Seven's social interaction lessons with the Doctor reach the tricky field of dating, and Neelix acts as ambassador to a member of a monk-like race.
Voyager has needed this kind of character-based episode for a long time, and making it the tale of two of the show's most popular characters and best actors only serves to improve it. The rapport between Robert Picardo and Jeri Ryan is marvellous, and their relationship takes on a new dimension completely naturally. All credit to the producers that you don't quite know which way things will go, which obviously would have been a foregone conclusion if Gene Roddenberry were still alive.
It's good to see Paris's Marseilles holodeck program again as well, and Seven's first date is priceless, with Jeri Ryan never having looked more sexy. Frankly all she'd have to do is go up to a man and offer to assimilate them, and it's unlikely they'd resist! There is also a nice scene when the Doctor discovers Seven's excellent singing voice, with both actors giving great voice in a duet. It's good to see the writers playing to the strengths and abilities of their stars.
The subplot of Neelix's ambassadorial attempts is also good fun, and in the later part of the episode offsets some of more serious things going on. Hopefully the Doctor and Seven's relationship can be touched on again, as there's plenty more places it can go from here. Touching and fun.
****
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