496. InvestigationsFORMULA: State of Flux + Honor Among Thieves + Lower Decks
WHY WE LIKE IT: A Briefing with Neelix (who'd have thought?).
WHY WE DON'T: Too soon!
REVIEW: The subplots involving Tom Paris' worsening behavior and Michael Jonas' leaks to Seska and the Kazon finally dovetail together in something of an anticlimax. The story arc seemed to promise a big Kazon pay-off, and indeed, probably should have been kept going until the season finale, but instead, the attack on the ship is quick and forgettable and Jonas is disintegrated by Neelix in an unsafe working environment. Paris makes his apologies and that's that.
I've made no secret of Paris' deception in these reviews, but here the plan is actually revealed to the audience. Janeway and Tuvok both in on it, Chakotay not to ensure a better "performance". Is he sick of being played for a sucker yet? Trying to get a handle on the plan, I guess Paris is put off the ship because Jonas never made overtures and it was time to step things up. Seska sees through the deception anyway - probably because she's Cardassian - but still leaves Tom alone with a computer console to discover the traitor. The redeeming value of this otherwise pointless strategy is the touching farewell to Tom. While a put-on, it gives him a chance to see how much the others have come to care about him.
But pointless, I say? Well, given that Neelix uncovers the traitor pretty much at the same time, I'd say that Tuvok hasn't been doing a very good job (again). Especially since Jonas is using the same tricks Seska did in State of Flux. I mean really Tuvok. Not to worry though, Voyager are up against Kazon who can't destroy one of their own shuttles, even with multiple hits. The excitement is drained right out of this one by then.
At least the framing story is clever, with Neelix creating a variety program ("A Briefing with Neelix") for the crew's entertainment and getting himself embroiled in an investigation to threatens both Jonas and Janeway's plans and almost has him killed. Some cute comic moments there, and the director has fun with the POV shots.
LESSON: Never offer a hologram a spot on your tv show unless you really mean it.
REWATCHABILITY - Medium: A rather weak ending to the current Kazon arc, the whole thing will just have to be revisited in the season finale. At least stuff happens.
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