'Prey'

Stardate: Unknown
Written By: Brannon Braga
Directed By: Alan Eastman
Rating: ****1/2 (out of 5)

I�ve noticed that lately Voyager has had no corridor scenes to begin the teasers.  They are coming up with new ways of introducing the episodes and making you more interested in watching.  And �Prey� is no exception with a fantastic beginning making you say �How will this turn out!�

And it certainly turns out well having a lot of action, more Species 8472, more Hirogen; which is neither good nor bad, and a very well conceived conflict between Janeway and Seven.

The Hirogen are still nothing special.  The only difference between them and most other aliens on Voyager is that these are reoccurring, the first since Voyager finally left the Kazon behind them (and excluding the Borg and Q who are a classic Trek villains.).

Species 8472 on the other hand are not only totally cool, but are given a different edge.  They are given more humanity which Treks villains often are.  We find that this one only wants to get home, something Janeway relates too, making Janeway feel compassion for it.

Seven on the other hand is totally disinterested in helping the creature.  She disobeys Janeway�s order to create a singularity for it, and later beams it and the Hirogen onto an attacking Hirogen ship, no doubt being the instrument involved in killing the creature.

Janeway has every right to be mad angry, but I would�ve liked some mentioned that despite these actions, Seven did save the ship.  At the end, it seems obvious that Seven is pretending not to be bothered by what Janeway says, but deep down she�s hurt by the harsh words of her mentor.

But Seven has a good point.  She says �You are punishing me because I do not think like you do.�  I would partially agree, because Janeway tells Seven the story of the wounded Cardassian, but is angered by the fact that Seven still won�t comply with Janeway�s wishes.  And under the circumstances how can Janeway think Seven will happily assist in helping the 8472 after it murdered hundreds of the Borg who are in a way Seven�s people.

Tony Todd is always great to see, although you can barely notice him under the Hirogen make-up.  His voice is prominent, and he plays a very good Hirogen.

The CGI was quite good, although the creature texturing may need some work, and also that evil CGI artist enemy, real life.  It�s always hard to make CGI animations look like it�s touching a real-life floor or interact with other objects like people..  Anyhow, it still looks good, especially the scene on Voyager�s hull.

I would�ve loved to have seen what happened the Hirogen ship, I can see that 8472 creature tearing through the ship, leaving the remnant we later see, which the interior of the Hirogen ship�s set was very well done also.

�Prey� is an action episode that has great character interaction, something that we want.  So I�m willing to say �Prey� is one of Season 4�s highlights, and probably the best use of the Hirogen.