Star Trek: Voyager (TV Series) Someone To Watch Over Me (1999) User Reviews

Voyager's take on My Fair Lady

[calibanplayer · 7/10 · 26 April 2007]

The main plot of this one involves Seven of Nine learning more social skills. The Doctor and Tom Paris make a bet about her potential, with the Doctor coaching her on.

A Sub-plot involves an ambassador from a bland culture visiting the ship and Neelix in charge of his well-being. Scott Thompson (The Kids in the Hall & The Larry Saners Show) plays the ambassador in a hilarious performance.

We also meet a crew member on the ship who isn't killed after speaking 2 lines, and he has a personality. He's the one Seven of Nine asks to dinner.

This one is more about laughs and singing and Seven of Nine's feelings, showing she does have a heart beneath the catsuit and Borg Impants. This one is worth the watching for Scott Thompson alone.

Pygmalion in space....

[planktonrules · 9/10 · 28 February 2015]

This is one of the best episodes of season 5 of "Star Trek: Voyager". It's obviously a take off on "Pygmalion"--both from the Shaw novel of the same name as well as the ancient myth of Pygmalion and his protégé, Galatea.

The show starts off with two plots--one slight and silly and the other slight but hiding some real depth as well. The slight story is about an ambassador named Tomin (Scott Thompson) coming to hang with the crew of Voyager. His planet is known for their stuffiness and piety--so Neelix plans on all sorts of dull activities for him. Instead, however, Tomin mostly spends his time being a total glutton, drinking to excess, chasing women and being an annoying drunk. The other story, which I much preferred, has to do with Seven of Nine and the Doctor. The Doctor has decided to take her on as a project. He wants to teach her the basics of dating, relationship and sex. It's no small order, that's for sure. During this process, the Doc makes a bet with Paris (just like Henry Higgins did with Colonel Pickering) and the results are extremely similar--with the Doctor falling for his project.

Overall, this is an extremely enjoyable show. While the material is familiar, it's handled exquisitely. Plus, to me, the Doctor and Seven are the most interesting characters on the show, so it's nice to see them featured together.

Quite funny.

[sloopnp · 9/10 · 12 August 2020]

I never imagined the funniest episode of Voyager would center around Seven of Nine. "This creature has an exoskeleton".

In many ways, the essence of Star Trek

[cannotlogon103 · 10/10 · 5 June 2007]

As odd as it may seem, this episode in some ways epitomizes what Star Trek is all about. Not the vast philosophical concerns or mysteries of time and space, but the interaction between and among those holding unique perspectives of the universe. The main plot -- the Pygmallion story of the Doctor and Seven of Nine -- is a compelling examination of how we learn from those we seek to teach. Both the Doctor and Seven explore social ritual and protocol in an effort to expand Seven's capacity to engage the crew. The template for this experiment is "dating". In the course of his teachings, the Doctor develops a truly deep appreciation and affection for Seven, and she is, in turn, shown in a most compelling and humorous light, though never as the brunt of the joke. Alas, Seven does not directly share the Doctor's romantic feelings, but her earnest gratitude is most evident.

So, how does this episode come to epitomize Star Trek? For its utter compassion, empathy and ...well... sweetness. There is a tenderness to it that exists very much at the core of the "mission". Understanding. Compassion. Peaceful co-existence. And, more than anything, Mutual Respect.

Thus far, it is my favorite single episode -- not because it is emblematic, but, mostly, for the brilliant performances of Jeri Ryan and Robert Picardo, as they come to embody the "wonder" of it all. Enjoy.

Sweet Episode

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 7 September 2018]

Yes, it is an intergalactic "My Fair Lady." The doctor has been teaching Seven social integration. She is, of course, quite a challenging student. He decides it's time for her to start dating. So she chooses a shy man from engineering and asks him out. Of course, it is an utter disaster. But as this happens, the Doc (Henry Higgins) begins to feel a romantic attraction for our Borg bombshell. Jeri Ryan is perfection in her role. She connects with him, but we have to remember that her circuitry works differently. She admires her successes but doesn't quite cross the threshold. There are some seriously touching scenes. Meanwhile, a subplot is the adventures of a young man from a sterile planetary society going bonkers when he finally gets to spread his wings, overeating, overindulging, and carrying on in general. Neelix almost has a heart attack tracking the guy.

Continuing Seven's social development

[Tweekums · 9/10 · 17 March 2010]

This episode took a break from meeting potentially dangerous situations and instead concentrates mostly on the development of the characters of Seven and the Doctor. Seven is continuing to study relationships which leads to a run in with B'Elanna who is not at all happy that Seven is monitoring her and keeping a record of her relationship with Tom Paris, including some fairly intimate details. The Doctor suggests that instead of observing others she should attempt to form a relationship herself. He gives her lessons but she is unsure who she should attempt to date but eventually picks a potential suitor and invites him to have a meal with her on the holodeck. Unfortunately this goes wrong when she accidentally hurts him while trying to dance. It looks like Seven will have nobody to accompany to an upcoming social event but the Doctor volunteers and all goes well till Seven learns of a wager between him and Tom. While this is going on Neelix is acting as ship's ambassador and escorting the visiting Kadi ambassador while the captain is away negotiating with their government. The Kadi are a pious people who pray several times a day and avoid anything which could be considered stimulating such as highly flavoured food or any intoxicant. Given this Neelix is rather surprised when that is all the ambassador wants to experience.

This episode had more laughs than most; The ambassador's drunken activities were laugh out loud funny and Seven's lessons were amusing too they also revealed that Seven has an impressive singing voice. The end where the Doctor realises that he has developed feeling for Seven but they aren't reciprocated is quite touching.

One of the best episodes ever

[smiledaydream · 10/10 · 1 March 2021]

Perfect. Not one minute is a drag. Great concepts. Humor. Both stories are fun and intertwine perfectly. Directed by Robert Duncan McNeill (Tom Paris). I read they did a new directors class for the staff. Nothing improbable happens. Characters are spot on. Just felt joy and only a little worry watching this episode.

Even Vedeks (and Seven) let their hair down

[XweAponX · 10/10 · 2 October 2013]

...Or whatever the Kadi call their Priests. Janeway and Tuvok must needs meet with these ritualistic, religious people in order to form an accord, while one of their caste comes to Voyager to see how things happen on the ship. Enter Vedek Tomin (Scott Thompson), who enters Voyager with a stick up his rear. But the moment his Boss, Vedek "Abbot" (Ian Abercrombie) leaves, he suddenly doesn't want to adhere to the religious itinerary he was supposed to adhere to.

Meanwhile Seven of Sixty-Nine is still taking Hoomanity Lessons from The Doctor, he's got her up to the point where she can try Dating. Tom Paris scoffs at this and makes a gentleman's wager with Doc as to the outcome of Seven's Date with Lt. Chapman (Brian McNamara) which Seven has selected as the only male in Voyager's crew that meets her rigid criteria. She had let Harry Kim down gently in the Astrophysics lab.

In fact, Seven had been closely monitoring Tom Paris and B'Elanna Torres, she had stashed away several Gigaquads of data just on their "Intimate Activities" which Seven claims can be heard by the whole deck. B'Elanna offers to break Seven's nose for the trouble but is distracted at the last minute.

Meanwhile, Tomin plants himself squarely in front of a replicator with a knife and fork and gobbles down every dish he can find starting with Bajoran Hasperat- These Kadi Vedeks are not supposed to enjoy any spicy foods, so Mexican is out for him.

But before Neelix, who is assigned to keep an eye on Tomas, can stop him, Tomas had found his way into Tom Paris' French bar Holo-Program "Sandrine's" and had discovered alcoholic beverages- And Exotic Bolian and other alien Women. Thus Neelix needs to introduce him to Coffee.

The booze just isn't wearing off, and he makes an Arse out of himself in the Galley by trying to make a grab at Seven, whose Date ended with almost breaking Chapman's arm while dancing. The Doctor was trying to win the bet by inviting Seven to the event, but Tom turns the tables on the Doc by admitting defeat- In front of her.

So we end up with an Alien Ambassador passed out in Sickbay, and the normal ways The Doc has to sober a person up will not work on this guy's metabolism. So Seven has to inject him with Nanoprobes just to get him to the point where he can stand up in front of his Abbot.

Ironically, Abbot tells Tomas of the wasted opportunity to indulge in Debauchery- As long as he did not make a "habit" of it.

Now, to make matters worse, The Doc in teaching Seven how to sing "You Are My Sunshine" has fallen in love with her!

But he's too chicken to do anything about it. Eventually he will blurt it out, but by that time it will be too late, because the series ended just one episode after that.

Is that an observation or diagnosis?

[snoozejonc · 8/10 · 19 October 2023]

The Doctor instructs Seven of Nine in a more complex social interaction.

This is a strong episode with great humour and character moments.

For me this is one of the better comedy episodes, as the jokes are well written and fairly prolific. There is a great mix of awkward social interactions, funny dialogue, sight gags, and fish-out-of-water situations involving Seven.

The writer deserves as much credit as the filmmakers for providing funny material that is not traditionally Star Trek, particularly with a lack of sci-fi focus. It does however embody the values associated with the show such as celebrating the difference of its characters. I appreciate this will depend on your own sense of humour, as comedy is in the eye of the beholder.

Robert Picardo and Jeri Ryan are key to its success as they display impressive comic timing and excellent chemistry in their scenes together. Some of their more heartfelt character exchanges work very well too. Star Trek usually does romance badly and they are supported well by the likes of Robert Duncan McNeill, Ethan Phillips, and Roxanne Dawson.

Just about holds up in 2022

[mattwilliamdavies · 7/10 · 19 March 2022]

I get the My Fair Lady thing but two male characters betting over the datability of a female character has not dated terribly well. Plus If it were made today perhaps Seven might have been asked about gender of potential dates... they've fixed it in Picard 20 years later!

But it does generally avoid most pitfalls it could have fallen into and is warm in its approach. I could listen to Seven and the doctor duet all day.

Bonus marks for not implying Seven "owed" the Doctor anything because he loved her and another for the mini twist in the sitcomesque b-plot where the expectation from the supposedly pious leader was that the envoy should have indulged a bit.

Best Episode Of Voyager

[vincentviolet-65071 · 10/10 · 28 January 2023]

To me this is the best episode of Star Trek Voyager. I think that The Doctor and Seven Of Nine are by far the best characters and this episode is almost entirely about them. Seven is very funny in an understated way and The Doctor is extremely charming and charismatic. I have autism and so I relate to Seven Of Nine a lot. The side story is fun enough, but the best part is The Doctor teaching Seven all about dating and social skills. Seven Of Nine really is my dream woman, she is stunningly beautiful, but also smart and kind, and there are no annoying mental games with her, she will just tell you exactly how she feels at all times, and I like that a lot. I wish she was my wife. P. S. My God what a body! WOOF!

Friend Zoned.

[thevacinstaller · 7/10 · 2 February 2023]

Well, it succeeded in making me laugh several times with the dating scene. It's bad form for the doctor (a person who's job it is to help others --- well, his sacred oath actually) to seek a relationship with someone he is attempting to help understand human relationships. It's okay Doctor --- once you see SO9 with her hair unclasped any man would melt into a puddle.

It's sweet and cute and a nice diversion episode ----- The B plot has nothing to do with it. Could we throw harry kim a bone and have a date plot with him? Maybe Tuvok gets tempted by a hot logical alien? Let's try to tie these in somehow to make the episode flow. Or, just toss out the B-Plot and concentrate exclusively on SO9's story? All the great material was in that for this one.

Considering the fluff B-plot this is an above average episode with many belly laughs.

If I wanted to watch Pygmalion I'd just watch Pygmalion!

[oninagiinochi · 2/10 · 15 December 2021]

...or My Fair Lady! This is the worst episode in Voyager since Retrospect. I honestly can't believe it has such a high rating. It's literally just Pygmalion with the Doc and Seven shoehorned into the lead roles, leading to an out-of-nowhere budding relationship between them by the end of it... which is honestly kind of creepy with them being in both a teacher-student relationship, as well as doctor-patient relationship. And even if Pygmalion didn't already exist and the show's writers came up with it on their own, I hate the whole concept of constantly pressuring Seven to conform to society and stifling her individuality. It's amazing that Seven is actually mostly human but she's the one constantly being programmed like a robot without objection, but the Doc is an 100% AI yet behaves 100% human to a fault.

I don't watch Star Trek for stories like this. Maybe if there was a futuristic/scifi twist to the story, then it'd be worthwhile, but any show could just spoof Pygmalion like this, and many shows have to the point of it being cliche. The "B story" going on with Neelix was the only worthwhile part of this.

Seven of Mine

[tomsly-40015 · 7/10 · 11 January 2024]

Continuing his efforts to teach Seven the art of social interaction, the doc is now destined to unravel the secrets of the dating and romantic relationships chapter. The doc himself though is more of a beginner than a professional when it comes to romance and love, but among the blind people the one-eyed man is king.

Since Seven still has a rather wooden and direct tone towards those around her, the doc's lessons lead to all sorts of funny situations, for example when Seven invites a colleague on a date and there is an incident while eating lobster. At the end of the date, she almost dislocates his arm while dancing, so he has to be treated by the doc for a torn ligament.

As the doc goes through the individual lessons with Seven, he slowly begins to fall in love with her. Some users see this as borrowing from the myth of Pygmalion, but the doc doesn't create his perfect woman himself for his own pleasures. It's more like the spark of romantic affection is ignited between two outsiders. However, Seven does not feel this affection to the same extent as the doc, so he ultimately does not openly express his feelings towards her.

The B-plot, on the other hand, is pretty lame and can easily be forgotten. Neelix has been given the task of looking after a diplomatic guest. However, the guest surprises him by discovering that he is not as averse to worldly pleasures as he assumed. Neelix plays babysitter while his guest makes his way through half of Neelix's menu and also gets a taste for synthehol. In contrast to the A-plot, this seems rather silly.

Interesting A story, wasteful B story

[brdavid-429-96270 · 5/10 · 9 October 2021]

As interesting as it was to see a relationship happen between The Doctor and Seven, the B story doesn't seems to give any support to the A story. In fact the B story is a complete waste of time.

Neelix is suffering a monk (perhaps a novice) who is outside the monastery, and is now indulging, to an excess, on everything he cannot have back home. This is treated in a very "laughing" and jovial manner, unfortunately that should not have been the case, and it only cements the series itself into being rather flippant about religion. A few lessons could be learned from Deep Space Nine. Instead of the story trying to understand why this novice is overindulging, or perhaps even trying a way to merge the two stories is never approached. What we have is 30 minutes of a fun A story while we suffer through the rest of the episode's B story.

Merging the two could have been easy. A novice who is frightened of making his final vows goes "off the deep end" into over indulgence to curb his fear. The doctor who cannot bring himself to tell Seven that he has fallen for her. Both suffering from a fear of moving forward. Neelix could have offered his experiences to the monk in order to help his decision. Then while trying to recover from intoxication the Doctor and the monk have a one on one. It is this one on one that allows both to move forward. However the monk succeeds at his decision the Doctor is still hesitant.

I understand that to a lot of fans this episodes is on their top list. It's not skippable, but if you are watching on DVD you can fast forward over the monk parts. They are irrelevant to the story.

Oh dear, awful. Please Stop

[Carlybabes-hot-in-putnoe · 1/10 · 13 March 2024]

Awful Awful just Awful. Cringefest. It just doesn't work. It's embarrassing. Words fail me how bad this dire episode plays out.

We know the Dr can sing. It's nice that we find out 7 can also sing .

So why do we have to crowbar this ability into an inept episode.

I don't watch Star Trek for this kind of simplistic mellodrama. It is so desperately disappointing and at least a waste of electricity to view it.

No more simplistic melodramas please !

It just doesn't work. It's embarrassing. Words fail me how bad this dire episode plays out.

We know the Dr can sort of sing. It's nice that we find out 7 can also. Sort of sing .

So why do we have to wedge this ability into a dire episode.

I don't watch Star Trek for this kind of simplistic mellodrama. It is so desperately disappointing and at least a waste of electricity to view it.