Miscellaneous Comments: A good horror story with a novel and interesting villain. The episode boasts action (in the caves), touching character drama (Neelix), compelling character development (The Doctor), humour and a dynamic captain.
What's scary, of course, is that the Vidiian's sound so cultured and refined. The rationalise everything they do, and rationalise it very well too.
In this episode we see the many hats worn by Neelix. Cook, guide, jester, jealous boyfriend, over-eager crew-member and self-pitying matyr. That's a lot of material. Especially considering that he isn't even on screen most of the time.
This is the first time we see all three pivotal males in Kes' life bonding with her in the same episode. Neelix and Kes are evidently a couple of some sort (that has been established). Paris offers to comfort the girl if she needs it, and he is obviously a friend. And The Doctor has grown to like her so much that he maneuvers her into sickbay as his new assistant. This is only to be expected, really, since Kes is the only one we've seen talking to him (back in Parallax). Neelix, Paris and The Doctor. These three gentlemen are really going to miss Kes when her life is over (2002, or thereabouts). So, too, will Tuvok who becomes her spiritual guide in later episodes.
This episode like every one before it, pauses at every turn to add to the characters. The scene on the bridge, with Tuvok and Janeway discussing her predictability, is a wonderful example of this. Kes boosting The Doctor's confidence is another. Voyager positively reeks of being a crafted show. A carefully thought-out, and realised, series. That's why it beats just about every other show I've ever seen.
GRADE: A
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