With Janeway having made a deal with the devil, the rest have no choice but to follow orders. But when a blast disables her and puts her out of commission, Chakotay takes the helm. He countermands her orders and renegotiates with the Borg. Of course, the name of this episode comes to fruition. Remember the classic story and what happens. The Borg are a collective and the consummate opportunists. The thrust and parry of this episode make it the best so far. We are also introduced to Seven of Nine who is a great addition. Succeeding episodes should be very interesting now that she is aboard.
11 Reviews
intense on many levels.
lisafenix18 May 2007
The first note of this episode goes to the music: very appropriate and definitely gives an intense feel and sense of foreboding. The next nod goes of course to Kate Mulgrew as this is the most forceful and driven we have seen her in a long time. I really do mean driven: the victory-at-any-cost-and-heck-with-any-other-view, type of driven we see again two seasons later, but here she pulls back and listens before the final moment as opposed to watching the reality unfold at her opponents death.
The conversation Chakotay has with the captain in sickbay and the Borg (seven) in the ready room are not exactly intense but the are central and vital to the episode, not to mention cool; don't miss them. To find the meaning of the episodes title and the code word "scorpion" you will have to watch part one, which is pretty much as good as this one.
The only problem I have with the episode is that we find out a season or so later that the "enemy" they unite against was not and is not an invading force as it is displayed and nearly flat out stated in this episode. ("'your galaxy will be purged' sound familiar?") side note this is Kes' near finest and near final hour, keep that in mind. 4 out of 5 stars.
The conversation Chakotay has with the captain in sickbay and the Borg (seven) in the ready room are not exactly intense but the are central and vital to the episode, not to mention cool; don't miss them. To find the meaning of the episodes title and the code word "scorpion" you will have to watch part one, which is pretty much as good as this one.
The only problem I have with the episode is that we find out a season or so later that the "enemy" they unite against was not and is not an invading force as it is displayed and nearly flat out stated in this episode. ("'your galaxy will be purged' sound familiar?") side note this is Kes' near finest and near final hour, keep that in mind. 4 out of 5 stars.
Violent and intense....cool!
planktonrules20 February 2015
As I mentioned when I reviewed part 1, this sort of violent episode is exactly the sort of show that "Star Trek: Voyager" should have been doing more of over the years. Instead, too many episodes involved such dull topics as temporal fluxes and holodeck-bound shows. Parts 1 and 2 of "Scorpion" are clearly like breaths of fresh air for the series and usher in a better and more intense sort of show you'd see more of starting with these shows.
At this point in the two-part episodes, Voyager has made an alliance with the Borg. However, Chakotay STILL is worried about this and thinks the Captain was mistaken. I liked this because it's very consistent with his Maquis roots and his misgivings turned out to be very well founded when the Borg started trying to assimilate their new 'friends'! So, IF they manage to defeat the scarier than the Borg new species, they will likely then have to battle the Borg to the death...or assimilation.
In addition to being a darned good show, this also is the introduction of Seven of Nine. She brought some interesting plots to the show, though I also suspect they brought this lovely blonde to the show more for her physical assets. Regardless, the show did improve with the introduction of this character. A must-see show.
At this point in the two-part episodes, Voyager has made an alliance with the Borg. However, Chakotay STILL is worried about this and thinks the Captain was mistaken. I liked this because it's very consistent with his Maquis roots and his misgivings turned out to be very well founded when the Borg started trying to assimilate their new 'friends'! So, IF they manage to defeat the scarier than the Borg new species, they will likely then have to battle the Borg to the death...or assimilation.
In addition to being a darned good show, this also is the introduction of Seven of Nine. She brought some interesting plots to the show, though I also suspect they brought this lovely blonde to the show more for her physical assets. Regardless, the show did improve with the introduction of this character. A must-see show.
Welcome to Seven
Tweekums12 January 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Series three ended on a cliff hanger with Janeway on a Borg cube and Harry infected by Species 8472. As series four opens and this story concludes Tuvok joins the captain on the Borg cube where they work with a Borg designated Seven of Nine to create a weapon that can defeat Species 8472. Before they can complete their task they are attacked and the cube is destroyed but not before the captain, Tuvok, Seven and a few other Borg drones can beam over to Voyager. While she may have survived the attack Janeway was injured leading to Chakotay taking command. As the Borg try to open a rift into the space occupied by Species 8472 he opens an airlock flushing most of them into space but Seven manages to hold on and Voyager ends up through the rift where they find out whether or not their new weapon will work.
This was a good episode that introduced the first new member of Voyager's crew since the first episode, unfortunately the opening credits suggest that one of the main characters won't be around for much longer... so if you don't want to know who is going soon avoid reading the credits. As well as plenty of action there are some good character based scenes, especially the talk between Janeway and Chakotay where she clearly isn't pleased with some of the decisions he made while she was incapacitated.
This was a good episode that introduced the first new member of Voyager's crew since the first episode, unfortunately the opening credits suggest that one of the main characters won't be around for much longer... so if you don't want to know who is going soon avoid reading the credits. As well as plenty of action there are some good character based scenes, especially the talk between Janeway and Chakotay where she clearly isn't pleased with some of the decisions he made while she was incapacitated.
Great Episode - see my review on part 1
davplo129 January 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Continuation of the amazing Scorpion episode. Seven of Nine, who will be a main character for the rest of the series, is introduced as a member of the Borg collective (she is reverted back into an individual in the next episode). The cube and Voyager are traveling at high warp, fleeing from the species 8472 ships. The cube and Voyager are also developing the new technology for the Borg. During an 8472 attack, the cube is destroyed, but some drones and Janeway are beamed off the cube onto Voyager. Janeway is incapacitated, so Chakotay breaks off the alliance with the Borg and seals the drones in the cargo bay. Voyager continues to develop the technology. They eventually open a singularity to the 8472 realm, and enter their realm. Voyager destroys many 8472 ships with its new technology, so all the 8472 ships leave the Delta Quadrant, ending the war. After Voyager returns to the Delta Quadrant, Seven of Nine attempts to take over the ship and return the drones to the Borg. Chakotay depressurizes the cargo bay and all the drones are sucked into space, except for Seven, who is already in the airlock. Chakotay manages to fiddle with Seven's brain until she finally collapses and ceases to take control of the ship. Great episode!
Star Trek at its best.
deanneely26 February 2021
This episode introduced the character of Seven of Nine. To me, she is the best thing that Star Trek has ever done. I found myself relating to her again, and again, and again. The character is brilliantly written and acted and, for me, is where Voyager begins.
We are Borg
snoozejonc14 March 2023
This is a memorable conclusion with strong character moments.
'Scorpion part 2' is a must watch Voyager episode. The character dynamics between Janeway and Chakotay continue to be compelling, the visuals and action sequences are very good, and it includes a great introduction to one of the franchise's strongest characters.
It's not perfect. Some of the plot contrivances are a bit much and the building up of Species 8472 feels devalued by the seemingly straightforward answer to the apparent threat.
Katie Mulgrew leads it brilliantly and Robert Beltran is on good form. Jeri Ryan steals much of the limelight in a memorable first appearance as Seven of Nine.
'Scorpion part 2' is a must watch Voyager episode. The character dynamics between Janeway and Chakotay continue to be compelling, the visuals and action sequences are very good, and it includes a great introduction to one of the franchise's strongest characters.
It's not perfect. Some of the plot contrivances are a bit much and the building up of Species 8472 feels devalued by the seemingly straightforward answer to the apparent threat.
Katie Mulgrew leads it brilliantly and Robert Beltran is on good form. Jeri Ryan steals much of the limelight in a memorable first appearance as Seven of Nine.
Engaging issue of True Trek
dridrik12 October 2022
I know that the ultra gorgeous blonde lady has been brought as an easy appeal to hormone-pumped teens, but she is a fine actress playing a fine character.
I've seen many people disregard Voyager as a neglected cousin of TNG and DS9. For me, STV is in pair with both. All series have their generous rate of appalling fillers. And STV overused silly personal interactions, holodeck highlights, and lazy writing. In general, the characters are good to begin with. Lots of different mindframes and origins. Too bad they have spent precious time with the insufferable Seska and that comic relief of a Hyena. By then we had memorable episodes, and could enjoy excellent actors in action.
The primary cast is better than that of TNG for me. If we compared head by head (when possible) with TNG, Voyager wouldn't be put to shame.
Janeway X Picard = The only thing I don't like about Janeway is her voice, other than that she is a fine Starfleet Captain, of course in a different style to the grandiloquent Shakespearean Picard, but I prefer her.
Chakotay X Riker = The initial rebel/indian sides of Chakotay were gradually abandoned, which is bad, because I find him better than Riker.
Tuvok X Data = both are winners and highlights of Star Trek. Tuvok is somewhat underrated compared to Data, but for me Tim Russ did a lovely job, adding Vulcan-ness to the layers of Spock.
Crusher X The Doctor = no comparison here, Robert Picardo is fantastic, one of the best additions to the Star Trek long history. Crusher was introduced, I believe, basically as an uninteresting love interest for Picard, duh...
Kes X Troy = both fragile ladies with underused telepathic powers. Both could have been so much more...
Neelix X Wesley = both equally disgusting.
B'elanna X Geordi = The Klingon lady is a much more layered character than LaForge.
Worf = in the beginning badly written, later improved. A good character.
Kim = average Starfleet officer. A decent addition to the crew.
Guinan = added a lot to the texture.
Tasha = nothing.
I've seen many people disregard Voyager as a neglected cousin of TNG and DS9. For me, STV is in pair with both. All series have their generous rate of appalling fillers. And STV overused silly personal interactions, holodeck highlights, and lazy writing. In general, the characters are good to begin with. Lots of different mindframes and origins. Too bad they have spent precious time with the insufferable Seska and that comic relief of a Hyena. By then we had memorable episodes, and could enjoy excellent actors in action.
The primary cast is better than that of TNG for me. If we compared head by head (when possible) with TNG, Voyager wouldn't be put to shame.
Janeway X Picard = The only thing I don't like about Janeway is her voice, other than that she is a fine Starfleet Captain, of course in a different style to the grandiloquent Shakespearean Picard, but I prefer her.
Chakotay X Riker = The initial rebel/indian sides of Chakotay were gradually abandoned, which is bad, because I find him better than Riker.
Tuvok X Data = both are winners and highlights of Star Trek. Tuvok is somewhat underrated compared to Data, but for me Tim Russ did a lovely job, adding Vulcan-ness to the layers of Spock.
Crusher X The Doctor = no comparison here, Robert Picardo is fantastic, one of the best additions to the Star Trek long history. Crusher was introduced, I believe, basically as an uninteresting love interest for Picard, duh...
Kes X Troy = both fragile ladies with underused telepathic powers. Both could have been so much more...
Neelix X Wesley = both equally disgusting.
B'elanna X Geordi = The Klingon lady is a much more layered character than LaForge.
Worf = in the beginning badly written, later improved. A good character.
Kim = average Starfleet officer. A decent addition to the crew.
Guinan = added a lot to the texture.
Tasha = nothing.
Part 2 is better
chadtoland30 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
They already explored sexy Borg in First Contact. I'm sure 7 of 9 is a fan favorite among loners living in their mom's basement, but doesn't warrant rating this episode 9/10. This episode is better that part 1, but a fairly average episode of Voyager.
Poor writing
jimdavidson-1953220 March 2019
Warning: Spoilers
There is a powerful scene where the doctor is telling Chakotay that the captain, after being injured by an alien, may never regain consciousness. At the end of the scene (30 seconds later) the doctor tells Chakotay that the captain wants to talk to him. Poor writing. Lazy editing. A sign that the series was on the downswing.
Weaker Trek efforts
KevinReal31022 May 2020
TNG and DS9 hold the bar for what Star Trek should be - philosophically inspiring explorations into a possible future we can all aspire to, even in the midst of intergalactic war. Voyager is an insult to their legacy.
Season 1 is a tired, dumbed down, shoot them up, mumble jumble of betrayals and double betrayals. A couple of great ideas like the mycelial network and alternate dimensions were explored, but we were only treated to superficial whip cream, not the sundae.
The Borg degenerated into barely comprehensible villains who have to spit out every word. Their bleached skin, one-dimensional characters have no redeemable value. I miss the warrior race bound by ritual and honor we both loved and hated in past incarnations. The female empowerment clap trap was not consistent with their misogynistic culture and seemed slapped on like a dead fish.
Don't trust the studio hacked ratings. No Trekkie would rate this over 5 stars. Netflix needs to stop paying for the international rights as it is simply rewarding bad behavior.
Season 1 is a tired, dumbed down, shoot them up, mumble jumble of betrayals and double betrayals. A couple of great ideas like the mycelial network and alternate dimensions were explored, but we were only treated to superficial whip cream, not the sundae.
The Borg degenerated into barely comprehensible villains who have to spit out every word. Their bleached skin, one-dimensional characters have no redeemable value. I miss the warrior race bound by ritual and honor we both loved and hated in past incarnations. The female empowerment clap trap was not consistent with their misogynistic culture and seemed slapped on like a dead fish.
Don't trust the studio hacked ratings. No Trekkie would rate this over 5 stars. Netflix needs to stop paying for the international rights as it is simply rewarding bad behavior.
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