A Tribute To

Janeway & Chakotay

~The Episodes~

Resolutions

Some will no doubt consider this blasphemy, but I didn't love 'Resolutions'. It's not that I'm not ecstatic over all the wonderful, lovely J/C aspects of it... It's just that I believe it could have been so much better. After all, just how much time, exactly, did we waste watching Harry argue with Tuvok? And I'm sorry, but WHAT was with that stupid monkey? To top it all off, we've all heard of the original plans for a much steamier version of the episode, which makes watching all the good bits even more painful. Just imagine what the 'bathtub scene' might have been like without a strict PG rating on it?

All that aside, what does 'Resolutions' really offer us? If you overlook the boring Voyager bits, and all the dumb 'Janeway tries to communicate with the wildlife' scenes, and if you ignore the fact that whoever dresses the actors should be institutionalised... Well, we have some VERY promising J/C indeed.

And what is this episode, if not THE J/C ep of all time? It's certainly generated more fan hype than any other. And what an idea! The very notion of our fave couple being stranded on a planet to fend for themselves for the rest of their lives is just amazing. It was the opportunity for some really spectacular character growth and interaction. Sadly though, I believe it fell far short of reaching it's full potential in this respect.

Imagine what the psychological ramifications of such a situation would be. I certainly can't think what it would be like. And I know that Janeway and Chakotay finally have a chance to be together away from the ship and it's such a wonderful J/C opportunity and blah blah blah. But seriously, this isn't just some romantic holiday. This is the rest of their lives. Just the thought of being in that position gives me chills. And I can honestly say that the writers failed to deal realistically with the effects it would have on the characters.

Janeway burying herself in her work was okay, but Chakotay? Even if he is the type to accept his lot in life... There's no way he would have given up so easily. He didn't even appear to be affected by the situation at all! He just got right down to building stuff while trying to talk Janeway OUT of finding a cure!!

But okay, I should probably stop there. There's more I didn't like about 'Resolutions', but I'm in for some flames as it is. Before you ply me with emails of outrage, please try and look at the episode from a non-J/C point of view, which is where all my own criticisms come from.

When it comes down to it, though, I am a J/Cer first and a critic second, so while there is stuff about 'Res' that I didn't like, there's even more about it that I LOVED.

For Example:

The Bathtub Scene.

He makes her a bathtub!! Isn't that adorable? Forget flowers, baby, this is romance at its best! Not only is it something that she loves, it also provides the perfect opportunity for a scene like this one.

Caught!! Janeway calls him out to investigate that ridiculous monkey, and there she is, all wet and towel-clad in the dark. Can you blame him for giving her such a lecherous look?

And with that look, comes conclusive evidence that this is no platonic relationship. It was an 'I'm a man, you're a woman, get the picture?' kind of look. Plain and simple.

The Backrub Scene.

Hoo boy. Talk about sparks!! If that damn monkey had been around, his fur would have caught fire. I don't really have much to say about this. If you've seen this scene, you know all there is to know. If you haven't... I pity you!

The Angry Warrior Scene.

*Sniff* Just a few moments after 'The Backrub Scene', this is the part that coined the infamous 'we need to define some parameters' phrase.

And then there's the reply, 'I'm not sure if I can 'define paramaters'. But I can tell you a story..."

And so, a legend is born.

I LOVE THIS SCENE. It is just so beautiful. And it makes all the stupid, pointless, other parts with Tuvok and monkeys and storms all worthwhile. I get all teary-eyed, without fail, every time he says 'No, but that made it easier to say.' In other words, he was afraid to come right out and say that he loves her, and would do anything for her, and would always be there to support her.

When it all comes down to it, 'Resolutions' was really just a way for the Star Trek PTB to finally let us know that there is something going on between Janeway and Chakotay. Of course, they've all but failed to follow it up since then, except through a couple of tiny scenes that they've given us every now and then - either because they delight in torturing us, or because they want to stop a riot!

Seriously, though, 'Resolutions' was a landmark for all J/C lovers. Before, the possibility of a relationship was merely hinted at, and no one was really sure what was going to happen with those two. This episode sealed the deal. Without it, certain moments from future episodes such as 'Future's End' and 'Alter Ego' wouldn't be half so meaningful. And, of course, the realms of fan fiction would be a much less interesting place!!