Star Trek Episode of the Week: Rise

Voyager season three continues to churn out classics. This week’s episode is “Rise,” in which an alien planet’s not-so-natural disasters work to bring old married couple Neelix and Tuvok closer together.

Plot: “Rise” begins with Voyager attempting to protect an alien planet from a swarm of asteroids with a mysterious origin. Tuvok and Neelix are sent down to the planet along with a contingent of locals to help rescue a scientist who might have some answers. Neelix is wary of the trip, concerned that he’ll be unable to win the affection of his estranged lover, Tuvok.

Thanks to some hard work and good fortune, our heroes are once again able to save the day. It is ultimately discovered that the asteroid shower was part of an invasion tactic by the Etanian, another alien race which engineers natural disasters to drive away enemies and invade their planets.

Character Development: Even aliens want what they can’t have, and that’s certainly true for Neelix. With his romance with Kes dwindling, Neelix has decided to start things up with Tuvok again, hoping to impress him by taking on more productive tasks and standing up to the Vulcan’s harsh sarcasm.

Forehead of the Week: That would be the Nezu, who couldn’t seem to figure out that the asteroids bombarding their planet were artificial without Voyager’s help, even though the fake rocks were easily opened and contained obvious mechanical parts.

Memorable Quote: “I’ve been assigned to Lieutenant Tuvok’s team, and no matter what I do, I can’t seem to please him.” – Neelix, expressing concern at his inability to fellate the stern Vulcan satisfactorily.