Darkling 

As Kes develops a relationship with a Mikhal Traveler, a member of Voyager's crew develops a dangerously ruthless split personality with a fixation on Kes.

Director:

Alexander Singer (as Alex Singer)

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
David Lee Smith	...	Zahir
Stephen Davies	...	Nakahn
Noel De Souza	...	Mahatma Gandhi (as Noél de Souza)
Christopher Clarke	...	Lord Byron
Susan Henley	...	Ensign Brooks (as Sue Henley)
Majel Barrett	...	Voyager Computer (voice)

Storyline

Kes falls in love on an away mission. The Doctor, seeking to expand his programming, incorporates the personalities of several historical figures. B'Elanna Torres chastises The Doctor, warning him that his program is complex and the results could be unfavorable, but it is too late, as the Doctor develops an alter-ego - a violent, unethical personality who attempts to murder Kes' new beau.

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Plot Keywords:

lord byron character | mahatma gandhi character | reference to leonardo da vinci | reference to t'pau | reference to madame curie | 

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

TV-PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

This episode gives us the first confirmation that holodeck characters are indeed hollow, possessing no internal structure.

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Goofs

When the Doctor shows Kes the various characters with whom he interacts in the holodeck, "T'Pau" almost knocks over the kal-toh (Vulcan chess) structure by bumping it with the piece she is supposed to be placing delicately.

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Quotes

The Doctor: I think I'm detecting a reaction to your recent break-up with Mr. Neelix. The Mahatma would recommend a cold bath. Simplistic, but no doubt effective.

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Connections

References Doctor Who (1963)

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Soundtracks

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

User Reviews

While I usually love the Doctor, here he seems wasted and silly.

I think that the Doctor (Robert Picardo) is the best member of Voyager's crew. He's funny, snippy and very interesting as his character evolves throughout the series. However, occasionally the show really struck out when it tried to expand his character and "Darkling" is clearly one of these times.

The Doctor is trying to expand his programming by interacting with various historical characters. Unfortunately, this has unforeseen effects on him and he becomes a 'Jekyl & Hyde' sort of personality. At the same time, Kes is considering leaving the ship and going on an adventure with a new guy she just met. How these two plots interact is something you'll have to see for yourself.

The problem with this one is that changes in the Doctor are just fine--insane and HUGE changes aren't. It all comes off as very contrived and silly. The only real positive I see in this show is that the writers finally decided to have Kes and Neelix break up-- which is so positive as Neelix's jealousy is so boorish and annoying....and a bit creepy.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English Greek

Release Date:

19 February 1997 (USA)

Filming Locations:

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

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

46 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1