first time it happened. Each time Seven pushed a little further (zapping the Hirogen in MIAB) and she got away with it. Finally she gets reprimanded big time for a decision that perhaps saved all of their lives. If Tuvok had done it would the results be the same?

Ginny: Correct: Hirogen-pack analogy.

Question: Is Paris wearing a hairpiece now? Looks nice!

Like: Well, call me odd but when I saw the Hirogen in sickbay (Tony Todd) I thought, blow Harry out of the airlock and keep this Hirogen as a crew member. I thought he was sexy in a weird sort of way! Boy wouldn't Janeway have a Delta quad-sized headache. Excellent acting.

Seven: Bags under the eyes? Time to regenerate, Jeri!

CGI: Excellent 8472 stuff!

Crummy: When the left console blows the left nacelle is gone. When the right console blows the right nacelle is gone. How convenient.

Well, as you can tell by all of that above, I just didn't know what to make of this episode. I liked it a lot but I came away from it feeling sorry for Seven and angry about Janeway. Seven is obviously the child who has been allowed to dig into the cookie jar before meals while receiving nothing much more than a Janeway 'look'. Finally she goes for the chocolate chip one too many times and gets slapped. Who is at fault? Okay Mothers of the Nebula. Is Janeway a bad parent?

Vickie T. -- 19 Feb 1998, 11:01 AM

I probably would have beamed that Hirogen's butt back to his disabled ship the instant I detected the additional ships headed my way and hi-tailed it outta there, looking for the nearest nebula/planet/spatial anomaly available to hide behind. Re: what to do with 8472, is more problematic. Once Tuvok made contact with it and it became clear that Seven wouldn't open a singularity, maybe they could have let 8472 open it's own singularity when it regained consciousness.

Leonie -- 19 Feb 1998, 10:24 AM

First things first: Welcome me from the PsiPsi board. I guess I was a bit resistant to join this board, because I kept getting confused about the that the thread goes and how I to join the discussion. I think I have it figured out now, and I also have a confession to make: You know that you are addicted to Star Trek when something is bothering you about an episode and you must talk to someone who is addicted as you are or you will burst.

Join the Coffee Nebula.

Something about this episode does not sit well with me. And I can't put my finger on it. It was a good episode as things go. All the good points are well taken. TPTB finally getting a clue of Chakotay as a first officer, the tension between Janeway and Seven, Neelix, Tuvok, Harry Paris, all are acting as I would want them to be. I understand Janeway's decision and why she did what she did, it just doesn't sit well with me. I have seen her put her crew at risk to save someone else, but why species 8472 is grating me I don't know. And seven, talk about Borg behavior, why should she care about whether or not Voyager perishes, she's in a way immortal (Mortal Coil) and she is used to following commands, no matter what the consequence, so why rebel now? And I don't buy the thing with the hormones.

In fact I do think that I know why I am disquieted. Species 8472 is not deserving of compassion to the expense of the crew. But every other villain that Voyager ever met is!?!

Classic Trek, the raising of humanity's issues by using alien and advanced technology to call us as humans to question integrity. In that way, it was an exceptional episode.

Does anyone think beside Jim L think that there was a better way for Janeway to handle the situation?

Roxanne -- 19 Feb 1998, 11:04 AM

"Janeway's child is growing up. We now have full-fledged teenager rebellion on our hands." I was disappointed with this episode. I like the fact that it is one of those nobody's right and nobody's wrong episodes that make me think and reexamine my values, but everyone was a victim: 8472 in the Hirogen ship, Janeway because her little dumpling is learning how to fly, Seven because she gets restricted for using her own judgement, and the Hirogen because in spite of getting their "Prey," they never learn right from wrong.

I think one of the hardest things for the writers will be writing for Seven because even though she is a child emotionally, she has been making grown up decisions for a long time now. To get the fine balance between those two will be tough, but tonight's episode showed they could.

Suzanne -- 19 Feb 1998, 11:34 AM

I really liked this episode in spite of the fact that I completely disagree with most of the comments here - isn't that strange? I found it to be exciting and thought provoking, a good blend of action and ideas that managed to create more fodder for future stories. Nice job, Mr. Braga. Now for my likes and dislikes:

THUMBS UP ON...

- Crew conflict: Regardless of your position on who was right or wrong, I think we can all agree that the Janeway-7 conflict on Voyager is well- acted, well-written, dramatically interesting and completely plausible. I like the fact that these two people really believes in the positions they took and had background experience to support their views. Also, a situation was created where 7's position couldn't be seen as simplistic or petty; it *was* life or death, not just an adolescent tantrum. 7 didn't sweat the small stuff. She just could not subordinate her actions to those of the captain's orders when she truly felt the crew would go to their death. And, I believe it because her mindset is *not* Starfleet. Two strong-minded, stubborn women digging in their heels. This is what should have happened before with Maquis vs. Starfleet crew.

- Hirogen: We found out a little more, which is always good. But, it's still unclear whether they really need their prey for dinner to survive or not. Tony Todd did a good job considering his entire head and face were covered with latex. I'm always amazed at guest aliens who are able to convey so much via voice and body movement because they know the audience won't be able to see their facial expressions. Still, nothing can compare to his sob-reducing performance as an older Jake Sisko in DS9's "The Visitor." (Emmy-caliber IMO)

- Crew in spacesuits: Did anyone else think "First Contact" when the magnetic boots adhered themselves to the deck? I liked this scene; don't know why. Maybe because it was a chase scene that involved more than people toting compression phaser rifles. There was no gravity, floating blood, crew in outfits that emphasized the fact they *are* still in space, and conflict between Chakotay and Alpha Hirogen.

- Continuity: Primarily the use of 8472's telepathy to make contact with Tuvok. It was done in "Scorpion" so it made sense here.

THUMBS DOWN ON...

- Braga's take on My Darling Tom: The one discordant note through the whole episode. His line, "I once hunted a mouse in a Jeffries tube," to Alpha Hirogen was painful to watch and listen to. Made him look like more of a doofus than Harry (is that possible?) And, why indeed was he involved in the hunt for 8472 when it had been determined Voyager would need to outrun the rest of the Hirogen pack? Maybe I have the scenes in the wrong order, but I think the best pilot needs to be at the helm if any fancy maneuvers are going to be required. However, I thought his "I'll just bring up the rear," to AH was most appropriate. Thumbs up also for the VOY hairstylists, who must be adding a weave to his do because it looked much fuller this week.

MISCELLANEOUS...

- Destructo Man Pool: I think Chakotay is Season 4's Punching Bag, not Tommy. In this episode he was hit in the gut by AH, in "Nemesis" - tortured and beaten, in "Scientific Method" - aged prematurely...is anyone keeping track of this?

- 8472: I knew what it's wounded presence was supposed to do in terms of complicating matters, and for me it did intellectually and theoretically. Compassion vs. expedience, hunter or hunted? - what to do, what to do. But, it didn't do it for me emotionally. I cared more about what would happen to the crew and the ship if Voyager was made into a battleground. I wanted both the Hirogen and 8472 *off* the ship and frankly didn't care what happened to either one of them. I know it did communicate it's need for help through Tuvok, but once Voyager was pummeled physically and the hunt started again, my gut reaction was just "get the h*ll out of there or you may be tomorrow night's dinner!"

- Another Possible Solution: I was actually hoping that 1) Janeway would convince 7 to open the singularity so 8472 could escape to its home turf (thus gaining the advantage), 2) the Hirogen would pursue their prey after being warned of the consequences by Janeway (so everything is on the up and up), and 3) the door would be shut so Voyager wouldn't be bothered with either of them for a short time. Too simple? Probably.

- The Ending: This probably duplicates what I wrote above about conflict, but I really liked the ending. And, it brings up a point I've wondered about. Would it really possible for this crew to live under the command of one person for 50+ years considering the disagreements that are bound to come up? Maybe a military person can explain it better to me, but I couldn't fathom such an existence. That up to a point, I am responsible for myself and my actions. But, ultimately, the captain can tell me to do something that I morally, philosophically, and strategically disagree with and I *have* to do it because I am part of the crew and want to get home. A military ship can't be a democracy, but is there any room for compromise on Voyager considering their situation and length of trip? Or alternating captains? What if some of the crew actually agrees with Seven's actions? Would they even be inclined to tell the captain? If not, what kind of "family" do we have here? Then again, most "families" don't have an AOTW out to get them like our crew does. Like I said, lots of fodder for thought and discussion...

I had an optional ending but I like yours better Vickie. Much more practical, both Janeway and 7 could remain entrenched in their respective positions, and the Hirogen could either be ticked off at Voyager at the end, or try to go after 8472 in the Species' world.

Suzanne -- 19 Feb 1998, 12:17 PM

[This episode] creates more questions than answers, Leonie, which may be why it doesn't sit well with you. I understand that because as I read people's reviews, I wonder how they can make the judgement call that Janeway was "right." The reason I wonder is because I've always thought the crew's safety was the captain's first priority. Keep them safe, get them home is supposed to be the mantra (although sometimes it seems to be reversed - get them home, *then* keep them safe).

But, here, I had the feeling Janeway's main concern was proving a point to Seven, even going so far as to make it a personal bone of contention between the two of them, at the expense of the crew.

I agree that Janeway is the captain - she has more experience, is more knowledgeable. So, in her vast array of captain experiences, why did she get Voyager locked into such a tight position between two entities? Because of a promise? OK, I'll buy that. But, IMO, it didn't have to go as far as it did. The captain should have had a backup plan. You don't bet on your hand before you look at all the cards you're holding. Seven wouldn't obey and Janeway had *no* other plan. Tuvok admitted they had no info on Hirogen weaknesses, B'Elanna reported she couldn't create a singularity in less than 2 hours and the ship is falling apart.

If Vickie and I could propose 2 other scenarios that maintain the tension between Janeway and Seven, Braga could have at least written Janeway to *appear* like she had another idea up her sleeve. As it was, Seven's decision seemed to be made in a vacuum - Janeway didn't issue any order to do anything else.

Then, there is the problem I noted in my review - I also didn't care what happened to 8472. Those who did seem to agree with Janeway's position. But, for me, the emotional connection wasn't made to Species; it was always with the crew and their fate. My instincts said to get the heck out of Dodge.

Finally, someone who said it like it should be said - really, really complicated! (g) Yes, I came away from "Prey" feeling much the same as you, both women made good points about their respective positions based on their histories. But, each also made questionable decisions. Janeway's left Voyager dead in the water, as you write. Seven had nothing to do with that situation. The Hirogen told Janeway exactly what they would do. No guessing game there. She gambled Voyager could outrun/outmaneuver all of them at once to gain more time and she lost.

As for punishing Seven, I'm not worried. Remember back in season one when Tuvok disobeyed Janeway's orders in that episode whose name I can't remember? He was a *lot* more experienced in Starfleet ways of thinking than 7 is now, so his betrayal was particularly difficult for Janeway. Yet, here is he, two+ years after the event with a promotion and some good episodes to speak of. ;-) It'll blow over the next time Seven saves the crew from annihilation (and you know she will).

Fliteman -- 19 Feb 1998, 2:22 PM

What Jim says is absolutely correct. Janeway can't be taking the chances she does as long as the nearest starbase is 55 years away. They are a LONE ship - no friends, no supplies. If her ideal holds true - to get her crew home - then zap the 8472 guy AND don't even go near the Hirogen ships; damaged or not.

Okay... aside from that little glitch in her logic... I loved this show. It was terrific. I liked Seven's questioning of Janeway - and Kate did a wonderful job being a pissed off captain. Not MAD, not Outraged - PO'd is the word here. And she'll deal with her LATER. I liked that touch.

Mr. Riley -- 19 Feb 1998, 3:27 PM

While the episode "Prey" is a very good one, I would not call it the season's best. Don't call upon me to indicate the season's best, because I haven't been tracking things as you all have. My better half has been a long time lurker on your board, I am a new comer. Maybe I will review the year's episodes, and make my determination for best episode, maybe not. We'll see if the board is interested in my comments as time goes on. I expect that the board will be very interested in my better half's comments, as she is a Voyager addict beyond compare. She is also an intelligent, thoughtful woman.

He has also written some fan fiction (which I am sure she will share at some point). But beware, she can have strong opinions, and she will fight for them vigilantly. After my better half reviewed what I wrote, She indicated that it was too long for a single coffee break reading (even she didn't have the patience). I think it has more to do with attention span, so I will split my comments into three parts, allowing for commercial breaks between for those who need them. Everyone else can fast forward to the next part. :-)

My thoughts on the episode:

The development of our understanding of the Hirogen species is superb in this episode. The writing and acting of the Hunter is excellent. This is a specialized species that is well thought out in deed and in culture. It has a purity, which even the Klingons, in their honor and warring culture cannot match. It is difficult to see how the species could endure and evolve, given that they are isolated nomads with no friends or economic structure. Without a home world, where would the resources come from to maintain their ships, etc. In fact, one would think that they were so hated in the delta quadrant, that there would have been some sort of campaign by the indigent population to eradicate them. But, if we discount these points by arguing that our understanding of their culture is still somewhat limited, they are indeed a magnificent race.

The interlude (!) with the Doctor and Seven discussing how to interface with humans was humorous. It left my better half wondering what lesson 17 (Bridge Banter for Beginners) might contain. I know she already has some unlikely ideas, and if you ask her, she might reveal them (a kind of top ten list of what was in the doctor's lesson). It also led me to a funny idea, which I will relate later.

(Nit Picks)

One thing I have never understood (in any of the Trek series), is the choice of away teams and captain's actions. Chalk it up to being entertainment, but sending the first officer, security chief, and navigator to explore an unknown ship seems a bit risky. I would have thought that there would be trained teams to do that kind of thing. I would expect junior officers to do it, which would provide them the experience necessary to become command material and have the 'sea stories' we all like to hear (like the one related later in the episode). And having the captain dash off to look for an alien loose on the ship...well, you know.

There are a few actions and jokes that gave me a chuckle but stood out a tad. Of course, Tom Paris is involved with two of them. Has he been voted the ship's clown yet? The first was when he picks up the alien helmet on the away mission, and is so startled when he discovers it still has the head in it that he drops it. Doesn't he have some medical training? Would he really have jumped out of his skin like that? Note that this is also the second time in two weeks that a head has been dropped on a prime time show. The first was on The Practice, while the head of a decapitated murder victim was being examined during an autopsy. Paris also makes a lame comment about chasing a mouse. Where that one came from, I will never know. It wasn't even funny. Tuvok let slip a good one (in Vulcan fashion) about Seven missing when she shot at a computer note pad. That one did actually get a laugh.

Technically, all the computer animated graphics for species 8472 was excellent. In particular, the scene where the creature is crawling on the outside of Voyager. It is also interesting to see how web can be turned to support a creature that had been so reviled as an enemy. One key to this is not only that the creature communicated certain facts about what had been happening to it (this could have been done by many different means such as the use of the computer), but that it created a 'link' to one of the key members of the Voyager staff. We'll have to see if this creature lives to tell the tale to its friends in fluidic space. If so, Voyager may have gained a very powerful ally that will crop up from time to time to come to their assistance.

(Janeway & Seven, plus a joke)

Two of the best scenes in the episode are with the Captain and Seven. Good writing and great acting pull these scenes together with great force. I liked the first one in particular, and had some problems with the second. In the first scene, the Captain tries to convince Seven to open a singularity into fluidic space so that the creature can be allowed to go home. She does this with a powerful sea story that has a strong human/moral conclusion. It is a powerful argument for the Captain's position but it is based on things Seven cannot yet comprehend. Seven, in the end, declines to take the Captain's advice, and refuses to follow a direct order. Seven is then sent to the cargo bay for the duration (yeah, right...). This seems to me to be handled well, and within Starfleet protocol from the initial request for Seven to go to the Captain's ready room to the resolution of Seven's confinement.

The second scene between the two of them has several problems from my perspective. The scene is the one where the Captain informs Seven of the consequences of her actions concerning the transport of the Hunter and the creature off the ship. I have not complaints with the acting, it is superb. However, here are the issues: While it is good for the Captain to have waited 12 hours after the conflict to issue the punishment, it seems to me that her choice to go to Seven's quarters was in error. Would she have gone to Paris' quarters under the same circumstances? I think not! Normally, the captain would have the offender come to her ready room for such an important discussion. Next the punishment seems to me to be arbitrary and inconsistent. First of all, she did not discuss it with any of the other officers (ok, I'll grant you captain's privileges there). Secondly, the punishment was not for the refusal to follow an order, but for the removal of a threat that was endangering the ship. If had been anyone else (Torres activating the transporter before the order was given...), the independent action may have been questioned (since they were trying to save the creature after all) but in the end it would have been commended as a good solution to the problem. Thirdly, it goes contrary with UPN's use of Seven as a central character (primarily to attract male viewers 14-34) to have her isolated in astrometrics and her quarters (so we know that can't last). And lastly, it would seem to me that there should have been some sort of inquiry and trial before punishment was determined (a court marshal of sorts). My better half asks me what punishment would be appropriate for Seven that would be different that what was given. Since I cannot immediately indicate one (I'm more of a critic than a writer), she believes that the Captain acted properly. I do not agree. Neither does Seven. Here are their closing words:

Janeway: "Individuality has its limits especially on a starship where there is a command structure."

Seven: "I believe that you are punishing me because I do not think the way you do. Because I am not becoming more like you. You claim to respect my individuality but in fact you are frightened by it."

Janeway: "As you were."

A final humorous note: I would have liked to see Seven put into use some a lesson from the Doctor where the episode ends. I would add the following lines:

[Janeway turns to leave the cargo bay.]

Seven: "Captain?"

Janeway: "Yes, Seven?"

Seven: "Have a pleasant day."

[The end. Closing credits.]

Thanks for listening everyone!

Marie -- 19 Feb 1998, 3:54 PM

I enjoyed reading your comments, which brought up a number of interesting thoughts. I hope your better half decides to join in the discussion.

I agree that the punishment for Seven seemed arbitrary. As Vicky T. pointed out in another thread, Janeway hasn't punished her before when she's stepped over the line. --And punishment in this case seemed highly inappropriate to me. Janeway's sentiments about helping your enemies sounded very noble but were inappropriate in this situation.

In my opinion, Seven was right. They could not afford to help their enemy. Given the state of the battle between Voyager and the Hirogen, Voyager would have been destroyed. Only Seven's actions saved them. What's unfortunate is that Seven took matters into her own hand. Janeway should have been the one to transport the Hirogen and 8472 onto the Hirogen ship. Sure, she would have felt good about saving 8472, but her priority--her job--is to protect her crew and ship. There is no back up out in the Delta Quadrant, no Starfleet squadron to come to the rescue. Truly, what were the chances of a very damaged Voyager defeating and/or escaping six powerful Hirogen vessels? Nothing short of a miraculous intercession would have stopped them from becoming the Hirogen's next meal.

Seven's comments about Janeway were on the mark in that last scene. Janeway is threatened by Seven's independence. So far, Janeway has been able to get everyone on Voyager to do what she wants. But her command is a tenuous one. She doesn't have the strength of Starfleet to back-up here up here, either. In the Federation, she is assured of her authority as captain. In the Delta Quadrant, she must rely upon the willingness of the crew to keep her in the captain's chair. If they stop trusting her, if they doubt her, if they disagree with her decisions and refuse to obey her commands, her captaincy will crumble.

If other crewmembers have disagreed with her decisions before, they either have not had the courage to speak out or, like Chakotay, voiced their disagreement but continued to obey her. Seven could be the lynchpin that takes apart or holds together Janeway's command. On a lighter note, I loved your little closing joke. That would have been a hoot.

Marie -- 19 Feb 1998, 4:19 PM

...When you watch that episode, you will be left in no doubt that "Seven is motivated by a sincere desire to protect the crew from BONEHEAD KATE."

Actually, she does loathe 8472, but she also believes and states that Janeway's actions will fail and result in her destruction and that of Voyager. Placed in Seven's situation, I would have done the same thing (and I probably wouldn't have lasted long in the Air Force, eh Andy?).

Seriously, Andy, I think it comes down to this question:

Under what circumstances should you not follow the orders of your captain (or boss, or president, etc...)?

In another post, responding to Mr. Riley, I stated that the captain's priority and job is to protect her crew and ship. When Seven interceded, Voyager was in bad shape, surrounded by six Hirogen ships that weren't battered in the slightest by Voyager. Short of a miraculous intercession, Voyager would have been destroyed. I agree that Seven shouldn't have transported the Hirogen and 8472--but only because I believe that Janeway should have done it. She was going to sacrifice herself and her crew just so she could feel good about herself.

True, 8472 could have become a potential ally--but it could also have done what the hunter in Hirogen did--accept the benefits of Voyager's compassion, then turn around and threaten to kill them. What was 8472's motto? The weak shall perish? Would they view compassion as a strength or weakness? We don't know that, but we do know that Voyager's destruction was immanent.

I have to give Brannon Braga credit for this episode. He did *not* make it clear at the end that Janeway's decision was right, and Seven's wrong. There was no last-minute miracle in Janeway's hat. Voyager escaped destruction because Seven did what needed to be done. Braga leaves the episode with questions and comments by Seven that Janeway cannot answer.

(Hey, I may be on the committee that's planning your demise, Andy, but you can count on me to defend Seven, especially when she's right.:-)

Tom looked particularly scrumptious at the helm in this episode--and I think T'Racy's right. They've done something different with his hair.

Actually, Ginny, they've given him *more* hair. Haven't you noticed that his receding hairline has been, well, un-receding?

Andy mentioned in another post that Seven's breasts seem smaller. Actually, I think they've shrunk a good two sizes. She now looks more like a normal human female.

Suzanne -- 19 Feb 1998, 4:44 PM

Mr. Riley. BTW, did you and the Mrs. pick your name from the episode "Unity?" ;-)

Your final post brings up another point that I was fuzzy on - what specific order did Seven not follow for which she is being punished? Janeway ordered 7 to the cargo bay until further notice. 7 complied.

Janeway ordered 7 to the deck where the injured 8472 was located, and to bring the gun loaded with nanoprobes. 7 again complied. When Alpha Hirogen and 8472 went at it, what order did Janeway give? I honestly don't recall one. I remember Janeway telling Harry to lock 7 out. Did she actually order 7 to stop the transport?

In the absence of an order from the Captain, what are crewmembers supposed to do when they feel the security of the ship is threatened? Wait; if so, for how long? Or do they have leeway to take the initiative? The Doctor, who is definitely a senior officer, did nothing and didn't move to stop 7 either.

With time being of the essence and no direct order from Janeway to shoot both AOTW's, I think 7 should have been given an official reprimand if she is being punished for insubordination. And that's *all* she should be given, especially considering that none of her other previous "headstrong" actions resulted in official warnings. Janeway's previous lack of discipline was tantamount to approval, death glares notwithstanding. As far as I know, death glares are irrelevant to Borg. (g) IMO Janeway should have been warning 7 all along, then the punishment would have been more appropriate.

In my workplace, we have certain levels of reprimanding people and it's the supervisor's responsibility to make sure employees are well aware when they are straying from the accepted way of doing things. You can't just slap a new employee with a major reprimand unless they blatantly steal something, assault someone or are under the influence or drugs and alcohol while on duty. Surely, Starfleet (and the military) have similar levels of discipline.

I was also thinking last night what Janeway's response would have been if, say, Tuvok had done the same thing. I agree her response would have been one of understanding because she thinks of him as her confidante and loyal friend and obviously trusts his judgement. That makes me uneasy because it would seem the Captain is playing favorites. She should not punish 7 for an act that saved the crew from the Hirogen if she would praise someone else doing the same thing.

OK, have we gone into useless speculation territory yet?

Eric -- 19 Feb 1998, 6:33 PM

Come on Vickie there was NO continuity in her actions this episode. Like I said I still regard it as a great episode, it was just a bad JANEWAY episode.

Dumb things Janeway did :

1) Try to make friends with a species she tried to wipe out.

2) Try to make friends with a species that has told her time and again, humans are Prey animals.

3) Needlessly putting her crew (which she regards as a FAMILY) into prey scenarios danger while doing this! 8472 was RIPPING HOLES IN VOYAGER'S HULL!! SIX Hirogen ships were pounding on Voyager!!

I have to wonder that maybe this was planned. Maybe they wanted to show Janeway was paralyzed with fear?? I mean the episode was so well written maybe they WANT us to get pissed??

Marie -- 19 Feb 1998, 7:29 PM

I know this question has come up before, but after this episode, and the way Braga wrote it, I really have to wonder. Nothing that occurred in this episode ultimately pointed to Janeway being right. Voyager was literally saved by Seven. At the end, Seven makes some serious observations and accusations about Janeway and the way Janeway dealt with Seven's actions. Janeway doesn't respond to them; she merely dismisses Seven. Now matter how I look at that episode, at best Janeway comes out as suffering from a case of misguided idealism that would have killed her crew.

In Scorpion, she makes a deal with the Federation's archenemy, the Borg, simply in order to get home. If she had made a deal with the Borg in Federation territory, she would have been court-martialed. Chakotay attempts to warn Janeway that the Borg can't be trusted and her decision will be fatal to Voyager. By the end of Part II we learn that the Borg, indeed, could not be trusted, and Chakotay's disobedience actually helps save Voyager.

So far this season, then, Janeway's first officer and another crew member have taken matters into their own hands when they thought Janeway's actions would prove fatal to ship and crew. Each disobeyed Janeway, saved the ship, and cast their captain into a poor light. More precisely, the writers cast Janeway in a poor light.

Now I know that I was one of the people who complained back in season three that Voyager needed more internal tensions and conflict, and I still think this is so. "Prey" was a fascinating episode. However, tension shouldn't arise from the captain making extremely poor decisions.

Just what, exactly, do the writers and producers of Voyager think of Janeway?

Terry -- 19 Feb 1998, 10:42 PM

This was a very intriguing episode. It re-introduced Species 8472 and gave us a better understanding of the Hirogen. Nice special effects and a moody atmosphere were used to good effect. But the heart of this episode was the fundamental differences of opinion between Captain Janeway and Seven. I imagine this topic is the major topic of discussion.

My first impression is that Janeway acted the part of a bleeding-heart do-gooder to disgusting extremes. But that Seven's actions were quite mutinous. But those reactions are too simple. I give credit to the writer. (This sure didn't feel like the usual Braga script.)

Janeway's actions appear on the surface to be sheer incompetence. But she gave a well-reasoned speech on behalf on their behalf to Seven in her ready room. She was acting from compassion to help a person in distress. Quite quixotic of her. I believe that she is overdoing the good Samaritan act but I can't fault her motives; they are quite unselfish and noble.

Fans often seem to treat Starfleet like they are a purely military organization. But despite DS9's war with the Dominion, they are supposed to be an agency of exploration and diplomacy promoting peace and understanding. This has been true since TOS.

Certainly, the crew are rather incompetent fighters. This episode provides numerous examples. The away team in the Hirogen ship splits up and doesn't have their weapons at the ready. The Hirogen beats several crew to the draw. Paris brings up the rear and never look backwards. Boys playing at soldiers.

That all said, Janeway is not anyone that I want in charge in a fight. She lacks the desired quality of a good commander, to place the lives of their men above other considerations. She is too willing to risk the ship and crew for a complete stranger. When it comes to a fight, Janeway seems to consider the crew as chess pieces, to be sacrificed as needs be. Only her willingness to sacrifice herself redeems her actions in a small way.

Seven certainly shows a complete lack of understanding of a society and authority. But I blame this on Janeway herself. Janeway has repeatedly let Seven get away with improper behavior. How is Seven supposed to know how to work with others when Janeway never admonishes her until she disobeys a direct order in combat? Far too little and far too late.

As far as I can tell, Seven DID save Voyager and the lives of the crew. Despite Janeway's refusal to admit it. Janeway never seemed to consider turning over 8472 over even after Voyager was crippled. I'm afraid that Braga has managed to make Janeway look both foolish and autocratic in the same episode. I hate this Janeway.

Likes:

Beginner's Guide to Bridge Banter scene

Janeway and Seven discussions and disagreements.

Dislikes:

Hirogen hunter society - still unexplained how a bunch of nomadic hunters obtained and maintain a high level of technology. Last week Seven craves captain's approval; this week she tell the captain to shove it.

8472 - seemed awfully wimpy. It was a lot faster and dangerous in Scorpion.

Terry -- 20 Feb 1998, 8:25 PM

I don't consider Prey a 10 like you do. But I do agree with most of your points. The main difference is the recognition (derived from Joyce Harmon's comments) that Voyager is written much more pessimistically than TOS. So when Janeway acts in a classically altruistic Trek manner, her faith is always betrayed. And she looks incompetent. The Voyager writers consciously or unconsciously appear to reward cynicism and selfishness.

Janeway was not shown to be able to save both Bob (8472) and Voyager. TOS would probably have had Bob reward Janeway's selfless offer of aid by helping to save Voyager. Maybe even by sacrificing himself. Corny, yes, but an hopeful rather than small-minded message.

Author: Ensignette 8472 -- 21 Feb 1998, 7:20 AM

Maybe I'm insane, but...I felt sorry for Bob! The show helped prove that no matter what past differences or what the character looked like, they have feelings too, and you could still feel sorry for them. Anyway, if they bring back more Species 8472's, perhaps they we learn how to speak without using their usual telepathic language.

MEG -- 20 Feb 1998, 2:43 PM

I don't want to see *any* Starfleet officer hand over a lone wounded being for torture and ultimate death. Sometimes you have to stand on the principle, no matter what it may cost you. And this principle seems to me to be one of those worth standing on. In fact, if I were one of the Maquis, I might even take heart from this and hope that the Captain to whom I'd given loyal service over the years wouldn't be too quick to turn me over to Starfleet just to save herself, her precious career, and the careers of her Starfleet crew as soon as we got home, either. Courage in defense of the weaker against the stronger can work in a lot of ways.

And while I've been among those howling the loudest about the inconsistency in the way Kathryn has been written, I'm not so sure that applies in this case. Yes, she made an alliance with the Borg against the 8472. However, if I remember correctly, she argued for firing warning shots against the invading bioships and then allowing them to retreat to their own realm. It was Seven and the Borg who demanded their complete destruction, and Janeway who said "We've made our point" and let the 8472 withdraw. So it doesn't seem particularly inconsistent to me that she would try to help a single survivor once she determined that it had no intention of threatening her and hers.

Marie -- 20 Feb 1998, 11:52 AM

"It may not be the prudent or pragmatic course, but it has honorable written all over it."

Ah but here's the problem I have with Janeway's decision to save 8472: it doesn't make sense given her previous actions toward 8472.

Remember Scorpion? 8472 did *not* start out as Voyager's enemy, or anyone else's enemy. The Borg *attacked* 8472, and for the simple reason that they wanted to assimilate that species. Along comes Voyager and what does our moral, honorable Kate do? She enters into an alliance with the Federation's greatest enemy and threat, the Borg. What's more, she declares war on a species she knows nothing about, declaring them 'pure evil' or some such term. She agrees to help the Borg commit genocide.

Why does she do all this? --why, to get her crew home. The fact that the Hirogen are chasing this lone member of Species 8472 is partially the Borg's fault, and partially Kate's fault. So the Hirogen was trying to kill one member of this species. So what? Kate was trying to kill them all. Do you really think that Kate's actions, her willingness to sacrifice her crew and ship, erase the evil she committed back in Borg territory?

How does nobility and Federation ethics connect with taking the initiative to attempt to wipe out an entire species--a species that indicated an unwillingness to fight Janeway when Voyager initially attacked their ship in Scorpion. My point is that, given Janeway's previous actions, her do-anything-to-save-one-former-enemy speech sounds more than a little hypocritical, or maybe just schizophrenic.

Whatever way I look at it, her actions don't make sense. They certainly aren't consistent.

Jason -- 20 Feb 1998, 2:47 PM

Topic: We'll never agree, Marie-- Janeway DID NOT try to kill 8472!

"it doesn't make sense given her previous actions toward 8472."

The point Brannon Braga was *obviously* trying to get across is a similar point made by "Alliances": if Janeway decides to treat a species in general the same way based on previous experiences, Voyager is cooked. Unless Janeway makes up a new position on a case by case basis, there's no way she can get across alien space. Brannon Braga was obviously trying to illustrate how Janeway is forced to take different standpoints under different situations. To survive, Janeway has to be inconsistent. Unrealistic? Absurd? Of course not.

Remember Janeway's closing speech from "Alliances"? "As far as I'm concerned, our principles are the best allies we can have." Obviously she's learned a lot since then because while principles will always be your friend, alien species won't be, and what we see is Janeway trying to stand by her morals while making deals along the way.

"Remember Scorpion? 8472 did *not* start out as Voyager's enemy"

Actually, 8472 attacked Voyager just for being in the vicinity of a Borg/8472 battleground and had communicated through Kes that 8472 was out to conquer the galaxy, including them. That's not too subtle a hint for Janeway to realize that a deal witht he Borg was indeed necessary, not only for her crew, but for the galaxy. People tend to forget that 8472 was really, really mad at being attacked by the Borg and was out to get the galaxy.

"what does our moral, honorable Kate do? She enters into an alliance with the Federation's greatest enemy and threat, the Borg. What's more, she declares war on a species she knows nothing about, declaring them 'pure evil' or some such term. She agrees to help the Borg commit genocide."

Of course! 8472 is indiscriminate about who they kill. In fact, they're an equal opportunity killer. They're out to get everyone. How did Janeway help the Borg commit genocide? As I recall, in "Scorpion II", Janeway wouldn't give the Borg the technology, and she strongly opposed high yield weaponry. She wanted to deter Species 8472. The Borg had the means to do this. Charging Janeway with Genocide is unfair and unwarranted.

" Why does she do all this? --why, to get her crew home. "

And to save the galaxy, and to boost ratings.

"The fact that the Hirogen are chasing this lone member of Species 8472 is partially the Borg's fault, and partially Kate's fault. So the Hirogen was trying to kill one member of this species. So what? Kate was trying to kill them all"

This is untrue. Janeway never tried to kill them all. Re-watch "Scorpion".

"How does nobility and Federation ethics connect with taking the initiative to attempt to wipe out an entire species--a species that indicated an unwillingness to fight Janeway when Voyager initially attacked their ship in Scorpion."

If you watch "Scorpion, Part I", you'll realize that Voyager never fired and weapons at all. They didn't need to. They never took any shots until they entered fluidic space, after a handful of attacks by 8472.

"My point is that, given Janeway's previous actions, her do-anything-to-save-one-former-enemy speech sounds more than a little hypocritical, or maybe just schizophrenic."

I disagree for all the reasons I've listed.

Fliteman -- 19 Feb 1998, 2:22 PM

What Jim says is absolutely correct. Janeway can't be taking the chances she does as long as the nearest starbase is 55 years away. They are a LONE ship - no friends, no supplies. If her ideal holds true - to get her crew home - then zap the 8472 guy AND don't even go near the Hirogen ships; damaged or not.

Okay... aside from that little glitch in her logic... I loved this show. It was terrific. I liked Seven's questioning of Janeway - and Kate did a wonderful job being a pissed off captain. Not MAD, not Outraged - PO'd is the word here. And she'll deal with her LATER. I liked that touch.

I agree with Ginny, tho... next week's looks like one we can skip.

Suzanne -- 20 Feb 1998, 4:53 PM

I actually thought of that same scenario, but since Janeway never mentioned a plan to escape into fluidic space with 8472, it really can't be used as an argument for whether or not the crisis would have continued. Given the conditions (or lack thereof) presented by Janeway herself, her scenario leaned toward Voyager remaining in the DQ to fend off the Hirogen alone.

Frankly, if the captain *had* presented the opening of fluidic space as an escape route for Voyager and 8472, I believe Seven would have opened that door immediately. Her main objection was that Janeway was putting 120+ lives in jeapordy for 8472. If temporary safety in fluidic space was an option, Seven, as a logical creature (not an emotional one) would have agreed with the captain. But, Janeway didn't present it that way.

Also, whose to say "Bob" would have welcomed Voyager? You are assuming that just because 8472 communicated fear, pain and weariness to Tuvok, that it would have felt "gratitude." That's a big jump. There's also an equal chance that 8472 would have regenerated, recognized Seven as part-Borg, told Tuvok, "The weak shall perish," and attempted to blow Voy's butt 5,000 light years in the other direction. And, considering Voy's track record at ticking off aliens left and right, and getting screwed by those Janeway tries to help, past events indicate 8472 would do the latter. Especially with a part-Borg on board. It also would have been a vastly different episode with no fodder for future character conflict. ;-)

Jim C -- 20 Feb 1998, 6:15 PM

I'm going to avoid the great bob (that's bob the hair do, not Bob the 8472) vs. boobs debate. A little too philosophical for me. Instead, I'm going to concentrate on the fun stuff, nits. As an aside, I'm surprised that no one but our own 8472 picked up on the "folded, spindled, or mutilated" comment by the Doc. Was there some inside joke to this that I didn't get, or was this an homage to us fans? Have TPTB visited the Folded, Spindled, and Mutilated Paris Page?

In addition 8472 (our 8472), I like "Bob." It's much more asthetically pleasing and less cumbersome than 8472. Henceforth I too will refer to 8472 as Bob. Who says you aren't a leader.

On to the nits:

First: How did Bob get that far away from Borg territory? Didn't Kes push Voyager far enough to take 10 years off their trip? If Bob had it's own technology for faster than warp travel, why couldn't it just outrun the Hirogen?

Second: Why did Bob need Voyager to create a singularity back into fluidic space? I assume since it knew how to do it with completely alien technology (to it) it should know how to create it with its own and could have done so long ago.

Third: It is unclear whether Bob killed anyone in engineering, but since Kate was so compassionate, I assume it didn't. If it didn't, why not? The Bobs in Scorpion II didn't have any qualms about taking Harry out and infecting him with the all consuming booger beast.

And speaking of that, why didn't anyone in engineering get the all consuming booger beast? The only thing I can think of is TPTB wanted the audience to feel sorry for Bob which would have been more difficult if it killed someone we love.

Finally, I would like to see the Hirogen ship that Seven beamed Alpha and Bob over to after Bob gets through with it. Bob had already shown that it was more than a match for multiple Hirogen and the implication was that it was feeling much better when it popped through the force field and attacked Alpha. So far it appears that there are only two Hirogen per ship, so, with the element of surprise it is not unfeasible that Bob could subdue the ship and in turn escape again. For all I know, Bob may end up taking out all six Hirogen ships and we may see it again.

Ruth -- 19 Feb 1998, 2:10 PM

I actually started thinking about this after Hunters. The Caretaker did more than strand the Voyager in the Delta Quadrant. It also apparently froze the existing Starfleet command structure, with Janeway at the top, into these peoples lives for upwards of 60-70 years. Why must people who signed on for say a four year tour of duty continue to follow orders/regulations imposed by Starfleet for the rest of their lives?

Do all Starfleet regs/practices make sense for a group of people effectively cut off from HQ for the rest of their lives? I know that strict military discipline is no doubt vital to the lives of these people, especially the way they continue to get into trouble week after week. But no one does seem to question Janeway's authority. There have to be a couple of red shirt extras some where who the next time she orders them into a shuttle with Chakotay will stand back and say, "no way, not me, I signed up for a three hour tour, mm, I mean a four year stint, and it is over, lady."

I don't know that TPTB could do about this situation. Every society needs to have rules, or anarchy would abound. Rotating captains wouldn't make sense for the television show even if it were possible to imagine Janeway taking a back seat to someone. The best way might be to reveal that life on the ship has been modified to allow for the circumstances in which they find themselves; i.e., marriages, families, children, more social gatherings in between fights with AOTW.

Terry -- 20 Feb 1998, 10:33 PM

Use of CGI actor weakened main plot of Prey. I have no problem with Foundation Imaging's CGI (Computer Graphic Imaging) effects with the Species 8472 alien (Bob). As an animal-like menace in Scorpion, he worked very well. But Bob has no acting skills. And therefore, he failed to win sympathy from the audience for his plight of being deserted by his companions, chased for months, and wounded and tortured by cruel aliens who want his bones for trophies.

Justifying Janeway's actions protecting Bob from the Hirogen required Bob to make the audience to like him and root for his survival. But close-up views of Bob's eye or rigid facial features did nothing to express his feelings or emotions. He couldn't even talk for gosh sake. I can come up with some reasons to feel sorry for Bob now, after the episode is over. But I felt little for Bob during the first viewing. IIRC, Gene Roddenberry also wanted to used humanoid aliens with minimal or at least flexible makeup. This was not only to save money but to allow the guest stars and alien regulars to act. To be able to express emotions and attitudes through facial expressions and with their voices. An non-speaking CGI alien is as inimical to that idea as can be.

Maybe someday CGI characters will be powerful enough to act as well as real human beings. I seriously doubt it. The CGI creator would have to possess both acting ability and artistic ability. He could edit the results iteratively but would probably rely too much on canned acting subroutines. Originality and spontaneity would suffer greatly.

Aunt Joy -- 23 Feb 1998, 1:08 PM

Prey: OK, I'm playing catch up here....Hi, guys! Well, "Prey" has left me totally confused. After spending a hellish weekend waiting for the episode and studiously avoiding *most* of the discussion board (I did peek a little, 'resistance is futile'), I FINALLY got to see it. I really liked it, which surprised me, since Braga is *hardly* my favorite Voyager writer.

INITIAL THOUGHTS:

For me, the 8472/Borg/Hirogen/Captain Janeway tactical vs. compassion debate will have to be left to greater minds. This was the part of the show that left me the most confused. I spent most of the hour saying 'the Captain is right... no, Seven is right.' I hope when I read all of your thoughtful posts, I'll come to some more profound conclusions.

Janeway/Seven: Mama has left the tough-love discipline a little late. She should have taken a firmer hand way back, perhaps in MIAB or even earlier. Since when do we allow Borg tohave absolute run of the ship?

I liked Seven a little more this week. Every time she opened her mouth with a sassy remark, I heard my own daughter's voice. (The one with the big IQ and the big mouth.) I especially liked seeing her rattled. Is the All-the-Answers Borg becoming a little more human? Overall, I would have liked to have seen this episode a little closer to Mother's Day.

A couple of nitpicks: Kes is becoming little more that a throw away line, tossed out occasionally to pacify those of us who still mourn her. Our Man Tom was poorly used this week, serving only as eye candy for the females, or comic relief that sorely missed its mark. Also, Alpha Hirogen SHOT him with an (apparently) unmodified Hirogen weapon. Pause for commercial break..... a little gratuitous Neelix, then, Tom is fine. Hardly a (new?) hair out of place. When did he turn into Superman? Or did I miss something?

Well, I'm going to find out what Mr. Wright, Ms. Houston and all you thoughtful posters had to say now. See ya 'round the Nebula.