MM>Given that the spoiler period for The Gift is now over, here are some
MM>thoughts.
MM>Writer Joe Menosky did a pretty good job with this episode, except for
MM>the need to rush the resolution of the story -- a problem that plagues
MM>many Voyager episodes.  The blame for that may also rest somewhat with
MM>Anson Williams, the director.
     How many three or four part episodes can they get sponsored shot
     and sfx'ed?
MM>This episode uses a tradition A/B story structure.  The A story is about
MM>Seven of Nine, and her acceptance of a human versus Borg lifestyle.  The
MM>B story has to do with Kes and her growing psychic abilities, ultimatly
MM>resulting in her leaving the ship and poofing into some other dimension
MM>of space and time, where she will presumably be socializing with Decker
MM>and Illia, as well as The Traveler and Wesley Crusher.
MM>The A story is by far the better of the two.  Menosky gives us some
MM>intelligent, realistic (in the Star Trek context) dialog in which Seven
MM>comes to grips with her situation, and challenges Janeway's ethics.
     The A story would have to be the stronger of the two as it deals
   with continuation.
     I've been looking for Trek to re-address the ethics of
   dis-assimilating a Borg. I was dissatisfied with the result of
   Hughing the Borgs that ended up being Fascistnated by Lore.
     I think Janeway's ethics are correct; giving 7of9 a perspective in
   which to make an intelligent choice, something she hasn't ever been
   given. And the storyline allows an exploration of human community.
MM>In fact, Seven is probably right.  Did anyboby else think it was an
MM>interesting context to see Janeway blythly give Kes one of he last
MM>remaining shuttles and let her run off to do whatever she wanted, while
MM>Janeway stubbornly refused to let Seven do the same thing?
      The fluid/dangerous nature of the changes taking place with Kes
    required removal of her and, as they couldn't get a lock on her (it
    had already occurred to me that they mightn't be able to), the
    shuttle was the only option left (lose shuttle vs lose Voyager).
MM>As I said, the biggest failing of the episode was the need to rush Kes
MM>off the ship as the result of a technobabble emergency.  If she was
MM>leaving, wouldn't it have been better to have time for some nice parting
MM>emotionalism with the dozen or so people who have become Kes' friends?
       Yes, by all means, let's have a long boring separation ritual. It
    could happen; not! It would be nice not to have her powers
    precipitously increase like that, but if she had it under control
    why leave? They need the bunk. J Lien wants to move on; at least
    they didn't have her die of old age!
MM>Oh, well.  That may be the result of having to cram everything into a 45
MM>minute episode to make room for all those commercials.
       And people wonder why the drama on PBS is (well,was) so much
     better than Sellavision.
MM>All in all, The Gift is one of the better efforts we have seen from
MM>Voyager in some time.  I'll give it Four out of Five Starbases.
       Considering the specs, a plausable release of Kes and
       reintroduction of some thought provoking Trek, I'd say it may
       keep me watching for awhile yet.
 * SLMR 2.1a * We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust our sails.
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