Caretaker

After watching this episode of Star Trek Voyager I knew that this series of Star Trek would be one of the best. In this episode (the pilot) all the main characters are introduced. Kate Mulgrew plays a convincing role as Captain Janeway who is generally nice but when it is needed, which it mostly is, Janeway can also be a real bad-ass! The other characters have their good points and their bad points, Chekotay has his general knowledge of the outdoors and how to get in touch with his spirit guide. Tom Paris has his knowledge of 20th century history and Harry Kim has the knowledge of music (what good that will do on a star ship 75,000 lightyears from home we dont know). Tuvok being a vulcan the most knowledgeable species of them all has knowledge of well everything, constantly offering the logical way out to the rest off his crew. B'Ellana has knowledge of enginnering and is able to always have good suggestions on how to keep the ship in ship shape!! The Doctor or EMH has knowledge of medicine and how to treat anything from a stubbed toe or acute stomach pain from Mr Neelix's cooking! (One of the many jokes from Voyager's EMH). Neelix has knowledge of cooking and how to make lettuce in to a decent meal. Kes well she knows a bit of everything and is always willing to learn! Lets not forget the computer voice who has been with the Voyager crew through thick and thin always willing to answer their questions no matter how stupid or annoying they can be. So basically watch this series its full of fun and enjoyment!

With Deep Space Nine established. The Next Generation coming to an end and about to hit the big cinema screens.

Star Trek bosses needed another replacement show. This time with a female captain and a ship's crew that were at odds with each other.

Voyager was the answer and it would be set in a different part of the galaxy.

A Maquis ship hits a strange wave and disappears inside a plasma storm in the Badlands. The Starship Voyager led by Captain Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) leads the search. Inside the Maquis ship was a Federation undercover agent.

However they too are whisked away by the strange wave. Stranded in the Delta Quadrant, over 70 light years from home. Captain Janeway has to unite with Maquis captain, Chakotay (Robert Beltran) to find out just who this mysterious caretaker is. Why has he brought them here and can he send them back home?

Although different and for the time with some cutting CGI. The first half of Caretaker is intriguing and involving. The second half is pretty standard fare as the crew have to deal with the Kazon.

There is enough here to make Voyager watchable but also signs that this version of Star Trek is not going to be as radical as promised. There was something bland about it all and this was not a strong pilot episode.

The Maqui are a bit under-explained, but I know from the past that it will happen. This pilot episode sets everything up. We are introduced to all the principle characters (more, of course, will be added later). We see why they are in the predicament they are in. We internal combustion but Janeway is a decent hub in the wheel. I can't believe 23 years have passed since this show first appeared. I'm going to wade my way through it one more time.

The crew of the USS Voyager find themselves trapped in the delta quadrant.

This is an enjoyable start to the show that sets the scene well.

'The Caretaker' uses its extended running time to introduce characters, send them on an adventure, explore themes and set the premise for the show. All of this it does competently.

Captain Janeway has a strong introduction from Katie Mulgrew, who nails an imposing Katherine Hepburn persona. She looks and sounds the part of a dependable commanding officer and has the charisma to lead the show.

All the Marquis characters are written cleverly into the ensemble, with Roxann Dawson standing out for me as the fiery Klingon B'Lanna Torres. Likewise Neelix and Kes are nicely worked into the setup.

Robert Picardo makes a good first impression as someone who will entertain on a regular basis from the inspired concept of his emergency holographic doctor.

As with many first episodes of TV shows, some of the exposition dumps feel quite forced to introduce characters and situations. None more so than Tom Paris. Robert Duncan McNeill does his best with dialogue that feels quite manufactured, and, for me, depicts a character merely trying to sound like badass.

What happens is mostly very good. There is plenty of excitement, drama and intrigue. Although when the big mystery the is revealed it comes from a fairly standard scene of verbal explanation. That being said it tackles some interesting subjects like playing God and the welfare state in typical Star Trek fashion. What the writers were thinking with the hillbilly scenes though, escapes me!

Visually it showcases great spectacle, particularly the space sequences and includes strong art design such as the planet's subterranean complex.

For me it is a 7.5/10 but I round upwards.

Being hurled away 75000 light-years from home... I mean, what a great way to start a new show. I grew up with the 90s trek and voyager is still my favorite. This pilot episode is certainly not dull, it sets the tone like no other trek show has done before. The adventure awaits!