Soap Operas utilise continuing plot lines, yet they re not exactly the paradigm by which we should judge television excellence. But that does not preclude returning to that plotline in the future. For example, the fourth season finale, Hope and Fear, is a fantastic bookend on the themes of the season, as Janeway s decision in Scorpion comes back to haunt her. Similarly, in Flesh and Blood, the very real consequences of Voyager s activities in the Delta Quadrant are explored. These are uniquely Voyager stories that work within the confines of stand-alone episodes, and yet transcend the Reset Button.
Every story has to end somewhere, but that doesn t mean that the events lose their power.
But, as a casual viewer who happened upon Blue Heelers, I enjoyed the story the episode offered without it using an elaborate plotline to pull me in. Simple 'people' stories are just as good as any epic saga. Caillan Davenport is moderator of the Trek BBS Science Fiction and Fantasy forum and is editor of the J-Team newsletter. His 'A Briefing With Caillan' column is published regularly here at the Trek Nation. All original content copyright 1999-2001 by the Trek Nation and Christian H hne Sparborth .