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 |  | Star Trek: Voyager - 'Virtuoso'
By Kenneth Silber
Opinions Editor
posted: 03:52 pm ET
26 July 2000
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voyager_613
The Doctor becomes a superstar when an advanced alien race rejoices in his singing ability.
(Originally aired January 26, 2000)
Written by Raf Green & Kenneth Biller
Directed by Les Landau
GUEST STARS
Kamala Dawson - Tincoo
Ray Xifo - Abarca
Paul Williams - Koru
Marie Caldare - Azen
Nina Magnesson - Vinka
WHAT HAPPENED
In sick bay, the Doctor is treating several members of the Qomar, an advanced but reclusive humanoid species. They are on board because their ship is temporarily disabled, but having to deal with a "primitive computer matrix" like the Doctor irritates them.
But then they hear him casually sing, "I've been working on the railroad." Having never heard music before, they are fascinated -- the Doctor's singing is, as one says, "a unique mathematical variation".... (more spoilers)
ANALYSIS
Living up to its name, "Virtuoso" provides a skillful rendition of wit and emotion. The Doctor has emerged as a mainstay of the series, a character with greater humanity and depth than most of his shipmates. This episode, along with "Tinker, Tenor, Doctor, Spy," represents a high point of the season.
Although "Virtuoso" is a tale of comeuppance, the Doctor remains a sympathetic character throughout. His behavior is understandable, if not always commendable, and his compatriots' anger seems rooted partly in jealousy and chauvinism.
The aliens are portrayed with clever subtlety. While their personalities and priorities take time to be understood, it's not necessarily because they are concealing their agenda. Kamala Dawson's performance heightens the appeal of Tincoo.
DANGLING PLOT THREADS
Just what underlies Seven's bitterness at the Doctor's possible departure?
Will the Qomar retreat into isolationism again?
REALITY CHECK
Opera has yet to gain the mass appeal in the United States that it enjoys in Italy and on the Qomar planet.
TUNE IN NEXT WEEK....
Members of the Voyager crew have horrific flashbacks to a slaughter of peaceful colonists. How were they involved? Find out, in "Memorial".
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