Star Trek: Voyager season 1 episode 11 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

The USS Voyager investigates a protostar's photonic activity, but Ensign Kim disappears after a transporter malfunction. On the holodeck, a program based on "Beowulf" is running, where Kim is presumed dead, having fought the monster Grendel. The Doctor, immune to matter-energy conversion, is sent to investigate. He interacts with holodeck characters, confronting Grendel, an energy surge. The crew realizes the photonic activity involves sentient beings. Releasing a captured photonic life-form as a peace gesture, Kim and others, previously converted to energy, are safely returned. This unusual encounter ends with mutual understanding and peace.

Full Episode S01E11 Recap

### The USS Voyager Encounters the Photonic Life-Forms - **Scene: Voyager Bridge** - Captain Janeway logs the Voyager's course alteration to investigate intense photonic activity in a protostar. - Lieutenants Torres and Kim beam aboard samples for analysis, encountering a problem with the transporter beam. ### Mysterious Disappearance of Ensign Kim - **Scene: Voyager's Laboratory** - Torres and Janeway notice Ensign Kim's absence; the computer cannot locate him. - Kim's last known location was Holodeck 2, but interference prevents a clear scan. ### The Holodeck Adventure Begins - **Scene: Holodeck 2** - Chakotay and Tuvok enter the active holodeck, which is running a program based on the epic "Beowulf." - They encounter a shield-maiden, Freya, and learn about a creature, Grendel, terrorizing the kingdom. ### The Search for Beowulf (Ensign Kim) - **Scene: King Hrothgar's Hall** - Freya guides Chakotay and Tuvok to King Hrothgar. - They learn Beowulf (Kim) tried to fight Grendel and presumably died, with his body taken by the creature. ### The Doctor's Holodeck Mission - **Scene: Voyager's Sick Bay** - The Doctor is tasked with a mission to the holodeck, given control over his physical form. - He studies the Beowulf text, preparing to interact with the holodeck characters. ### Doctor Schweitzer's Encounter with Grendel - **Scene: Holodeck 2** - The Doctor, now identifying as Dr. Schweitzer, interacts with Freya and Hrothgar, offering to confront Grendel. - An energy surge (Grendel) appears, disrupting the Doctor's form. ### Unraveling the Mystery: Photonic Life-Forms - **Scene: Voyager Bridge and Engineering** - The crew theorizes that the photonic energy from the protostar is sentient, and Kim, Chakotay, and Tuvok were converted into energy. - A released photonic life-form exits the Voyager, indicating they're intelligent beings. ### Resolution and Return of the Crew - **Scene: Holodeck 2** - The Doctor, returning as Dr. Schweitzer, releases a photonic life-form to Grendel, signaling peace. - The missing crew members are returned, and the photonic lattice disappears. ### Reflections on First Contact - **Scene: Voyager Bridge** - Janeway reflects on the unusual first contact with the photonic life-forms. - The Doctor receives a commendation but chooses not to keep the name "Schweitzer" due to its painful association.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the USS Voyager alter its course?

To investigate intense photonic activity in a nearby protostar.

Who were involved in beaming aboard samples for analysis?

Lieutenant Torres and Ensign Kim.

What issue did they encounter during the sample transport?

A breach in the annular confinement beam of the transporter.

Where was Ensign Kim last known to be before his disappearance?

On Holodeck 2.

What program was running on Holodeck 2?

A holonovel based on the epic Earth poem "Beowulf."

Who is Freya in the holodeck program?

A shield-maiden, daughter of King Hrothgar.

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