This episode touches on one of the main focuses of Star Trek: the definition and refinement on human nature. Every episode that has touched on this subject has almost always been a highlight of Star Trek. Similar to the birth of a human from a positronic brain, or the evaluation of the Prime Directive, this episode tackles humanity.
Janeway distinguishes herself as a Picard, and other greats, to have a human imperative that steadfastly has the need to employ humanity. Seven of Nine is portrayed perfectly as a human conscience wrapped in a shell of conformity, only cracked from a woman with a conviction: humanity has a will, and a need to be realized among all who have the potential and willingness.
However even more dynamically, Janeway evolves the sense of realizing humanity in Seven of Nine. Seven wants to return to the Borg, citing its her freedom to choose so, as a human. Janeway evolves humanity against the charge of hypocrisy, stating that no human would choose to be enslaved by the conformity of the Borg, and that Seven is not completely human yet. Janeway adds another definition to humanity as defined by Star Trek, in her assertion to Seven of Nine.
The sub-plot for Kes is somewhat abrupt, changing appearance, abilities, and even her state of matter within a few episodes.
Spoilers herein: you have been warned.
Kes' new powers are abrupt, however the saving grace is the ability to portray it as an ascension, as seen in an episode of The Next Generation: the idea that past the accomplishment of warp, there is another accomplishment for species. That accomplishment is the ability to perceive matter, space, and time as one unified state of existence.
This acts as an interesting deus ex machina for the plot, sending Voyager through a "super-warp" that shortens their journey by ten years. It's a relief though, after many failed attempts for an expedited method home for the crew.
On the basis of a "popcorn" entertainment episode, this episode may be a seven out of ten, but on a grander and deeper scale, this episode reverberates as a continuation of a higher sense of Star Trek, adding a well-deserved two more stars! Seven of Nine + 0.222 = ~9/10 stars! (7/9 + 0.2 = ~.9 = ~9/10)
Janeway distinguishes herself as a Picard, and other greats, to have a human imperative that steadfastly has the need to employ humanity. Seven of Nine is portrayed perfectly as a human conscience wrapped in a shell of conformity, only cracked from a woman with a conviction: humanity has a will, and a need to be realized among all who have the potential and willingness.
However even more dynamically, Janeway evolves the sense of realizing humanity in Seven of Nine. Seven wants to return to the Borg, citing its her freedom to choose so, as a human. Janeway evolves humanity against the charge of hypocrisy, stating that no human would choose to be enslaved by the conformity of the Borg, and that Seven is not completely human yet. Janeway adds another definition to humanity as defined by Star Trek, in her assertion to Seven of Nine.
The sub-plot for Kes is somewhat abrupt, changing appearance, abilities, and even her state of matter within a few episodes.
Spoilers herein: you have been warned.
Kes' new powers are abrupt, however the saving grace is the ability to portray it as an ascension, as seen in an episode of The Next Generation: the idea that past the accomplishment of warp, there is another accomplishment for species. That accomplishment is the ability to perceive matter, space, and time as one unified state of existence.
This acts as an interesting deus ex machina for the plot, sending Voyager through a "super-warp" that shortens their journey by ten years. It's a relief though, after many failed attempts for an expedited method home for the crew.
On the basis of a "popcorn" entertainment episode, this episode may be a seven out of ten, but on a grander and deeper scale, this episode reverberates as a continuation of a higher sense of Star Trek, adding a well-deserved two more stars! Seven of Nine + 0.222 = ~9/10 stars! (7/9 + 0.2 = ~.9 = ~9/10)