The Void

This episode is directly related / based on the story events of the PC game "Star Trek Voyager: Elite Force". The events are for the most part mirrored with the exception of in-depth game details. Great story, and fun to play!

In the episode, Voyager is attacked by a graviton pulse that transports them inside a void area of space where they cannot escape on their own power without an energy dampening field that is constantly draining the ships warp drive resources. They must band together with other, friendly and hostile, forces in order to escape.

Whereas in the game, Voyager is attacked by a probe that, upon destruction by Voyager in efforts simply to defend themselves, it emits a field that transfers Voyager and it's crew to an area of space that has a space station with an energy dampening field that drains ships of their warp energy, preventing their escape. Many other types of ships are in this area, including TOS mirror generation Enterprise ship(s?), Klingons, Borg and 8472.

In the episode, unlike the game, there is no Elite Force tactical squad (aww!!) and no final end boss. ;)

I've always found this episode to be one of the best to use as an example of what makes Starfleet's philosophy work, as opposed to the behavior of the Klingons, Romulans, and other more aggressive races.

Voyager is trapped in a dimensional void, where there are no resources of any kind, other than from other star ships who are trapped. Previous to Voyager's appearance, the law of the land was raid any new ship that appears, and fight it out yourself.

Janeway, using Starfleet principles, instead decides to create a mini star fleet, by convincing other ships to band together, share resources, in order to escape their situation.

It shows how the more aggressive species hurt this concept with their behavior, and why the joining of forces works well.

On top of that, it is a pretty exciting episode, with many good scenes, and satisfying from start to finish. One of the very best ST Voyager episodes.

Another prime example among many other particular episodes where Janeway (writers) once again denote StarFleet "Principals" in usual confusion and immense frustration to the viewer!

So tired of the Star Fleet interpreting Janeway making decisions off her rationalizations. It's like find the most illogical idea and do that one. Sometimes it's to not interfere with a cultural, unless it suits her..., unless the whole crew could benefit. Then better to let the crew starve. (What?) Or take ore from a plant because a species won't trade. Or, "don't mess with Voyager" and she will blow them up to protect her crew (with advanced weapons designed not to ever be used... because is Star Fleet policy to die first before harming(?)

As in here, don't want to offend so give away the crews food. Let them starve. Unless she rationalizes a technical reason the benefits her to save them (and then act as if she would have always done so). Confront a manual, which has no credence to a new system or guidelines, just shows how unable to perceive a new situation and act accordingly. Half the series has this conflict. Don't use a tricorder on a burial site per Chakotay. Hey, what if your breathing in an organic lifeform... better put everyone in suites I guess. If going to play out the hypocrisy, then do it in all situations. And which is worse, Janeway explaining yet another inconsistently irrational situation, or that I have to listen to her do such in that fingernails on chalkboard voice.

Must be a benefit in being obtuse. You can't argue with an abstraction, and Janeway uses that conveniently. Adding to this, is the factor of the absurdity being delivered by someone trying to act tough. As if that must be a good manager and/or compensating for a female role. Or is it to gaslight everyone to be shamed if she's not in charge, And... why does she have to be if there are more competent Picard types that could do the best job (ah, but their males, so forget that whatever you do).

So, we get this frustration instead. We suppose that if someone was to stab Janeway she would probably be the one to apologize. That would make good Star Fleet sense afterall.

Voyager gets trapped in a void of space that is occupied with other ships, all of which are competing for resources.

The ships trapped in the void exist in a state of chaos where everyone is competing for resources. There are two ways of trying to survive: Look after for yourself with a complete disregard for others or try and cooperate to share resources with the aim of a solution for all. This episode is as relevant in today's divided societies as it ever was and makes you feel a bit depressed when you think what option our own leaders would actually take.

There are clashes of viewpoint all over the place and it presents the Captain Janeway character with a moment to shine. Talk about resolute, bloody-minded devotion to principles. It's a high risk attitude and not all agree (some IMDB reviewers to name a few), but you have to admit that even though she might not be the de facto star of the show, particularly when The Doctor and Seven are on form, she is well and truly the star of this episode.

It is a technically well made episode with special effects that keep things pretty exciting and when all is said and done you've got to love a montage.

Anyone who gives a rating of "1" to anything but "Amazon Googles Meet the Martian Queen" is doing so out of spite. Interesting how a wide array of viewers average "8." None of these television series episodes is perfect because of time constraints and economics. I found this one to be quite nice. If you believe Janeway is pure evil, you need to find another show. There are interesting characters fighting for a common goal, their very existence. The aliens are interesting and unique and the task is clearly defined. Certainly, one of the better episodes.