Seven of Nine
Barbie Borg of the Delta Quadrant
Played by Jeri Ryan:
This character undeniably was the break through Voyager addition that brought the show from "great" status to "Excellent"! If there had been a way to keep Kes aboard Voyager, along with the addition of Ryan's Barbie Borg - the Delta Quadrant would have hit that season running! The Seven of Nine character has unlocked doors to all kinds of new plots; character interaction and growth; and most amazingly, the opportunity for one single crew member to interact uniquely and dynamically with every member of the main cast. As far as I'm concerned - this is the first member of the Voyager cast (besides Janeway) to successfully tap into every other character with maximum depth. Take a look…………………
Seven of Nine reluctantly joins the Voyager crew after Janeway makes it impossible to return to her cube (not that I thought Kate tried very hard, even after Seven begged her). From that first moment the groundwork is set for some very interesting episodes to come, not to mention crew dynamics…….
Captain Janeway
becomes a mother for the very first time, much to the adamant "No Ways!" from Papa Chakotay. Janeway's head is spinning episode after episode on whether she is a mother or a captain, and in all honesty, the confusion plays well. Janeway actually begins to show some flaws, and Seven actually starts to like not being an orphan. The chemistry on screen between Ryan and Mulgrew is so good they have often been able to base show after show on their Mother\Daughter "Nature of Individuality" conflicts and chats alone. Last season (5) saw the return of Seven's in-laws (Dark Frontier), and the cementing of the Mama Kate\Baby Borg relationship. 7 of 9 may still have more growing to do in the coming seasons - but two things are for sure going into the new season (6)…….. Voyager is Seven's home; and Mama Kate likes being a mother!Commander Chakotay
is often accused of being Mr. Pessimist to Janeway's "Oh yah? Well I'll show you"….. Papa Chakotay has slowly warmed up to Kate's first Borg over the last 2 seasons. Personally I think he's a little bent about the fact that Baby Borg seems WAY more like Mama than Papa. Never the less, Chakotay has stepped up to the plate as Seven's "parental advisor" when doubting what she should do. (Good example is Season 6 - Survival Instinct)Doc
has slowly but surely continued to show off the talents of both Ryan and himself. Not only has he helped integrate Seven into Voyager, but their singing duets, holo-dates, etc… have made for some of the best and funniest moments in Voyager history. There is no denying the chemistry between these two acting professionals, and 2nd only to Janeway, I'd have to give the Doc "ALL BORG" honors!Harry Kim
plays the love struck Ensign (at least for a good chunck of two seasons - and I'm still not convinced it's gone) He is the counter part to Doc's "also interested" party, and Seven's perpetual "repair partner". Harry and Seven have single-handedly given more humorous moments per episode on sheer "two different planets" communication problems than I think even James T. Kirk and Spock could claim right to.B'Elanna
Torres points out the irritating and annoying character traits that the others try to overlook; but if there is any crew member who has taught Seven the need for manners - I'd definitely have to go with the Klignon! The seasons have tapered the conflicts between the two, but not enough to lose the basic chemistry - B'Elanna is a firm believer in the Borg to the Bone theory. Both characters have come to recognize the efficiency and intelligence of the other over time - but as Pat Benatar said it - we've got ourselves perpetual "Fire and Ice"Tom Paris
brings out the kid in Seven and helps to really lighten her character up. (I guess I would have to mention here that I think Paris and Naomi Wildman go hand in hand with Seven's character). Much to B'Elanna's chagrin, Tom and Seven have always gotten along quite well, and have become pretty good playmates over the past few seasons (Janeway must be pleased to know her rebellious son is getting along with his new Baby Borg). Couple that with the "Family" relationship Naomi and Seven have slowly been building up to (coming full circle in Survival Instinct), and we have some of the best "intimate Borg moments" yet. (Bliss is one of the best examples of this).Tuvok
is the intellectual, unemotional equal to our Barbie Borg. His "Highly illogical!" is the perfect compliment to Seven's bombardment of "Explain!" There's nothing I enjoy more than an episode where we seen both the Borg and the Vulcan give the 'ole "one eyebrow raise"! (obviously that move was covered in all the space fleet schools). Tuvok and Seven are a great and efficient match - try to forget the fact that Spock is rolling over in his grave at a Borg first contact, let alone a second, a third….Neelix
is a given with every member of the crew. There isn't much to say here, but I have liked the way that he has pursued getting to know Seven. He's also the one who seems most in tune with the relationship between Seven and Naomi - and knowing how much he cares for Naomi, I'm sure this has increased the Seven and Neelix interaction level.
Updated 10/8/99
I personally am hoping for some more Seven character growth this season, and a new level up in each of the relationships with other characters. The ones I would like to see expanded most (in no particular order) are Naomi, Janeway, and the Doctor. I guess time will tell……………
