Written By: Scott Miller
Directed By: Winrich Kolbe
Rating: **** (out of 5)
A planet made up of nothing but an ocean. Fascinating. This is a premise which allows three stars unto itself. It�s premise which is also adequately explained without too much technobabble. It would�ve been good to see inside one of their ocean structures though. This also gives reason for brilliant CGI.
The scene of the Ocean Planet where amazing. I particularly liked the first view of the ocean planet with Voyager orbiting, and the torpedo flying into the water. Underwater CGI looked fantastic also, the Delta Flyer crashing into the ocean, the Electric Eel was impressive too, although not necessary and only shown for about 30 seconds.
The Moneans are a refreshing species too. They aren�t aggressive and are willing to trade and cooperate and listen. Well, for the most part.
Why was the Monean�s government ignoring such an obvious threat to their ocean? This is a major part of the plot and is never explained. They have a deep connection to waters, it�s their savior, and they are willing for it to be sacrificed? They�ve got only five years. And if they have the solutions, why ignore it? This makes no sense, and I can�t think of a good reason for them to ignore the warnings.
But you mustn�t forget that this is Toms episode. It�s appropriate that he is the one to take this into his own hands, and even better that he is punished. I never realized that Tom had such a big obsession with the ocean. I�m willing to ignore that, but �Thirty Days� never goes into Tom�s deep feelings for the ocean and why he was willing to sacrifice his life for it. Just because the ocean was his first love isn�t a viable excuse.
I�d also like to see some Paris and Janeway confrontation. Janeway was understandably doing her duty, as Tom was fulfilling his care, but it�s obvious they didn�t see eye to eye on the outcome. Wouldn�t it have been much better if Tom had succeeded in his mission? Imagine the consequences. That would�ve added much more drama to the episode.
And I don�t see why his sentence would change in that case. For breaking the Prime Directive, Starfleet�s ultimate directive, the excuse �I didn�t succeed� shouldn�t even be considered. So in saying that, I�m not happy that Tom�s sentence was 30 days.
The letter to Tom�s father did nothing for me. He decides to write a letter to his Dad because he�s been punished for doing something he believed in, not punished for his stupidity. And he thought his father would care? Why would he? Tom joined the Maquis, he would�ve had to have believed in something then, but by betraying Starfleet, and therefore his father. By disobeying the Prime Directive he is again going against Starfleet, and again his father. What would the letter accomplish in that case?
The climax is executed well, however, and competently gives suspense. You can�t really guess what going to happen, even if the other alternative would�ve been better. I understand that Janeway was willing to destroy the Delta Flyer to get Tom out, but I would�ve thought the Moneans would�ve put up more of a fight than they did.
Paul Balgerions score of �Thirty Days� was quite nice. It made everything seem less important, less dark and more fun. I especially liked the music when Janeway and Tom say �Fire� at the climax.
So �Thirty Days� is exciting and refreshing. It gets full marks for basic premise, acting and score but once really look into it; the plot is a bit muddled and concentrates it efforts on other things.