Pathfinder
- FIRST SHOWN (US)
- 1 December 1999
- ON
- UPN
- STARDATE
- None given
- DIRECTED BY
- Mike Vejar
- PRODUCTION NO.
- 230
WRITTEN BYTeleplay by David Zabel & Kenneth Biller; story by David Zabel
Back on Earth, Reg Barclay is convinced he can contact the lost Voyager, but his colleagues worry he is spending too much time with a holographic version of the crew.
Red alert: the full plot, ending included. Haven't watched yet?REVEAL SYNOPSIS
On Earth, Lt Reginald Barclay works on Starfleet's Pathfinder Project, which is trying to reach Voyager. Lonely and anxious, he spends his free time in a holodeck recreation of the ship, and he confides in Counselor Deanna Troi. Barclay has a theory: using the MIDAS array, he could create a micro-wormhole to make contact. His superior, Commander Harkins, dismisses him, and Admiral Paris is unconvinced. When Barclay's behaviour crosses the line, he is removed from the project. That night he breaks into the lab and sets his plan in motion, retreating into the holographic Voyager when security arrive. As he is led away, the real Voyager answers. Barclay's idea has worked. Admiral Paris speaks briefly to the crew before the link closes, and data is exchanged. Voyager's crew celebrate their new link with home, and Barclay is toasted as an honorary member of the crew.
- 01Richard Herd takes over the recurring role of Admiral Owen Paris. He had played L'Kor in TNG's “Birthright” two-parter.
- 02Dwight Schultz had previously appeared on Voyager as an image of Barclay in “Projections”.
- 03Barclay's holodeck habit recalls TNG's “Hollow Pursuits”. He and Troi return in “Life Line”.