I am a huge fan of Tom Morello, the lead guitarist from Rage Against the Machine. He made a cameo in the VOY episode "Good Shepherd". One of my friends is pretty adamant in his claim that Tom's "To the left, ma'am" line was NOT hoMAGE' to Morello's leftist political beliefs. I believe that it must be. The line makes no sense otherwise.
MITCHELL: Captain on the deck! JANEWAY: At ease. Junction room sixteen? MITCHELL: Over there, Captain. JANEWAY: Of course. Crewman Mitchell, how have you been? MITCHELL: never better, ma'am. Yourself? JANEWAY: Not bad. Not bad at all. MITCHELL: ah, to the left, ma'am. JANEWAY: Thank you. I'm assuming she started in the wrong direction and he corrected her? When I get my guest appearance on Star Trek I hope my single line, "Oh.. to the gutter." is taken with as much respect and glee by those who know me best as you have shown with Mr. Morello's contribution. (Maybe this is why they made Barclay a stutterer? So he never quite got to his half baked directions out?)
Well yeah, but I was thinking it had a double meaning. It just seems too perfect that he says "To the left". Seems an awful coincidence if he was just giving Janeway directions. The mystery of it aside, I just think its awesome to have one of my most beloved musicians make an appearance on one of my favorite shows.
Guess it's a good thing Haren wasn't to the right.... then zomg what an insult and snub it would've been to him! Or I guess they'd have had to get Clint Eastwood to play the extra. Which might have been cool.
I was always amused that Seth McFarlane made absolutely no effort to make his lines eccentric or do *anything* to be particularly memorable.
I never thought the line was meant to be anything except funny. And to these tired old ears... it was! At least he "got" a line... and delivered it to the Captain herself, which is more than the current King of Jordan can brag.
Apparently, Morello is a huge Star Trek fan who was honored to appear on the show. LOL (R. Star Clint Eastwood & Teacake "To the gutter")