Prototype 

B'Elanna gives aid to a failing automated device found adrift in space. After the repairs, the device recalls what its purpose was - and carries it out.

Director:

Jonathan Frakes

Writers:

Gene Roddenberry (based upon "Star Trek" created by), Rick Berman (created by)

Stars:

Kate Mulgrew, Robert Beltran, Roxann Dawson

Cast

Episode complete credited cast:
Kate Mulgrew	...	Capt. Kathryn Janeway
Robert Beltran	...	Cmdr. Chakotay
Roxann Dawson	...	Lt. B'Elanna Torres (as Roxann Biggs-Dawson)
Jennifer Lien	...	Kes
Robert Duncan McNeill	...	Lt. Tom Paris
Ethan Phillips	...	Neelix
Robert Picardo	...	The Doctor
Tim Russ	...	Lt. Tuvok
Garrett Wang	...	Ensign Harry Kim
Rick Worthy	...	3947 / Cravic 122
Hugh Hodgin	...	6263 / Prototype

Storyline

Voyager finds an automated life-form adrift in space. When B'Elanna Torres reactivates it, the unit realizes she may be able to help build more of its kind. The robot kidnaps Torres and gives her an ultimatum: build a working prototype or Voyager will be destroyed.

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Plot Keywords:

robot | first person perspective | handshake | energy blast | abduction | 

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

TV-PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

B'Elanna says that she is adjusting 3947's flux capacitance. This is a reference to Back to the Future (1985) and its sequels Back to the Future Part II (1989) and Back to the Future Part III (1990) in which the flux capacitor is the power source of the time travelling DeLorean.

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Goofs

In the opening sequence, just after Harry and B' Elana decide to insert the EPS conduit into 3947, 3947 begins to follow Harry's movements around the room. Movement of 3947's head should have attracted their attention. Further, 3947's attention ends on a monitor viewing himself. Whereas his head should be skewed or turned to view himself from his shown position on the monitor, it instead looks straight up at the ceiling.

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Quotes

Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres: Tell me something more about these Builders. Were they anything like us?
Automated Personnel Unit 3947: I have insufficient knowledge of your culture to provide an adequate response. Will you provide additional information?
Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres: Well, I asked about your culture. Only fair you should ask about mine.
Automated Personnel Unit 3947: Does your culture include artificial life forms?
Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres: As a matter of fact, it does.
Automated Personnel Unit 3947: Are they similar to the automated personnel units aboard this ship?
Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres: Well, they come in different shapes and sizes. Some have limbs, some don't. Most don't have ...
[...]

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Connections

References Short Circuit (1986)

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Soundtracks

Star Trek: Voyager - Main Title
Written by Jerry Goldsmith
Performed by Jay Chattaway

User Reviews

Torres is kidnapped by some really crappy looking robots.

When this show begins, the crew of Voyager finds a robot in space. Torres and Kim try to revive this unit but are frustrated by their lack of progress. Eventually, however, the dogged Torres is able to solve the puzzle and the robot is now 'alive'. She then learns that it was made long ago by an extinct race it refers to as 'the Builders'. And, since it also sees Torres as a new Builder, it decides to kidnap her and make her create a new prototype robot. So, it disables her and transfers to a ship run by other robots like it. When the Captain tries to rescue her, the robot ship easily overpowers Voyager and will destroy the ship unless Torres agrees to work with them. What's next?

As I watched, my oldest daughter looked at the screen and commented about what a crappy looking robot they used in the show. She said he 'looked like someone covered in aluminum foil'! Well, even if this is the case, the Builders might have cared little about aesthetics---so I don't necessarily see this as a flaw in the program.

So is the show any good? Well, the plot is VERY unique and the twist near the end is great. Because of this, I strongly recommend you see it--and mostly because the show is among the best of an otherwise sub-par second season.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Site

Country:

USA

Language:

English Greek

Release Date:

15 January 1996 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Paramount Studios - 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

45 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color Black and White (opening scene)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1