 |
||
 EPISODE REVIEWS | ||
 | "Distant
Origin" - Week of Apr. 28th - May 2nd File Photo
|| Mission Log Airdate: April
30th, 1997 Written by:
Teleplay by Brannon Braga and Joe Menosky Directed by: David
Livingston In Short:
Thought-provoking, original, and awesome, "Distant
Origin" is easily one of Voyager's best, even if concluding
less strongly than beginning. Brief Summary:
A Revolutionary Voth scientist sets out to find Voyager in the
hope of proving his "Distant Origin" theory; that his
"dino-SAURIAN" race evolved on a planet far across the
Galaxy, the same as "mammalian" humans. Review Inline with much
of Voyager's third season, "Distant Origin" proves that
Star Trek has many stories left to tell, each with its own
thought-provoking implications. Joe Menosky of TNG fame also
continues to be associated with Voyager's "coming out"
party (opposite of Ellen's of course). This show was truly
awesome on many levels, notably the entire concept it presented.
Unfortunately I can already imagine the hoards of criticism this
episode may receive based on its semi-controversial nature. The concept of
dinosaurs actually evolving into a space-faring species millions
of years before humanity rose from all fours is truly
encompassing and spectacularly original. Add to that the first
episode where Voyager's premise of being trapped in the Delta
Quadrant has actually been utilized to its greatest extent.
Unlike other great shows like "Future's End," the
installment associated with Voyager "coming of its
own," "Distant Origin" relies completely on
Voyager's presence in this sector of space for the past three
years and is independent of any "other-quadrant" or
"temporal-anomaly-from-the-Alpha-Quadrant" inference
(I'm sure you know what I mean). The tie-ins with Hogan's remains
and the space station near the "Necrid Expanse"
demonstrate the writers' consciousness of continuity.
Interestingly however, the Prime Directive was never cited here
showing considerable restraint on behalf of the writers who would
usually have jumped at the opportunity to point out the
paradoxical nature of Voyager's influence upon the existence of
an entire civilization being brought into question. Thankfully,
they didn't underestimate us "endotherms" out here and
allowed us to make that connection on our own. Right there are
two levels on which this story achieved high marks. The third
being the choice to place these "Voth" technologically
ahead of the Federation (although logically since they evolved so
much earlier than us, shouldn't they have been even more
advanced?). I found it exceedingly exciting to see the enhanced
"transwarp" effect and the "displacing cloak"
technology. The size of the Voth ships and their transporter
technology also seemed wondrous, along with the concept of a
"city-ship" (we never saw their home planet, and it
seems that their government is space-based). I was enormously
flabbergasted when that monstrous ship came out of warp in an
effect worthy of the Rebel Alliance (ROTJ)! But nothing could
prepare me for the next scene where we see just how large that
ship was, and Voyager was transported inside much like they might
transport a shuttle craft. But anyway, back
to the plot itself. First of all, I like how the first third of
the script was presented from the alien point of view. This was
unique for Voyager, and if I'm correct, hasn't been used since
TNG's "First Contact" (not the movie mind you!). Much
was learned about the Voth through Gagen's verbal analysis of the
remains, mainly that they are physically superior. The ease at
which he deciphered that these "endotherms" came on a
ship named "Voyager" was a little quick, but didn't
adversely affect the experience for me. The reconnaissance
dialogue while Veneer (I think) and Gagen were
"touring" Voyager under cloak was superbly humorous,
and again the writers demonstrate diligence by furthering the
relationship between Paris and Torres. The reference to the male
submission towards Janeway, and their rash assumption that
humanity was matriarchal was also wonderfully entertaining. The
hunt for the intruders was also made more interesting than it
might have been, culminating with a "hands full Neelix"
having to duck phaser fire! I liked Gagen's comment, "We
seem to have underestimated our endotherms here" (or words
to that effect). The perspective of our culture seen through more
evolved eyes is always fascinating. The scene between
Janeway and the Doc in the Holodeck seemed slightly
"gimmicky", but I suppose an episode like this couldn't
go by without the direct comparison of the Dinosaurs to the Voth
(and the Holodeck is about as direct as you can get don't you
think?). Although I do have a slight problem with the issue of
how the computer could within three steps extrapolate an image of
a higher-evolved Dinosaur so closely resembling the Voth captive.
But then again, I guess that's what made the concept so
spectacular- that's exactly what the Voth were: Dinosaurs having
evolved over millions and millions of years. Regrettably, after
the awing capture of Voyager and trick by Paris, the show let
down slightly. Frankly, I think these closing minutes would've
been a little more entertaining have Paris successfully blown a
hole through the Voth "city-ship," at least lending
some credit to human ingenuity. Also, while Paris's use of the
displacing cloak was a surprise for me, the treachery of Veneer
was too predictable, what with the talk about the Professor's
daughter and Veneer's "green" character from the
beginning. The thing that really let me down was how the ending
was almost entirely reduced to sharp oratory. Not to say that
either Gagen's speech or Chakotay's was bad, but it was apparent
from the start that Chakotay's plea would result in a pause and
then the continuation of the original judgment. And the recanting
of Gagen was very anti-climatic, almost making me feel as though
I had been betrayed, after the Professor was depicted so
dedicated to his "Distant Origin" theory. I think that
perhaps an escape of Voyager, a beam-out of Chakotay, and an
ominous model of the planet Earth being curiously examined by the
Voth leader or even a Voth youngster, signaling the inevitability
of the acceptance of the "Distant Origin" theory would
have left the audience with more of an after-effect. But all in all,
the weak ending was not enough to make me think negatively at all
about "Distant Origin". Like I said above, I think the
future-effect on the Voth should've been alluded to more. Leaving
us with the knowledge that our crew inadvertently contributed to
a major revelation in a distant civilization should have been
stronger, but at least it was present. Now, Some Minor
Points: - I understand the
concept of the universal translator, and the need for such a
television drama to have English-speaking aliens, but I liked the
"chirping" noises better, and think that even these
Voth were too "humanized." It takes away from their
being "alien." - Ok, I have to
mention it... "Transwarp...why...hey...how about giving us
some pointers along with a phase-cloak to make our journey home
more plausible?" - I wonder if the
Voth have encountered the Borg, and vice versa. Interesting how
the Borg would rather go all the way to the Alpha Quadrant to
assimilate people rather than look right in their own
backyard.... Writing:
Original, surprising, encompassing, and entertaining,
"Distant Origin" proves that there are countless
stories Star Trek has yet to tell. Directing:
Whether it was the script, or the Director's idea, the most
important aspect was the point of view from which much of the
story was told. Fresh, and nascent it added to the overall
enjoyment. Acting:
Among so many great things, I can't really point out any
particularly blazing performances. Rating: 7
out of 10 Quote: "That's Tom
Paris...my helmsman. Sounds like he's about to blow a hole in the
side of your ship. Mr. Paris, FIRE!....oh, I'd grab a hold of
something if I were you." -Count your
chickens before they hatch, Captain. Next Week:
Amidst so many fresh ideas, it's depressing that May sweeps is
going to be brought down from the level of "Distant
Origin" to Lisa Klink's latest "ship-based alien
snatch-crew-member anomaly" story. Oh well, shouldn't judge
a book by it's cover (or an episode of Star Trek by a trailer
with funky music in the background). We'll see. Oh yeah, it's
called "Displaced" | |
|
|
||
|
NAVIGATION PADD | ||
| ||