Imperfection
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Well, what can I say but Wow!! "Imperfection" simply blew me away with its excellent characterizations, thoughtfulness, poignancy, and last but not least, abundance of J/7 subtext- I just knew I’d love this episode as soon as Janeway put her arm around Seven. Its always been feast or famine with these writers, but with this episode, we were treated to a most colorful and delectable feast. I just wish that we would be treated to more quality, superlative episodes like this one, instead of the mediocre fair that we have gotten used to in the past year. Here’s hoping the trend towards character driven shows continues, as they have always been my favorites. Perhaps my only gripe with this episode is that there weren’t enough J/7 scenes, but what we got more than made up for the lack. I’d venture to say that we haven’t seen as much scintillating, not to mention significant, subtext between our beloved duo since "Dark Frontier." For this reason, I am pleased to be able to add "Imperfection" to my list of all-time favorite J/7 shows.
First off, even though this was primarily a Seven episode, I was very much struck by Janeway’s reaction to Seven’s impending demise. Janeway’s desperation and sense of urgency was palpable throughout the episode. Her anguish and fear at the thought of losing Seven was written all over her face. As a consequence, the audience could clearly see how much Seven has come to mean to the Captain, and how her loss would be devastating to her on a personal level. Even Seven herself sensed this, when she was discussing with Janeway the loss of other crew members, and how she was able to accept their deaths more easily. Therefore, to Janeway, Seven’s death wouldn’t merely represent the death of just another crewmember, but someone that she cares for very much. I, of course, believe that Janeway more than cares for Seven- it was made patently obvious in this episode, at least to me, that she loves her with a passion that she has tended to reserve only for Seven. What other reason could there be for Janeway’s dogged determination to find a cortical node for Seven, even if it meant killing another living being to get one? Since when has Janeway been willing to sacrifice anyone’s life to save that of another? Since never. This alone demonstrates to me how much she loves Seven. Of course, that famous "look of love" I mentioned in my last review was very much present in this episode as well. As an aside, does anyone know who sings the song "look of love"?! Everytime I use this expression, I can’t help but sing this song in my head. I know it must be one of those 80’s funky British pop bands that I so love, but I just can’t remember which one. If anyone out there can tell me the name of the group, I’d be most grateful. My apologies for digressing. Back to our show. Anyhow, this "look" came shining through in every single interaction the Captain had with her beloved Borg. Along with the look of great panic, fear, and profound sorrow. I’ve never seen Janeway so upset or so worried about anyone else before. And I don’t believe that she felt such dismay over the prospect of losing just a "friend", as she herself put it. In my mind, this episode will probably be the closest TPTB are willing to come to making an admission of Janeway’s deep love for Seven. In other words, Imperfection should be viewed as the tacit declaration of the love Janeway feels for Seven. Notice how I only mention Janeway’s feelings. As I said last time, I believe that Janeway is the one who is fully cognizant of her feelings. Not that Seven doesn’t love the Captain, its just that she doesn’t know it yet. She only knows that she has very strong feelings for this woman who is responsible for helping to make her the individual she is now, but she isn’t aware of exactly what these feelings signify.
Even if Seven doesn’t yet know that she too loves Janeway, we the audience certainly got a better glimpse of how devoted she is to her captain, and how much Janeway’s opinion means to her. The thought that Janeway might be disappointed with how she has turned out seemed to weigh very heavily with Seven. Later on, I found it more than coincidental that of all the places Seven could be studying in the Astrometrics lab, she was examining places that were of import to Janeway. She even knew that Janeway’s hometown was Bloomington. And how sweet was it that Janeway offered, in quite a matter- of- fact way I might add, to take Seven to Bloomington once they reached Earth? I don’t recall the Captain ever getting so intimate with one of her crewmen as to extend such a personal invitation. And speaking of the Astrometrics scene, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the sheer electricity that J/7 generated in this particular scene. Janeway leaning up against the wall was very sultry and seductive, as were all the looks she gave Seven and the tone of voice she used to speak to her. Janeway exuded sensuality in this entire exchange. More importantly, this scene was very heartwarming, and once again served to illustrate the depth of emotion between J/7. My only wish is that it lasted longer- I am sure they would have made more tender and poignant confessions to one another had the Doctor not interrupted them so rudely. Though I know they wouldn’t have made the confession that we are all so desperate to hear! LOL
I must also mention how much I enjoyed the scene between B'Elanna and Seven. Though as much as I liked their exchange, I kept wondering why we were never treated to such a scene in earlier seasons. The contrived animosity between B/7 has always been a source of frustration to me. I just never understood why B'Elanna would continue to be so resentful of Seven, despite the fact that she has now become a member of the Voyager family. I certainly understood why B'Elanna despised Seven in the beginning, when she was much more Borg than human, but now? It just never made sense. So, I was very glad to see how tender and supportive B'Elanna was to Seven, not to mention how reassuring she was about Seven’s legacy and importance to the crew of Voyager. For the first time, I was impressed with B'Elanna's ability to be "nice", a side of hers that we so seldom see on the show, unfortunately. Glad to know that she can be very understanding when its called upon. I believe that B/7 could have been good friends, if only the writers had allowed it. Yet another missed opportunity on their part. Again, another very poignant scene, in what can be described as the most touching episode I have seen in quite a long time.
I must also comment on how impressed I was with Icheb. His determination to save Seven at all cost was testament to his love and devotion for her. I’m glad that despite the fact that Seven seemed to have given up hope of surviving, that Icheb, as well as Janeway, of course, never lost hope, and continued to fight to keep her alive. I also liked how Icheb knew that Seven would be willing to lay down her life for Janeway. Is there anyone on board Voyager that hasn’t figured out how those two feel by now?! LOL Icheb, in his role of surrogate son to Seven, has been a very welcome addition to the show. I hope to see more of him in this last year. He and Seven share a special bond, one which was explored to great effect in this episode. Incidentally, their relationship is the only mother/child one on this show, in case TPTB want to continue to insist that J/7 also share a maternal connection. An assertion which was made even more ridiculous than ever with tonight’s episode.
I’m sure you all know by now how I’m going to rate Imperfection. It was one of the best shows I had seen in quite a long time, rife with all the elements that I enjoy the most- tenderness, thoughtfulness, poignancy, character development, and yes, subtext. My fervent hope is that this isn’t going to be the last J/7 show of the series. Even if we never again see another episode with as much significant subtext, I won’t be complaining too much because Imperfection, more than any other episode in past years, showed the degree and depth of J/7’s feelings for one another. Nothing can change this fact, not even an episode (heaven forbid!) in which either one of them falls for some alien or hologram. Perish that thought! Though I must say, while I was watching all of the exchanges between J/7, I began to fantasize about their very last one of the series. Since we all know that the writers will never openly acknowledge the J/7 relationship as a romantic one throughout the season, I wondered if they would at least be willing to go out with a bang, and leave things up in the air, as it were. My fantasy final J/7 scene would be one in which Seven walks into Janeway’s office/ready room, but they don’t say one word to one another. All they do is give each other those famous, smoldering, soulful looks. Then, they both come closer to one another, exchange one last gooey look, before embracing and kissing passionately! Then, fade to black, the end! Talk about going out with a bang! I mean, they wouldn’t have anything to lose at that point because the series would be over, right? But they sure will have made all of our wildest dreams come true. I know, only in my dreams, but a girl can hope, can’t she?
Anyhow, I loved this show, it was very well-written, acted, directed, executed, etc..., so four very enthusiastic comm badges. "Imperfection" was the picture of pure perfection!
Cheers!
