Star Trek Voyager Reviews Written By Someone Who Actually LIKES the Show -- Rise

Okay, this is a review of the Star Trek Voyager episode, "Rise," and contains many, many spoilers. It is intended solely for the enjoyment and time wasting of those who like Voyager and have been wanting Neelix to say something to Tuvok for three years now. Fans of certain vintage adventure films may also be interested. As for the rest of you, and you know who you are, may I suggest going somewhere else?

How about UltimateTV?

No? Last time I checked there Cathy Lee Gifford was being interviewed about how often she changes diapers...Still here? Then off and up we go.

INITIAL VIEWER EXPERIENCE
Oh, goody gum-drops, a Neelix episode...what a thrill to record in my daily journal. Maybe there will be an interesting subplot...no...Hey, wait a minute!...Who stole Neelix's character and replaced him with someone interesting?...My goodness, genuine chemistry between Neelix and Tuvok! I guess this is the Neelix that Kes fell in love with. What am I saying??...It's good till the end, too. Finally now I can say I like all the main characters on the show very much. What a hoot.

PLOT
Voyager is helping out a new-found friend, the Nezu Colony, which has unexpectedly become the vacation destination of a number of asteroids. Voyager tries to destroy one particularly big asteroid before it hits the surface. While the Nezu Ambassador and his flunky, Sklar, watch on the bridge, Janeway, enjoying herself very much, fires Voyager's phasers at it. Fragments inexplicably remain, however, and hit the surface. This causes ionic disturbances, and this means (all together now) the transporters won't work! This wouldn't really matter, except that a Dr. Vatim signals the Ambassador from the surface. He has discovered that the asteroids are not natural. He must talk to the Ambassador...but the signal is lost.

Not one to quit helping others when there's still work to be done, Janeway sends down three shuttles to rescue Dr. Vatim. Tuvok will pilot one, Paris another, and the third one, well, we never actually find out.

[Let us have a moment of appreciation for not seeing this third pilot, as he or she would doubtlessly have a line or two to say, therefore necessitating their execution in the near future.]

Chakotay and Torres beam aboard a fragment of that stubborn asteroid for analysis.

In Sickbay, a nervous Neelix asks for some medical supplies. The Doctor asks why Neelix is more hyper than usual, and Neelix explains that he is joining Tuvok's team to the surface. No matter what Neelix does, it seems he cannot satisfy that Vulcan. The Doctor suggests that Neelix restrain his usual enthusiasm, and Neelix does seem to try.

Tuvok's shuttle, carrying only Neelix and a Sklar even more nervous than Neelix, crashes on the surface. However, this turns out to be the perfect way to find Dr. Vatim and a Nezu galacite miner named Hanjuon. Dr. Vatim insists he must see the Ambassador with some sort of secret information he refuses to share with the others.

The shuttle won't fly, so Tuvok decides to fix the communication system, but when Neelix goes outside to check on the antenna, he finds an orbital tether. This rather cool piece of equipment reminds me of the link from the Mads to Gypsy on the Satellite of Love. This long piece of vertical track stretches from the surface to an orbiting space station. A carriage runs along this tether, or would, except that, as Hanjuan explains when Neelix reports his find back to Tuvok, this one isn't working.

Neelix says that he's done a lot of work on such tethers and thinks he can fix this one. Tuvok doesn't much like the plan, especially as another asteroid is only a few hours away from hitting the surface. However, so reluctantly you can hear the poker snap, he agrees.

The happy group treks to the base of the tether, and in a cramped station finds a cache of rations and a woman, Lillias, who jumps out to hold a knife at Neelix's throat. It seems she doesn't have enough food to share. Neelix manages to talk her out of slitting his throat [And those of you who said "darn" at this point should be ashamed of yourselves!] and even gets her to help them fix the tether.

On the ship, Chakotay and Torres discover that the asteroid fragment is actually a control node for a guidance system. The asteroids are not just the Nezu's bad luck, but someone's weapon.

Tuvok and Neelix restore main power, and Neelix tells Lillias he'll name the carriage for luck. He selects "Alixia," the name of his favorite sister (who, like all his family, is now dead). Lillias responds by explaining that her sister, Hollah, was lost to her two weeks ago when the first asteroid hit. Neelix says he's sure Captain Janeway will help her find Hollah. Tuvok tells Neelix to stop jawing. "Yes sir," says Neelix, eating it once again.

As work continues on the tether, Dr. Vatim decides to leave by himself. The station begins to collapse, the entire group makes it onto the carriage, Tuvok neck-pinches Dr. Vatim, Neelix takes the controls, and the carriage starts to rise [hence the title]. The climb is perilous, but Neelix manages to stabilize the contraption at 47 kph. Now they only have to hang on until they break through the ionosphere and they'll be rescued by Voyager, unless their oxygen runs out. Neelix, who must pilot manually because they left ahead of schedule, confesses to Tuvok that he's actually only worked on models of this technology.

Tuvok soon learns that "Technical glitches would seem to be the last of [their] problems" when Lillias and Hanjuan are all for throwing Dr. Vatim off the carriage. Tuvok takes command of the situation by holding Hanjuan's hand really hard. After this Vulcan version of chest-thumping, everyone backs off.

On the bridge, Janeway hears from Paris that the search isn't going well and warns that a storm is headed towards the shuttles. Kim gets his usual allotment of lines by reporting that the next asteroid will arrive at the planet in about two hours.

In the carriage, Neelix pilots and sweats as everyone starts to suffer the onset of carbon dioxide poisoning except, of course, Tuvok. Neelix decides to teach Tuvok how to pilot the carriage, but before this rather intelligent plan can be implemented, Dr. Vatim starts clawing at the door and muttering about getting something from the roof. Tuvok goes to restrain him, but Dr. Vatim dies. Analysis reveals that Dr. Vatim was murdered with coolant poisoning -- showing once again that traveling with Tuvok is even more hazardous to one's health than hanging with Jessica on Murder, She Wrote.

While Tuvok tries to explain to Hanjuan that he has no emotions and so wouldn't have a motive for homicide [Let's see him try that one on NYPD Blue!], Neelix decides that someone should go on the roof to see what Dr. Vatim's excitement was all about. Tuvok objects, dismissing Neelix's "funny feeling," and FINALLY Neelix tells Tuvok, "You're going to listen to me!" and stops the carriage.

Tuvok asserts that Neelix is being overly emotional, and Neelix responds, "I'll tell you who's being emotional: you. You hide it beneath that Vulcan calm, but the truth is you're filled with contempt and sarcasm and I'm tired of being the target of all your hostility!" Tuvok rejects this notion (can you tell I really like this part?), but Lillias agrees that Tuvok's dislike of Neelix is all over his face whenever he speaks to him. Neelix explains that for three years he's tolerated Tuvok's scorn because he admires him, but he's not taking it anymore. In fact, he's not piloting the carriage any farther until someone goes on the roof. Checkmated, Tuvok himself goes on the roof, since he can best breathe the atmosphere.

On the roof, Tuvok can see his house...no, he finds a data device full of information on some alien ship. Sklar finally breaks out of his wimpy cover and shows himself to be the villain and murderer here. He kicks Neelix down the ladder, goes up on the roof, and throws Tuvok off the carriage.

Fortunately, Tuvok manages to snag an induction coil. Still, that's gotta hurt.

When the asteroid comes within scanner range, Janeway and company discover this asteroid is really a spaceship in disguise. The ship's captain hails them and announces that the Attanian Order claims this world, Nezu colony be damned. Janeway smells a fight and sits with relish in her chair as she commands, "Battlestations!" I must say, most of the crew looks pleased too. Hanging around with Janeway has given them all a taste for kicking a little alien hiney every now and then.

Sklar goes back inside the carriage with the data device. Lillias asks after Tuvok, and is told he "returned to the surface." Neelix is too badly injured by his fall to pilot the carriage, however, and Lillias hasn't got a clue what to do. While Sklar shows all the managerial skills of the pointy-haired guy in Dilbert by ordering her to do it anyway, Neelix spies Tuvok through the carriage window, needing some help. Dragging himself, he sneaks over to the door controls and opens the main hatch.

Woosh! goes most of the air, and in this wind tunnel Tuvok and Sklar grapple. The data device flies from Sklar's hand, and soon Sklar flies from the carriage.

Tuvok remembers to thank Neelix and for the first time looks at him without overt irritation. He needs Neelix to continue piloting the carriage, and when Neelix feels too woozy, he tells our little Talaxian to do it "for Alixia." Neelix comments, "I'm glad to see your interpersonal skills are improving," and -- did you doubt it? -- gets to his feet and puts the carriage back on its rising path.

Unfortunately for Voyager crew morale, the battle with the Attanian ship isn't going well.

The carriage breaks free of the ionosphere, and, after enduring a most unwelcome (but hysterical) hug from Hanjuan, Tuvok contacts the ship. All are beamed aboard [and we've seen Voyager manipulate the shields to beam people up during battles before, so Nitpickers, keep quiet.], and on the bridge Tuvok uses the data from Dr. Vatim's device to help overpower the Attanian ship.

The Ambassador demands an explanation and wants to know where Sklar is. After exchanging a look with Tuvok, Neelix explains that Sklar "returned to the surface."

Neelix and Lillias talk in the mess, explaining all the plot details for those who weren't keeping track. Dr. Vatim was collecting data on the Attanian ship and knew there was a Nezu spy. But he didn't know who it was. That's why he hid the device.

Tuvok enters and tells Lillias that they've found her sister. She gives Neelix a little kiss and leaves.

Tuvok tells Neelix he's put in a report commending Neelix's stamina and bravery, and then the two have a conversation that truly does change the whole nature of their relationship, so instead of paraphrasing it, I'm just going to quote the whole thing in DICTION. Suffice to say here that Neelix and Tuvok will be speaking more as equals in the future.

CHARACTER
Now, from my headline you know that I LIKE the show, so it may seem somewhat contradictory to complain about Neelix's character. But, give me a break, I can love a show and still wish it were better, and for some time now that's just how I've felt about our Talaxian guide.

His role has never really been a well-constructed one on the show. In the beginning, he was supposed to be Mr. Fix-it and Mr. Taken, sort of like Chief O’Brien, as well as the comic relief, like Data struggling with the Chinese handcuffs or Quark at his most irritating. I have tried very hard to discount his silly appearance and appreciate his smarts, but for the most part I've been happy when he stayed in the kitchen (but not barefoot! yucky Talaxian feet).

Now that Kes and Neelix aren't together, this and last week's episode -- which have both carefully commented on the three-year length of Voyager's journey so far -- are expanding Kes and Neelix's characters. The change does seem to be for the better. Kes is now Sexy Kes with growing pains, and Neelix can now demand to be treated better.

And he's certainly earned it. This Neelix no longer worries about the day they leave the territory he's familiar with; that's come and gone. This Neelix has had time to learn ship's systems and protocol, to become a real member of the crew, and even to get his own skin-tight jumpsuit (more on that later). This is (gulp) the Neelix we can understand the old Kes falling in love with. Even his admonishments to Tuvok are right on target. This is the Vulcan we all got to watch "kill" Neelix on the holodeck, after all.

What was even more of a surprise, though, is how much more likable Tuvok is now that Neelix is closer to being his equal on the show. This is what good character development does: I like Tuvok because I like Paris because I like Janeway because I like Chakotay because I like Paris, if you follow me. More simply put, watching friends work together is more fun than watching mere coworkers. Neelix and Tuvok have moved from bare tolerance to the beginnings of sort of Bones-Spock friendship (the comparison is inevitable), and I look forward to the next time they speak.

Janeway's love of beating up bullies is firmly established now, so I enjoy watching her rush into confrontations. It is very Kirkian of her, and a nice balance to Sisko, who can certainly kick your butt if he wants to, but has made his best command decisions so far by keeping his finger off the trigger.

Thank goodness no one ever mentions the self-destruct program anymore!

THOUGHT
About character development in general...it's nice when characters get to like each other gradually, casually, and unconsciously. But it's true in the real world (mine, anyway) that sometimes with wildly disparate personalities you must sometimes make things a bit more formal. Three years of working together sets up Tuvok and Neelix nicely for this latter, more unusual kind of relationship. The formal truce is both declared and commented upon. This suits both Neelix's candid personality, and Tuvok's formal nature.

Getting away from character, the tight plotting of the episode really works nicely too. The data that saves Voyager gets introduced just as it should, and the close confrontation of the carriage does a great job of putting everyone on the spot. No technobabble wonder cures and no unmotivated heroics.

I'm glad there's no elaborate explanation for why Voyager is at the Nezu colony in the first place. A mention of galacite mining provides a clue for those who demand it, but we know by now that Voyager basically has to make its way from one friendly supply station to the next.

SPECTACLE
Neelix's jumpsuit. It looks better on the little munchkin than I would have thought. The corduroy is a wise choice as well. Please don't be encouraged to try spandex, however.

But I must comment on the production values of this episode, which were definitely sub-par in places. I know it's expensive to build all those new sets, but since I don't have to pay for them I'll wish they could have spent more on models and set design.

The Nezu are also a disappointing sight. The opening pan of the bridge brings to mind unfortunate images of bumpy-faced, shoulder-padded Tweedle-Dum and Tweedle-Dee. They also look a little like Ensign Wildman's baby.

A very nice part, however, occurs when Neelix is realizing they must go up on the roof. Tuvok is arguing with Hanjuan, but his voice fades as the camera zooms in on Neelix. Tuvok's voice is about to become quieter in many ways.

DICTION
Some nice lines already noted when Neelix confronts Tuvok. The best line of all goes to Tuvok, however, when he explains: "I'm looking for Mr. Neelix's instinct. Perhaps it will be marked."

Neelix's rejoinder to Lillias is also good: "It's strange, but I really like him. I only wish the feeling were mutual."

And, as promised, here is the final exchange:
Tuvok: "One day your intuition will fail and you will finally understand that logic is primary above all else. 'Instinct' is merely another term for 'serendipity.'"
Neelix: "One day, Mr. Vulcan, I'll get you to trust your gut."
Tuvok: "That is doubtful."
Neelix: "We'll see."
Tuvok: "Your attempts have yet to succeed."
Neelix: "You always have to get in that last word, don't ya?"
Tuvok: "I am simply responding to your erroneous statement."
Neelix: "Something tells me you just hate to lose an argument."
Tuvok: "Losing is irrelevant."
Neelix: "See what I mean?"
Tuvok: "No [cue music], I do not."


SONG
Lovely score as always.

And now for the baggage...

STAR TREK ELEMENTS WE (OR I, ANYWAY) LOVE
Voyager is continuing its trend of tying up lose ends and remembering everybody, including the explanations in the mess hall and the finding of Hallah. Extras in the background are continuing to register actual expressions, and the whole ship is feeling very much these days like an actual community. Good.

STAR TREK ELEMENTS WE (OR I, ANWAY) HATE
Unexplained character strength. We have an old-fashioned Star Trek fist-fight in the carriage. Tuvok wins, but why is it so difficult? We see him easily quell Hanjuan. I kept waiting to find out that Sklar was actually Attanian in origin, or something. I guess the wind and Sklar's desperation count for something, but it bothers me anyway.

I'd love to hear what you think about the episode.

Well, that wraps up this one!

Star Trek Voyager Reviews

Or go ahead to ST Voyage Reviews -- Favorite Son.

Or go back to ST Voyager Reviews -- Darkling.

Or go to Jim Wright for a second opinion.

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