Pretty good. I liked it. Expected more from the ending, but still good.
GENERAL THOUGHTS:
God, I hate the commercials. Was the commercial that aired last week for this one so completely misleading or what? Of course, I knew the episode would be nothing like the commercial, they never are. This one was better, in fact. It had an interesting story that developed the whole way through, no real wasted scenes, and great characters. What more can you ask for? Well, other than a better ending, but I'll get to that shortly.
LIKES:
The movie theater. I'd heard this was Tom's new program for the year, and I wasn't overly excited about it, but in the end, I have to say that I approve. It's true Tom, especially the cheesy B-movies.
The clothes. Finally, someone off duty wearing casual clothes! How many times have I ranted about this in the past? Tom could use a little better taste, but at least they're trying.
Pacing. For about 90% of the episode the pacing was terrific. It kept you interested in the story, kept moving forward, revealing a little at a time, yet not too much too early. So many times Trek has problems (especially with two-parters) making the second half as good as the first. There will be a great set-up, that never develops its full potential. And while the ending was a bit abrupt, the rest of the episode was great.
Great use of all the characters. Though this was mainly a Tuvok episode, all nine main characters had a chance to shine. Everyone was used, well, logically, with each of them getting a good scene or two, at least, to shine. They were all true to their characters as well. And most importantly, Seven didn't save the day.
Minor crewmembers. Call me crazy, but I like to see some of the other people aboard now and then. And the fact that they brought back characters we've seen before is even better.
Tuvok/Janeway. (I'm saving the whole Tuvok commentary for a second here) The interaction between these two was excellent and very much consistent from what we've seen of these two and their relationship in the past. I liked how she kept trying to reach out to him in the brig, helping him to meditate and keeping him focused on her rather than Teero.
Tuvok. Where to begin? I have lots to say on this topic this week. I've never been a big fan of Tuvok or Vulcans, but after this week, I have to wonder if that has more to do with the lack of good Tuvok episodes than anything else. With the exception of a few odd scenes here and there, we haven't seen a really good Tuvok episode in at least about four years. "Riddles" last season was good, but more a chance to let Tim Russ shine than a Tuvok episode. You really have to go back to early season three to get a good Tuvok outing. I think part of the problem might be the writers. There seem to be three types of Tuvok episodes: Tuvok dealing with the Maquis ("Meld," "Learning Curve," "Repression"), Tuvok as a Vulcan ("Meld," "Gravity," "Flashback") and Tuvok as investigator ("Ex Post Facto," Meld," "Rise," "Repression"). Just about the only one that doesn't fit one of these categories is "Innocence." And with only a few exceptions, Tuvok is usually paired with another character, be it Janeway or Neelix or Paris. "Repression" is an exception to this rule, and I think maybe this is why I liked it so much. Yes, there is quite a bit of Janeway/Tuvok interaction, but not nearly as much as, say, "Flashback." "Repression" allows us to see Tuvok at his best as an investigator, as well as dealing with the Maquis, a group which often presents difficulties for the ever logical Tuvok, and at the same time, lets Tim Russ shine like he rarely gets to.
DISLIKES:
Just abuot the only negative this week was the quick wrap-up and resolution at the end. All of a sudden Tuvok's all better again? After the anguish he was going through minutes earlier? Doesn't ring quite right, but then I'm not sure I can think of a better way to finish this one off. It's just kind of anti-climactic after the suspense and tension and great build-up of the rest of the episode.
MINI-QUIBBLE:
How come when they go into the mess hall and find the comatose person, no one bothers to turn on the lights?
J/C QUOTIENT:
OK, the romantic in me drew the conclusion from the ready room/phaser scene that even a doped up and delusional Chakotay can't hurt Janeway. Call me crazy.
I was a tad disappointed in the J/C at the end. While I liked the walk to the brig with them, I was kind of hoping she'd put up at least a little more resistance. And then at the movie? Well, I was expecting them to at least sit next to each other, but I understand what they didn't. I'll forgive that, for now.
