Written By: Michael Taylor
Directed By: Les Landau
Rating: ****1/2 (out of 5)
Whenever I�m asked to do a Top 10 of Voyager episodes, you�ll definitely find �Counterpoint� in there somewhere. �Counterpoint� offers a brilliant look into trust and how is easy to fall for and easily betrayed. Not a new concept, but here its smoothly and refreshing.
The episode starts with the audience saying, �What�s goin� on here?� We soon find out that Voyager must submit for inspections to the Devore and that Voyager is holding refugees. These refugees are particularly different because they are telepaths. And the Devore hates telepaths. The only reason why the Devore have these inspections is to find any telepaths being smuggled through their space.
The Devore believe that telepaths are a threat. They are so paranoid about their thoughts being read that Devore soldiers undergo mental training so they can�t be read. The Devore obviously are a people who like privacy a great deal, like many Delta Quadrant races.
The refugees aboard Voyager have heard of a wormhole that would get them through Devore territory. The refugees where planning on getting onto a transport to lead to the wormhole. But the Devore change the rendezvous point; prohibiting Voyager from doing that.
Than the lead inspector, Kashyk says he going to defect. He convinces Janeway of giving him asylum by giving Voyager sensor modifications to find hidden Devore ships and tries to help them find the wormhole.
To find the wormhole, Voyager contacts Turot, an alien scientist. I loved the makeup for this guy! And that nose; I don�t know which was more amusing the nose, or the look on Janeways face when he �inflated!� Anyway, they discover that the wormhole�s end isn�t fixed and randomly moves
Kashyk leaves Voyager and leads an inspection. When Janeway and Kashyk are alone Janeway tells him they�ve found the wromhole and where it is. Kashyk than takes that opportunity to betray Janeway and plans to destroy the wormhole. I knew that Kashyk would betray Janeway�s trust, but I didn�t think that Janeway would have predicted Kashyk�s motives and set up a plan that gets the refugees to the wormholes and takes care of the Devore.
Janeway sets up false readings. In fact the Telepaths are already on their way to the wormhole in a shuttle with the shield modifications Kashyk gave them! To simulate the refugees being aboard Janeway has cargo containers with vegetables in the transporter suspension.
I don�t know if those containers with vegetables would�ve worked though. Wouldn�t the Devore have been able to detect the containers, or at least notice they are missing? And where is Tuvok at the end? Where do they hide him?
Janeway and Kashyk share some parting words; Kashyk deciding not to take Voyager prisoner as he doesn�t want any mention of his failure in the records. Kashyk admires Janeways cunning before departing.
The atmosphere of the episode is great. The use of classical music in many of the scenes is truly original in this way and adds a refreshing touch; combined with a nice score from Jay Chattaway anyway.
The performances in �Counterpoint� are wonderful. Mark Harelik plays Kashyk perfectly. Even once the episodes over you wonder; did he really have any feelings for Janeway or was it all part of the plan? He says that Janeway�s offer was tempting, meaning he isn�t fully satisfied with things. But than again, Janeway screwed up his plan, using the information Kashyk provided during his time on Voyager. But the kiss between Kashyk and Janeway almost hinders the episodes premise. We could tell that these two are close, we didn�t need a passionate kissing scene to prove that.
�Counterpoint� is a surprisingly light episode with heavy undertones making it a joy to watch. This is one of Voyager finest hours.