In the fourteenth episode of the fourth season of Voyager, this is also a weird one, but you know what? The ending justifies the whole affair. Intrigued? Then it’s time for Mark to watch Star Trek.
I can’t believe I got Andy Dick and Iggy Pop in the same week.
I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a fan of Andy Dick in any sense, but I appreciate him in this role here, as the “sequel” to the Doctor’s EMH program. In the four years since Voyager left Earth, a lot has changed. “Message in a Bottle” often works well when those changes are highlighted. (Such as the improved medical devices or EMH Mark II’s mention of the Dominion.) But the way in which this script contrasts and then beautifully parallels both of these EMH programs filled me with endless delight.
And yes, this is a weird one. The concept is brilliant, and I certainly did not expect the Doctor to have an easy time once he was transported along the Hirogen relay system. But the sudden appearance of Romulans – who apparently are now totally cool with stealing Starfleet ships and murdering their crew??? – was jarring. Intentionally so, of course. The Doctor was certainly not expecting that, and there’s a lot of drama derived from the Doctor having to improvise on numerous fronts.
I also can’t deny that the way improvisation works in “Message in a Bottle” is why this is all so strangely compelling. As much experience as the Doctor has had over these four years – much of which prepared him for the uniquely terrifying situation on the Prometheus – it’s also very, very different from what he’s been through. Here, he has no human crew members to depend on. Instead, he’s got… EMH Mark II. Who is very sassy. And condescending. And contemptuous. AND ARGUMENTATIVE. In another context, I might understand how the second build of the EMH program has “better” bedside manner, but the hilarious thing about Mark II’s behavior is that HE IS BARELY BETTER THAN THE DOCTOR. (This is made even funnier when you consider that Tom requested a “nicer” version of the Doctor, unaware that Starfleet already made one. AND HE IS NOT NICER AT ALL.)
Look, I just find it very impressive that Robert Picardo and Andy Dick managed to build up such a believable chemistry/rapport in a very short amount of time. Their comic timing is impeccable, and it was a joy watching them fling their lines at one another. And bicker. AND THEY BICKERED A WHOLE LOT IN THIS EPISODE. Yet it’s not just that! The Doctor helps Mark II learn. Aside from the ending, that’s the most rewarding element to “Message in the Bottle.” Mark II might be more advanced in a number of ways, but the Doctor has experienced life as an EMH in ways Mark II could not even conceive of. He encourages Mark II to be risky. To be adventurous. To do things that might not end well, to be brave, to be courageous. And it’s about the coolest thing about these two.
Actually, I’m just now realizing how much of a parallel this is with B’Elanna and Seven, who deal with a similar conflict on Voyager. It’s not that Seven is rude on purpose; they just have a unique view on life because of who they are, much like with Mark II. And while Mark II is programmed directly, you could also argue that Seven was “programmed” by assimilation as well. So how do others deal with that programming? In this case, B’Elanna is frustrated by the way Seven talks, even though Seven really is trying their best to be a part of the crew. Like the Doctor does with Mark II, B’Elanna has to teach Seven a different way to consider her speech. It’s not immediately successful and Seven struggles with how inefficient it is to have to say “please” or “thank you.” In her mind, she communicates what she needs or wants in as little words as possible. Why do anything else?
Because these people live together. They are part of a community, and the ways in which we interact with one another matters a great deal. That’s not to say there isn’t a time for a brusque tone or an argumentative conversation. By why that all the time?
Anyway, let’s stop fucking around because THEY GOT A MESSAGE HOME. STARFLEET KNOWS VOYAGER IS STILL ALIVE AND THEY ARE RESUMING THE SEARCH AND WILL TRY TO GET THEM HOME AND I WAS VERY EMOTIONAL ABOUT THIS AND IT HIT ME WAY HARDER THAN I EXPECTED AND I REALLY NEED TO SEE IF IT WILL BE ADDRESSED AGAIN IN THE NEXT EPISODE.
whoops I was excited.
The video for “Message in a Bottle†can be downloaded here for $0.99.
Mark Links Stuff
– I am now on Patreon! There are various levels of support, from $1 up to whatever you want! You’ll get to read a private blog, extra reviews, and other such rewards. I POST A LOT OF CUTE PHOTOS, OKAY. Think of it like a private Tumblr blog that only SPECIAL PEOPLE get to read.
– I have updated my list of conventions and events for the remainder of the year and much of next year.  Check the full list of events on my Tour Dates / Appearances page.
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