Janeway continues her dogged pursuit of Captain Ransom while attempting to make peace with the alien race he has been killing. However, her pride may be leading her to ignore what is right and she may take the entire Voyager crew down with her...

Unusually, this episode is actually better than its predecessor, and although some may cry that Janeway is written rather out of character, one can also argue that she's never been in this position before. After all, the fact that she set out to find the Maquis in the first place shows her dislike of Starfleet officers breaking their oath. Like Scorpion, she and Chakotay have a difference of opinion about how to go about things, which leads to some interesting conflict, something long absent from the series. It's only a shame that Chakotay isn't proved right in the end and their 'kiss and make up' at the end seems far too easy and a little saccharine.

The resolution is good, with not all of the Equinox crew getting what they deserve, but the problems of having two captains aboard Voyager are solved by the death of Ransom, which seems something of a shame as it could have opened up more possibilities for Janeway. There are also some unusual pairings, with B'Elanna and Seven having an unhead-of talk showing mutual respect, a teaming that's worth pursuing rather than seeing the same people paired up constantly.

There's some strong parallel plotting going on too, as Janeway's apparent descent to Ransom's level comes just as the Equinox Captain is coming to his senses. This ability to take a more emotional tack rather than just all-out action could do Voyager proud this season, if they can keep it up.

****

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