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VOY VOY Season 4

The Raven

Seven of Nine experiences flashbacks, and believes that she is being called back to the Borg Collective.

In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss “The Raven” and if that’s its name or not. Plus! The guys chat about making women eat things, the slow tease of Seven’s backstory, and Janeway remembering.

Welcome to “The Pensky Podcast,” everyone! I’m Wes, and joining me is Clay, as we delve into another episode of Star Trek: Voyager. Today, we’re discussing “The Raven,” which aired on October 8, 1997. This episode delves deeper into Seven of Nine’s past, offering a slow but steady stream of information about her backstory.

One of the intriguing aspects of “The Raven” is how it gradually unravels the layers of Seven of Nine’s history. We discuss this methodical approach to revealing her past and how it adds depth to her character. It’s a storytelling choice that allows the audience to piece together her transformation from a Borg drone back to a human.

A rather bizarre element in this episode, and something we spend some time discussing, is the scene where Neelix compels women to swallow things. It’s an uncomfortable visual that carries a lot of implications, and we delve into its narrative purpose and execution.

We also talk about the universally challenging nature of the Delta Quadrant’s inhabitants. Everyone Voyager encounters seems to have their own complexities and difficulties, adding to the crew’s ever-growing list of challenges in this uncharted territory.

Another point we explore is the curious lack of fear many Delta Quadrant races exhibit towards the Borg. This attitude contrasts sharply with the Alpha Quadrant’s view of the Borg as an almost unbeatable menace. We ponder why this might be and how it affects Voyager’s interactions with these species.

The episode raises questions about the logistics of Seven’s journey into the Delta Quadrant. There seems to be little interest in understanding the specifics of how she traveled such a great distance in a relatively short time. We discuss this oversight and its implications for the story.

Finally, we delve into the peculiar way Janeway identifies a starship based on Harry Kim’s reading of Seven’s personal logs. It’s a strange narrative leap, and we dissect this choice and its effectiveness in the episode’s context.

In summary, “The Raven” offers a mix of character exploration, peculiar narrative choices, and some overlooked details. Join us on “The Pensky Podcast” as we unpack all these elements and more. For those looking for additional in-depth discussions, our Patreon page offers a wealth of content on Star Trek and beyond. Set your course and join us on this voyage of discovery!