OVEG: The Gift

Description: Separated from the collective, Seven of Nine's human systems begin to assert themselves. The Doctor is trying to keep up with the cascading number of rejected implants, all the while dealing with his patient demanding to be returned to the collective. As if that weren't enough, Kess' telepathic abilities have gone into overload. She's now capable of scanning not only to the subatomic level (Tech: things smaller than an atom, like electrons and mesons) but beyond to some new level of reality. She starts doing really freaky things, like de-stablizing bulkheads. So, while Seven of Nine struggles to adapt to individuality, Kess runs the risk of spontaneous combustion.

Finally, Kess decides to leave, but not before blowing up a few panels around the ship on her way, and costing Voyager yet another Shuttlecraft. As a final act, she launches Voyager past Borg space, shaving ten years off the journey.

Comments: After last episode's special effects bonanza, this one becomes pretty tame. Apparently all that could be afforded were some 150-watt bulbs and a cheesy special effect that looks like a trip on bad acid.

The interaction between Seven of Nine and the Captain is very interesting. Seven's observation that the Captain is just like the Borg seems pretty accurate; she forces Seven of Nine against her will to become human, with Seven of Nine fighting her every step of the way. Of course, Janeway is just doing what's best for Seven. But then, that's what the Borg thought too.

Oh, by the way; notice that Janeway is perfectly willing to grant the same request that Seven of Nine made to Kess when she asks.

Rating: 6

Best Moment: Harry trying to make small talk with the Borg.

Stupid Neelix Moment: During dinner, Kess begins de-stablizing the table, and Neelix freaks. This time, however, his distraction almost causes the same thing to happen to his face, which would have been a very interesting change.

Continuity Question: Why does it take over a week to take apart Borg modifications the crew put in in only two hours?

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