ALL SCI-FI

[Bud Brewster]

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Yet another enjoyable episode which includes the near-omnipotent Q, complete with an appearance by John de Lancie and Gerrit Graham as members of the Q continuum.

The beauty of this story is that it finally explains the true nature of the Q continuum, and why John de Lancie has always seemed like such a reckless and irresponsible "god" in all his previous appearances!

In this story, Q member Gerrit Graham wants to commit suicide because he's tired of living, and John de Lancie shows up to oppose his wish . . . for reasons that the humans can't quite comprehend.

Janeway convinces John de Lancie that she should grant Gerrit Graham asylum and allow him to have a hearing to decide the matter — with Janeway presiding.

Tuvok serves as the defending attorney, and he does a wonderful job, as usual.

At one point, Q (de Lancie) tries to coheres Janeway by offering to send Voyage back to Earth!

What follows is a much better story than the early TNG trial in the pilot episode. It's better written, and it includes an appearance by Johnathan Franks as William Riker!

Throw in a cameo by Sir Isaac Newton and you a get a very enjoyable "bottle episode" which takes place almost entirely aboard Voyage, with no costly special effects.
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Is there no man on Earth who has the wisdom and innocence of a child?
~ The Space Children (1958)