to include among the Starfleet vessel's purchases. Despite Chakotay's reluctance, Tom trades an antique jukebox and other items for the one-seat shuttle, which has a "neurogenic interface" that links to a pilot's thoughts.
ANALYSIS
Although weakened by a contrived plot, this episode maintains an entertaining eccentricity. Some viewers may recognize in Tom's plight an extrapolation of their own relationship problems.
Speaking of Tom, Robert Duncan McNeill gives a largely expressionless performance. Is it bad acting? Or a skillful portrayal of a man experiencing a highly ambiguous mental state?
Alice's destruction in the particle fountain is unfortunate. Her character might have grown if given an opportunity.
DANGLING PLOT THREADS
Why does Alice want to go to the particle fountain? Doesn't she know it will destroy her?
REALITY CHECK
Modern-day physicists have not yet delved into the mysteries of "particle fountains."
The "neurogenic interface" is a misnomer. Given that the shuttle's behavior seems to produce -- rather than be produced by -- neural effects, the interface might have better been called "neurotropic."
TUNE IN NEXT WEEK
For both parts of the season premiere cliffhanger "Equinox". New episodes start again the week after.
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