Watched this episode a couple of days ago and I must say I was very pleasantly surprised. Its several years since I last saw this ep and it’s the first time I saw it, while going through the entire series, episode by episode. What surprised me was how well this episode seemed to be written, compared to the general blandness and formulaic approach one seems to get with most other episodes. It all came together for me. This might have to do with the fact that for once characterisation was at the forefront. Also, the conflict in the episode was far less of a random sort than what you get with your typical alien or anomaly of the week plots. It was, in fact, rooted in one of the main characters (the normally entirely nerdy and flawless Wesley Crusher, it’s the first time he reminded me of a human being!). As a result, the episode came across as much more serious and believable than many in my recent viewing experience. Once again a good effort by Ronald D. Moore!
On a side note, even though the squad leader was called Nick Locarno he clearly seemed to be the model of the later Tom Paris from Voyager. Maybe he changed his name when he went to the academy to avoid comparisons to his overbearing father (Admiral Owen Paris) and changed it back later after the new name was tainted by involuntary manslaughter.
On a side note, even though the squad leader was called Nick Locarno he clearly seemed to be the model of the later Tom Paris from Voyager. Maybe he changed his name when he went to the academy to avoid comparisons to his overbearing father (Admiral Owen Paris) and changed it back later after the new name was tainted by involuntary manslaughter.
