Chakotay and Janeway are stranded on a deserted (island) planet and contemplate a romantic relationship in the wonderful 25th episode of the second season of Star Trek: Voyager, titled “Resolutions.”
While it never quite elevates to a full-blown romance, the sub text of Chakotay and Janeway’s relationship is brought to the forefront and it is a delicious experience for fans of the show.
The episode gets underway in great shape with a cold open where we discover that there is a new captain on board Voyager. Tuvok is now the captain without much explanation. It is a great tease.
Eventually, we learn that Janeway and Chakotay are infected with a virus and can’t leave the planet without dying. Voyager is forced to leave them behind, despite many on the crew refusing to accept it. Harry Kim even sews the seeds of a mutiny against Tuvok in order to turn the ship around.
It is an episode where Janeway is forced into a situation where she must, perhaps, accept the fact that there is not cure for the virus and make a new life on the planet – one far away from Voyager and Star Fleet.
Meanwhile, Tuvok must try to live with the unpopular decision to leave Janeway and Chakotay behind. Tuvok is forced into a situation where he must potentially disobey an order and reorganize his logically understanding of the situation.
I love how the episode tests these characters and I love the budding romance between Janeway and Chakotay. Robert Beltran and Kate Mulgrew play this episode with great tenderness.
It was almost like an old school black and white romance movie. I loved it. This is a can’t-miss episode of the series for true fans.
RATING 5/5
