The Thaw

The episode is pretty good, I liked it, it reminded me of Tranquility Lane from Fallout and I'm mostly sure they were inspired by all of this to make it, I have no doubt. The acting is very good, and the idea of being trapped by the emotion of fear is something that sounds interesting, and I feel like it could've been explored even further. Now, what I didn't quite get is how it all started in the first place, when fear takes control of everything? Also, there is not more emotions? Or only fear was creted here? But I still think it's worth it.

Even the ending creates a lot of intrigue, it's really well done.

Humans both thrive off fear and are terrified of it at the same time.

We all have dark recesses of the mind that we wished could always remain unseen. Or do we.

Some people thrive of instilling fear in others. But what is they fear?

Bullies are terrified at having their power and control over others devolved.

Thaw really does a great job depicting human incipient weaknesses.

Thaw is our worst nightmare and best friend.

Thaw is one of the best episodes of any Star Trek series for it shows us humans at our best and darkest worst.

Maybe that's why so many are hostile about Thaw.

It's absolutely no shame to be fearful of our darkest side.

Not to be scared is even scarier.

Since its creation by Gene Roddenberry, Star Trek has explored the fear and doubts of humanity. Whether it was the Klingons in the original series or the Borg in TNG, the series seems to manufacture new ways fear and doubt can manifest itself.

The Thaw takes no backseat to the discussion. The performance by Michael McKean as fear, as well as the filming sequences that accentuate his creepy entourage, are superbly frightening. The costume design sprouts from one of Jim Henson's nightmares. The Thaw should have been nominated for an Emmy for set/costume design.

The thorough, scientific analysis of fear by the Voyager crew gives an enlightening take on how and why fear exists. This scientific approach is what makes so many Voyager episodes stand out.

Classic Voyager.

This looks a great deal like the original series in its visuals and dialogue. I think this is a great throwback to the Original series. The costumes especially remind me of the original. The costumes look as if the wardrobe department shopped at a garage sale for these items.

Voyager discovers a planet with virtually all life wiped out except for 3 survivors who have been held in stasis for 19 years.

This is a strong episode that is quite cinematic and features some very good performances.

The story has an excellent premise with interesting themes about the nature of fear. Everything that happens to the characters works within the sci-fi aspect and is quite intriguing. However, certain specifics that involve threats to the lives of the main characters can never fully work in episodic television.

Visually it is one of the best Star Trek episodes. It feels like something out of the Original Series with its basic concepts and vibrant 60s colours. There are minimal space/alien related effects-driven spectacle and lots of creepy carnivalesque imagery. The cinematography is very effective at maximising the weirdness by framing certain shots with all the background characters looking quite threatening behind the Fear Clown. David McKean looks hideous as this character and his performance is excellent.

How scary is it? I guess that is in eye of the beholder. If you suffer from coulrophobia you will probably find it pretty bad, but for me the horror aspect needs to be stronger given the subject matter. There are moments when characters are shown symbolically to be killed via guillotine, but I think it would have been very effective to portray them experience their worst fears and die as a result. Understandably though, it could not be made this way given it's constraint by censorship. Easily the most disturbing moment involves Harry as an old man and also as a baby. The sight of all those actors in evil costumes passing around a real baby (who looks terrified) is very unsettling and I would never have consented to that as a parent.

For me the performances are a mixed bag. MacKean and Robert Picardo have the best exchanges of dialogue by far and Katie Mulgrew is great as always. One of the guest stars slightly overacts and Garrett Wang's limited range shows a bit.