Star Trek: Voyager Reviews for Season Seven

• Okay, it's almost half over and Janeway and Seven haven't even been in a scene together. *sigh*
• Hmm, Seven remembers the female Starfleet officer, but not the guy who's supposedly the love of her life.  Uh huh.
• My, Janeway didn't like this whole 'Axum' idea when she first hears his name, did she?
• Oooh, Janeway and Seven get mind melded which is fairly intriguing.
• Cute line about 'turning in early tonight'.  Said in a slightly flirtatious tone.
• Janeway liked what she saw in Unimatrix Zero, particularly when it came to Seven.  (Who tells her that there, she's known as 'Annika'.  Not a big deal at the time, but later, she demands that loverboy call her Seven of Nine with a certain amount of distaste in her tone, so that basically is that.)
• I do have to giggle when the Queen says 'Janeway' in sort of the same tone Seinfeld says 'Newman'.
• A 'walk and talk' as Janeway tells Seven how much she likes 'Annika', or words to that effect.  Did it have any effect upon subsequent events and Seven's pulling away from Axum?
• I don't suppose it occurred to the producers or writers that if Seven does remember what happened all those years in this virtual reality, where she essentially grew up, made friends, and developed a romantic relationship (though so far, we only have the dude's word for it), then she would have all the social skills needed to fit in completely as a crewmember on Voyager.  What's the point of her character any longer?  She'd really have nothing left to learn, and no reason to be the 'outsider' any longer.  She'd basically be Human and a huge part of her charm and appeal would immediately be lost.  Now, I don't think they're going to go this way, but if they really thought about the consequences of the silly ideas they have (cyber space for Borg drones?!?) then this would be the obvious outcome if she remembers her life in Unimatrix Zero in any concrete way.
• So Janeway actually planned to be assimilated.  I bet there won't be any personal repercussions from this at all, though obviously, Seven would be the perfect one to help her deal with it. *sigh*  How far we've fallen from TNG's Best of Both Worlds and the chilling plot of Locutus and Wolf 359.   I will say, however, J and C can hold hands all they want on the bridge, lets not forget which Borg babe Janeway is really risking life, ship and crew for.  (Not to mention her security officer and her chief engineer.) *G*

(from Campbell T Forrester, Oct. 27, 2000) the last scene...i'm sorry but that was the best subtext i've seen in a while.

1.  when Kathryn tries to sit up, Seven reaches for her.  Seven reaches for Her.  is this not the first time?  Kathryn looks as shocked as we are, her eyes never leave Seven's hand.  she stops and collapses back on the bed  before Seven can touch her.

2.  when Mulgrew delivers the line, "have you heard from your friend..?" i can feel it in the pit of my stomach.  it's like Kathryn has to know but she doesn't want to know.  when Seven answers, Kathryn doesn't give her the motherly, oh, it's okay, honey, maybe you'll see him again.  are you all right?  no.  she stares at her with the most interesting expression.  i felt Kathryn going deeper into herself and trying to put a brave face on it with her small smile (if that's what you want to call it) at the end.

(From Nance, July 20, 2001)
Last night I watched UZ part I & II. I really like this episode if for no other reason than the interplay between the Borg Queen and Janeway. Two Alpha females going toe to toe! Love it! Janeway's response to UZ was  interesting, I thought. She seemed a little possessive or jealous? SHE was  going to check it out. Once she got there, of course, she took control. Seven seemed impressed. Even though I knew what was going to happen, I was still drawn in by all the tension of the assimilation. Good stuff. At the end when Janeway was in sickbay and Seven comes over to her, I really felt there was some good stuff there that people reviewing this episode missed. The wonderful smile that Seven gave Janeway after Janeway said "...remind me of this day" comment. Then when Janeway asked about Seven's friend...yes in a perfect world Seven would have answered differently, but even with what she did say about them being more than friends and if she forgot that then Janeway should remind her of this day, even with that there was a wonderful look that passed between them and warm smiles. Janeway and Seven's relationship is not deminished because Janeway once loved Mark...so is it the same with Seven and Axum. If
anything what Janeway and Seven now share is an understanding of a love lost. It's not like Seven is devastated over the loss of Axum like she was over "One"...I mean there she is in sickbay smiling at Janeway. I actually think this was good for their relationship. (especially given that "Imperfection" cames after this episode) The thing I didn't like about this episode was why Axum never bothered to contact Seven in the 3 years she was gone just to say "Hi...I miss you". It's not like he couldn't ...though how THAT was possible is still a mystery given she's no longer connected to the Borg. Why did he wait until their collective butts were in trouble before contacting "the love of his life"? Maybe because they weren't the love of each other's lives. Just a thought.

• Seven and Janeway in the transporter room saying goodbye to the Borg kiddies.  Such a touching moment deserved some acknowledgment and it was presented by Janeway putting her arm around Seven and giving her a comforting hug ... maybe just friendly, but considering she didn't touch her at all in Infinite Regress, this was a definite escalation of affection by the captain when Seven's having a hard time.
• Note how Seven doesn't want the captain to know she's malfunctioning.  It's obvious that Janeway is the most important person in her life, and she tries to protect her feelings.
• Janeway leaning close to Seven in sickbay.  She's obviously deeply concerned for her ... uh, 'friend'.  Janeway looks away when the word 'die' comes up.  She moves in close and tries to comfort her.
• Then, Janeway immediately heads for the bridge to find some Borg technology to save her ... uh, 'friend'.  Despite all objections, she's going to dig around a Borg debris field, regardless of the fact the Collective might show up at anytime.
• She performs the role of spouse, breaking the news to Seven's charge that Seven is ill.
• Hmm, neither Borg nor pirate nor dark of cube shall hinder our good captain in the pursuit of rescuing her Borg.  Don't get in this redhead's way, she'll laser scalp you.
• You know, I don't know that Janeway would often insist on being present for an operation.  She wasn't for B'Elanna's, she wasn't there when Chakotay was 'brain dead' ... but she's right there for Seven ... even when they're only practicing in the holodeck.  Furthermore, she becomes more agitated the longer it goes.
• Damn, here's Janeway going to go after a LIVE drone.  The doctor has to hold the captain back.  He, supposedly in love with Seven, is prepared to give up.  Janeway never is.
• Janeway is the one that breaks the news to Seven that it won't work, and Seven stares at her, not the Doctor, even when he's talking.  Janeway is devastated, needing to reach for support on a nearby biobed.
• A nice scene between B'Elanna and Seven in engineering, particularly for the B/7 fans ... except, unfortunately, B'Elanna gets married next ep. Or, if the rumors are correct, and Drive should have been shown before this, then as a married woman, B'Elanna's just a lot nicer to everyone, even to Seven for whom she's not had much use for prior to this.
• The scene in astrometrics is delicious. Janeway is very relaxed and promises to take Seven home to Indiana ... to meet mother perhaps?  Can't remember her making that offer to anyone else.
• Seven as much says that she belongs to Janeway, that while the rest of the people who came to Voyager offered their unique personalities, but with Seven, hers is because of the captain's attention.
• Janeway gets all choked up, says she's never been disappointed and that she wouldn't want to lose a 'friend'.  Not to belabor the point, but isn't that how significant others are referred to in the 24th century?
• Hmm, note how Icheb uses the example of the captain dying to prove his point to Seven, undoubtedly aware that Seven would not sacrifice herself for anyone else on the ship.
• And again, Janeway's there in the operating room.  Goodness.  Has the rest of the ship stopped requiring the captain suddenly?  Then, when it's over, she's shown looking down into the unconscious (and nekkid) Seven of Nine.
• Janeway is the first face Seven sees when she finally comes out of stasis.

(from Campbell T Forrester, Oct. 27, 2000)
When Kathryn gets Seven in the alcove at the end with her rather sultry, "Good Morning," Seven looks around and asks after Icheb.  Kathryn drops her face, smiles at her feet and shakes her head. she obviously expected a different response. (if you woke up and Kathryn was that close to you, with that smile, saying that most husky "Good Morning," what would you say/do??)

• I am glad that I knew P/T would end up together in the end ... otherwise, I would have gotten all excited in the beginning of the episode when B'Elanna was talking about her and Tom being a bad match.  What I find ironic, is after they stated all the problems this couple has, they promptly gloss over it.   Relationships written for the teenage boy demographic, I guess.
• Yes, by all means ladies, let's everyone embrace Tom's interests and pursuits.  We wouldn't want him to make an effort to share anyone else's interests.  Can you tell a guy wrote this?
• Ooh, one cute look from Janeway toward Seven in Astrometrics.  Not worth a star, but the only thing worth noting in the ep.
• Ah, Harry. You have no luck. But at least you saved the day this episode.
• Janeway's "Damn" at the end was cute, and so is she when she's being competitive.
• All in all, a uniquely bland and poorly paced ep.  Definitely not one to watch again.  I do feel bad for the Torres/7 fans though.  You can easily get rid of a neglectful boyfriend ... it's a lot harder to ignore a neglectful hubby.
• I guess I should watched Royal Canadian Air Farce again. *sigh*

• Hmm, Janeway and Seven in astrometrics. It's not an episode unless they have a scene together there.  Again, one has to wonder where did Janeway used to do this stuff before Seven showed up?  They do look awfully comfortable together, though, don't they?
• Since when does Janeway meditate, let alone be able to guide someone else in it?  I mean, honestly, if she did, she'd probably become less agitated when things go wrong.  Retroactive character trait implanted once again ...  a Voyager staple.
• Ooh, Janeway didn't like hearing Chakotay called captain.  And the LOOK?  Not so much a J/7 moment as an anti-J/C moment.  We think we've had little to work with the past two seasons, imagine what they've been dealing with lately.
• Where's Seven when all this is going on? I mean, she'd have tap-danced through all those Maquis.
• Urp, another LOOK at Chakotay when Janeway is released from the brig, and a very sarcastic tone.  Then Janeway sits with Tuvok in the theater, not Chakotay.  Poor J/Cers.  Unfortunately, we have Seven sitting in the back with the Doctor.  Poor J/7ers.  Oh, well.

(November 3, 2000)
Hmm, not a bad episode, but not particularly interesting either. One minor note of interest. Janeway seemed a great deal more laid back about tracking down the Doctor than she ever seemed when Seven is missing. Contrast her dry amusement throughout this show to the terse, agitated mood she displays when Seven has been taken by the Think Tank, the Borg ... fill in the blank. A commentary on her lack of connection to the EMH? Or the intensity of her connection to Seven of Nine?

(November 10, 2000)
Another TNG episode in the guise of a Voyager ep.  I like Barclay, and Deanna,and it's always good to see what's going on back in the Federation.  I'm just a little weary of yet another, 'oh, we're going home, whoops, no, we're not' ep.  I also found Tom and B'Elanna's joke on Harry somewhat cruel at the end. The humor on this show has always shaded to the mean-spirited, particularly between Paris and Harry.  It's one of things I don't like about it.
There is one scene in astrometrics where Janeway puts her hand on Seven's back. Significant in the fourth season, starting out ... perhaps not really intriguing this season, but it it is indicative of how Janeway treats Seven in contrast to the other characters.

(From LateForTheParty, December 1st, 2000)
I agree that  "it's difficult to have subtext, when one character is never around," but I don't think it's impossible, and I do think there was at least one bit of subtext in this episode.  In the Delta Flyer with Doc/Seven and the other captain, Doc/Seven started talking about the one person who believed in her (or whatever was said, I didn't tape the episode) and the other captain said, "your captain?"   I was thinking about the Janeway, the other captain was thinking about Janeway (Seven was probably thinking about Janeway), but we just could not have that in canon (and the Doctor was in control of Seven anyway) so Doc/Seven had to reply, "No, the Doctor."
OK, I am seriously reaching, but isn't subtext reaching by nature?  Didn't the writers at least let us dream for the half second before the reply?   Didn't they hint at the real answer by having the other captain say it?  Didn't they at least leave us with the possibility that Seven was thinking about Janeway when the Doctor  was putting that statement out there, particularly when he implied that something romantic could have developed out of that relationship? Maybe you do not consider that subtext, but it worked for me, and I am clinging to anything this season.

(From Jari, Dec 8th, 2000)
 It happens when Seven/Doc contacts Voyager, Janeway sees her on the viewscreen and says "Seven, it's good to see you." That alone wouldn't be much except for the fact how long were those on the Delta Flyer gone for? Harry mentions "another 3 days" (about having to put up with the Doc) so that would indicate they were away for at least 3 days and were expecting to be out for 3 more days before returning to Voyager plus i doubt that Captain Janeway would go too long without the ship's doctor. So when Janeway saw Seven on the viewer she was happy to see her. Does Janeway miss her that much after less than a week of Seven being away?
Another point i want to make doesn't deal with subtext but the final part of the recent of Flesh and Blood episode about whether the Doc is a 'tool' or not. He was quite prepared to accept punishment, just like any regular member of the crew. Yet Janeway did not. If it had been Tom or Harry that did it, they would have suffered the consequences but not the Doc. He was not malfunctioning as in other cases nor was his program altered. Although Janeway may feel responsible for his actions, but does this mean that she
doesn't think the Doc is a real member of the crew by not handing out some form of punishment, even if just a note on his record? Or does she think he is just a 'tool'? In Tinker, Tenor, Doctor, Spy the Doc gets a medal in the end for doing good, shouldn't he be punished for doing bad? I would think so and that way the Doc would feel like he was being treated just like any other crew member would.

(November 24th, 2000) I actually missed the first part of this because of the annual tree lighting ceremony in my home town, but I did get home to catch the final 45 minutes, and just from that, I figured I didn't miss much. Typical Harry Kim story. Give him a delimma, let him screw it up, he learns a lesson (that he should have learned in season one) and recieve a little lecture from Janeway along the way. Dull, boring, and really, a sad statement of the show that they still don't dare to take a chance in character advancment even in the final season.

(December 1st, 2000)
Well, I actually liked this ep a lot.  I was a little disappointed that the Bajoran leader (Idan?) turned out to be a nut, because I thought it was more dramatic for the holograms actually to be looking for a home.  But then I thought, well, the Doctor would then have to make a decision to stay or go on with Voyager, and I'm not sure the writers could have resolved that satisfactorily.  I mean, the show wouldn't lose the Doctor, but it wouldn't really make sense for him to want to leave 'his people' behind, particularly once he had thrown in with them. So the writers avoided that neatly by having Idan become a megalomaniac.

 I was glad to see that the holograms went on, along with their Hirogen 'creator'.  I think what will most interest me is if the show actual touches on this again. I mean, if I had been involved in something like this, been forced to really think about holograms, and what it means for them to be sentient, and what it would say about me to 'use' them in holoprograms, I don't know that I would ever be able to go near a holodeck ever again.  In a way, I guess a holoprogram of a movie theater would be all a person from Voyager could handle in the immediate future. It might be awhile before anyone would actually want to 'interact' with holograms in a way that 'uses' them.

 I thought how Janeway handled it in the end was correct.  Either the Doctor is sentient (along with the other holograms), in which case he was aiding a species from a Federation vessel which was threatening to either enslave them or kill them all. She really can't punish him for that, particularly once she entertained the notion they were sentient.   At that point, she has to realize she was the one acting outside of Starfleet protocols by aiding the Hirogen to hunt their 'slaves'.  Of course, if the Doctor really is just a hologram, and nothing more, then she can't punish the EMH anymore than she could punish a tool when it didn't do what she wanted. That would be completely illogical.  As 'owner', Janeway is completely responsible for what her 'tool' does. She can't have it half of one, six of the other.  It really was an either/or situation. My only question is, what was her rational behind her decision not to punish him?  Was she dismissing him as a tool? Or did she believe she had tried to help the Hirogen track down and kill escaped 'slaves' fighting for their freedom and the Doctor actually prevented her from committing an atrocity? Will we ever know?

(From mj, Dec. 8th, 2000)
There was one scene in Astrometrics (of course) when Voyager was tracking the holograms and lost them.  Their Hirogen programmer tells them how to look for some ion field or whatever.  Seven raises an eyebrow at Janeway and Janeway gives her a surprised "go ahead and try it" look.  It's one of those non-verbal exchanges between the J & 7 that I don't think Janeway uses as much with other crew members.   You'll likely get lots of emails.

(Jan. 19, 2001) Well, I was dealing with the fact that I just got laid off today, so I didn't have much interest in tonight's ep, particularly since it was mostly a Chakotay story, and I was busy commiserating with my buddies on the phone. Fortunately, some readers gave me some advance reviews, so I'll put those up.

(From Marco)

• OK, so "Shattered" is mainly Chakotay, but it's a good episode anyway. And yeah, he spends a lot of time with Janeway, but the J/C'ers get no satisfaction.  In fact, I would say while "Imperfection" brings to the surface the turbulent emotions that Seven and Janeway have for each other, "Shattered" totally shuts it down for Janeway and Chakotay.
• A scene towards the end features a Janeway from the first episode (wearing the bun, she's about ready to pursue the Maquis into the Badlands) who has spent the whole episode with Chakotay.  After a period of distrust (after all, Janeway was assigned to hunt down Chakotay way back in the "Caretaker"), the two of them begin working well together.  Janeway realizes that Chakotay and herself will become very close as CO and XO over the next seven years.  Just before they have to go back to their own time periods, Janeway asks just how close she and Chakotay become.  Chakotay replies that there are some barriers that the two of them never cross.  So when they part, instead of a hug, Janeway realizes a handshake is more appropriate.  So there you go - no romantic overtones.  Just compare that scene to the uncontrolled emotional outbursts of Janeway and Seven in the Astrometrics lab during "Imperfection", and you've got the difference in these two relationships summed up.
• The climax is a battle within the Engineering section.  Engineering is in the time period of the Kazon and Seska, where they've taken over the ship ("Basics I & II").  Seska is nasty as usual and is the only person who will not cooperate in restoring Voyager.  She wants Voyager restored to her timeline, so she can prevent the ship from being recaptured by Janeway.  In any case, after Chakotay fails in negotiating a peaceful resolution, Plan B goes into effect.  Janeway and Chakotay had recruited the rest of the Voyager crew from the different time lines.
• Janeway, Paris, Harry, adult Naomi, adult Echeb all jump into the fray and begin kicking Kazon butt.  Due to the temporal split, all of them can see what's happening in Engineering, but Seska and the Kazon can't see them.  So when the come charging in, they seem to appear out of nowhere.  They rescue Chakotay, but unfortunately, during the battle, Janeway is captured by Seska.  Holding her from behind, Seska puts a Kazon disruptor to Janeway's head.
• Just as Janeway is about to be executed, there's a breathtaking rescue that is absolutely worthy of the "Just Between" series.  Seska's back is to the main doors to Engineering.  The doors suddenly open,  Seska turns, but there's no one to be seen (from Seska's point of view). Through the temporal rift, a very scary Seven of Nine in full Borg battle gear comes walking thro.  Seska fires on her, which of course just bounces off Seven's Borg shielding.  Seven advances forward with a nasty curl to her lip, smashes Seska's weapon out of her hand, and picks up Seska by the throat and proceeds to strangle her!  Ouch!
• A startled Janeway just looks at Seven and says "thanks" in a weak voice.  Remember, this is Janeway from Season 1, who only knows of Seven as a full Borg drone who she will meet sometime in her future.
• Oh, what I would give for this scene to have occurred in the present timeline!  But as I said, it was a wonderful rescue by Seven of Janeway.  This is probably the closest we'll get to seeing the JB rescue scenes (the
• infamous prison rescue, as well as the recent Cheb Packer kidnapping) in film.  I could imagine the JB Seven doing something very similar to Cheb Packer.  Seven is absolutely frightening in the way she just shrugs off disruptor fire and simply picks up Seska by the throat.

(From gte)
I think this past weeks episode was pretty good considering Chakotay was the "hero".  Before
Seven came along, I used to hope that Janeway and he might get together, but from the moment Janeway took one look at Seven, I live for those longing looks exchanged, and the wry smiles and well, you know...  Anyway, I thought the episode was pretty good.  I liked how at the end when past Janeway asks future Chakotay how close do they actually become?  Do you know how much hope TPTB gave to us J/7'ers when he said that  "there were some barriers they just never cross"?  It was classic.  Besides, even though Janeway didn't really know Seven, you could just tell that she was drawn to her.  Just watch how Janeway looks at her.  Even in the full borg getup.  I mean really, who is so dense that they can't see that these two obviously have a chemistry that should be capitalized upon?  I guess the producers just don't want to see it.

(From  aumanda8)
I know this was a J/C episode but at the end, where Seven SAVES the captain, did you notice as she was walking away Janeway was looking her up and down and that was no thank you look.  It was more a "I can't wait till I meet you again" look.

(Jan. 26, 2001) Hmm, though not a big fan of the B'Elanna on the show (nor the whole P/T thing), I actually enjoyed this episode. It was thought provoking and the characters seemed more 'real' than they have in a while. Not many scenes with Janeway or Seven so one couldn't really dig out much subtext, except second hand. A couple of mild notes;

• When Janeway first comes to sickbay to congratulate B'Elanna, she mentions that it was Seven that told her. I wonder when? Over lunch, perhaps? Breakfast?
• I find it interesting that whenever someone wants to convince Janeway to do something, they inevitably evoke Seven's name to try to convince her. (Yeah, I know this isn't much, but I doubt we're going to get much this season. I'm guessing the J/7 'faction' have the show running really scared at this point. *G*)
• Sidebar: this just proves that the EMH is not considered sentient. If B'Elanna had tried to force any other member of the crew into doing what she wanted, she'd be facing time in the brig. Nobody seems to even flicker for this one. Tuvok should have arrested her, at the least. Except, of course, the Doctor isn't considered a real person.

(From Marco, Feb 2, 2001)

• First J/7 interaction - Seven is held hostage by the prisoner in sickbay.  Seven and Tuvok easily solve the situation, with only the Doctor suffering some minor damage. When Janeway comes by later, she walks in, ignores everyone else (including the Doctor) and the first thing she does is looks at Seven, and says "How are you?"  Seven simply says she's doing fine.  Not a big deal, but noticeable in the fact that Janeway doesn't ask about anyone else, even tho' there were several people in the room (including the Doc who was actually damaged) at the time of the hostage situation.
• Second J/7 interaction - Nice shot of the camera following Seven into Janeway's ready room, where Janeway and the prison warden are waiting for her.  The Doc has discovered that the congenital defect in the prisoner has been repaired by the nanoprobes.  Seven and the Doc insist that the prisoner's case be considered for appeal.  The victim's family (who have sentenced the prisoner to death) will not hear of it. Seven is informed of this and goes ballistic.  Janeway asks the warden to leave.  J/7 have an intense emotional talk about why Seven is reacting so violently to this situation.  Janeway gets to the bottom of it - Seven feels if this prisoner is pardoned, then Seven can feel pardoned for her crimes as a Borg, as well.  If the prisoner is still sentenced to death anyway, then why has she herself gone unpunished?  Their conversation is interrupted by an attack from another spacecraft.
• Third and Fourth J/7 interaction - The prisoner's appeal has been denied.  A saddened Janeway and warden come by Astrometrics to fetch the prisoner, where he has been spending time with Seven. Seven shuts down emotionally, not wanting to look at anyone.  After the prisoner gives her a tearful goodbye, everyone leaves the room except Seven.  Janeway is the last to leave Astrometrics, looking sadly at Seven.  Normally, this is where an episode will end, with J/7ers wishing for more interaction.  "Drone" was a perfect example of this, where it ends with Seven alone, and the J/7 viewer wishing that Janeway would come rushing in to comfort Seven, after watching her walk off the bridge to see One. Well, this time, Janeway DOES indeed come back.  There is a brief shot of Voyager, flying thro' space.  Then the scene returns to Astrometrics, Seven all alone.  Janeway walks in, to comfort Seven.  Seven once again turns away from Janeway, too angry and too guilty about the entire situation.  The camera shows Seven, turned away from Janeway but facing the viewer, distraught.  Janeway is behind Seven's left shoulder, approaching softly.  Janeway stands directly behind her and gently strokes Seven on that shoulder.  This is a beautiful shot, and as a still photo, very much looks like two very intimate friends or even lovers in consolation. She then assures Seven that she has already been punished - the twenty years taken away by the Borg was punishment enough.  Janeway touches Seven one more time, and then leaves Astrometrics.  This is a very sensitive moment between the two of them.

(Feb. 9, 2001) A vaguely interesting episode, if lacking any sort of J/7 subtext. I though Tom Paris came across fairly well in this episode. I suppose a question could be asked as to who the captain and Seven shared quarters with when the order came down to 'double up'.  It's pleasant to think it might have been with each other. *G*

(Feb 16, 2001) I actually missed this because it was my Mom's birthday and I was at her house that evening. I taped it but have yet to watch it. When I do, I'll put up the review. In the meantime, I have a readers review.

(From Plummy)
I really liked The Void. I thought Janeway really stood strong this ep, and alone as usual. I find it hard to believe that after 7 years in the Delta Quad. the commanders of voyager still doubt their captain's tactics. If it weren't for Janeway they would all be dead by now. And Chakotay makes me sick. Everytime the going gets rough, he acts that if Janeway does not do things his way then he's gonna throw her in the brig and take over command. He would rather steal other peoples food and take innocent lives just to survive the void for years while Janeway wanted to maintain her principles an get the hell out by working together and sharing what they have. And this is who the JCers want for Janeway, he doesn't even trust her and I wonder does she trust him either by the way she has been glaring at him these past few shows. Now 7, she's a winner she even gave her food to a "waste of ships resources" as Janeway so nicely put It while walking with Seven down the corridor. That was a cute scene, I just loved how Janeway had seven up against that wall and from the smile on Sevens face I'll bet she liked it as well. OOOHHHH! Seven can COOK!, I bet that'll add some spice to those "late night discussions"

(June 22, 2001) Well, I watched this episode finally, and while I didn't find any more subtext than what my readers have already mentioned, I have to say, this was Janeway portrayed as a proper starship captain. She found a way to solve the problem, not by technobabble or by violating her 'ethics', but by upholding the ideals that fans have come to expect from Trek and Starfleet.  She acted nobly and with decency.

So what the hell happened to this supposedly same woman in Endgame?  I know, I know, no larger picture.  It's against Voyager's creed.

(Feb 23, 2001) Not a bad episode. It's already been done better by other shows, including Trek itself. It was interesting that Seven, even without her memories, immediately went over when lover boy first showed up and started flirting with Janeway, and prevented it. It wasn't pursued however. Of course, there really wasn't much about this 'Kathryn Janeway' that would be attractive to 'Annika Hansen's'. Janeway was a passive, seemingly intellectually limited sort of female, content to push buttons and moon over some dull guy, certainly not the vital, commanding starship captain who flirted outrageously with her in Imperfection. Perhaps it was the drugs that turned Janeway into a shrub. I hope it was the drugs.  One other small thing to note later in the ep was when Tuvok confronts Seven, it's Janeway that helps her to her feet, her hand lingering on her arm for a moment. (Okay, it's very weak, but all in all, it was a weak effort anyway.)

(March 2, 2001) A dull resolution to a dull storyline that really wasn't worth two parts. I suppose the J/Cers found a little something to work with in it. They've had about as much to enjoy this year as we have ... which isn't saying much for either 'faction'. There was an interesting bit where Janeway talks Seven into letting her take a dermal regenerator out of the facility. I don't think anyone else could have talked her into it.  Harry looked really commanding in this one. Give the poor boy a pip already.

What this two part episode did clarify in my mind is that Janeway, as portrayed on the show, does not seem to be a captain by nature.  Leaving aside what I wish she could be as a character, and just going by what the last two seasons have shown, I'm left with the sense that she is an officer who was channeled into command, perhaps by Owen Paris, perhaps by her father, or by whichever superior officer she looked up to, rather than one that charged after it because it was her destiny. Left totally to her own devices, I think she'd be just as happy being a science officer or a chief engineer. In my fan fic stories, particularly the JB series, I took the Janeway of the first four seasons and explored her command nature, portraying her as a woman born to command, and discovering that innate ability, that 'need to command' during her journey in the Delta Quadrant. That's the character I believed they were showing me initially.  However, lately, I think they've explored her lack of command nature, starting with Night at the beginning of season five and really, going through to this episode where perhaps the viewer finally becomes privy to who she truly is.  I'm discovering that she's not a great captain in the sense that Kirk, or Picard or Sisko are great captains, 'born' to the role, rising to the top because it is their nature to do so ... to want to do so. That doesn't have anything to do with gender. Frankly, I think Colonel Kira shall be a great commander of DS9 because I sense the same sort of natural leadership from her.  I find Janeway, however, to be someone forced into it, not against her will, perhaps, but possibly against her better nature.

That doesn't necessarily make her less heroic as a captain, mind you. It's clear that she tries very hard to be the best captain she can be. In a way, she's a little more heroic than those that fit into command role as a matter of course. Where they make the right moves by instinct, she seems to be struggling to succeed in a position that she's not naturally adept at, caught in an almost intolerable situation of being trapped in the Delta Quadrant. There's probably a reason she was commanding an Intrepid class vessel, a ship that was designed for only quick missions, bringing her back home in 'only a few weeks' (as she told Mark in Caretaker) rather than a Galaxy or Nebula class vessel intended for the type of deep space mission she ended up with by accident. She's not someone who 'boldly goes', despite what the show tries to 'tell' me because what they 'show' me is someone who abandons her crew by cowering in her quarters for two months (Night) or risks the wellbeing of that same crew for the sake of a hologram (Spirit Folk). Or appears to have lost complete control of the situation as she did in Equinox.

Maybe Kathryn Janeway is not truly the same kind of starship captain that the previous series have provided us. Oh, she wears the pips. I believe she earned the position in Starfleet without question on the basis of merit, but the last few seasons have left me with the thought that she's not really comfortable in the role, not in the way a Rachel Garrett would be (from what little we saw) or say a Tryla Scott definitely would be, supposedly the youngest captain ever in Starfleet who would have had to go after the position with everything she was to achieve that distinction.  So when Janeway says that it wouldn't be appropriate for her to have a personal relationship with a crewmember, maybe she's being perfectly honest. Maybe she's incapable of dealing with the delicate balance it would take to have a successful relationship while still attending to the ship. Maybe her true nature is to be the sort of person she was with the guy she loved in Workforce; a happy little partner, lover, worker and follower, definitely not a leader, not a commander, and not someone who can put the ship first when necessary (hell, she even put a hologram first over members of her crew in Spirit Folk). Furthermore, she recognizes that weakness, either consciously or unconsciously, and thus, it becomes a tragic, rather than ... well, a ridiculous character trait. She gazes sadly at the life she leaves behind on Workforce because maybe that's where she would truly rather be than in the command chair, whereas the captains the Trek viewer is used to seeing from previous series had to pried out of them, kicking and screaming bloody murder all the way.

In a way, she's starting to remind me of a gay person who is in the closet, forcing themselves to play the role of a heterosexual, going so far as to get married and have kids because that's what society demands rather than because it's what they truly want. They're not happy, they're not always good at it, (though they honestly give their best) and frequently, they do things that they would never do if they were naturally fitting into the role.

I guess I would like the show to stop trying to 'tell' me Janeway's the 'best of the best', when they keep 'showing' me that she's actually 'one of the rest'.  I can live with that kind of captain. Her story then becomes one of struggle, of rising above her capabilities to achieve, rather than leaving the impression at times that she is failing to live up to them. In the event this theory is true, then I could actually enjoy the show, instead of continually being disappointed by how Janeway is portrayed in it.

(From McJohn)
When Janeway snuggles with the Generic Alien Male in a chair, she caresses him by running her finger just over his eyebrow.  Was she subconsciously sketching out a leftover Borg implant?  Or was she remembering the efficiency supervisor she had just met?

(March 3, 2001) Oh, the horror, the horror. (I think that's what I'm supposed to say as I wait for this episode.) I guess I'd actually be a little more upset if I didn't already find this season, and this show, exceedingly tedious. This barely caused a flicker in either my interest or my outrage level. I think I truly stopped enjoying Voyager midway through season five, with only a very few bright moments in season six and in this season. (There's a very good reason I separated the continuity of JB completely from the show shortly after The Haunting of Deck Twelve after all.)  The lack of anything intriguing or fresh or stimulating about the show is only more jarring when one is watching and enjoying Buffy, the Vampire Slayer or Angel ... or practically any rerun of Deep Space 9. (God, I miss DS9.) However, the truly ironic thing about this is, if I were straight, this is probably the pairing I would be writing about. All other things being equal, I actually think that Chakotay and Seven make a really nifty couple, both in terms of looks and personalities. His brooding spirituality would make a lovely contrast to her Borg efficiency and inexperience with Humanity.  It's only the concept of J/7 that prevents me from enjoying it.  (I know that may shock a lot of people, but it's true. I would find the concept of the episode a lot more aggravating if it was the Doctor or Harry in the holoprogram.)

(March 11, 2001)  Well, in the end, I didn't get to see it (it occurs to me that moving Trek to Friday night is difficult for a reviewer ... I'm usually out during that evening).  However, I do have a review from a reader who offers an interesting take on the episode.

(From Plummy)
Well, at least the (TWO) scenes with Janeway/Seven. I mean after you get passed all that Seven/Chakotay crap, it's not so bad. Since the whole show is about Seven trying to teach herself social lessons, you really start to see a side of her that they never explore. Like the baby shower scene where Seven tells Janeway how she is grateful for all that she has done for her. The entire scene is just lovely. And knowing that it was programmed by Seven makes it all the more interesting. The way Janeway talks to her, the way she sort of flirts with her, especially when mentioning the idea of Seven getting real quarters since she doesn't have to regenerate anymore and a uniform even though she has no official rank. The whole scene is very intriguing. More so because this was all a holoprogram done by Seven.
Also, when Seven is in the Captain's readyroom. Janeway wants to know why she is getting slack when it comes to her duty shifts, and why she is spending so much time on the holodeck. Janeway to me comes across as if she knows exactly what Seven is doing in the holodeck but wants her to tell her for herself. At this time Seven gets really uncomfortable and refuses to give Janeway eye-contact. But then she looks right at Janeway and say's something to the effect that she is practicing on how to do something and once she is able to do it well then she was going to bring it to Janeway. Now when she said that it made my eyebrow raise because we know what she was doing in there and the thought of her just practicing for Janeway had never crossed my mine till then. Obviously it shocked Janeway as well with that look she gave Seven. And then to top it off before Seven could leave, Janeway stopped her and told her that when there crisis was over that she would love to see the project that she has been working on in the holodeck and maybe even lend a hand in helping her. After saying that I believe Seven...... shuddered at the thought of Janeway 'lending a hand' in helping her, hell God knows I did. If I was thinking about starting my own J/7 fanfiction series I think I would start with that scene. Maybe I am trying to hard but I do think that this ep deserves a star.

(From Everankh)

I thought the fact that she picked Chakotay was kind of interesting,
1- he is the closest person to Janeway that Seven can have.
2- he also had feelings for Janeway, maybe seven thought they could share the common bond of never having the one they want.
3- maybe she thought in someway to get back at Janeway for the lack of attention by going after Chakotay, knowing they are close and Chakotay might talk about it.
4- she has to practice on someone, might as well be someone she doesn't have real feelings for, but like I said was close to the person she really wanted.
5- I don't think Seven would be so embarrassed when Janeway questioned her about slacking if she didn't have feelings for Janeway. Janeway is her mentor, I think the never embarrassed and out spoken Seven would have confided in the Captain and the Captain would have understood the inexperienced woman trying to understand herself, but if she cares about Janeway then that is the only reason she would be embarrassed.

(April 13, 2001) I found this a relatively mediocre episode, not especially bad, but not particularly good either.  Considering it is the final season, Voyager really can't afford mediocre eps.  I think the most disappointing thing is that I've always liked Q and generally always tend to enjoy his episodes more than the others, but this was one of the weaker ones ... perhaps because Q wasn't really in most of the ep.  I think the appeal and charm of Q is his interaction with the main characters, particularly Picard.  One giggles at how Q can deflat the starship captain's pomposity with a well placed needle, while we cheer when Picard manages to one up the Q.  In earlier Voyager eps featuring Q, it was amusing to see him tease the very straightlaced Janeway by popping up in her bed.  Death Wish also contained a truly meaty issue with the other Q fighting for his right to die.  It was one of the stronger eps of the series.  In the second episode, The Q and the Grey, the whole concept of Q wanting to mate with Janeway was well done simply because of the chemistry between Mulgrew and DeLancie, while the female Q and her interaction with the other characters ("Helmboy") made the episode charming.  Here, however, we have Q Jr. (who is not anything close to his Dad), and all he really connects with is Janeway playing Mommy,  and Icheb, a support character.  He did sum up the television show the best by declaring that watching them was nothing more than "Bipeds pushing buttons", and it wasn't funny because it was more accurate than even he knew.  He interacts with the rest of the characters only superficially, however.  It actually would have been far more interesting if Chakotay had taken him under his wing and been a father to him (causing Q to be jealous perhaps?), or better yet, as Q jr is learning how to be responsible from Janeway, Q could have been learning from "Chuckles' on how to be a better father, but of course, that would taken a little imagination on the part of the writers.  As far as Janeway and Seven, they didn't even have a scene together this episode.

(April 20, 2001) Not much to say about this ep.  It had a lot of interesting issues, and really, explored none of them particularly well, merely touching on them.  Any one of the plot lines ... the Doctor feeling oppressed, the Doctor winning rights as an individual, the crew finally being able to talk face to face with their families, and the comedy of having the doctor do a holo-novel that shows the crew in a less than flattering light ... could have been used as the main story and taken from there.  Since they didn't, this episode seemed a mismash, as if they were trying to jam several eps into one.  That's too bad because there were scenes in this ep which were quite entertaining, but as a whole, the story left me unsatisfied.

(From Rose, May 7, 2001)
I think 'Author, Author' deserves a star for the scene where where '2 of 8' stands up for the 'Doctor' played by Janeway. During Two's heartfelt plea, Janeway gives the fake Seven a long gooey look.  Now, there is the detail about this being a holographic Seven, but we all know that whether we like it or not, the Captain doesn't differentiate well between photons and flesh and blood when it comes to her libido!

(April 27, 2001)  This would have been a fairly average episode in season six, but since this is the wrapup of the series, it seemed more than a little useless.  There wasn't much interaction between Janeway and Seven besides the obligary astrometrics room scene, and otherwise, seemed a plot that was dragged out of the slush pile to fill space.  I will say, however, I actually like Tom Paris a bit in this season, far more than previous years, probably because he's not spending all his time on the holodeck.  I also found it very weak that they would finally bring back Carey just to kill him off.  It would have made more sense to use him throughout the season, then the shock value would have been greater.  For those who don't know who he is, (which means anyone that started watching after season three) he was just another red shirt, instead of someone whose death should have meant something.  It occurs to me that the threatened writer's strike in Hollywood (which has since been averted) actually took place on this series ... only it occurred back at the beginning of season six, and they just don't have any stories to use for this final season.  What a shame but it is par for the course for Voyager.  It's always going to be ... too little, too late.

(From Hollis28, May 18, 2001)
I come here for the stories but I stay for the ep reviews and in friendship it's very sutle but its there. First in Astrometrics Seven is explaining something to the Janeway but Janeway is ignoring her she's listening but not looking at her. Then Janeway starts explaining and Seven is sort of staring into space. Then in engenerring towards the end the go thru the same thing except when the move to the concsole each caliming the better idea. The stop and just stare at each other. i swear they where almost leaning into oneanother then the guy starts talking and there snapped back to reality. Yet they linger on each other for a second. Well, thats my story and I'm sticking to it.

(May 4, 2001)  This is the first time I ever watched a Seven-centric show and found it boring.  It had nothing to do with the implied C/7 stuff that was causing such turmoil in fandom, but rather that the episode itself was excrutiatingly tedious.  It seemed to take forever to get started, and in the end, it was pretty pointless.  I actually found it hard to keep my attention on it, flipping constantly back and forth between it and the hockey game.  Honestly, if there was any subtext in this one, I missed it completely. Perhaps a reader has more to add.

(May 11, 2001) Well, good-bye to Neelix.  As it turned out, he had the best farewell episode of them all.  It was a pretty good story, though if the Talaxians have been on that asteroid on the other side of the quadrant for five years already, how long did it take for them to get there, and why didn't Janeway take a look at their propulsion system?  Has Neelix been holding out on his good friends all this time?  However, such glaring plotholes large enough to drive a starship through (Galaxy-class) are a staple of Voyager and I guess one shouldn't expect them to improve now (though one did live in hope.)  The truth is, when Neelix is used in a dramatic role, becoming front and center in an ep (Jetrel, Fair Trade, Mortal Coil), it's actually good story telling.  There were depths to the Talaxian that were only touched on ... but one might say that about any of the characters. The difference is, when Neelix had a chance to shine, shed of the ridiculous relationship with Kes, then he was a fascinating character.  His story, in the end, might have been the one best treated by TPTB, despite themselves.

There was an obligatory scene with Janeway and Seven in Astrometrics, some glances, but nothing noteworthy.

(May 18, 2001)  I like Doc eps as a rule and this was no exception ... except for the end.  I don't care what his reasoning for doing what he did, or rather, while I understand his reasoning (his programming forces him into actions like this ... do no harm, or if pushed, the least amount of harm), I have no clue what Janeway was thinking.  He left Voyager helpless, and endangered the lives of everyone on board in a (as it turned out) futile attempt to rescue the captain.  While Janeway might have understood that, any self respecting captain would not allow him to retain any command codes.  He just can't be trusted with them.  For her not to take action to make sure it didn't happen again reflects badly on her as a captain.  Fine, pat the Doctor on the head and absolve him of responsibility ... it's apparent she doesn't really think he's sentient deep down (because if she did, she'd tear him a new one for endangering her ship and crew) ... but man, get those command codes of his access.  Other than that, it was an amusing and fun episode to watch.  I did feel bad for the Doctor at the end, professing his love to Seven, only to be blown off in a most callous way.  It could be explained that Seven isn't advanced enough to handle it with any Humanity ... but in that case, it makes what happens to her in the next episode completely illogical.

Janeway and Seven don't have a scene together.

(May 25, 2001) Someone suggested to me that I tape this and fast forward through certain scenes (involving Seven and Chakotay).  However, what I'm going to do is watch it as it comes and comment during the comercial breaks.  This will be my last review for Voyager, so I might as well make a thorough job of looking for subtext (or just what I'm feeling as I watch it.)

(8: 08 pm) Opening teaser - So Janeway brought Voyager and crew home, but she's still not happy. Why?  (Yeah, yeah, I know why, but I'm trying to watch this with fresh eyes.  I'm making a vow that the next time I get attuned to a show, I won't search out the spoilers.  I won't be a fanatic about being spoiler free like some people, but I won't haunt sites like Trek Today just to find out all the information ahead of time.  God knows, I always enjoy Buffy and Angel much more because I rarely know what's coming. By the way, Janeway looks good in white hair.

(8:26 pm) Act One - Hmm, Harry's a captain. Must have got it through atrition. Wow, people said Janeway got choked up in the class when a question is asked about Seven of Nine.  They weren't kidding. (Worth a star)  The scene between Janeway and Tuvok was touching, I'll admit.  I felt my chest fill up a little.  Too bad they didn't have this depth of emotion throughout the series.  Hmm, so Janeway never married, and it couldn't be because she didn't have the opportunity with Chakotay who apparently only died within the last few years because Harry couldn't make it to the funeral.  Was it because her true love died?  I mean, it's obvious she's not going back to save him, it's because she knows how hard it is to live without her (her meaning Seven, of course.) So it's for Seven's sake, she's doing this.  In order to make Chakotay's life better? Or to give herself a second chance with the Borg. Definite subtext but I can't give it a star because it's speculation (not solid like a look or interaction between Janeway and Seven when you can actually feel the heat, rather than just speculate about it.)

(8:44 pm) Act Two - Well, I'm kinda disturbed by the implications of what's going on. I mean, I know the reasoning behind it, but it doesn't speak well of Janeway. She's doing deals with a Klingon with no honor? She used her influence to get that same dishonorable Klingon onto the High Council? Well, nice to know her moral and ethical standards remain as fluid as they were shown to be through the entire run of Voyager.  Who says there's no continuity?  However, this aspect of Janeway's personality would be one a viewer would hope she would grow beyond.  Considering she's 'one of the most decorated officers in Starfleet's history', one wonders how lax the standards became after the Dominion War.

(9:02 pm) Act Three - You know what, I'm beginning to think that Seven's practicing on Chakotay, just as she was in the holodeck. It's too forced, her manner and demeanor is too different from what she's been for the past three years, even with her development.  She's acting the part, probably brought on by her research.  That, or the part was played badly by Ryan, which is odd, because she generally has a better grasp on the character than this.  She's gone from being cool and contained and trying to learn about relationships only a short time ago (since B'Elanna's still pregnant) to being this coy, flirtatious woman ... like she's reading from a script she's designed from her research.  Or it could be just bad writing, which is also consistent with Voyager.  (Admiral Janeway/Harry) Wow, the Doc sold Janeway out.  (7/C) Why can't Chakotay see this is something that Seven is just exploring ... or is he just willing to go where Seven will lead ... well, heck, can't blame him for that.  Ick, the kiss.  Well, it seems to me she's trying to recreate what she remembered feeling in Unimatrix Zero, and poor Chakotay is just the guy she's trying it out on.   (J/H) Talk her out of it?!? Harry's a captain and his job to stop a rogue officer from violating god knows how many rules and regulations.  His career is over.  Even if she changes the timeline and creates a new one where Seven doesn't die and the ship gets home twenty years earlier, this one will still exist and so will Harry. (Janeway will be well out of it, of course. Abandoning your crew again, Janeway?  Well, at least it's to save Seven this time rather than because you're depressed.) He'll be the one to answer for his inaction, as will Barclay and the Doctor.  Well, Captain Harry, it was nice while it lasted. Hello, Ensign.  An ensign with grey hair is just not attractive.

(9:14 pm) Act Four - I love the interaction between the two Janeways.  Obviously, Mulgrew figures she has someone worth playing off of. Whoo, what a greeting for Seven in sickbay. (Worth a star.) The Borg queen and Seven. Now that was far more seductive than the previous queen. I hate to say it, but this actress plays her better, and  it was steamy indeed when she's chest to chest with Seven, running her hands along her arms. If this was a BQ/7 site, that alone would be worth two stars.

(9:25 pm) Act Five - Two Janeways in sickbay looking over Seven in sickbay this time.  Lots of looks.  Hmm, Seven doesn't want their relationship to affect Chakotay's command decisions.  Heck, she is practicing on him for when she has to deal with someone who's really in charge.  Actually, I feel bad for Chakotay.  She's really playing him.  I think she's learned far too much about manipulation from Janeway and the Borg Queen.  (Tech shots) Ohmigod, it really is bat armour.  I heard it described that way on the message boards, but that's exactly what it is.  Good for a chuckle and a half all right.  (Arguement on the bridge) Wow, Janeway verses Janeway, and Janeway wins.  Scary.

(9:48 pm) Act Six - Ohmigod, Janeway told Seven she loved her.  And the look on Janeway's face when she discovers Seven dies. (Worth a star).  That's love people, and not maternal. Okay, so they disguised it a little bit because they're gutless but that's the gist of it. (C/7) Now, did Seven decide she wanted to end the relationship to spare Chakotay the pain of her possible death? Or was it because she realized how hurt he would be once he realized she was 'practicing' on him, and wanted to prevent that?  He talks her out of it, and either through inexperience, or because she figures he's made his choice, she's gonna play at this relationship thing a little longer.  The real question is, however, will this timeline change because Janeway realizes the depth of her feelings and tells Seven before she marries Chakotay?  Or will she remain silent in the misguided belief that Chakotay will make Seven happy? (Knowing the Janeway of the show, yeah, she'd do that ... but the Janeway of the show stops at 10:00 and that's it.  From here on out, she belongs to US ... *evil chortle*)

(10:01) Act Seven (hmm, that's interesting) - Okay, the last ten minutes was full of explosions and a little weak in terms of story telling, which is basically a staple of Voyager, so I guess I shouldn't expect that to change in the final version.  And they didn't really give the viewers a proper homecoming, because of course, they showed one that never really happened at the beginning, and they figure that's good enough. It's like the Paris/Torres wedding. They had already shown one that didn't really count in Course Oblivion, so to their mind, the faithful P/T fans didn't deserve a real wedding. Once in the seven years, it would have been nice if they had shown what really happened and told us what might have happened, instead of the other way around.  Another fatal flaw of the series, but again, at least they were consistant with it. *sigh*  At least we got to see the kid born.  It's surprising they didn't decide to just leave B'Elanna in labour in sickbay since they had shown the older version of the child earlier on in the episode.

Okay, I enjoyed this pretty much until the last ten minutes which is actually par for the course for Voyager. I had great trepidations because of the spoilers I had read, and I wasn't expecting much (other than disgust at the C/7 parts). Other people had claimed subtext, but I thought they were reaching (c'mon, you know you've reached before.)  However, for the most part, this one was fairly entertaining, and frankly, considering this final season, a hell of a lot more than I expected.  If all of Voyager episodes had displayed this depth of story telling and dramatic tension throughout the series, it would have been a hell of a lot better.

(From mj, June 1, 2001)
I found myself thinking more about endgame this morning.  Why is the elder Janeway still alone?  Is it supposed to be because of the loss of Seven as a bone to J/7 ers?  Is she really a loner even after being home?  Is that why she's willing to go back and bring them home early?  Do we assume that Starfleet had no critism of her return with Voyager?

I guess when all's said and done, Voyager will be remembered for what it didn't do, rather than what it did.  It didn't exploit its premise or the depth of the characters it created, it didn't provide strong, character driven stories, it didn't offer any lasting impact on the Trek universe itself (well, other than destroy the Borg as a credible threat to the Federation), it didn't place the characters in believable relationships (which meant the viewers had to do it, be it J/7, J/C, 7/EMH, 7/K, etc.) and the relationships they did pursue (P/T, 7/C) were badly done.  So why did I bother watching for seven years?

I loved the premise.  What could have been done with a ship in the Delta Quadrant, what dramatic possiblities existed with the Maquis/Starfleet, what heartwrenching emotional exploration could have been explored at being lost and alone, were endless.  I loved the characters, which were well drawn out at the beginning, and could have provided countless stories revolving around them as people, while the production values, the stylistic nature of the show, was the absolute top of the line.  That the show  fell down in the execution of the writing, that the storylines were often weak and without heart, will always be its greatest weakness.  Somewhere along the line, someone determined that Voyager's stories would be plot driven rather than character driven.  Someone decided that no episode should acknowledge a larger picture, either to Trek, or to the series itself.  Someone decided that the characters should be forced into the plot of the moment, rather than having the story fit the character. Once in a while they would give us a character driven show, and it allowed us to taste what it could have been, but those were few and far between. I loved Voyager for what it could have been.  I despise it for what it actually turned out to be.

I'm not even talking about J/7.  Heck, until the beginning of season four, I pretty much figured Janeway and Chakotay would get together.  Even if they had in the end, it would have made some sense.  I would have honestly been content with solid  characterization and stories that moved me, even if I didn't necessarily like the direction they ended up.  If there had been a plan, a sense of caring about the characters by the writers and producers, then I would have accepted it.  In essence, I would have been a believer.  Want to pair Seven and Chakotay?  Fine, make me understand it.  Give me a foundation. Want me to believe Paris/Torres are a good couple?  Don't give me episode after episode of Tom playing in the holodeck and generally acting like a child ... a petulant, spoiled child at that.  Not only does it make him look bad, it makes B'Elanna, for wanting to be with him, look like a doormat.  If he is going to be a petulant child, and B'Elanna is going to be a doormat, don't suddenly turn them into an adults in season seven without a transition. (Though I will admit, they were the only two characters that were significantly better in season seven than in the previous three seasons, while the rest of the characters, particularly Seven, became completely lost.  If only P/T had married at the beginning of season five, we wouldn't have gotten all those stupid Paris stories.)

I could go on, but I won't.  It's pretty much the same rant from the previous three years.  Just a little more attention to detail, just a little more effort at consistant characterization, and that would have made the show work. As a viewer,  I might not have ended up writing any fan fic, but I would have enjoyed being a Voyager fan.  Instead, I'm left with stories that, even at their best (Sacred Ground, Dark Frontier, Endgame, Latent Image, Hope & Fear) lacked the emotional and dramatic punch of DS9's Duet, or TNG's Inner Light.  At worst, I'm left with stories that made me cringe, like Spirit Folk, where I'm actually embarrassed to be a Trek fan.

I guess what I'm saying is that, as a viewer, I'm left with the overwhelming sense that Voyager could have been better ... so much better ... than what it was.  I'm sad about that, so I guess I'm sad it's over because now they'll never have the chance to make it right. Of course, they had plenty of time to make it right before now.