The whole time-dilation thing has become a common trope in sci-fi, but this episode does it fairly well from a storytelling point of view. Science-wise, it doesn't make the slightest bit of sense and it changes the ratio of the time difference constantly, but that's okay. This turns out to be quite a sweet and emotional story by the end.
I was a bit let down at how lazy much of the writing was, though. The "alien" society are about as human as you can get, going as far as to mimic our history, social structure, beliefs, cultures, etc. Voyager seems very afraid of presenting anything truly different at times.
Conceptually, this is one of the finest Voyager episodes. Within the limits of an entertaining TV show, it touches a wide field of philosophical issues. This quiet story tells a fascinating story about an anomaly in space, time contraction, an archaic civilization rapidly advancing , (human) progress, religion/superstition and enlightenment/science, observer effects, violations of the prime directive, Shmullus procreating. It's perhaps one of the most Star-Trekish episodes of this show. Set on a fantastic looking planet with an awesome stage design.
Cf. also The Orville's first season episode Mad Idolatry. It's another good take on this topic. In Orville's third season they even meet some of the progeny of the alien society they helped to create. This won't happen in Voyager, though .... Which is an opportunity missed, 'cause at the end of this episode you really want to know how their development will progress.
That's one of the very few episodes I would rate as great and it doesn't involve a grand catastrophe. Yes, there is a threat to Voyager but it's not what it's really all about. Sure, there are some things odd like a total alien culture using english language in writing or the fact that it is basicall a copy of our own history in large parts. But I think there is a reason for that. Maybe the writer wanted to portrait what would happen if we one day discover our "Skyship". And by the way those culture dealt with it I can totally see that happen. Down to the fact that someone would probably like to destroy it while others might be more open.
I learned there is a book called Dragon's Egg by Robert L. Forward which has a similar story. I will make sure to add that to my reading list.
I looked back at this and then checked my video service to see that I had started this and quit very near the beginning.
I hit play, and a black American and a white American dressed up as ~alien~ jungle tribesmen were enacting what seemed to be an elementary school version of Quest for FireApple. I'm sorry, I just can't.
Shout by Reiko LJVIP 6BlockedParentSpoilers2020-01-24T20:50:52Z
A well executed episode. I found myself almost emotional at the end thinking about this whole planet's development and Voyager's impact on it.
I like that certain elements were left unsaid. There was no need to explain them and I'm glad for it.
Other shows have tried this formula, The Orville nabbed this one as well but few pull it off this well.