Think Tank

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!

Voyager enters a dangerous area of space and Janeway is offered help to overcome its predators.

Certain aspects of the story work, such as the manipulations and deceptions used by individuals that use knowledge as power to exploit others. I find this relatable to real world. What does not quite hold together is the portrayal of certain characters as super-intelligent. They are clever because we are told they are, but nothing we see evidences it.

Seven of Nine is not really put in much of a dilemma as it is a straightforward decision for her given how nefarious the guest characters appear. They could have made the offer feel more attractive if the baddies were less one dimensional. Jason Alexander acting creepy and arrogant for the majority of an episode in alien makeup is hardly tempting.

The resolution to Voyager's problem is a good example of the Trek theme of using intelligence to win the day, but as a story it could have been done better. Key aspects of the plan are explained before they happen, which takes all the intrigue out of the situation.

Visually it is pretty impressive. I especially like the alien/creature designs of non humanoid characters.

Jeri Ryan stands out for me, giving another likeable performance of deadpan delivery and using facial expressions perfectly.

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.

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.