Lifeline

DVD, Voyager S6 (Lifeline)

Lewis Zimmerman is one of the best characters ever created on Voyager. Yes, there are shades of Data and his creator, to the idea, except that Dr. Soong was a benevolent, kindly old man, the exact opposite of the rude, arrogant and shabby creator of the EMH. The most significant similarity is that both are played by the same actor as their creations. Picardo does an absolutely brilliant job portraying the older, slouchier version of the Doctor. There are so many scenes with both characters, yet most are so incredibly well put together. Occasionally, yes, eyelines aren't perfect, but no sooner are they having conversations, than they're making physical contact, something even more complicated!

I wish Zimmerman had been in more episodes, but his storyline is done. He was previously seen in a Season Three episode (wearing the same battered lab coat), although that was only a holographic recreation. His first real appearance was, ironically, in DS9 about three years prior to this episode, where he was again superb. Actors are supposed to act, granted, but to pull off such different characters in one episode and have them interact so much is a masterstroke only rivalled by Brent Spiner's turn as three characters in a TNG episode!

For people that enjoy the overall spectrum of the interconnected Trek universe this is also a gem. We get to see Jupiter Station which has been referred to several times on various series', we get Barclay and Troi, and talk of the Enterprise and Captain Picard. It's nice to think that these ships are all going about their business even though we aren't necessarily privy to what they do. It enhances the universe, especially as this is set after DS9 ended, so it's really great that there are further details of Alpha Quadrant life. Technology has improved too, and we get to see this in the holocreations or the transparent PADD Zimmerman uses. It's also good that the story of the EMH continues, as last we heard Bashir was to be the replacement template (another great episode in its own right!), and you pity Zimmerman to see his life's work reduced in his eyes and his associates.

To see him alone, but for a neurotic Starfleet officer and a bunch of holograms as the only ones to call friends, after he's upset most people he's come into contact with, coming to the end of his life, really is so sad. Yet his sharp putdowns are a great part of his appeal to watch. The few scenes back on the ship are also more special than usual. It's kind of annoying that they once again raise the Janeway/Chakotay thing, when she invites him to dinner, although it could be that they're simply friends. But it really is the Doc's episode, with a showcase for him. I don't think Zimmerman came back again, but in his short moments he made a huge impression, something Voyager needed more of in its secondary characters.

*****