Sacred Ground

DVD, Voyager S3 (Sacred Ground)

For 'Star Trek' and particularly 'Voyager' this was a very different position to take or theme to explore. 'DS9' would have done it, no question, but Janeway has always been the central pillar of this series, and science the central pillar of her, so to have her come to the stage where she actually learns to question it was a brave choice as a story. The episode calls into question her own faith in science and points out that she does have a faith in that - she takes leaps of faith in order to rationalise things, which is a very honest realisation for the writing to reach for the character. Starfleet's tolerance and open-mindedness is also called into question, as is Janeway's right not to believe in something even though she may have to accept that others do, so there are some absorbing debates going on. One of the biggest might be why the Nechani Magistrate didn't mention that they'd be passing dangerous energy fields which they must at all costs not go near!

Chakotay was the ideal choice to be her main confidant in the episode (though Tuvok would have served equally well), but at the same time I was surprised at how his faith came across as explained and quantified - he was 'disappointed' when his Mother explained the 'science' behind the vision quest, and he understands Janeway's reluctance to believe in the supernatural at all, although back in Season 1 she'd been quite happy to explore her 'spirit guide' with him. He even admits he doesn't understand when Janeway chooses to embrace what she's learned - it was fortunate he was the First Officer and not a more sceptical person. So things were a little topsy-turvy, but I liked the way the episode takes us on the journey with Janeway so that the ship, its bright lights, and detailed scientific readings and equipment recedes to become far less important than the internal journey Janeway experiences, the personal change that happens to Kathryn is what matters, as if the ship is ephemeral and less real. It's all about subverted expectations, and Janeway had many of those, but so does the audience. Anyone expecting the story to work itself out rationally and in the usual way was confounded because the result of her meaningless (the word of the episode) challenges were that the gathered data didn't make any difference. Only when she chose to take a different kind of leap of faith did she succeed.

I guess the episode could be seen in a New Age light or adapted to suit any belief system, but I saw it as not that Janeway had the answers 'within,' but that she'd been through a learning process and understood that she didn't understand. The arrogance of humanity is in assuming that everything can be measured and put in a comforting little box, and that with enough time and thought every secret will be uncovered and the universe will be fully understood. Well, we haven't even got to the level of 'Star Trek's time yet, and even then they have to struggle with the unknown (and didn't someone once say the search for that is 'what defines us'?). It turns traditional Trek on its head in a thought-provoking way, and continues the trend this season for ending episodes in a way that leaves you wondering, thinking or hoping.

As well as the mind-chew of material to ponder, the episode has some good scenes to enjoy. For example, I loved the introduction of the guide. Like Luke looking for Yoda, Janeway's impatiently awaiting the arrival of someone important and doesn't notice the woman fixing the light in the background. Only when she reveals herself by standing up and removing the tricorder does Janeway realise who she is. It's a nice moment, but far from the last wrong-footing of the Captain. The three old people (were they the 'spirits' or not? Nobody knows…), were a delight to watch. Keene Curtis also appeared on 'Stargate SG-1,' and the woman I feel sure voiced Mrs. Potato-Head in the 'Toy Story' films. Harry Groener as the Magistrate that so desperately wants to help, but can't, was a smaller role than Tam Elbrun in 'Tin Man' of 'TNG,' but he'd also go on to appear towards the very end of 'Enterprise' so we see him age through the three roles being spread across the Berman era of Trek.

I wonder if anyone else associated the guide woman with Kai Winn? She was much more helpful, but whether it was the white robes and hair done up (as Winn appeared in the last episodes of 'DS9'), or the face, or the voice, she gave me the same impression - it would be interesting to see the two of them share the debating table! Another connection to the Bajoran episodes of that series was the similarity between Janeway putting her hand in the basket to be bitten by the Nesset and the vision Vedek Bareil had in which he was bitten by a snake in a basket. One of the most prominent facts about the episode is that Robert Duncan McNeill became the next Trek cast member to join the ranks of those that directed as well as starred. He doesn't make a huge impact on the episode, but I think that's what he wanted. He wasn't looking to make a splash and draw attention to his style, but to tell the story simply and well. But there are a couple of shots I felt worked really well, those being the moment Janeway takes Kes in her arms up the steps to the bright light of the sanctuary, her hair flowing behind. Very dramatic. I also loved the final scene when the Doctor's rationalising everything and the camera moves away from him and pulls intimately into Janeway's face and we can see his pat explanation isn't fulfilling for her this time.

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