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VOY VOY Season 3

Alter Ego

Tuvok and Harry Kim become interested in a holodeck character who is more than she seems.

In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss “Alter Ego” and the after-school special vibes of Voyager. Plus! The guys chat about mysterious nebulae, Vulcan monogamy, and wasted cold opens.

Welcome to “The Pensky Podcast,” where I, Wes, and my co-host Clay, embark on a journey through the universe of Star Trek. In this episode, we dive into the Star Trek: Voyager episode titled “Alter Ego.” We warmly invite both dedicated Trekkies and newcomers to join our engaging discussion.

“Alter Ego” is the 14th episode of Voyager’s third season, with an original air date of January 15, 1997, and is set at the stardate 50460.3. The episode revolves around Harry Kim as he seeks guidance from Tuvok to suppress his emotions towards a holographic character named Marayna. Unexpectedly, Tuvok finds himself grappling with his own emotions related to Marayna.

In our discussion, Clay and I delve into some unique and quirky aspects of “Alter Ego.” We discuss very specific Vulcan phrases used in the episode, providing insights into Vulcan culture and language. Additionally, we reflect on the ‘afterschool special’ vibe that Voyager sometimes gives off, particularly how it’s exhibited in this episode. We also don’t shy away from some critique – discussing how the episode may have missed some opportunities, especially in terms of ‘wasting your cold opens,’ and how that affects the pacing and engagement right from the start.

But wait, there’s more! By subscribing to “The Pensky Podcast” on Patreon, you’ll unlock access to an array of exclusive content. As a Patreon supporter, you’ll be treated to our revisits of classic Star Trek episodes, discussions on sci-fi movies, and a diverse range of extra content that will captivate any sci-fi enthusiast. Our Patreon page is continuously updated with new material, ensuring a dynamic and fulfilling experience for our subscribers.

So, set your phasers to ‘engage’ and join Clay and me for this exciting episode, and consider diving even deeper by joining our Patreon community for an expansive journey through Star Trek and the wider realm of science fiction.