The alien Sikarians, known for their great hospitality, invite the Voyager crew to their planet for a little rest and relaxation. Captain Janeway is on the verge of being smitten by the Sikarian leader when Ensign Kim tells the Captain that the aliens have the technology to transport up to 40,000 light years away – which represents about half the distance back to the Alpha quadrant. However, it is against the Sikarian culture to share their technology with aliens for fear that it might be abused. After unsuccessfully trying the get the leader (played wonderfully by Ronald Guttman) to change his mind, Janeway accepts this decision and makes it clear that she will make no further attempt to acquire the transportation devise. Crewmembers Carey, Seska, Torres and then Tuvok conspire to exchange the Voyager's library for the devise – and do so. The devise does not work. Although Seska advocates strongly against doing so, Torres insists that the Captain be told what they have done. Martha Hackett's portrayal of Seska is right on as the devious, lying conspirator who wants to cover up their actions ("No one will ever know" – sound familiar?). Two quibbles with this otherwise engaging episode: 1) it is simply not believable that Tuvok would go against the Captain's wishes in such an underhanded fashion and 2) although obviously and quite rightly the Captain is disappointed and angry at Torres, it is unfortunate that she could not at least acknowledge Torres' honor in telling her what they had done. A very philosophical episode and one wonders if the Captain would still have been disappointed if the device had worked. But then when do the ends justify the means? Tough call.
12 Reviews
The shoe is on the other foot now.
thevacinstaller26 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I like an episode that strains the moral/ethical certainty of Starfleet's principles. To be fair --- In this particular episode it is Chief Carey and Tuvok who go against the prime directive ---- I give Torres and Seska a bit of a pass on this one as they are Maquis. Oh sure, they have put on the uniform but they have not sworn an oath and been taught the secret Starfleet handshake of moral superiority that the Starfleet cadets have to.
There are some great moments in this episode:
There are some great moments in this episode:
- The Sikaris girl who gets aroused by Harry Kims nerdy technical talk about her musical weather pattern device.
- The planet 40,000 light years away with wind that makes you feel Euphoria?!? Where do I sign up?
- Apparently 'stories' are sold in back allies like crack cocaine is sold in the common era. I wonder what stories are considered the most valued?
- T'Vok brings back a classic 'needs of the many' moment with his decision to sacrifice his career/oath to Starfleet to get the crew back and save Janeway from either making the decision to betray the principles or adhering to the principles and crushing the crews hopes. T'Vok ---- you are a great wing man. He even doubles down on being so damn selfless by taking the head for the whole attempt to use the tragector matrix despite telling Torres to not use it.
- We get a great 'disappointed mom' talk from Janeway. It always hurts way worse to have a disappointed parent than having an angry parent. 4
- Janeway tells Tuvok to get it together and be the wise principled logic fueled Vulcan she needs on this ship. I feel love/uncertainty/fright within her speech. Mulgrew really is under appreciated for her acting ability in my opinion --- Love ya Kate.
Temptation
Hitchcoc10 August 2018
The crew really becomes human for this episode, almost sacrificing their personal bill of rights. On a hedonistic planet, they see that there are those who could drive them back closer to their destination. Unfortunately, this gift comes at great expense and little certainty. But they don't separate themselves from the prime directive so easily when they face their loneliness and hopelessness. After experiencing so much togetherness, this episode brings us back to our own human traits. It's pretty interesting to see the results of desperation.
Not an actual moral dilemma
gidister30 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Well-written episode with some good acting. I think the greatest weakness was the premise of the moral dilemma. It certainly would have been immoral NOT to take the offer, even in underhanded ways. The only actual ethical consequence would have been...the disappointment of the planetary leader? (And still with a win: the collection of stories that they coveted so much.) Even if somebody from Star Fleet grumbled about it eventually - who cares, they got home. Now if there were an actual dilemma here, akin to the trolley problem - say, the death of one or more people in exchange for the chance to get home, this would have been more relatable. Still, I rather enjoyed it.
Great ending
Hughmanity13 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Halfway through this episode I thought it was going to be very average. I could see what was coming - Torres was going to do something semi-devious but then have a crisis of conscience and do the right thing in the end with some mild twist. This episode was on its way to a 7 rating from me.
Suddenly things took a turn for the interesting and the last 10 minutes of this episode are as good as it gets. Torres defying orders and even Tuvac in the mutinous mix.
While they do some mea culpas in the end, they were 100% guilty and the reaction from Janeway is so well done. You can feel her sadness, her pain, even her regret though she did it the 'right' way. Kate Mulgrew really showing why she is a lead actress here.
I'm watching in order and if this leads to personal growth from Janeway and the crew and some full circle episode later where they all do it differently, I will come back and rate this a 10.
A very powerful and even painful growth lesson for the crew. This is what great Trek is all about!
Suddenly things took a turn for the interesting and the last 10 minutes of this episode are as good as it gets. Torres defying orders and even Tuvac in the mutinous mix.
While they do some mea culpas in the end, they were 100% guilty and the reaction from Janeway is so well done. You can feel her sadness, her pain, even her regret though she did it the 'right' way. Kate Mulgrew really showing why she is a lead actress here.
I'm watching in order and if this leads to personal growth from Janeway and the crew and some full circle episode later where they all do it differently, I will come back and rate this a 10.
A very powerful and even painful growth lesson for the crew. This is what great Trek is all about!
Wow...the crew is actually rather morally corrupt...
planktonrules4 February 2015
"Prime Factors" is the second episode in a row where the Prime Directive actually seems to mean very little to some of the crew of the Voyager. This is pretty odd--especially considering what sticklers they usually are in other episodes.
The show begins with the Sikarians inviting the crew to their planet so that they can spoil them and heap lots of hospitality upon them. So far so good. However, Ensign Kim learns that these people also have the ability to fold space--enabling them to go light-years all at once. Naturally the Voyager crew is thrilled about getting their hands on this technology. But the Sikarian host isn't about to give them anything--and his motives for being so friendly suddenly bother the Captain and she insists on leaving the planet. But with a rival Sikarian who IS willing to make the trade, the Prime Directive is about to be tested--and some of the crew (with a couple surprises) seem more than willing to compromise their deepest held beliefs.
As I said, the show is inconsistent--especially as normally Janeway and the rest are amazingly touchy-feely and abide to the Prime Directive so strongly. So, it isn't that their violating it bothers me, it's the selectiveness of this and that shows indifferent writing for the show. Worth seeing but it really makes little sense when seen in light of the overall show style and structure.
The show begins with the Sikarians inviting the crew to their planet so that they can spoil them and heap lots of hospitality upon them. So far so good. However, Ensign Kim learns that these people also have the ability to fold space--enabling them to go light-years all at once. Naturally the Voyager crew is thrilled about getting their hands on this technology. But the Sikarian host isn't about to give them anything--and his motives for being so friendly suddenly bother the Captain and she insists on leaving the planet. But with a rival Sikarian who IS willing to make the trade, the Prime Directive is about to be tested--and some of the crew (with a couple surprises) seem more than willing to compromise their deepest held beliefs.
As I said, the show is inconsistent--especially as normally Janeway and the rest are amazingly touchy-feely and abide to the Prime Directive so strongly. So, it isn't that their violating it bothers me, it's the selectiveness of this and that shows indifferent writing for the show. Worth seeing but it really makes little sense when seen in light of the overall show style and structure.
Janeway in utter disbelief!
bsp173129 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
One of the most powerful scenes in the series. Tuvok confesses to making a deal that violates the prime directive and Captain Jeneway's orders. Her utter disbelief that he had done this and Tuvok's surprise, shock, and shame was a powerful and moving moment.
When Janeway explains how much she depends on and relies on Tuvok he is deeply impacted.
The desperation of the crew to get home at all costs early in this series adds to the intensity of the episode!
When Janeway explains how much she depends on and relies on Tuvok he is deeply impacted.
The desperation of the crew to get home at all costs early in this series adds to the intensity of the episode!
Prime Factors
Prismark1024 July 2023
The factions or the Voyager crew seem to be bonding. However this is all put the test when they encounter the Sikarians after they sent a distress signal.
Only the signal is to help the Voyager crew. The Sikarians are an hospitable race and want to comfort the crew. What they do enjoy are the stories from the Voyager crew.
However it soon comes to light that the Sikarians are an advanced race with technology that can fold space. They can travel vast distances in seconds. Up to 40,000 light years.
This could aid the Voyager crew to get to the Alpha quadrant a lot quicker. Only the Sikarians do not want to share the technology.
Captain Janeway wryly observes that the Federation is at the receiving end of its Prime Directive doctrine.
Only for some of the Voyager crew try to get the technology by underhand means.
I don't think the ethical dilemma quiet flew with me. I just find the Federation are magpies when it comes to advanced technology or species.
I did like the acknowledgement of the hypocrisy that the crew of the Voyager are prepared to do anything to get home quicker.
I also liked the showdown between Tuvok and Janeway at the end.
Only the signal is to help the Voyager crew. The Sikarians are an hospitable race and want to comfort the crew. What they do enjoy are the stories from the Voyager crew.
However it soon comes to light that the Sikarians are an advanced race with technology that can fold space. They can travel vast distances in seconds. Up to 40,000 light years.
This could aid the Voyager crew to get to the Alpha quadrant a lot quicker. Only the Sikarians do not want to share the technology.
Captain Janeway wryly observes that the Federation is at the receiving end of its Prime Directive doctrine.
Only for some of the Voyager crew try to get the technology by underhand means.
I don't think the ethical dilemma quiet flew with me. I just find the Federation are magpies when it comes to advanced technology or species.
I did like the acknowledgement of the hypocrisy that the crew of the Voyager are prepared to do anything to get home quicker.
I also liked the showdown between Tuvok and Janeway at the end.
A possible way home
Tweekums17 June 2010
Warning: Spoilers
When Voyager receives a distress call from an alien ship they are surprised to find that it doesn't need help but claims to be offering help to the crew of Voyager. These aliens, the Sikarians, invite everybody to visit their world for some Rest and Recuperation. Here they are keen to make everybody feel welcome. Harry is surprised when while on a date with one of the Sikarians he is taken to another planet using a transporter device which is vastly superior to anything he has seen before, so good that if Voyager could use the device it would knock forty years off their journey home. Janeway asks the Sikarian leader if they can have such a device to help them get home but her request is declined as they have a rule about giving technology to other races; a rule almost identical to Star Fleet's Prime Directive. The captain does all she can to persuade him but he is adamant that the law can't be bent. Another Sikarian is willing to break the rule in exchange for a copy of Voyager's literary archive. While the captain won't countenance breaking their laws B'Elanna, Seska and Lt. Carey plot to acquire the device, just as they are about to beam to the surface they are caught by Tuvok but surprisingly instead of arresting them he takes the archive of them and makes the trade himself. Of course when they get the device it doesn't work as planned and the captain is disappointed with the actions of her trusted senior officers.
This episode does not contain much in the way of action but poses some nice moral dilemmas for the crew; how can they expect other people to break their rules to help them when they are unwilling to break the Prime Directive to help others in need. It was a nice surprise when the person willing to break the Prime Directive turned out to be Tukok.
This episode does not contain much in the way of action but poses some nice moral dilemmas for the crew; how can they expect other people to break their rules to help them when they are unwilling to break the Prime Directive to help others in need. It was a nice surprise when the person willing to break the Prime Directive turned out to be Tukok.
It's not bad
commanderbryce4 November 2021
Huge surprises in this episode...I like the twist and turns, but overall the story is slightly weak. It causes me to realize that Vulcans are not flawless beings, and they can make rash decisions. It's not bad, and has an interesting ending.
Does logic overrule morality?
tomsly-400159 December 2023
This is a strong episode and I do not know why it is rated so poorly.
The Voyager encounters a species, that finds joy in helping others and being hospitable. When the crew finds out that they possess a technology that allows travelling 40.000 light years by bending space, they see this as an opportunity to travel half the distance back to home in a matter of seconds. Naturally they ask this species if they will share this technology with them. But just like Starfleet has the Prime Directive and does not share sophisticated technology with lesser evolved species, a similar rule exists on this species' planet. One of the magistrates denies them this technology which causes a dispute among the Voyager crew.
While Janeway realizes that they are now the lower evolved species on the other side of the fence that is denied technology and progress and if they would not follow their rules, their own Prime Directive would become meaningless and pointless. Everything in what they believe in as Stafleet officers would fall apart if they would selfishly try to get hold on this technology by disobeying the wishes and the codex of this alien species.
Some crew members though take actions into their own hands. And when they are contacted by a member of the alien species that is willing to trade their technology for the library of the Voyager, they see an opportunity to get closer to home - no matter if this means throwing their own morality overboard.
Especially the ending of this episode is very strong and Janeway shows the best character study so far in season 1. When she tells Tuvok why she needs him as a moral compass and that his logic failed him this time, her acting performance is spot on and portrays the inner struggle she fights: Following the morality codex that made her being a Starfleet officer in the first place or keeping her promise to her crew: bringing them all home - no matter what.
The Voyager encounters a species, that finds joy in helping others and being hospitable. When the crew finds out that they possess a technology that allows travelling 40.000 light years by bending space, they see this as an opportunity to travel half the distance back to home in a matter of seconds. Naturally they ask this species if they will share this technology with them. But just like Starfleet has the Prime Directive and does not share sophisticated technology with lesser evolved species, a similar rule exists on this species' planet. One of the magistrates denies them this technology which causes a dispute among the Voyager crew.
While Janeway realizes that they are now the lower evolved species on the other side of the fence that is denied technology and progress and if they would not follow their rules, their own Prime Directive would become meaningless and pointless. Everything in what they believe in as Stafleet officers would fall apart if they would selfishly try to get hold on this technology by disobeying the wishes and the codex of this alien species.
Some crew members though take actions into their own hands. And when they are contacted by a member of the alien species that is willing to trade their technology for the library of the Voyager, they see an opportunity to get closer to home - no matter if this means throwing their own morality overboard.
Especially the ending of this episode is very strong and Janeway shows the best character study so far in season 1. When she tells Tuvok why she needs him as a moral compass and that his logic failed him this time, her acting performance is spot on and portrays the inner struggle she fights: Following the morality codex that made her being a Starfleet officer in the first place or keeping her promise to her crew: bringing them all home - no matter what.
Strong and enjoyable episode
snoozejonc6 June 2022
Voyager discovers a race with a unique technology.
This for me is the strongest episode of Voyager since 'Eye of the Needle'.
The story not only creates an interesting dilemma for Janeway, but it has some quite suspenseful points and memorable character moments.
I think it starts fairly generic, with the crew meeting a fairly uninspired group of aliens with no creature design, but once a particular technology is revealed to exist, events turn compelling.
Numerous characters have great material such as Janeway, Tuvok, B'Elanna, and Seska.
All performances are strong, particularly Katie Mulgrew and Roxann Dawson.
This for me is the strongest episode of Voyager since 'Eye of the Needle'.
The story not only creates an interesting dilemma for Janeway, but it has some quite suspenseful points and memorable character moments.
I think it starts fairly generic, with the crew meeting a fairly uninspired group of aliens with no creature design, but once a particular technology is revealed to exist, events turn compelling.
Numerous characters have great material such as Janeway, Tuvok, B'Elanna, and Seska.
All performances are strong, particularly Katie Mulgrew and Roxann Dawson.
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