Think Tank

In this episode Janeway, George, Seven, and Chakotay find themselves entangled with a mysterious group of problem solvers, led by none other than George's doppelgänger, Kurros (played by Jason Alexander). The group, known as the "Think Tank," offers to solve any problem for a price. Naturally, hilarity ensues.

Act I: Janeway's apartment. She is puzzled over a broken air conditioner. George bursts in, complaining about a new job where his boss expects him to solve impossible problems. Seven enters, frustrated with a new project at the J. Peterman catalog that involves deciphering ancient texts. Chakotay slides in, announcing he's joined a "Think Tank" that promises to solve all their problems.

Act II: The gang visits the Think Tank's headquarters, a sleek, futuristic office. Kurros, who looks suspiciously like George, offers to fix Janeway's air conditioner, solve George's work issues, and help Seven with her project. The catch? They need something valuable in return. Chakotay offers up his collection of rare Cuban cigars, but Kurros wants something more... unique.

Act III: Kurros reveals he wants Seven's prized manuscript, Neelix's secret lasagna recipe, and Janeway's favorite Superman comic. The gang reluctantly agrees, but soon realizes they've been duped. The Think Tank's solutions are overly complicated and create more problems than they solve. Janeway's air conditioner now makes the apartment unbearably cold, George's job becomes even more stressful, and Seven's project is now a mess of conflicting translations.

Finale: In a classic Voyager twist, the gang decides to outsmart the Think Tank. They stage a fake meltdown, with Janeway pretending her apartment is uninhabitable, George faking a nervous breakdown, and Seven claiming her project is ruined. Chakotay, meanwhile, uses his newfound "Think Tank" skills to create a diversion. The Think Tank, overwhelmed by the chaos, agrees to return everything they took and leave the gang alone.

Closing Scene: Back at Janeway's apartment, the gang reflects on their adventure. Janeway's air conditioner is finally fixed, George quits his job, Seven's project is back on track, and Chakotay has a new scheme involving a "Think Tank" for pets. As they sit down to watch TV, Janeway quips, "You know, sometimes the best solution is no solution at all."

The writers missed an obvious solution. It is never mentioned in the episode, but Voyager's "problem" that needs solving isn't the Hazari, it's ultimately that they need to get home. It's like if you found a genie's lamp while lost in a cave, and you wished for the spiders to leave you alone. If Janeway or Seven O'Nine renegotiated so that Voyager could be shown the shortest way to the Alpha quadrant, it might've made a more serious dilemma for them to consider, and a much more interesting episode.

I don't blame him, though. If I was Kurros, I would've conspired to acquire Seven and have her body grace my tank, too.

Voyager is attacked by the Hazari--bounty hunters who are a very formidable and who will most likely capture the ship sooner or later. Almost as if by miracle, the Captain is contacted by a being named Kurros (Jason Alexander) who offers to intervene and spare the ship...for a price. It seems that Kurros and his friends on his ship are a think tank--rather amoral beings who will do things to help various species if they are willing to meet their demands. In this case, they want a few things that seem trivial*--as well as Seven of Nine! It's not selling into slavery, exactly--they want to make her a part of their group. But there is definitely an interesting hidden agenda.

I liked the twist--even though I had anticipated it in this one. The show also ends extremely well and is quite satisfying. My only complaint is a minor one, as the speaking style of Alexander's character was mildly annoying.

Jason Alexander makes an interesting alien, head of a Think Tank that offers help to troubled cultures and ships at a great price. When Voyager comes under attack, they must find a way to survive. It turns out that Alexander's character's manipulations are one of the only means for survival. So Janeway has to match wits with this guy and that's where the entertainment comes. Seven and all her gifts become the pawn in the game, but we know it's not going to be that simple.

Jason Alexander was not good. The story was good enough he didn't wreck it.

I couldn't wait for him to leave the screen each time. WORLDS COLLIDING! THEYRE KILLING INDEPENDENT GEORGE!