An empty threat, a real threat and a danger that really doesn’t matter. All in the episode that originally aired on May 13, 1996. This is Resolutions.
The Episode:
Captain’s Log Stardate 49690.1 Resolutions
After being forced to abandon both Janeway and Chakotay on a planet due to a terminal illness, Captain Tuvok has to either find a cure or continue on their journey home.
The Story:
Okay, this is one of those episodes that really has little baring on anything before or after it. The story is pretty basic and frankly it is one that I don’t think is worth diving in for a full synopsis. That being said, I will spell out the key beats of the episode and leave it for you to watch on your own.
- Janeway and Chakotay awake in stasis chambers on a gorgeous planet only to learn that they have an untreatable disease and have been in stasis for 17 days. The planet they are on protects them from the virus and it is their only chance to live a full life. The Vidiians might be able to help but Janeway says no.
- Acting Captain Tuvok is ordered to continue their journey home without Janeway and Chakotay. He reluctantly agrees and heads off as ordered.
- End of season two.
- Just kidding. The moral gets bad and Tuvok chooses to contact the Vidiians who, guess what, try to take over Voyager but The Doctor’s old Vidiian girlfriend appears and hooks them up with an anivirus.
- As Tuvok disobeys orders, Janeway and Chakotay are saved from a terrible storm (via a warning by a monkey) that unfortunately destroy’s Janeway’s research in the process.
- Janeway and Chakotay ultimately spend three months on the planet and, after accepting that she will never find a cure, Janeway begins to ‘get to know’ her Commander. (they hold hands…yeah…that’s literally it) They are soon surprised when Voyager returns with a cure.
- Back in the saddle, Janeway and Chakotay continue their leadership upon Voyager heading into the season finale.
Is this a ‘Good’ Episode:
Eh, It’s not bad. Not the most impactful episode ever but one that wraps up the Doctor’s Vidiian relationship story line and gives Tuvok a little more character development as a Captain (although he never puts the actual rank or red command uniform on).
The one thing this episode does do is give us a really good look at the characters of Janeway and Chakotay who really haven’t interacted on a personal level. While they both want to find a cure, Chakotay and Janeway have very different outlooks on life and acceptance of fate. Janeway is one who is unwilling to give up no matter what, while Chakotay, on the other hand, is willing to accept his fate regardless of the situation he is in, especially if the alternative is to toil forever fruitlessly. It is an interesting juxtaposition for these two characters and one that really shows why the two work well together as Captain and Commander.
That being said, did the writers really think that the show was going to abandon the two lead characters on the show? seriously? Plus shouldn’t this be a lesson that command level officers NOT go on away missions? They got infected by a virus via a bug bite. A BUG BITE!!! Do they not have OFF or REPEL in the future? Oy.
Overall, a totally throw away filler episode that attempts to drive home how much the crew loves Janeway and Chakotay and how much they need each other. That and why Tuvok should never be a Captain himself. Sure he finally made the right decision and did an admirable job in his efforts but I mean, damn dude, you really need to chill…maybe use some of those Tuvix traits that I know you still have?
Gleanings and Cool Bits:
- 3 photon torpedoes fired, 29 remaining.
- 0 shuttlecraft lost or destroyed, 5 remaining.
- We learn that Janeway hates cooking…
- …but she is a really good gardener.
- Once again Harry Kim is ignored despite his best efforts to formulate a plan to save the Captain and Commander. This guy should have been promoted for his efforts in this episode but no…even a monkey got more recognition than poor Harry Kim. I mean, maybe it’s because he isn’t the real Harry…he is from an alternate timeline…
- This episode marks the return of Doctor Denara Pel and the last time we encounter the Vidiians. It is also the last time The Doctor is referred to as Shmullus.
- Voyager lost 3-5 months off of it’s journey because of this. Again, use OFF on away missions!!!
Thanks for reading the Retro TV Review, I look forward to discussing the rest of the series with you, one episode at a time every Monday, Wednesday and Friday! Next Review: The Season Finale Basics Part I
If you would like to read more reviews I have a weekly series called Key Movies Of My Life that comes out every Thursday and for more retro TV goodness check out the rest of the Retro TV Reviews here.
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Late To The Game 7/3/2020
Special Thanks to Memory Alpha as they are one of the best sources for details on Star Trek information available. Although I have a pretty deep knowledge on the subject, they have proven invaluable as a regular resource.
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