Written By: Lisa Klink
Directed By: Allan Kroeker
Rating: **** (out of 5)
�Displaced� offers one of the most original ways of taking over a ship that ever been presented on Star Trek. I�m surprised it wasn�t thought of before because it is a very typical sci-fi tool. These aliens, the Nyrian�s, transport people one by one off of their ship and into a habitat some 10 light years away. At the same time a Nyrian will replace that person. The Nyrian�s pretend to be confused by everything but in fact they are invading trying to capture ships for use in their military force. It�s a good idea, but not practical. They�d have had to build an enormous and huge space station where all these species can live, but yet they don�t want to build their own ships that would be much smaller? Think about the food, energy and resources needed to keep the station active. For a race that captures other races you�d think there would be slave labor or experiments involved, but no. The Nyrian�s only want the ship. We don�t get to see enough of the Nyrian�s to really understand all of their motives as most of the Nyrian actions aren�t explained by the Nyrian�s in full detail, we only get assumptions by the Voyager crew. Doesn�t matter though, the idea is still an interesting one.
Once all of the crew is at the habitat the crew attempt to escape. Through some luck, an alien visitor named Jarlath gives Janeway some information about how he came to find the portal through which he can move between habitats and using the Doc�s scanning techniques they find a way out of the habitat.
This is where �Displaced� makes an escape that makes DS9�s �By Inferno�s Light� escape very possible! Through some amazing deciphering techniques Tuvok is able to get information about all the habitats and learn how to control the transport device. These Starfleet officers skills are truly amazing! It must be a Vulcan trait. Janeway is made to look really cool at the end in the ice habitat when she confronts those two Nyrian�s. I love that bit, especially when Janeway first beams in!
Despite all the inconsistencies (why was that Nyrian scientist helping B�Elanna and then quickly moves her �to the front of the line?�) �Displaced� is still a lot of fun. Allan Kroeker�s directing and Lisa Klink�s story just create an episode where it doesn�t matter what happens despite the serious situation. It�s just a filler episode with no consequence to any of the characters.
And that brings me to the highlight of the entire episode, the character interaction. It doesn�t matter that the story isn�t perfect because we see a lot of great relationships. Particularly with B�Elanna and Tom who are becoming closer and closer every episode. There was a nice Tuvok and Chakotay scene thrown in and some nice B�Elanna - Doc B�Elanna - Harry interaction. The Doc was just hilarious here as he �began his life as a Tricorder� and was rudely muted mid-sentence! There was even a nice scene between Chakotay and a nameless Ensign on the Bridge and between Janeway and Jarlath.
The acting by our main cast was outstanding here. I don�t know why, but they where particularly good this time around. The guest cast where wooden, except maybe Mark L Taylor as Jarlath who was a fun and silly but untrustworthy character.
I�m impressed by the good timing of �Displaced,� being such a light-hearted episode, it�s just harmless filler and I enjoyed it. That�s all that counts, no big message, no heavy issue, no philosophy; just a fun-filled adventure Star Trek: Voyager style!