I can see that this episode gets die-hard Trekkies in a tizz. That's what comes of taking popular sci-fi too seriously. Being simply a Star Trek dipper, I found it a wonderfully refreshing change from the usual, often po-faced, offerings. Also, being the age I am, the old 1930s serials, repeated on tv in the fifties and sixties still hold fond memories for me. The Captain Proton holodeck simulations were always a good idea, and I understand that this extended session was due to a fire which rendered the Voyager bridge set unusable.
Briefly, Tom and Harry are working on the next Captain Proton episode when a photonic (light-energy based) alien civilisation tries to make contact with the holodeck characters which also appear to be photonic. Unfortunately those characters, based obviously on the Mongonians from Flash Gordon, are belligerent, and war ensues which puts Voyager in danger. The conflict is resolved by utilising many of the staple serial conventions including main villain Chaotica's continual desire for a new bride to rule the Universe at his side. Captain Janeway ably fills this role as Arachnia Queen of the Spider-people. Dressed in a tight-fitting gown with a wildly exaggerated collar and with the aid of a pheremone love potion she seduces Chaotica's henchman and lowers the lighting shield enabling Proton to destroy the death ray, apparently killing Chaotica in the process. However, the closing serial credit suggests, like another sci-fi villain, Chaotica will return.
The black and white serial sequences are wonderfully realised in 1930s style. And I did suddenly notice that they were shown in 4:3 projection. As mentioned above many familiar serial practices were employed such as the way into the impregnable fortress being via underground caverns. The re-use of the same sets to represent different locations and the use of secret weapons suggested by on-screen processing effects. The costumes looked very authentic. A mixture of Roman and oriental and, as ever, Proton's captured secretary Constance Goodheart, had to be dressed as a handmaiden, tied up awaiting Chaotica's pleasure. Inevitably her dialogue consisted solely of screaming on cue.
Watch it and enjoy it. And stop taking things so seriously!
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