One

Jason -- 12 May 1998, 9:36 PM

"One" great episode. Well thank you Jerry Seinfeld.

I was never a huge fan of the show, but as my Voyager station is doing a "Best Of..." marathon tomorrow, Voyager got pre-empted. I hate it when stations pre-empt Voyager.

Wait a second. No I don't. Because my station always pre-empts Voyager to Tuesdays, in a DS9-Voyager double-header!

Before I get in to "one", I should warn everyone who doesn't already know better: Yes, the preview pictures of Quark in drag actually make the show look better than it is, frighteningly enough. Read in to that what you will.

On to "One"--

As Nebulites know, a friend of mine was nice enough to let me in on the script. Having read the script, it's kind of weird to watch an episode. I was acutely aware of all the changes between the final draft and the actual filming of the show. Changes in Harry Kim's background, for instance to the actor's performances really caught my attention. After you've seen the episode, I suggest you do read the script (and no, this isn't promotion for my site, but while we're at it, if you're not already aware, my stie is STAR TREK News and it's located at... :-) )

Heck, I even noticed the way the actors made contractions out of some of their dialog that weren't there in the script. Maybe it's just me, but I found it interesting, but at the same time distracting, especially because in some places, Biller and/or the folks at Foundation Imaging did not quite have the same vision I had in some places.

Okay, on to the episode-- It's definitely one of this season's best, that deals with lonliness which has been picked up many times before in Trek- namely TOS' "Dagger of the Mind". It's a strong teleplay all the way through. (In fact, I had surprised at how much I liked the final act on screen, given how I didn't quite love it on paper.)

Jeri Ryan did a credible job, as did Picardo, who only sounded needlessly aggressive once. Janeway, oddly enough sports not one, but two hairdos. She had the "Year of Hell" midseason do, and the Gillian Anderson adaption she took on in "The Omega Directive".

When I read this episode, I was struck how much it reminded me of "The Shining". I wasn't surprised, Jeri Taylor had some "Shining" elements in "Persistence of Vision" as well. The gradual breakdown of Seven was well done, and even events that do not occur in her mind seem to support the credibility of her breakdown.

There's a scientific explanation to what's going on, but it's not a deus ex machina solution like it so often is. In fact, there is a very real psychological problem that is real, and the episode doesn't pull back from it.

This is almost certainly Seven's best epiosde, and further makes the case that she is an excellent addition to the crew. People who still resent her, be sure to watch this episode.

Jeri Taylor is certainly going out on a high note.

O. Deus -- 13 May 1998, 9:55 PM

If only TPTB could actually write these kind of episodes around someone other then Seven of Nine. Keep in mind that a script is just a pointer to the final result, it doesn't encompass an episode but provides a starting point for it. That's where Ellison's supporters go wrong with City on the Edge where they attempt to compare a script to an episode, it just doesn't work.

D'Alaire -- 13 May 1998, 9:57 PM

Just a couple Nitpicks to start. I'm going to refrain from any specific comments for now. But I couldn't help but wonder:

1) Temperature 98.6-- Dear, dear! I hope that's not CELCIUS!

2) The nebula's so pretty when a ship is floating through it as fast as they can.

Yes, "One" was good. It was a fine hour. Now, if only TPTB could do that for...No, I will not fall to temptation!

Riley -- 14 May 1998, 1:05 AM

Comments and 47's on "One."

Comments:

Another excellent episode. Also it is again internally cohesive. Where there are some interesting scenes with the regular cast, and the Doctor provides a pivotal role, the real star of the episode is Seven. Her role is extremely well acted. It explores new areas for Seven, and has her showing much real emotion. This is no longer a drone acting with complete logic. She is struggling with fears acted out by hallucinatory characters that challenge who she is. Using these characters to explore her inner conflicts, she struggles with being an individual, with being alone, with being imperfect, with being weak, with rejection from the crew. Through it all, she makes decisions and trade-offs necessary to get the ship through the Mutara nebula and out of danger. Bravo.

One nit pick: Is Seven getting a bit thin, or were the ribs showing from behind while climbing the ladder in Engineering supplemental implants like those in front? :)

47's:

-Nutritional supplement 14-beta-7

-Heading adjusted by .347 degrees

And I'm pretty sure there was one more that I commented during the airing to Mrs. Riley. I think someone was typing on a display and used four taps, got a computer resopnse, then used seven taps, and got another computer response. Trouble is, I was unable to locate it on my second viewing.

Well, although this comes close, this isn't as good as the first review I wrote on my laptop, but I didn't get enough warning to save the text before the power unexpectedly failed. I hope I was clear enough on my points. Quotes to follow in another posting.

Riley -- 14 May 1998, 1:09 AM

Quotes 1-20. Notable Quotes from "One":

1) "We've come 15,000 light years. We haven't been stopped by temporal anomalies, warp-core breaches, or hostile aliens and I am damned if I'm going to be stopped my a nebula." Janeway to 7

2) "How would you feel with only the Doctor for company? --I will adapt." Janeway, 7

3) "I think we're all feeling uneasy about this and I'd be lying if I said that I don't have concerns myself and I think it is about loss of control. We always feel better if we think we are in charge of our own circumstances. In stasis, we're giving up that control and no Starfleet officer likes to do that but crews have been in stasis much longer than a month and I think we can handle this. All right?" Janeway to senior staff.

4) "I suppose you want me to tell you I'm not crazy." Janeway to Chakotay

5) "I know your bond with Seven is unique--different from everyone else's. From the beginning you've seen things in her that no one else could but maybe you could help me understand some of those things. --I don't know if I can. It is just instinct. There is something inside me that says she can be redeemed in spite of her insolent attitude. I honestly believe that she means to do well by us.

--That's good enough for me." Janeway & Chakotay

6) "Why do they have to design these things like coffins? --Should we replicate you a teddy bear?"

Paris, Kim

7) "Leave it to Mr. Paris to be just as much trouble now as when he's awake. --You knew this might happen. Why complain about it? --If you had even the slightest sense of humor you'd realize that I was making a small joke. --Very small." Doc & 7

8) "You need a little brush-up course in how to get along with people. --There is no here to get along with. --I'm here." Doc & 7

9) "Holodecks are a pointless endeavor fulfilling some human need to fantasize. I have no such need." 7 to Doc

10) "What you need is some editorial skill in your self-expression. Between impulse and action, there is a realm of good taste begging for your acquaintance. --I find your self-expression ponderous." Doc, 7

11) "It's all right, Doctor. False alarm." 7 to Doc

12) "I'll complain if I want to. It's comforting....You really should try it." Doc to 7

13) "Don't panic. It's counterproductive. --That's easy for you to say. You're not facing cybernetic oblivion." 7, Doc

14) "I won't disappoint you." 7 to Doc

15) "The computer sounds like it needs a stimulant." Doc to 7

16) "Seven... are you... frightened? --I am Borg." Doc, 7

17) "I hope you are not afraid of the dark." Trajis Lo-Tarik to 7

18) "One of many." Trajis to 7 (definition of Borg)

19) "Once when I was a drone...I was separated from the collective for two hours. I experienced panic... and apprehension. I am feeling that way now." 7 to Doc

20) "Everything depends on you now. --I cannot function alone. --You have to. You are the only way we can survive." Doc & 7

21) "You have left the collective. It was a foolish decision. Now you are alone. You have lost the many; you are only one. You have become human--weak, pathetic. Humans do not have our strength. They are imperfect. Now you are imperfect as well. --No. --You will not survive. You cannot survive without the collective. --I will adapt. --By becoming weaker, less perfect. --I will adapt as an individual. --One. One alone. A Borg cannot be one. --I will become stronger. --A Borg cannot be one. She will die as one--weak, detached, isolated. One Borg cannot survive. --I am an individual. I will survive alone. --No. You are weak. You will die alone." Borg drones to 7

22) In captions but not spoken: "You live to serve us." Collective to 7

23) "I am Seven of Nine. I am alone... I will adapt." 7

24) "It was...interesting." 7 to Janeway

25) "I'm proud of you, Seven. You performed admirably. --I'm glad I was able to help." Doc, 7

26) "I...felt the need for companionship. --Well, after a month with only the Doc for company I can understand it." 7, Paris

27) "Just think--we could have died in those coffins. --I suspect you would have found a way out before that, Lieutenant. --What do you mean? --Lieutenant Paris refused to stay confined. On four separate occasions the Doctor and I had to put him back into his stasis unit. --Were you, um, locked in dark closets or something as a child? --I just don't like closed places. I never have. I don't know why. --Perhaps you dislike being alone." Paris, 7, Kim

Jules -- 14 May 1998, 8:00 AM

Quote #1 (of "One"). Does this mean that we now have a definitive figure for how much of the journey home they've actually covered?

ande -- 14 May 1998, 1:13 AM

*one* Singular Sensation...Ok, 7 has been over used this season, but this was a good episode. I thought it progressed well and the story kept my interest. Jeri did a good job with the acting.

I have only one Nitpick for this episode: 7, eventhough an ex-Borg, is still human and I have a hard

time understanding how she could be immune to the radiation. Even with her nanoprobes, there should

be some overlap between the ill effects of the radiation and the nanoprobes fixing her.

One more thing, I'm glad they gave her a medical reason for having halucinations, because she has never shown a need to be around other people and spends most of her time alone anyway, so I just don't see why she would have a hard time with being alone (especially with Doc and a holodeck) for a month. Personally, I would have a great time. After four years of always being around the same 145 people, I would be able to use the holodeck whenever I wanted and snoop in the Captain's Ready Room, etc. I would more than likely spend some of my time sitting in the Captain's Chair.

Leonie -- 14 May 1998, 7:15 AM

I had already listed the 4th season episodes in order. Before "one" even showed, because I did not like seven and I thought that I would not like a show that featured her exclusively.

I had to re-number that list. What "one" did for me was what no other episode with seven has done for me yet. It warmed her up to me. When I listed the crew member in order of preference, she was last. She still is but what we need are a little more episodes like this featuring Seven, just a little more " human" rather than borg playing human.

One was good, there were the usual nit-picks about "Harry's" taughting, Paris crawling and not having burns or dying, who was that ugly alien anywa?, but it is one of the best of the season, it is for me in the top ten.

Mrs. Mac -- 14 May 1998, 8:40 AM

Star Trek: Seven-of-Nine. Now she's done it. She started off in Astrometrics (where she belongs), mingled in the Mess Hall (Neelix's territory), attended to a dead burn victim on the bridge (Doc's territory), became second in command to the Doc (Chakotay's territory), tinkered in Engineering (grrrr, B'Elanna's territory), flew the ship (Paris' territory), opened a comm link with an alien (Kim's territory), chased an alien around the ship (Tuvok's territory), and ran the ship (Janeway's territory). On top of all that, she SAVED the crew!

Insert pictures here of Mighty Mouse, Superman, and Seven of Nine.

Eighteen hours after I answered Eric's poll by saying something like, "If Seven sticks her mitts on the Doc's holoemitter (B'Elanna's territory) I'll really have a cow." Elsie junior is in the nursery.

View From the Tower: Observation Deck

1. It took 46 seconds for anyone writhing on the bridge to call sickbay. They could have cut this scene in half and tacked some seconds on the extrememly abrupt and puzzling ending.

2. Something we learned from B'Elanna. Obviously we have been given a sneak look at Jeri Taylor's, "Pathways." Apparently Chakotay saved B'Elanna's life and that's how they met!

3. Double meaning during the senior crew meeting? Janeway speaking: "I think it's about loss of control." B'Elanna, or perhaps Roxann, taps a "here, here!" on the table the moment Janeway says it. Janeway continues, "We always feel better if we think we're in charge of our characters …er… circumstances." Since Jeri Taylor wrote this script I have to believe there was more to this scene than meets the eye.

4. Again we have the Harry/Paris roles reversed. Harry cuts up on Paris about needing a teddy bear.

5. 47 found! Seven is crawling through the tubes with Doc and she says that the gel packs (B'Elanna's territory) can be accessed via junction 6 beta 9. Beta is the second letter in the Greek alphabet. (6-2) = 4. (2 from 9) = 7.

6. Seven runs pretty well in heels. I have a challenge for Jeri. You and me on the streets of NY. One block dash in heels with an attaché and laptop. The only advantage she has is that she's taller than me.

Panoramic View

It was a decent episode and Jeri Ryan did just fine but again, it was the Seven-of-Nine show. While the other 7 officers remained in stasis (which is virtually what they've been in since the introduction of Seven) and with the Doc offline, Seven saves the day. I hope that's that last time in a long time we see this.

D'Alaire -- 14 May 1998, 9:28 AM

(Tap, tap) Here, here! (grin) I was thinking of your comment yesterday when Seven finally got the holo-emitter....I nearly spit my tea when it happened.

I agree with your hope that the rest of the crew can come out of stasis, now that Seven's finally leapt over a tall nebula with Voyager tucked under her arm and a ball of kryptonite on her tail. It was a good episode -- psychological, slightly twisted with a bit of action and (usually) smart dialogue. As somebody else mentioned here, Seven's angst made me sympathize with her a bit more than I did, and Doc was believable in being the combination of doctor, companion and needle. Still...

1) Yes--B'Elanna's little mention! Bolts! The wait for "Pathways" gets longer still! The sadists.

2) Eeek--Please, somebody please tell me Harry's NOT going to continue trying to be what he is not--a jokester. I would love to know who decided to develop *that* ugly little quirk.

3) Shudder--B'Elanna's territory...("I will not rant, I will not rant....") I could have had a brandy last night just for that.

4) "Looks like a pump, feels like a sneaker..."-- If Ms. Ryan agrees on a date and you're too busy, I'll grab my Bandalinos and anthologies and hop a flight any day of the week. But wait, I'm in Chicago....

5) Too bad it didn't take 47 seconds for the bridge to joggle their brains.

When each new episode comes on, I try to make a conscious effort to clear my mind of all judgements and fusses, so I can simply enjoy the show I love. As that, it was an excellent hour.

Yet the above, and a bit more, remains. It's time for TPTB to spread as much care over the other characters again, now that they have Seven thoroughly tenderized and cooked. I miss the "others" desperately. I'm still jealous for them. I'm anxious to see how they'll wrap matters up next week.

O. Deus -- 14 May 1998, 2:27 AM

The Paradox of One. This episode seemed to deal with Seven adapting to being an individual as opposed to her earlier life as a drone, one of many. The conflict between her transition from being a member of a collective to being an individual is supposed to be the core focus here but the results of 7's experience is manifested by her lunch scene with Paris, Kim and Torres, her acclimation into the Voyager collective. On Voyager in effect she has always been one, a self-reliant and independent individual. The complaints by the whole crew were exactly that she preffered to do things her own way, not to take orders and not to acclimate to human methdos of social exchange.

The conclusion of this episode in fact has her not adapt to being an individual but exposes her inability do so and her need to be part of another collective, in this case the Voyager collective.

Granted the Voyager collective is somewhat better then the Borg collective, but either way she is not one, but one of many.

Vickie T. -- 14 May 1998, 10:03 AM

More than one thought about One. I'm hesitant to even write a review of One because I'm afraid that any criticism I make will met with responses like, "Well, sure you didn't like it, you refuse to like any show where Seven is the star." And, well, maybe that's true. I don't know.

I will say that I thought Jeri Ryan did a great job. One was a good showcase for Jeri and the character Seven of Nine. One also did a credible and sound job of exploring the themes of loneliness and isolation.

One does, however, illustrate perfectly a comment I made last week about Demons. I said that if a show strikes my fancy, for whatever reason, I'm much more willing to cut it a little slack. If, on the other hand, something about an episode really rubs me the wrong way, I am much less willing to overlook subsequent little nitpicks, and One is one of these episodes.

I had a strong negative reaction to the idea of cutting through the nebula instead of going around it. I haven't had such an "I *know*, truly, deeply, with every inch of my being, that this is a bad idea," reaction since Scorpion and Janeway's deal with the devil. And just to save one year? One year on a 60+ year trip? One year is *nothing*! After that, every little nitpick caught my attention.

A whole month, all to myself? Hot dang! Unlimited hot fudge sundaes from the replicator, no line for the holodeck, and Yes! the Captain's chair is mine, all mine!

Diane -- 14 May 1998, 10:30 AM

No One Is Alone. My Random Thoughts

Rants—very, very few:

Yet Another Seven Episode (YASE)!

Minor nits. If Seven's air was running out, why didn't she get into an environmental suit? I know, dramatic tension. And, Seven stating 98.6 degrees—a big no, no. Isn't everything metric?

Ravens

Despite the fact that this was a YASE, I felt that this was the first show that was a must for Seven.

What can I say: What a send off for Jeri Taylor "One" of her best scripts. Thank you Jason for posting the script. After reading it, watching the show, and re-reading the script, I realized the craft in Taylor's writing. Must mention, Jeri Ryan did an outstanding acting job, as well as everyone else. See what happens when there's a good script, good direction, and everything happens on the ship.

Does everyone realize that Seven's hallucinations only lasted 41 minutes, that is, from the time she decided to transfer power from the stasis chambers? Here's what clued me in: the computer telling Seven (in Act 5, on the bridge) that there were only 41 minutes left until Voyager was out of the nebula, Seven's constant hallucinations of Paris, and the fact that the name Trajis is very similar to Paris. Was McNeill suppose to do double duty in this episode? I think so. [I read his interview, it's on his fan club's web page, where he stated he asked TPTB to lesson his screen time after his wife and newborn baby were hospitalized (Apparently, both were in pretty serious condition)]. If this is the case, then having Seven hallucinating about a lecherous character, who somewhat resembled Paris would have been the "crem de la crem." Remember, Seven has been spending a lot of time with the Doc lately. His influence on her is immense, as seen in Retrospect. Remember his "Lech" comment in Living Witness? I now think this statement was written in on purpose. Doc would have been joking about Paris and his reputation (including the gambling). Seven would be absorbing all this info, while at the same time associating with Paris. Her personal experiences with him having been his friendship and his offer of "Help" from Day of Honor. All of this would have been played out in her hallucination, as she was making the decision to transfer life support, which would have killed our Helmboy. As I said, if this was the case, this would have turned a really good episode into a fantastic

"One." But, it was not meant to be.

Oh yea, 41 minutes is the actual length of a Voyager episode.

With that said, let me get back to focusing on what actually took place. Harry Kim: "You can try to shut me out, it won't work" What was that all about. If she shut off life support would she have also killed Harry (no comment); hence, Harry and Tom burning up in engineering. I know, that was playing on her mind, and, is she starting fell something for our ensign (no comment)? And, does Harry speak for the entire crew who have been trying to break through the ice? WO!

Then there is the Collective, "Strength in numbers," "No man (one) is an island," yadda, yadda, yadda

(just had to put this in , especially today). Loved the Borg voices, kind of like a Greek chorus in those classic plays. Seven finally realized she emotionally needs a "Collective." She may possess technical superiority, which the Borg have given her; but in order to function wholly, she needs human interation, friendship, and love (a lesson she really needed to learn). She has discovered the human condition of belonging to a tribe, here the Voyager "Family," which completes Jeri Taylor's theme for this year on an extremely high note.

"No one is alone" for all you "Into The Woods" fans.

Eric -- 14 May 1998, 10:40 AM

Jeri Ryan is the ONE. I know totally endorse Andy's idea of makeing Jeri Ryan the star of Voyager and reducing all the other characters to "guest stars". This was an amazing episode!! My only grip is, why did we have to wait this long to see it? Jeri OWNED this episode!! She took a big risk and came away with the gold! I can not say enough good things about ONE. But of course i will try. BTW, i am typing this before i read the other reviews...

Raves :

1) Jeri Ryan - They should now do the James Bond line in her credit : Jeri Ryan IS Seven of Nine. She has fully "assmilated" her character, like Shatner did Kirk and Nimoy to Spock. If you want we can set up a new thread where i can babble about her brillant work in this episode! What do you think Andy? :-D

2) Astrometrics Lab!!! - FI really outdid themselves here. During the "big" scene in the lab, for a few seconds those graphics were as sexy as Jeri (give me a break, i do alot work with computers!)

3) The imaginary AOTW - I think he did a great job of being Seven's fear of falling in love and love in general.

4) HoloDoc - HoloDoc and Seven are almost always good together. His lessons in smalltalk were very funny.

5) Star Trek : The Shining - Loved it! I was waiting for Seven to run into those creepy little girls. "Play with us Seven! Play with us FOREVER!!" Brrr...

6) More EVIL Janeway! Maybe TPTB are trying to tell us something?

Only ONE nitpick

This is the second time Seven had a hallucination. The first time was the awfull Retrospect where Janeway had a hissyfit when Seven told her she was raped. Janeway was rightfully bashed for not beleving her. Soooo here we have Seven having visions AGAIN, and with HoloDoc and NOW she is all touchy feely, that's OK Seven i understand?? Is this TPTB's apology? Or was Janeway trying to "make nice"? Its very strange...

Anyway that's such a small problem with an otherwise top-notch show i can ignore it and give ONE a 95% A+. Easily one of the best, if not THE best we have seen this season.

SuzyQ -- 14 May 1998, 11:05 AM

What did I think of "One?" I thought it was a great episode that showed the inner turmoil Seven is currently undergoing in trying to adapt to Voyager. The high-pressure situation brings out in full force what she herself has probably been suppressing these many months.

LIKES:

- Kudos to Robert Picardo and Jeri Ryan. I've said plenty about them before so I won't again. I find them to be consistently excellent.

- Bravo to Jeri Taylor's swan song episode. The verbal sparring crackled and the episode actually took it's time and showed Seven's mental breakdown instead of falling prey to the YAATE phenonmenon of late. (Yet Another Abrupt Trek Ending for all the newbies here. ;-)) I also think it went for depth and complexity instead of taking the easy way out. That scene where all her insecurities and fears of not being accepted come out in the form of the crew berating her was painful for me to watch. There was still much left unresolved at the end IMO. For all the "good jobs" and "we owe you ones," those feelings are still present and won't go away so quickly. It also showed so clearly that Seven is aware of what others think and has come to care about how she is perceived. Major turning point for the character - thanks JT!

- AOTW: Now this fooled me. I was very surprised to find this guy was an hallucination. But, I'm still not sure about what he represented. I think he was creeping paranoia, but there was a definite sexual threat present that was unsettling. Glad to see she reacted with a phaser in his face. (g) BTW, anyone else think he looked like Rum Tum Tugger from the musical, CATS?

MISC COMMENTS:

- I wouldn't have changed anything about this episode except maybe a better explanation on how those nanoprobes work to enable her to resist over 30 days of intense submolecular (?) radiation. Maybe I missed the explanation in an earlier ep, but what do these things do for her? I thought they worked to change her cells in some manner, but the lack of her burning is rather Wonder Womanish. OTOH, if the writer couldn't figure it out either, probably best to ignore it than have the Doc say something that sounds stupid.

- Helmboy is claustrophobic? Funny, that didn't seem to affect him in that cave with B'elanna in "Blood Fever." ;-)

- I don't like the constant jabs at Tom either. And, it's even more noticeable because it's always the Doc that does it. If you want Doc to do barbs, spread them out among the crew a bit more.

- To those complaining about SuperSeven in this episode, remember that she was supposed to have been given lists of things to maintain while everyone was in stasis. I'm sure the holoemitter was a major item on B'elanna's list as were the gel packs. And, her training sessions on all these multitude of systems was done off-screen. ;-) If she was *not* able to do these things, the captain would have been an idiot to put the ship in her hands in the first place. C'mon, people, that's like complaining that INDEPENDENCE DAY was about aliens attacking earth...

D'Alaire -- 14 May 1998, 11:21 AM

I'll relent on the Super Seven issue -- for the time being. It's obvious that she would have to have had competence in all areas of ship maintennance, I agree.

But I can't help but spout off about it, especially when I'm feeling a little jealous for my other favorites....(whine, wimper..."I was only having fuuuun.")

As for Helmboy's claustrophobia -- I relate perfectly. I can walk though city tunnels and get in elevators without thinking about it -- but lock me in a closet?! (AArugh!---Thud.)

Andy -- 14 May 1998, 11:28 AM

All kidding aside, Vickie…I too have doubts about the future of Voyager with Seven as the center of attention.

Just like Spock had Kirk and Data had Picard, I think that Seven needs someone strong sitting in the center chair on the bridge to be the ultimate "star" of the series. Without going into a great rant about Kate Mulgrew, I think I can say without being too controversial that she doesn't have the level of charisma or "star power" as a Shatner or Stewart.

The way things have gone, the only character to generate much excitement on the show is Seven. Naturally, TPTB have jumped on this and placed heavy emphasis on her. I can see her as being successful in a slightly subordinate role, much like Spock and Data became the second most important characters in the previous Treks. But the captain needs to be the star, and so long as Kate Mulgrew is on the show, this will be a problem.

I sometimes wonder about Beltran. Keeping in mind that my opinion of him is based on season 4 and not much else, I sometimes wonder if Al Gore is secretly putting on a tatoo and moonlighting. Maybe he was a more inspiring actor in previous seasons.

So I guess my bottom line is that I believe we will continue to see a heavy load of Seven episodes, partly because TPTB don't think you can have too much of a good thing (which, even in this case is wrong), but also because most of the other characters aren't terribly interesting due to 1). Lack of skill on the part of the actor (Mulgrew) or 2). Poor develoment by the writers. (Many characters, but Paris is probably the best example.)

SuzyQ -- 14 May 1998, 12:06 PM

What a romantic interpretation, Eric...But, I was thinking this might have been a leftover feeling of vulnerability from her experience in "Retrospect," that episode you hated. I don't think Seven is concerned with "love" as you and I know it this soon in her development. She's probably more aware of a desire to be valued by the crew for more than her technical experience, but she doesn't know what more she has to offer.

Also, the sexual threat is interesting because she's never been squeamish about sex. Remember "Day of Honor" with Harry? (GAG!)

Diane -- 14 May 1998, 12:09 PM

SuzyQ and Eric, AOTW Hallucination--see my post! Trajis sounds like Paris. I think McNeill was suppose to play him. If so, I think the AOTW character would have made more sence. Read my post.

As far a being claustrophobic, Tom was with B'Elanna in the cave and it wasn't as confining as a statis chamber. I've know people who never experienced claustrophobia until they went for a MRI. Every single person said it was horrible. That's what I thought of when Tom exhibited his phobia. There will probable be an explanation in Pathways.

Vickie T. -- 14 May 1998, 12:50 PM

I swore I wouldn't nitpick...And I did manage to end my own comments before I got started on nits. BUT, Diane said: "If Seven's air was running out, why didn't she get into an environmental suit?", and I can't help but respond.

To have Seven shut down life support and then have her pass out from lack of oxygen within minutes is sooo completely stupid and ridiculous that Voyager's technical advisor ought to be throttled. Think WW II. Think submarines. Think tiny, airtight tin cans with crews of 20? men, surviving under water for hours at a time with no fresh air. Seven could live for weeks all alone on Voyager even if there was no cleansing of the ship's atmosphere. Shut down the stasis chambers or shut down Voyager's life support for the few minutes they would remain in the nebula? A total no-brainer. Shutting down life support on the ship posed no risk; Seven wouldn't even have noticed.

Sorry. I promise, no more ranting nitpicks of One no matter what!

Marie -- 14 May 1998, 1:23 PM

Vickie, I loved One, but you're right...about the basic problem with that show: Janeway should NEVER have done what she did.

It boggles my mind (which, I must confess, is easily boggled these days) that she would place her crew at such risk, and leave Seven of Nine in charge. Here's someone who has shown Janeway rudeness, disobediance, and contempt for Janeway's decisions. Seven is not a reliable crewmember, or a stable person, as yet. But even if Seven was utterly reliable, to leave one individual and a holographic (and therefore, physically unstable) being in control of a large ship and 140+ crew in stasis--well, let's just say that seems a cavalier decision at best.

Oh, I know we had the scene that discussed this, and we're supposed to see Janeway's decision as strong-minded (I haven't let temporal anomalies, aliens, etc...stop me YET!) and as Janeway showing her confidence in Seven, while givin her a chance to prove herself, but---

I just don't buy it. It reminds me of last week's DS9 episode, where this ship of cadets attempted to fullfil their dead captain's mission. When the young cadet who had taken over the ship failed, causing almost everyone's death, one of the survivors hailed him as a hero. Nog disabused the female cadet of that notion. The the young acting captain's decision had been foolhardy. He should have left enemy territory and brought his crew home. Nog stated that "he may have been an honorable man. He may even have been a hero. But in the end, he was a bad captain."

The fact that Janeway's risk worked does not mean that her choice was right, and that she acted as a good captain. In this case, I don't think she did.

Eric -- 14 May 1998, 1:58 PM

Vickie i did groan at that nit...Its true, Voyager has ALOT of air, its over 1,000 feet after all. But it really didn't bother me that much, the rest of the show was so good.

Another nit : When a starships engine dies out, especially when they are going maxed out, they DRIFT.

Whoops, i guess Seven didn't need to stress out so much after all :-)

Mike D -- 14 May 1998, 3:51 PM

Can we stop with this 'One'?...I agree with Mrs. Mac's and Vickie T.'s reviews and some of the others I've read. I especially liked Mrs. Mac's comment "Insert pictures here of Mighty Mouse, Superman, and Seven of Nine". BTW, the smart moneys on you, Mrs. M, in the high heels race through Manhattan you mentioned :^). I'd pay to see that one.

I'll just make a few brief comments on this weeks entry (yeah, right ;^).

Likes:

- Ryan's acting was very good. I liked seeing the vulnerable side of her character. I just hope that we see it again in future episodes.

- I Liked the way the plot tied the opening and middle holograph socializing scenes in with the ending real life scene (Seven finally realizing her need to socialize with the other crew members by trying to join them for friendly conversation in the mess hall).

Dislikes:

-Since when can one person run and maintain a giant star ship single handed? I guess we'll have to add this to the list of impossible things that Super Seven can do. This one should be listed right below wearing high heels twenty-four hours a day and bringing the dead (Neelix) back to life.

-After all the times that Seven's disobeyed orders, I can't believe that cute knuckle head Kate trusted her with the ship and entire crew's lives. In my opinion Janeway should have gone around the Nebula rather than risk everything on a hologram and one emotionally underdeveloped ex-borg who's been proven unreliable in the past. What's a year compared to the terrible risk Janeway was taking? In the past she could always rely on her crew and command ability to get them out of a mess, but here she left herself wide open for disaster. Of course Chuck the puppy rolled over belly up rather than disagree with Katie. Chuck:"Oh well, if you have a feeling about Seven, then that's enough to risk all our lives in a deadly nebula" ....(gag, choke, gag). Geesh, Kate, I think you're adorable too, but listen to Chuck's point of view once in a while. First Scorpion now this.

-Those hallucinations Seven was having of the crew begging her for help were nauseating. It reflected too much the direction the writers have taken with the cast this season.

-They could have done without the imagined AOTW. I couldn't believe that Seven was stupid enough to beam aboard an alien she knew absolutely nothing about, especially when she knew the rest of the crew was helpless. It's like inviting a stranger into your home and then telling them "yes I'm the only one here (duh). Please assault me and take what ever you like". I'm glad it turned out to be all in her mind, but the point is that she thought it was real. Stupid move, Seven.

-That whole thing with Tom waking up and wandering around in his sleep, was ridiculous.

BTW, why doesn't Janeway have the crew take turns going into suspended animation for a few months at a time? This would be one way to cut back on resources and the aging process during the journey. If one person running around in high heels can maintain the ship like Seven did, why not let a skeleton crew take over during the easy sailing times. The rest of the crew could be woken when needed. Hey, it's not like they have anything better to do (like relationships), so why not go to sleep in the back seat till mom says "We're home, kids!". Just an idea.

It may not sound like it, but I did like this episode thanks to Jeri's and Picardo's fine acting. Now I'd like a rest from Wonder Borg for a while.

Jules -- 14 May 1998, 4:19 PM

That's a point, Mike. One person (even Seven) shouldn't be able to run the ship singlehandedly. In The 37's Chakotay said that it couldn't be done with less than a hundred people.

Of course, now we know that he was wrong, we don't need to worry about the Ensign death count so much... :-)

SuzyQ -- 14 May 1998, 4:52 PM

Why not? It's been done so many times with bigger ships...like the Enterprise on TOS and TNG. I can't begin to count the number of times Kirk, Picard and Data were left alone on the ship and had to save the crew single-handedly. And, this season DOC of all people was able to battle a Romulan warship on a Federation prototype that he knew *nothing* about.

At least on "One," there is the impression that Seven is informed about what needs to be done by the crew. We can also assume that any non-essential systems were shut down by the staff to cut down on her workload. Heck, if the ships can do diagnostics on themselves they should be able to be programmed to do some share of self-maintenance. It is the 24th century after all.

I'm truly puzzled about people's gripes that she shouldn't be able to know everything about the ship. So, you're suggesting she shouldn't have know how to repair the holoemitter, or the gel packs, or the warp core? Oh, yeah - that would have been *really* smart of Janeway to hand the ship over to someone like *that.* (sarcasm off)

OK, I grant you that the length of time was long (a month) and it was a planned situation, but that's the point of the episode! She's ALONE...FOR A MONTH! People rely on her and she becomes more and more afraid that she will let them down. And as her confidence breaks, her own mind begins to sabotage her. But, she stands firm and does what she needs to do to save the crew and carry out her orders. Good for her; the crew trusted her in a high pressure situation and she came through for them.

If Janeway went around the nebula, there wouldn't *be* a story. And Seven wouldn't have discovered how important other people are to her existence.

Mr. Mac.-- 14 May 1998, 5:37 PM

I don't understand your take on this ONE. I agree with MikeD, my wife, and Vickie T. to a limit. I thought "One" was a good show which displayed Jeri Ryan's ...uh... talents...admirably. She really did do a good job with her reactions and fears and I have nothing bad to say about her performance. It was top-notch.

My beef, like Mike's, Pat's, and Vickie's is that roles like this, opportunites (to save the ship so singlehandedly) like this should be meted out to the rest of the cast. Like G'Inny, some of us have been waiting for episodes this decent for the rest of the cast, like Tom Paris.

Janeway didn't fly Voyager alone in YOH, she had a small, capable crew to help her. It seems a bit unreal that Seven could manage the ship by herself, hallucinating, and with a drunken computer. As SuzyQ (Grand Poobah of Alcatraz) pointed out, Seven had the opportunity to learn certain things before the stasis began, like the workings of Doc's holoemitter. What irritates me, SuzyQ is not that, under stress, Seven is able to save the ship, but that she's able to save and run every department of the ship making the entire crew obsolete. It's bad enough when the warp core goes bad and we see B'Elanna eject it, but in this case the ship goes bad. The next episode should be about the crew kicking back and saying, "Well, I don't need to fix that. I'll just call Seven and she will know what to do." We can call that episode, "Complacency."

"One" was a good episode, don't get me wrong, but I want ensemble pieces to return. I want Seven at some point to rely on others to succeed, not merely to fill her lonliness.

Did anyone else think they saw Jeri Ryan's real mother when she was passing out? I swear I saw Jeri Ryan as a 50 year old as she sunk into the (fake) fog at the end. The lighting made her look like an older woman.

D'Alaire -- 14 May 1998, 5:56 PM

Here's another vote for ensembles! The cast is so good at it -- why not use that as much as possible?

O.Bleek -- 14 May 1998, 6:52 PM

Mike you're so funny - and so smart! I love your phrasing - "cute knucklehead Kate" - LOL! I agree with you about Janeway's blind trust in Seven. I mean, I'm all for Seven and giving her a chance etc. But this decision by Janeway was another in a string of knucklehead executive decisions. And why do have to endure Chakotay's wimpy arguments to Janeway when all he ever does is either back down, or disobey Janeway behind her back, like in Scorpion?

I liked this episode alot, based on Jeri Ryan's good performance, and the quick, action-oriented pace. BTW, absolutely excellent and original idea about having portions of the crew in stasis at any given time. It makes sense. Also, if only TPTB would have thought of it sooner, they could have populated the ship with hundreds more crew and the viewers would have had a chance to have more crew guest stars.

Vickie T. -- 14 May 1998, 8:19 PM

I almost didn't post my comments. I was sure everyone else was going to love the episode and I was afraid folks would think I was a grumpy, Seven-hating nitpicker. Obviously, I disagree with that assessment. I mean really, all that risk to save one year? You and I do frequently agree on Voyager, don't we? Great minds, indeed!

Terry -- 14 May 1998, 10:38 PM

Wow! One was one tremendous episode. I just saw One and found it to be an excellent episode from beginning to end. A well-written, well-acted, and fascinating character study. This Seven is the one as I've been waiting to see since The Gift. Gone was the cold arrogance. She made more progress toward understanding and embracing her own humanity in this one episode than in all of the rest of the fourth season.

(It is a real shame that Jeri Taylor is leaving the show as it is now perfectly clear that she understands what Seven of Nine is and should be, much better than any of the other writers.)

What human qualities did Seven show, what lessons did she learn, and what choices did she make?

For the first time, she showed that she really cared about others. She showed clearly that she is afraid of not being trusted to care or to be competent. And showed she can be spooked or stressed out as much as any human. (This is the third episode in which she has been shown to be easily spooked when confronting an enemy in a dark and scary environment. ) And she showed more clearly here than before, just how much she craves approval from Janeway and others and how much she is insecure about receiving (or deserving) that approval.

She learned that she needed human companionship. And that she does indeed have emotions which may change her goals as well as adversely affect her efficiency. Seven also discovered that her vaunted Borg technology has its limits.

And best of all, she was forced to make two important choices. She was confronted with her previous belief of the superiority of the Borg Collective and rejected it. (The fact that the option to rejoin the Borg Collective was really only in her mind is irrelevent. She now wishes of her own free will to be an individual.) And she refused to make the safe and efficient choice of sacrificing a few lives to save the ship. It was important that the lives at risk were not just strangers but individuals that she knew and liked (Paris, Kim, etc). She cared not only about those people's safety but also about their potential disapproval of her actions. For once, she made the correct moral decision instead of the most logical one.

And finally, as a result of learning what loneliness is all about, she has chosen to make friends. Talk with people, listen to them, and treat them with some respect. Bravo, Jeri Taylor and Jeri Ryan.

One thing that I really loved about this episode is that it seemed to get better and better as the show progressed. Too many Trek shows peter out and end with lame endings. This was as emotionally strong an ending as I've seen on Trek in a long while. I haven't watched One for a second time but at this point, I'd tentatively declare One the best episode of the season. Certainly it is the first Seven episode that I wholeheartedly enjoyed.

Kudos also to all of the actors, especially Jeri Ryan and Robert Picardo. This was the best performance that I've seen from Ryan. Certainly she proved herself to be one of the best actors on the show. Picardo showed just how good an actor he is, switching from his usual comic relief role to a much more serious one. And all of the other actors were excellent as manifestations of Seven's self-doubts and fears.

Mike D -- 14 May 1998, 4:09 PM

I'm with you again, Vickie...in fact, it seems like I agree with what you say about most every episode. I said the same things in my review. Why risk everything to save a single year?

Great minds really do think alike ;^).

Marie -- 14 May 1998, 11:14 PM

Yeah, what Terry said. (and Vickie). Now I have a big problem with Janeway's outrageously lame-brained decision to go put everyone in stasis, leave Seven & a hologram in charge, and go through a deadly nebula. Unfortunately, I've become so accustomed to TPTB writing Janeway like a fool, that I got over that pretty quickly.

Personally, I found ONE an extremely satisfying episode, and certainly one of Voyager's finest. I was thoroughly engrossed, and really enjoyed watching the fine nuances of Jeri Ryan's acting. She knows when to be dramatic and when to be subtle. She and the Doctor are an excellent pair.

Like you, Terry, I really liked the ending. I found it very touching when Tom talked about his dislike of enclosed spaces. Seven suddenly had this sympathetic and interested look on her face, as she stated "perhaps you don't like being alone," or something to that effect. In that brief exchange, we were able to see Seven, for the first time, express empathy for someone else. She was really trying, and she *got* it; she understood what another human being might be feeling. It was a wonderful scene, and probably the best Voyager ending I've seen.

I couldn't help thinking of Vickie's suggestion, written just before this show aired, that TPTB should show holographic situations where Seven has to learn to interact with crew members. Wow, are you good, Vickie!

Yes, it was an ALL SEVEN, ALL THE TIME show, albeit with Doc thrown in, but she and Picardo are such good actors, I didn't have a problem with their talent being showcased. I certainly hope that they continue to develop the other characters, but honestly, I don't think the other characters (with the possible exceptions of Tim Russ and Roxann Dawson) have the talent that Ryan and Picardo do. If I produced the show, I'd try to make each character as strong as possible, but I would definitely showcase my strongest actors.

Terry -- 14 May 1998, 11:28 PM

It's nice to be in agreement for a change, Jason. I also agree about Taylor and The Raven.

Taylor has been good for B'Elanna Torres as well and IIRC for the two TNG females in the old days. But the failure of Kate Mulgrew and her to create a strong, consistent Janeway has been the biggest disappointment of the series to date. I actually preferred the early Janeway to the current one but I'd just settle for some consistency at this point. Actually, I thought the Janeway is One is one that both Andy and I could like.

About Taylor writing more scripts next season. I'd love to see it but have my doubts. No aspersions on Braga but a new boss naturally feels that he wants to shake the shadow of his predecessor. Taylor and Braga certainly wasted no time in changing direction after Pillar left. And Pillar hasn't written anything since.

I disliked The Raven for many reasons beyond just the super-Borg rampage and stupid coat-hanger aliens. The point of that show should have been to make her realize how tbe Borg had brutalized her and ones she loved. And like you said, her facing up to be assimilation as a child was too early. Too early for the fans and for the writers. The writers practically ignore the consequences as you said. But also, that episode tried and failed to do what this one succeeded at.

One followed on the established path of Seven's failure to come to grips with her humanity (and even rejection of that as a goal at all.) While too much of One's success was based on a correction of terrible Seven characterizations in the past (much like the many praises of Harry in Demon were due not because his character was so well written but because the writers were conspicuously addressing their past mistakes), it did manage to develop her character in a meaningful and believable way.

I just hope that the Ice Queen or rebellious child isn't back next week. I hope not. One was great but a lack of consequences would be a crushing blow.

Marie -- 14 May 1998, 11:31 PM

"Cute knuckehead Kate" & "Chucklehead Chak..." Were they made for each other, or what?

Seriously, though, I think you and Mike made excellent points. Mike, that one line you mentioned where Chakotay backs down because of Kate's feeling, well that made me groan out loud. Just what the hell are TPTB doing to Janeway and Chakotay? They're making one a bonehead and the other a devious, spineless wonder, alternately caving in or, as O.Bleek pointed out, going behind Janeway's back. What is up with that? Since when do the writers and producers of a show that isn't Seinfeld try to present the show's stars as idiots?

I don't like this one bit.

I do like your suggestion about putting the crew in stasis. You wonder if the Voyager writers have ever read any sci-fi. Colony ships often place crew member in stasis if a journey is going to take a long time. O.Bleek, your added suggestion, of having more crew members, who would then serve as guest stars, is also a good one. It would give TPTB the opportunity to develop more shows that don't rely on temporal anomalies or other external phenomena to drive the show. We could see the cast interact with other crew members, get more of a sense of their day-to-day existence, and further develop the regular crew's characters.

Shawnster -- 15 May 1998, 12:24 AM

Could have been better... My question; "What happened to the Doc's holoemitter when he winked out in Engineering?" sets the mood I have about this episode.

Overall the show could have been better. While the plot or conflict was interesting, watching Seven go nuts while coping with being alone, all the little oversights kept nagging at me.

Why, for instance, was Seven unaffected by the nebula? When Voyager flew in, the crew broke out in the Ebola of flesh eating viurs. Why wasn't Seven's flesh eaten away? Did the nanites protect her? Just how much borg is still in her?

Why not fly around the nebula? It took about a month at impulse to fly through it. Surely it would be faster to fly around the nebula at warp. True, it would be a longer distance but they would be going MUCH faster.

Seven needs to learn the differnce between "Mutara Nebula" and "Mutara Class Nebula" The writers are at fault on this one. Couldn't they think of a name to use?

Where did the stasis chambers come from (I mean enough for everyone) and is deck 14 really spacious enough to hold them all?

Where did the Doc's holoemitter go? When he winked out I was expecting to see it hit the floor. Nope.

Speaking of the Doc. When are they going to learn to back his program up in case someting like this happens agian? Wouldn't that be a novel idea?

Now, this is not to say the show was terrible. I liked the basic plot. Seven has never really been completely alone. I liked the AOTW hallucination. I first thought he was a hallucination when he refused to leave and Seven pulled the phaser on him (which just happened to be laying around). Nice subplot.

I don't know who said it but I agree, Seven needs a mentor, a tutor besides the holodoc. The holodeck program was good but someone needed to be there to show Seven what she did wrong and why she did it wrong and how to do it right. The doctor just told her not to go back and forth from conversation topic to topic but he didn't show her. It does look from the end, however, that she did learn.

Although the scene emphasized her isolated state, I wouldn't have chosen to eat in the very empty mess hall like Seven did. I would eat in my quarters, the captains ready room anywhere else. And I'm sure after a few hours on the bridge it would occurr to me to sit in the big chair and pretend.

And I would have had some good tunes playing too, really loud. Everyone's gone, time to jam.

I'm not the only one who thought this was one of the best episodes of the season. I was beginning to think I was the only one after reading some of the early posts.

Now, about these 47 sightings. Aren't some of these streting it a little bit. With enough letters and numbers one could find a 47 almost everywhere.

Then again, your sighting does sound reasonable.

Ah, another person to share the tent with. That makes the Macs (at least Pat) and now Vickie, Marie and Mike D. Glad to see I have good company.

Of course, my complaints aren't with Seven, I like her. I just saw too many nits that weren't explained away but could be.

And Mike, I agree with you. If you're 70,000 (well, 55,000 nowlight years from home and it's going to take you, oh, 70+ years to get there (hmmm... 15,000 in four years, that's about 4,000 a year. At that rate they should get home in 17 years.) , whats another year or so. It's not like you're in a hurry to get anywhere.

Terry -- 15 May 1998, 12:52 AM

I missed that point. But I have a slightly different view on the subject than yours. Seven has acted very on her own up to One. But I believe that this seeming paradox can be explained realizing the nature of the Borg Collective. Despite their use of we and us, the Collective functions not as a group but as a single mind with no internal disagreements or doubts.

Seven's initial adaption was to act like a Collective of one drone. She makes her mind up and acts upon her judgement without regard to external intelligences. Despite the talk about Voyager replacing the Collective for her in some eps, her new relationship with other individuals on Voyager doesn't really resemble her previous existence. What she is now doing is more comparable to the Borg Collective learning to respect, communicate with, and live peacefully with other cultures.

Shawnster -- 15 May 1998, 12:57 AM

Seven hallucinations...Shouldn't all the borg messages Seven received in "Raven" be counted as hallucinations too?

If you think about it, our dear Seven may not be that mentally stable after all. I think she needs to see the ships councelor, oops, wrong show.

Jules -- 15 May 1998, 9:32 AM

Ouch. I make one little joke about the shifting number of personnel required to run the ship, and I get a lecture - about an episode I haven't even seen yet!

You know folks, you can take this pro/anti Seven thing a bit too far and a bit too seriously. Can we all back off a bit?

Now I have no doubt that, given notice of the need for it, and time to prepare by automating as many systems as possible and briefing the sole crewmember still awake to keep them ticking over, you could run the ship on more-or-less autopilot for a brief period of time. That's fair enough, although I doubt you could carry on indefinitely. Nebula induced problems aside, you'd expect the systems to start breaking down if you didn't have enough personnel to keep up a high enough level of maintenance. I work with computers, and I'm well aware that you can neglect a system for a while and leave it to its own devices - but eventually you get a payback, where it starts breaking down with a vengeance because it's only getting reactive maintenance rather than preventative.

And I'm equally sure that Chakotay was thinking of the long term view - the potentially 70 years that the ship would have had to stay operational with a skeleton crew - and was probably expressing his own fears and nervousness about how many of the crew might decide to stay behind with the 37's when he came up with that figure. Undoubtedly he rounded up rather than down.

I like Seven. I like the idea of this episode, and what it explores. But I would still like to see episodes about the other members of the cast as well. And frankly, I'd like to not have other people jumping on my back all the time for saying so. What's so very wrong with wanting to see more ensemble episodes - like the entertaining romps that were Worst Case Scenario and Future's End - in what was, after all, designed to be an ensemble show?

Okay, rant mode off. Sorry Suzy, this wasn't particularly directed at you... or anybody else. It's just that sometimes I can't help but get the feeling I'm being found fault with because... although I like Seven, in not worshipping her to the exclusion of all else I apparently don't like her enough.

Mike D -- 15 May 1998, 10:39 AM

SuzyQ and Jimbo, it's like, let me explain where I'm coming from.

Jim wrote:

"I don't understand your takes on this episode showing Seven as Wonderborg. I think if nothing else this episode shows that Seven is as frail and human as anyone, more so because of her assimilation. She is finally starting to see that maybe she does need others. She has a king size dose of self doubt in spite of her outward arrogance. The hallucinations of the crew begging for her help were just manifestations of this IMO."

Jim, come on, you have to admit that it's a LITTLE much to expect one new crew member to be an expert on every aspect of the ship. And even if I could believe that one new person could be an expert on everything, it's still impossible for her to be "everywhere" at once. How could she possibly manage to keep an eye on the crew in stasis and still maintain a ship that's having constant technical problems. The doc said they were checking on the entire crew something like four times a day plus they were maintaining the ships degradating systems. I know the story used the nubula as an excuse to show how Seven would deal with being alone and to show her emerging humanity, but a much more realistic plot to achieve this goal would have been having her survive alone on a planet or perhaps on a shuttle for a month.

Jim also said:

"As far as her singlehandedly running the ship, Kate did it (admittedly with a small skeleton crew, but under much more overtly hostile conditions) in YOH, so why couldn't Seven?"

On the other hand Jim, Kate is a fully trained starship captain. And, BTW, in YOH the ship was showing severe damage from lack of proper maintenance and was, in fact, coming apart. Voyager was totally destroyed in that episode. Besides, Janeway's inconsistency towards Seven really bugs me. Just a few episodes ago Seven was denied unrestricted access to the ship's systems for disobeying the captain's direct orders. This week Seven was given COMPLETE CONTROL over the ship (with nothing but a hologram to keep an eye on her). Why, because Janeway had "a FEELING" about her.

Suzy wrote:

"...like the Enterprise on TOS and TNG. I can't begin to count the number of times Kirk, Picard and Data were left alone on the ship and had to save the crew single-handedly. And, this season DOC of all people was able to battle a Romulan warship on a Federation prototype that he knew *nothing* about."

In the TOS and TNG episodes you mentioned I believe the ships were only left with one person for a very short period of time. Certainly they weren't traveling for over a month through a Nebula that disrupted the systems and their own mental abilities. In the case of DOC battling the Romualan warship, he was, after all, on one of the most advanced federation warships. Maybe it was designed to be handled by a limited crew due to causalities. Or, let's just say that episode was far fetched too :^).

SuzyQ also wrote:

"I'm truly puzzled about people's gripes that she shouldn't be able to know everything about the ship. So, you're suggesting she shouldn't have know how to repair the holoemitter, or the gel packs, or the warp core? Oh, yeah - that would have been *really* smart of Janeway to hand the ship over to someone like *that.* (sarcasm off)"

No, it was really dumb of Kate. I'm not sure what you're saying here, but yeah, I do think it would be impossible for one person to know everything. And like I said to Jim, even if they did know everything they still couldn't be every where at once during an emergency. The whole premise was ridiculous, like Marie said, it made Janeway look like an idiot for allowing it.

SuzyQ also said:

"OK, I grant you that the length of time was long (a month) and it was a planned situation, but that's the point of the episode! She's ALONE...FOR A MONTH! People rely on her and she becomes more and more afraid that she will let them down. And as her confidence breaks, her own mind begins to sabotage her."

Yeah, the point of the episode was to show Seven alone, but in doing this they made Kate and Chuck look like total idiots. The plot could have been done more believably (like I suggested to Jim) and not at the expense of the Captain's and first officer's competency. BTW, a few people mentioned that Sevens hallucinations were caused by her own self doubts and it showed that she was not a super woman since she had human frailties. In fact her hallucinations were caused by the nebulas effect on her borg implants, not by some kind of stressful mental state. The doc stated this clearly. If not for the nebulas effect on her implants, Seven wouldn't have lost control. It wasn't her "human frailties" that undermined her, it was her borg implants.

BTW, did anyone else think that the Paris and Kim dialog was reversed in this episode. The stuff they were saying sounded out of character. Since when does our hotshot pilot have claustrophobia? And since when does Kim ease Tom's fears? Anyway, I did like the acting in this one and I would rate it among the better episodes this season. I just felt it was really far fetched and made Janeway and Chuck look like stupid idiots. That's my main problem with these wonderborg episodes, they usually make Seven the hero at Kate's and Chuck's expense.

SuzyQ -- 15 May 1998, 11:02 AM

Oh dear, Jules, I didn't mean to make you feel jumped upon...I apologize if that's the impression I gave.

I don't necessarily want to see more ensemble shows like WCS. That was a rare occurence. What made that episode special was the light tone that set it apart from the other standard sci-fi fare VOY is known for. If more eps were made in that light, in-joke type of vein, I think the show and characters would suffer.

Ideally, there should be a balance of all kinds of episodes - light, heavy, one-character, two-character, ensemble, etc. I think most of us are in agreement on this point.

But, really, why criticize *this* episode for being about Seven? What's the point? That's how it was promoted and advertised. For once, I didn't have any beef with the UPN promo people because the previews were accurate without giving too much away. To me, that's like criticizing LAWRENCE OF ARABIA for taking place in the desert.

Sci-fi has many outrageous concepts that we just have to accept if we're to suspend disbelief. To put one person in charge of Voyager may sound outrageous, like putting one poor naval officer in charge of an aircraft carrier for a month.

But, this is ST, where Kirk, Picard and Sisko have saved the *universe* several times each with their trusty crews and no one bats an eye. In fact, they're cheered every time they do it. But, when Seven is given an order to save just one ship and 120+ crew, and she actually does it, people grumble and complain. She works her tail off to carry out the captain's orders and prove herself worthy of their trust, and those that complained loudest when she *disobeyed* orders are still not happy.

Vickie T. -- 15 May 1998, 11:22 AM

Thank you, Jules... For articulating perfectly what I was feeling about my comments on this episode. As I mentioned above to Mike, I almost didn't post my comments on One for exactly the feeling you described:

"It's just that sometimes I can't help but get the feeling I'm being found fault with because... although I like Seven, in not worshipping her to the exclusion of all else I apparently don't like her enough."

In response to your post, I would just like to say, "Yeah. Me, too."

Jim C -- 15 May 1998, 12:44 PM

Mike, I do admit that it's a LITTLE much to expect one new crew member to be an expert on every aspect of the ship, but if anyone could do it it would be someone like Seven (or Data). And yes, they can't be everywhere at once, but as SuzyQ mentioned, with proper preparation many systems could be automated. The ship can run diagnostics on itself. It doesn't require being in more than one place to say, "computer, run self diagnostic," have the computer give you a reason for some malfunction and then say "reroute primary (technobabble) to compensate for (technobabble)." Your ideas of having Seven alone on a planet or in a shuttle would be more real in the real world, but this is a show. How would Seven get somewhere separate from Voyager and stay there for a month without them having to double back for her. I suppose she could end up a month in front of them, but that raises other technical questions like how would they find her (the galaxy is damn big after all). The bottom line is leaving Seven alone on the ship was the "easiest" way for the writers to get her alone for an extended period.

I wondered why it wasn't feasable for Seven to run the ship like Kate did in YOH. Your response was that Kate is a fully trained starship captain. True, but she doesn't know any more about the nuts and bolts workings of the ship than Seven. In fact I would argue the fact that Seven (or B'Ellanna, or Harry, or even Paris for that matter) know alot more about repairing systems than Janeway. That's not her job. Her primary job is to lead and motivate (and some say she doesn't do that very well;-)). One of her secondary jobs is to prioritize what gets fixed first, not to fix it.

In YOH Voyager was certainly worse for wear than in One, but it was being run by the skeleton crew for at least six times as long and was under constant attack the WHOLE time. I reiterate, based on that precedent I find it feasable for "One" person to run Voyager for a month.

I agree with you that Janeway waffles more than IHOP. Her restricting Seven's access and then giving it all back makes no sense, but then when have TPTB ever given Janeway any sense? ;-)

You said that Seven's hallucinations were caused by her borg implants, not by some kind of stressful mental state. The Doc said something to that effect, but I think you are being too literal. The malfunctioning implants were causing hallucinations, but I don't think they were actually playing the images and sounds into her mind. I think the malfuctioning implants were allowing her to hallucinate but her imagination and self doubt were what gave form to the hallucinations. Of course we can argue all day about that because who really knows, but to me that explanation makes more sense.

Just had to reply. These debates are what make the (not mutara class) Coffee Nebula fun

Mike D -- 15 May 1998, 1:26 PM

About friends, Jim, it wasn't the trading barbs between Tom and Harry so much, that seemed out of place in 'One' it was their actions. It just seemed inconsistent (there's that word again :^) with the past (surprise, surprise).

I will find it refreshing to see Tom as the target of a Harry joke now and then. At last TPTB are delving into their friendnship again. I enjoy seeing relationships between the characters this way. One of the aspects of TOS I liked most was the bonding between Kirk, Spock, and Bones. Especially the shaky relationship between Bones and Spock. The most realistic friendship I've seen on Trek lately is between Miles O'Brien and Julian Bashir. Funny how Trek seems to lack the ability to show a good female friendship this way. In fact, I can't think of any close friendships between women on Trek.

Like you said Jim, "these debates are what make the Coffee Nebula fun".

It seems where destined to disagree on this one, Jimbo (hope you don't mind me calling you that). I would like to make another point.

You said:

"I wondered why it wasn't feasable for Seven to run the ship like Kate did in YOH. Your response was that Kate is a fully trained starship captain. True, but she doesn't know any more about the nuts and bolts workings of the ship than Seven. In fact I would argue the fact that Seven (or B'Ellanna, or Harry, or even Paris for that matter) know alot more about repairing systems than Janeway. That's not her job. Her primary job is to lead and motivate (and some say she doesn't do that very well;-)). One of her secondary jobs is to prioritize what gets fixed first, not to fix it."

I have to strongly disagree with your assessment of a starship captain's knowledge and abilities, Jim. It's been shown many times that Kirk, Picard and Janeway have a very indepth knowledge of the technical aspects of their ships and were frequently shown getting their hands dirty, so to speak, fixing things when needed. They have often made very knowledgeable suggestions to their chief Engineers on how to fix

this or that. You're down playing the abilities of a starship captain when you say that Kate wouldn't know as much about the nuts and bolts of her ship as a single technical crew member would. Starship captains have always been shown to know their ships inside out. It's part of the job and their training. Kate would certainly know more about the overall ship's functions than Seven, who was only on board for a relatively short time. An experienced technical expert might have a more advanced knowledge in a specific area than the captain. But the Captain would be more knowlegeable about the entire ships functions then that one specialized expert. Certainly no one could be an expert on everything, but I bet a Captain (as depicted on Trek)comes closest.

I suppose this is one of those "we'll have to agree to disagree" times ;^).

[Woops!] I meant to add that the chief engineer is probably the most knowledgable about the technical aspects of the ship. If Torres was the one left alone to run the ship it would have been more believeable. Still, nobody ,not even B'Elanna, could do it all.

Fliteman -- 15 May 1998, 3:03 PM

Don't you remember in... Oh, hell... you know which one I'm talking about.. "The Mark of Gideon"....? The one where Kirk beams down, and unbeknowst to him, he's on an exact replica of the Enterprise; Then he meets Odonna; She asks if they can live on the ship forever; he doesn't seem bothered by the fact that he's the only guy able to run the ship, and tells her, basically, "sure."

Now... I KNOW it was just a replica & all, but HE didn't at the time, and he thought he could handle it, at least, for awhile...

Okay, okay... maybe it's not the same thing... But I didn't think Eric the Younger would remember this ep...

Jules -- 15 May 1998, 3:56 PM

Sigh. Sorry if I came over as a bit of a grouch, but (and I'll say it again in case anybody didn't read what I said properly the first time) - I haven't criticized this episode for being about Seven! I haven't seen it! All I did was make a snarky comment about how it now takes 99 less people to run the ship than Chakotay thought it did three seasons ago - which I would have made whoever the crewmember in question was - and suddenly I'm getting a Party Political Broadcast on behalf of Seven. And if I'm in a bit of a grouchy mood today, that's why.

Oddily enough, the character I thought I was trying to make fun of was Chakotay. Any of his staunchest supporters want to jump to his defense? :-)

Vickie T. -- 15 May 1998, 4:31 PM

Making fun of Chakotay? Well that changes everything! Just joking, Jules. Not really. As for the discrepancy between The 37's and One on number of crew equired to run the ship, we've certainly seen much bigger goofs, gaffs, and contradictions than that one. Of course, that doesn't make them any less.

And just to restate my position on The Great One Debate, I did, in fact, start my initial comments by saying that I thought Jeri Ryan did a great job and that the episode was a good showcase for Seven of Nine. And, like you, Jules, I did not criticize the episode for being about Seven.

The thing that ruined the whole episode for me was the premise itself, which I simply refuse to accept. Leaving Seven and Doc all alone to run the ship while going through the nebula instead of around it was a stupid, stupid, stupid idea, for more reasons than I have the time or energy to list. My opinion has nothing at all to do with the fact that Seven was the "One." I would have thought the same thing even if some other crewperson had been selected for the job. Although, I will admit that I might have enjoyed the visuals a bit more if it had been Chakotay or Tom left alone. :-)

Andy -- 15 May 1998, 6:04 PM

Don't feel like you need to stay quiet, Joy. Even I recently admitted that I had my doubts about the ability of Voyager to sustain itself with Seven as the "star in the middle."

Basically, I'd rather see Seven in a roll akin to what Spock was is TOS. Problem is, in my own very humble opinion, is that Janeway is no Kirk.

Besides, there is a pretty open anti-Seven bias around here at the moment, so you won't be alone.

Andy -- 18 May 1998, 4:45 PM

Late thoughts on "One". I know that I am very late and that I am coming from a biased position, but I watched Flite's tape of "One" yesterday and was very impressed.

Of course, I liked Jeri's acting. (Strangely enough, Picardo seemed a little out of character in this one. He is getting a little too brave. I like him better in his Dr. Smith mode.) But for a change, I thought a lot of other elements came together well. Interesting writing, good story, movement to "humanize" Seven--hell, there was even good music (as opposed to the randomly scattered notes that usually accompany Voyager episodes.) The music in this one reminded me of something you might have heard on TOS.

If I had any complaint, it was the cop-out that Seven's halucinantions were caused by the nebula. I would have just made them the result of her borg-heightened sense of lonliness. I think even the toughest Ryan critic would find positive things to say about her acting in this episode. And if the slightly more social (and vulnerable) Seven that emerged from this one is carried on into the future, and built upon, I will be a very happy camper. I for one found the last scene with Kim, Torres, and Paris bantering with Seven in the mess together with her admission of desiring companionship to be very hopeful. And you know what? When B'Elanna was nice to Seven, I kind of half-way stopped despising her for a nanosecond or so. Okay, you got me there. If B'Elanna warmed up to Seven and became the "friend" that I have been begging for for at least half the season, I'd probably start liking her. They do seem to have a lot in common.

Jason -- 18 May 1998, 5:35 PM

Seven's hallucinations. About the hallucinations... while the nebula may have had affect's on her implants, the psychological cause was very real. She may have seen things in part because of malfunctions in her implants, but the imagery and heightened sense of being alone was very, very real.

I didn't think that it was a cop out. In fact I thought it only contributed to the sense of mystery and lonliness Seven felt while in the nebula.

Eric -- 18 May 1998, 5:23 PM

I hope they follow up One with more signs that she wants to be friends, or at least call a truce with the Voyager crew. If TPTB don't then it will ruin the whole purpose of ONE. But then when has that ever stopped TPTB?

Andy -- 18 May 1998, 6:15 PM

I guess my point, Jason....is that I have a hard enough time avoiding a nervous breakdown and complete emotional collapse two days out of three, and the last time I checked, there wasn't a nebula anywhere in the vicinity.

The effects of the nebula contributed to some degree to Seven's near-breakdown. How much is open to conjecture. As an all to vulnerable human, I would have prefered to see her come face to face with her inner demons without variables like radiation playing on her borg implants. A pure, borg-less, human response would have emphasized her humanity to a greater degree.

But that's a minor nit. The episode was great.

Cmdr. 8472 -- 18 May 1998, 6:43 PM

Well, even with the Doctor's talk about the nebula...and its effect on 7, the main focus, I believe, was on her loneliness. Throughout the episode, it was reinforced that 7 was alone, one person, and by herself.

Martha -- 19 May 1998, 9:03 AM

Really Late thoughts on One. Sorry to be contributing this so late, I've had a really complicated week with not much time for posting longer thoughts.

Basically I really liked this episode, I thought it was an excellent oppourtunity for Jeri Ryan to show her stuff, and for Seven to grow and both were acomplished well. Was it Mr. Mac who noted a glimpse of what Jeri Ryan would look like as an older woman in the shot as she is collapsing by the stasis chambers? I noticed that as well, there was also an earlier scene (I don't remember where it took place) where Jeri Ryan was also shot from above, to the left of her head. I think this is the one unflaterring angle by which Jeri Ryan can be photographed and kudos to her for letting this occur.

From what I have heard, most actors simply don't let themselves get shot from an unflaterring angle.

My one nit with this episode was that when she had to pick some stasis chambers to shut down, albeit temporarily, she chose the senior officers. Surely any other gouping would have been better, 11-20? 135-145? Just not 1-10.

Diane -- 19 May 1998, 9:41 AM

Maybe it was her subconscious. She has been butting heads with the Senior staff, just look at the bridge scene--all mocked her, why not shut them off. Remember, Harry's statement of "You can't shut us out." Subconsciously, she would have been getting rid of all authority figures. She would be in command (I know Eric--Seven in charge). Just think of all those teens you know, except for Cdr 8742, who wish their parents and teachers didn't exist. I thought Jeri Taylor's decision to have Seven terminate units 1-10 was great.

Review Boy (JW) -- 19 May 1998, 11:11 AM

Really Late thoughts on One.

> My one nit with this episode was that when she had to pick some stasis chambers to shut down, albeit temporarily, she chose the senior officers. Surely any other gouping would have been better, 11-20? 135-145? Just not 1-10.

Probably because if it was a grouping of nameless extras, the drama wouldn't have been the same. If it's Paris you see dying in the chamber he feared so much, that he's escaped four times already, it's got more dramatic impact.

Ginny -- 19 May 1998, 5:42 PM

"ONE flew east, and ONE flew west, and ONE flew over the cuckoo's nest."

Well, heck, if y'all can post your ONE comments late, then so can I. (Please note that I have only skimmed other posters' comments since rising from my sick bed. Or, rather, sick sofa. I may, therefore, repeat the obvious.) I really liked this episode and thought it was an excellent showcase for Seven. It was, in fact, what I have really wanted for the character, instead of what we've been getting, which is Seven as scientific explorer/neurosurgeon/rock star/--oh, sorry. Wrong dimension. What I really meant was the tendency to make Seven the Voyager eqivalent of Data and Wesley Crusher all rolled up into one (yes, it's a horrible thought, but I'm trying to make a point here). No problem without a solution--by Data or Wesley or Seven! No storyline without a featured role--for Data or Wesley or Seven! Oh my! To misquote a certain brash young starship captain, "Too much of anything, Lieutenant, even [screen time], is not necessarily a good thing."

So, anyway, back to ONE. The story was good, the dialogue was good, the direction was good. The GRIPE section in going to be relatively brief.

GRIPES

--I'm getting used to Kathryn ignoring the "Danger--Do Not Enter" signs posted all over the Delta Quadrant, but I really do think Chakotay should have raised more strenuous objections to a plan that had "disaster" written all over it. In big, bold letters. That flashed on and off. To the rhythm of an emergency klaxon.

--Where did all those stasis units come from? Surely they aren't standard equipment on a ship whose original mission didn't include lengthy deep space missions.

--The only real disappointment that I had was at the end, when Seven observes, "Perhaps you dislike being alone" to Tom. I thought the moment would have had more resonance and tied back into the story events, if there had been a reaction shot from Tom, perhaps a revealing moment of startled insight--or maybe something else altogether. Of course, you know me--anything for extra screen time for my darling Tom.

Although I really hate it when he whines.

GRATIFYING BITS

--I thought the music was excellent this episode. The score really contributed to the creepiness of Seven's isolation on the ship.

--I thought the guest alien convincingly conveyed menace and an implied sexual threat. And did anyone else notice that Seven doesn't seem to be suffering any noticeable after-effects from her RETROSPECT trauma? At least, none worth mentioning.

I thought the idea that Vickie (I think it was Vickie) mentioned about the alien role originally being intended for RDM was brilliant! Wow. It would have added dozens of layers of depth and significance to nearly every scene in an otherwise very good episode and made it outstanding. It would certainly have raised even more questions about why Tom seem to figure so prominently in Seven's hallucinations. Of course, the fact that Tom attempted four times to escape the stasis chambers could have been part of it, but I, being the optimist that I am, would like to think that TPTB are laying the groundwork for future character interaction between Tom and Seven by making Seven's early hallucination center around Tom (and later, Tom and Harry). That's another reason why I felt cheated by the final scene.

--I loved the scene on the bridge with the various burned bridge officers. There was such a creepy dynamic between the characters, and I thought that everyone's comments were a perfect twist on what Seven would have expected or imagined the real individuals to say. Harry's nastiness and Tom's cavalier attitude were particularly interesting manifestations of Seven's hallucination, (although it was Kathryn's "Blame me." that made me laugh out loud), and one more reason why I found the ending in the final scene somewhat abrupt and unsatisfying.

--47's to the left of them, 47's to the right of them.

Nutritional supplement--14Beta7

Course adjustment to starboard--.347

11 minutes until they were past the nebula--11=7+4

Plasma conduits ruptured on decks 7 and 13--7 and 1+3=4

I tried to make 47's out of Tom's vital signs, and this is what I came up with.

Pulse--42

Temp--97.6

BP--100/50

Which gives you 4, 2, 9, 7, 6 and 100/50 or 2

4 and 7, of course, and 9-2 and 6-2, which is 7 and 4.

Good quotes.

Seven:

"I have no desire to have fun."

"Don't panic. It's counterproductive."

"I am alone, but I will adapt."

Holodoc:

"Because you're being intentionally perverse!"

And Janeway's "Blame me" quote, which I didn't write down in its entirety.