(originally aired November 24)

Written by Joe Menosky
directed by Terry Windell

Albie Selznick - Mr. Tash

Seven of Nine is busy adding a new cortical processor to her alcove when loveable moppet Naomi Wildman drops by for a visit.

Here's a conspiracy theory for you, true Trek believers: The producers of Voyager are engaged in a plot to lower the collective IQ of Star Trek fandom by inflicting mind-numbing pap on them on a weekly basis.

If this episode is any indication, there's a lot more evidence to support this theory than any of the ones suggested by Seven of Nine to support her cybernetically-enhanced delusions. It's the best way to explain the gaping plot holes, minimal suspense, and decidedly lame "Terms of Endearment"-style resolution of the episode.

It's a shame really. This episode demonstrated an uncharacteristic reliance on What Has Gone Before, and institutional memory is a rare and precious commodity in the Star Trek franchise these days.

It was refreshing to see some measure of attention to continuity between past and present that most Trek adventures -- and Voyager in particular -- sorely lack. Sadly, it would have been very interesting to see this continuity employed in the service of a more interesting story.

Unfortunately, while Janeway and Chakotay bought into Seven of Nine's delusions, viewers don't really have that option.

The evidence Seven cites come from episodes that simply don't support her theories -- in fact, if any of the conspiracies Seven of Nine laid out actually existed, it would invalidate five years of Voyager episodes.

If that's what the producers were implying here, the viewers would demand, at the very least, a two-hour clip episode "event" to lay the whole thing out in a way that satisfied both internal and logical consistency.

That said, a Federation or Maquis plot to control the Delta Quadrant would be a brilliant plot twist that would finally give Voyager the direction and focus it has lacked since the very beginning.

Of course, such a twist will never come to pass because, if nothing else, it would fly in the face of the simple resolutions and pat solutions that has become the lifeblood of recent Star Trek outings since Deep Space Nine.

An extended conflict means that Janeway and Chakotay -- and the viewers -- can't enjoy a hearty chuckle over a cup of coffee at the end of the hour.

Did a cloaked ship really save the reactor and deliver it to Tash? If so, who was in command of that ship, and where is it now?

How far does Seven of Nine have to go before Janeway will hold her accountable for her actions?