Seven of Nine is forced to fight in the brutal sport of Tsunkatse, interfering with the crew's shore leave.
(Originally aired February 9, 2000)
| Quotable Moments |
| Penk: Welcome to Tsunkatse. Since the game's inception, our audience has never had the pleasure of seeing a drone compete. You are going to be a very popular attraction. |
Hirogen: Stop thinking like a drone! Sanctioned maneuvers. Perfecting your defenses. You can't assimilate Tsunkatse from a book. You must live it, feel it … in here. (Points to Seven's chest.) |
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GUEST STARS
Jeffrey Combs - Penk
J. G. Hertzler - Hirogen
The Rock (listed as Special Guest Star)
WHAT HAPPENED
A sports arena. The camera pans quickly over the crowd, which seems to include some Voyager uniforms.
Two fighters enter the pit; they're humanoid aliens, one with a ridged forehead, the other big-headed. They fight, engaging in a furious flurry of punches, jumps and kicks. With disconcerting force, one knocks the other to the floor.
The fight is over, apparently signified by a lit sensor on the loser's chest.
The spectators cheer wildly. Among them, no less enthusiastic, are
Chakotay and B'Elanna. (more spoilers)
ANALYSIS
Like the fighters it portrays, "Tsunkatse" is nimble yet packs a punch. The episode attains a degree of emotional resonance without indulging in the saccharine sentimentality sometimes evident elsewhere in the series.
Although the supposed parallels between boxing and the gruesome alien sport are questionable, they are presented with a welcome subtlety. Moreover, while Seven's excursions into self-doubt are becoming a bit repetitive, her interaction with a Hirogen in this episode makes for interesting psychological drama.
The Hirogen, in fact, virtually steals the show. While Voyager has consistently depicted this alien species as formidable hunters, this individual displays an unexpected dignity that lends weight to the proceedings.
Professional wrestler The Rock's performance as one of Seven's opponents is entertaining but brief. The pained look on
Neelix's face as he watches this encounter from the audience is worth the price of admission.
WHAT WE LEARN
Neelix is susceptible to sunburns and allergies.
The Doctor's cultural preferences can override his considerable interest in spending time with Seven.
Janeway is skilled at piloting the Delta Flyer in combat.
While traveling, B'Elanna carries a stuffed animal, Toby the Targ.
DANGLING PLOT THREADS
Crew members displayed considerable knowledge in handicapping the Tsunkatse bouts. How did they attain such knowledge without finding out that the sport includes fights to the death?
Or did they -- amazingly -- know and not care, until one of their own was in the pit? And will they now give up gambling?
How is Neelix applying Borg technology to his kitchen chores? Is Janeway right to be concerned?
REALITY CHECK
The fighters wear "polaron disrupters" that impart a "bioplasmic charge" to the sensors worn by their opponents. This bit of technological jargon actually makes sense. Polarons are electrons that, moving through a solid material, cause a rearrangement of electrical charges. "Bioplasmic" means induced by biological activity.
TUNE IN NEXT WEEK...
Children of the Borg! In "Collective", the Borg capture Chakotay and other crew members. Is assimilation in store?
What do you think? Send your comments to the
writer or editor.
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