Concerning Flight

The writers really stretch the idea of holograms that come to life to the limit. The doctor is basically a sentient being, much more like Data ever was. Last time we saw this lunatic isomorph that also acted like a living and breathing life form and now it is Janeway's holodeck maestro Leonardo Da Vinci that leads the plot. If holograms would be so independant and helpful, every ship would be stacked with holo emitters and holograms would be everywhere performing all sorts of jobs. Why send crew members into Jefferies tubes if you could send in holograms? If a spaceship is boarded by aliens I would activate an armada of holographic soldiers, programmed to be the top of the elite, and would remove the safety measures from the holodeck. Then I would send waves after waves against the intruders. They would not feel pain, would not actually die and in return would be able to kill any attacker. And if some holograms would vanish, the computer would just generate more and more. Or just program some heavily armored battle androids and cyborgs with the most devastating weapons possible. They even could fight in lethal atmospheres or in extreme hot or cold environments - plasma leaks, hull breaches, poisonous gases... they would not care!

While there are some funny moments when Da Vinci joins Janeway on her journey, it ultimately doesn't make much sense. After some alien species mugged important technology from the Voyager, the crew is sent to retrieve the stolen computer and the doctor's mobile holo emitter. Somehow though, they are not so keen this time in returning ALL Starfleet technology. I remember when Janeway once was really concerned, that Starfleet technology in the wrong hands could change the balance of power in the delta quadrant. Well, obviously she forgot about that... On the planet's surface, Janeway and Tuvok run into Da Vinci (what a coincidence), that was somehow transferred to the surface when the ship computer has been stolen. Wearing the doctor's holo emitter, he is now able to walk around freely. He even has befriended himself with the head of the thieves that is now also his new patron and even provided him with a new workshop. Here you ask yourself: What does a 24th century mobster want from a 15th century artist and inventor that he would not even know? Da Vinci, as brilliant as he might have been, wouldn't achieve anything with computers, AI, warp drives and translocation devices. When he encounters the stolen computer for example, he thinks, that there is a mechanical woman inside a box. Not a big help for anyone I guess.

Also, Da Vinci is a hologram! Nothing more, nothing less. But Janeway treats him like a human being. If I would be chased down by bad guys with phaser guns, I would not talk to Da Vinci like to a 5 years old child, hiding the truth from him. What's the point in pretending this planet is America and the Portuguese have transported them there by sailing ships? You cannot hurt Da Vinci's feelings! If you need him later being Da Vinci again, just reset his program! Simple as that. This whole charade is really stupid. It would have made more sense, if Janeway would have someone reprogrammed Da Vinci's character to then have someone at her side that has the creativity and skill of Da Vinci paired with the knowledge of someone from the 24th century.

At the end, Janeway and Da Vinci escape the bad guys by flying away with a crude contraption built by Da Vinci. And the bad guys just watch, how they slowly fly away without firing a single shot at them. The whole scene has B-movie quality. Really, really bad. It is time for less hologram action! There is nothing at stake if holograms ride along. If Da Vinci would have "died" during the chase, I would have not cared at all. After all, he would not have been gone forever anyway. If needed, just start his program again and voilà, Da Vinci would have been back - even speaking English instead of Italian!

"Concerning Flight" from Star Trek: Voyager Season 4 is one of my favorite episodes. For me it's a nostalgic feel and It's just a very charming adventure that blends humor, action, and a touch of whimsy in a way that's uniquely delightful. John Rhys-Davies shines as the holographic Leonardo da Vinci, bringing warmth, wit, and gravitas to the role. He's a very good actor who elevates every scene he's in, making the character feel both fantastical and deeply human. The dynamic between Janeway and da Vinci is especially engaging, full of mutual respect and curiosity. The episode's mix of Renaissance wonder and sci-fi technology creates a refreshing change of pace, making it both memorable and fun.

I don't get the hate. I love Jonathon Rhys-Davies and I appreciate seeing how Captain Janeway decompresses during her rare downtime. "Get back to reality"??! We're watching sci-fi! Have fun & enjoy the adventure!

Voyager has some of its key technology stolen.

This is a reasonably good episode with some fun character moments.

The objective of this episode is to get Janeway and the holographic Da Vinci character off the ship and on a little adventure together. They indulge in philosophical banter, take part in a fairly uninspired plot that leads to a contrived yet enjoyable finale.

Joe Menosky stated that he wrote the original story with more emphasis on Da Vinci reflecting on a futuristic alien world (not that production values allow for the desired environment to be conveyed visually), but it was ruined by others wanting more focus on the tech plot. It's hard to disagree with what's on screen, but there are some standout moments.

Certain characters have fun moments like Da Vinci, Janeway, Tuvok, The Doctor and Seven. All the associated actors are good on screen. If you're in a light-hearted, reflective mood, there is nothing offensive here, but I have a feeling it will prove to be an ultimately forgettable entry.

It's great to see John Rhys-Davies in action and the episode's director appears to make the best of limited production resources.

While season 4 of Voyager contains some great episodes, this has to be seen as a lapse in quality.

The setup in itself is kind of interesting, aliens stealing tech from the ship but then it all goes downhill from there. The Holodeck representation of Leonardo daVinci is copied on the Mobile Emitter by the thieves and works for them on an alien planet. As if an inventor and artist from the Renaissance era could possibly be of any real use in the 24th century, the "Prince" of thieves even creates a workshop for daVinci to work in. It just doesn't make any sense and it's hard to believe, Star Trek veteran Joe Menosky wrote this. The "Prince" is shown to be a ruthless capitalist - why would he waste resources in a holo-program of a hundreds of years old historical figure of earth? What could daVinci offer?

Remember it was an important plot point in the past, not to let Federation technology fall into alien hands? It was a real problem when the Kazon were around. Who knows what could happen? But here, Chakotay even lets one guy keep his Phaser rifle and other stuff and tells him to get out. I'm sorry: what?

At times embarrassing, the dialogue between Kathryn and Leonardo makes little sense, given his 24th century environment. He doesn't seem to be irritated that all these aliens are supposed to be Americans. It's played for comedy - even when he fires a phaser - but it's just silly and nonsensical.

The criminals also forgot to secure or reprogram the stolen computer processor. Janeway can just input orders with her still active security code.

Kate Mulgrew and John Rhys-Davies are good actors but this is just a silly story. The villain is weak and the repurposed factory set unconvincing as an alient industrial plant.

While there is some lesson here that Leonardo should not do so many things at once? Or not to give up? But it has nothing to do with Janeway, which makes this a fine lesson for daVinci but it's ultimately pointless, because he is just a holodeck character and also because it doesn't really teach any other real character a lesson.

This is one of the shows that feel very 90's - but not in a good way. If you want to cringe while Captain Janeway girlishly smiles at a hologram of Leonardo daVinci while in mid-air on a (luckily previously built) flying apparatus, then go ahead.

A bottom-of-the-barrel episode in the likes of Fair Haven.

4/10.