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"Concerning Flight"
Star Trek: Voyager episode
Episode no.Season 4
Episode 11
Directed byJesús Salvador Treviño
Story by
Teleplay byJoe Menosky
Featured musicDennis McCarthy
Production code179
Original air dateNovember 26, 1997 (1997-11-26)
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
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Star Trek: Voyager season 4
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"Concerning Flight" is the 79th episode of Star Trek: Voyager, the 11th episode of season four. Set in the 24th century of the Star Trek science fiction universe, the series follows a Federation spaceship on its way home after being flung to the other side of the Galaxy. In this installment, the crew must retrieve stolen goods.

Actor John Rhys-Davies guest stars as a holographic Leonardo da Vinci.

Plot

[edit]

An enemy uses a high-energy transporter beam to steal valuable technology from Voyager, including their computer core and the Doctor's mobile holo-emitter. Captain Janeway and the crew track the stolen goods to an alien world that is an active center of commerce. When Tuvok and Janeway beam down to search, they encounter the holographic Leonardo da Vinci from Janeway's Florence holodeck program, who had been downloaded into the mobile emitter. Believing that he is in 16th century America, Leonardo has established a relationship with a wealthy "patron". He is constantly amazed by the technological marvels in this "New World".

Chakotay interrogates a local trader and learns that a man named Tau sells weapons and technology he steals from passing ships. As it turns out, Tau is Leonardo's patron. Posing as a buyer, Janeway attends one of Tau's parties, where Tau reveals that he has Voyager's computer core for sale. Armed with Leonardo's accurate topographic maps of the region, Tuvok and Seven of Nine locate the storage facility where the processor is kept, but a dispersion field around it makes transport impossible. They agree that Janeway will have to infiltrate the facility and initiate a power surge that will produce a signal strong enough for the transporter beam to lock onto. Unfortunately, Tau overhears Janeway talking to Voyager and trains a weapon on her. Leonardo knocks out Tau, then he and Janeway flee for the facility.

Once they find the processor, Janeway successfully executes Tuvok's plan, but an armed guard prevents the pair from beaming up with the computer. Janeway knocks out the guard. Leonardo has been shot, but being a hologram he is unhurt. He cannot comprehend this and demands an explanation. Janeway reminds him that it is a poor apprentice who cannot surpass their master, and explains that there are things that she understands and he cannot. They use a site-to-site transporter to beam themselves a good distance away into the countryside. They board a fixed-wing glider constructed by Leonardo and take off, just as Tau's guards open fire. Finally, Voyager is able to get close enough to the planet to beam aboard the Captain and her mentor.

Reception

[edit]

In 2020, The Digital Fix called the "Concerning Flight" a "delightful holodeck adventure" and praised it for its exploration of Captain Janeway's character.[1]

Tor.com gave this 6 out 10, noting the actors "Rhys-Davies and Kate Mulgrew being amazing together" but wanting more from the rest of story.[2]

Releases

[edit]

In 2017, the complete Star Trek: Voyager television series was released in a DVD box set with special features.[3][4]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Concerning Flight

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"Concerning Flight" is the 78th episode overall and the eleventh in the fourth season of the television series , first broadcast on the network on November 26, 1997. Directed by Jesús Salvador Treviño and featuring a teleplay by Joe Menosky based on a story by Jimmy Diggs and Menosky, the episode centers on the USS Voyager being raided by nimble alien thieves who steal key technology, including the ship's main computer processor and the Doctor's mobile emitter, into which they download the holographic program of . Captain Kathryn Janeway () encounters the activated da Vinci hologram—portrayed by guest star —who is using the mobile emitter, and enlists his help to track down the culprits on a nearby planet, leading to a blend of adventure, ingenuity, and lighthearted interaction reminiscent of classic escapades. Set on 51386.4 in the Delta Quadrant, the 46-minute installment highlights themes of resourcefulness and cultural homage, with da Vinci's Renaissance-era perspective providing and inventive solutions amid the high-stakes recovery mission.

Episode details

Synopsis

In the episode "Concerning Flight" from Star Trek: Voyager, alien thieves use a sophisticated translocator beam to raid the USS Voyager while the ship is in the Delta Quadrant, stealing critical components including the main computer processor, the Doctor's mobile emitter, and other advanced technology. The crew quickly traces the thieves to a nearby planet bustling with an alien bazaar, where advanced technology from various cultures is traded. Captain and beam down undercover to investigate, posing as traders amid the chaotic marketplace filled with vendors hawking exotic devices. Their search leads them to discover the mobile emitter in use, powering a holographic recreation of —a program Janeway had previously engaged with in earlier simulations. Janeway approaches the emitter's owner, an arms dealer named , who has integrated da Vinci into his operation as an unwitting inventor, with the hologram believing he has been transported to 16th-century America under a new patron. While distracts da Vinci by engaging him in conversation about his "inventions," Janeway negotiates with Tau, pretending to be interested in purchasing a similar computer processor to gain access to his facility. Tau reveals his role as the mastermind behind the thefts, using the stolen Voyager technology to enhance his translocator device for further raids across the sector. Janeway activates da Vinci's program more fully, enlisting the hologram's expertise; da Vinci deciphers the alien technology's workings by drawing parallels to his own Renaissance-era designs, such as levers and pulleys, and creates detailed maps of Tau's compound based on overheard descriptions. As Janeway infiltrates the secured warehouse where the stolen items are stored, she locates the computer processor but triggers an alarm, alerting Tau's guards. Tau captures Janeway, intending to ransom her to Voyager for additional technology, and confiscates her communicator. Da Vinci intervenes by knocking out Tau with a improvised tool, allowing Janeway to regain her device and initiate a power surge to transport the computer processor directly to the ship. With guards in pursuit, da Vinci applies his knowledge of aerodynamics—drawing from his historical sketches of flying machines—to construct a functional glider from scavenged parts in Tau's workshop, including lightweight frames and fabric from local materials. Janeway and da Vinci launch the glider from a high vantage point, soaring over the alien landscape to reach a safe transporter range, where Voyager beams them aboard along with the recovered emitter. Meanwhile, the Voyager crew, operating with limited computer functions, manually targets and disables one of Tau's pursuing ships using phaser fire, forcing the remaining pirates to retreat. With the processor reinstalled, full systems are restored, though navigation remains temporarily compromised. Da Vinci, bidding farewell to Janeway, chooses to return to the program in its original Italian Renaissance setting, likening his "journey" to a voyage back to .

Main Cast

The main cast of "Concerning Flight" features the core ensemble of Star Trek: Voyager, each contributing to the episode's narrative of technological theft and recovery.
ActorCharacterEpisode-Specific Role
Leads the away team on the alien planet to recover stolen Voyager technology, including the main computer processor; relies heavily on the holographic program for inventive solutions and engages in philosophical discussions with the hologram during the mission.
Robert BeltranCommander ChakotayActs as first officer, coordinating Voyager's defenses against the alien raiders and interrogating a captured pirate to locate the stolen items.
Oversees engineering efforts to mitigate damage from the theft, including the disappearance of critical components like the warp diagnostic assembly, and assists in restoring ship systems post-recovery.
Manages flight operations during the pursuit of the thieves and handles shuttle piloting for support during the planetary operation.
Provides logical undercover support to Janeway on the planet, posing as a companion during the search and offering tactical advice before returning to Voyager.
Analyzes the advanced transporter technology used in the theft to aid in tracking the perpetrators.
The DoctorCoordinates the recovery of his mobile emitter, stolen alongside other equipment, ensuring his program remains operational during the crisis.

Guest Stars

John Rhys-Davies guest stars as the holographic , a recurring program from Janeway's simulations; in this episode, the hologram is downloaded into a portable emitter and provides inventive solutions, such as constructing a glider for escape, along with philosophical dialogue about exploration and captivity during the adventure. This marks Rhys-Davies's return to the role, following his initial appearance in the season 3 finale "". John Vargas guest stars as , the alien arms dealer who masterminds the raid on Voyager and uses the stolen holographic program as an inventor in his operations.

Production

Development and writing

The story for "Concerning Flight" originated from a pitch by freelance writer Jimmy Diggs, who proposed a involving the of the Doctor's mobile emitter by alien , which was developed into a broader narrative of Voyager's crew recovering stolen on a planetary . Staff writer and producer Joe Menosky co-wrote the story with Diggs and handled the teleplay, blending the heist-like recovery mission with elements of a adventure set in a simulated . This concept allowed for an integration of Star Trek's sci-fi tropes, such as and interstellar , with historical and inventive themes drawn from Leonardo da Vinci's life. Produced as the 79th episode overall (season 4, episode 11) under production code 179, "Concerning Flight" was conceived amid Star Trek: Voyager's fourth season production, immediately following the intense two-part "Year of Hell" arc (production codes 176 and 177), which had explored heavy temporal warfare and crew hardships. The episode shifted toward lighter, character-focused storytelling, emphasizing interpersonal dynamics and problem-solving over ongoing serialization. Executive producer Brannon Braga suggested repurposing the Leonardo da Vinci holoprogram—previously introduced in the season 3 finale "Scorpion, Part II"—to enable Captain Janeway's off-ship escapade, facilitating a creative departure from standard bridge-bound plots. In the writing process, Menosky focused on highlighting Janeway's ingenuity, portraying her as a resourceful leader who adapts da Vinci's inventive genius to real-world challenges, such as constructing a glider inspired by the historical figure's aeronautical sketches to navigate the alien terrain during the recovery operation. The script incorporated the Delta Flyer shuttle, introduced earlier in the season in "Extreme Risk," as a key stolen item, tying the heist plot to ongoing continuity while avoiding overcomplication; Menosky later expressed some dissatisfaction with the final tech-heavy elements, preferring a purer focus on the da Vinci adventure. Revisions refined the pacing, ensuring the sequences—where Janeway interacts with the hologram for strategic brainstorming—balanced humor and tension without overshadowing the core recovery mission. A key creative decision was to bring back guest star as da Vinci, capitalizing on his charismatic portrayal from "" to drive the episode's emotional and inventive core, with Menosky drawing on his own knowledge of 15th-century Italian history to authenticate the hologram's dialogue and mannerisms.

Filming and post-production

The episode was directed by Jesús Salvador Treviño, who employed dynamic camera work in the sequences to highlight the contrast between historical elements and futuristic Voyager technology, while utilizing elaborate set designs for the alien to evoke a bustling black-market atmosphere. Filming occurred primarily on sound stages at in Hollywood, , including standing sets for the USS Voyager interiors, the newly constructed Delta Flyer shuttlecraft on Stage 9, and the holographic Leonardo da Vinci workshop recreated as a period-accurate environment. Practical effects were incorporated for the glider's and flight scene, utilizing physical models and rigging to simulate the aerial escape within the program. Visual effects work, handled by Foundation Imaging, featured for the transporter theft beam during the infiltration sequence, the expansive alien planet marketplace with its diverse extraterrestrial crowds and architecture, and the integration of da Vinci's 15th-century inventions adapted with 24th-century enhancements. The musical score, composed by Dennis McCarthy, underscored the adventurous tone through upbeat orchestral cues accompanying the heist and flight elements. Post-production involved meticulous to interweave high-energy action with character-driven , particularly in balancing the adventure with the away team's infiltration, alongside that amplified holographic projections and the tension of the escape sequence using layered audio effects for spatial depth.

Reception and analysis

Critical response

Upon its original broadcast in 1997, "Concerning Flight" received mixed reviews for its lighthearted tone and departure from the series' more intense narratives, though critics noted its reliance on familiar conventions. Jammer's Reviews awarded the episode 2 out of 4 stars, describing it as "inoffensive, but it's also uncompelling" due to its thin plot and contrived elements, such as excessive and illogical decisions by the characters. The review praised John Rhys-Davies's performance as the holographic for adding amiability, but criticized the story for failing to exploit its absurd premise for deeper purpose or character development. In modern retrospectives, the episode has been reevaluated more favorably for its whimsical adventure and strong guest performance, often highlighting the chemistry between Kate Mulgrew's Janeway and Rhys-Davies's da Vinci. A 2020 rewatch on (formerly Tor.com) rated it 6 out of 10 warp factors, lauding the script's philosophical musings on and flight, as well as the triumphant aerial sequence, while critiquing the underdeveloped and flat subplots involving the rest of the crew. Similarly, a 2020 retro review on Late to the Game called it a "delightful" filler episode that inverts tropes effectively, emphasizing Rhys-Davies's presence and Mulgrew's engaging portrayal of Janeway's geeky side, though it faulted the narrative for ignoring da Vinci's and offering no series progression. A 2017 analysis on The m0vie blog echoed these sentiments, deeming the installment "lovely and whimsical" for its warm character moments and integration of da Vinci's historical ingenuity with sci-fi elements, crediting the leads' interplay for carrying the story despite its nonsensical logic and overreliance on escapism. Common praises across reviews include Rhys-Davies's charismatic turn and the fun blending of innovation with Voyager's technology, while recurring criticisms focus on the lack of high stakes in the heist plot compared to the series' typical threats and the episode's failure to advance broader continuity. More recent discussions, such as a podcast review on The Pensky File, describe the as offering a mix of intriguing concepts and questionable decisions, continuing to appreciate its lighthearted adventure while noting narrative inconsistencies.

Themes and continuity

The "Concerning Flight" explores core themes of human ingenuity, exemplified by the fusion of Renaissance-era invention with 24th-century technology, as Captain Janeway collaborates with the holoprogram to engineer a glider from duranium for their escape. This synthesis symbolizes the enduring power of across historical divides, allowing the characters to adapt ancient designs to modern necessities amid the challenges of space travel. Janeway's further embodies this theme through her strategic decisions, such as overloading an induction relay to signal Voyager and prioritizing the recovery of the ship's computer processor despite operating at reduced capacity, highlighting her reliance on intellectual alliances over brute force. Character development centers on the evolving relationship between Janeway and the da Vinci hologram, which builds upon the program's introduction in "Scorpion, Part II," where it served as Janeway's personal holonovel character. In this episode, da Vinci addresses Janeway affectionately as "Catarina" and pledges his aid out of personal loyalty—"For you, Catarina, for you I will go"—deepening their dynamic into one of mutual inspiration and trust, while underscoring Janeway's vulnerability in seeking guidance from a simulated . The narrative also touches on the crew's post-theft fragility, with systems compromised and defenses weakened, illustrating the precariousness of Voyager's isolation in alien territory. In terms of continuity, "Concerning Flight" reinforces ties to the broader Star Trek: Voyager series by reviving the da Vinci holoprogram from its season 3 debut, integrating it into the ongoing Delta Quadrant odyssey marked by encounters with opportunistic aliens who exploit passing vessels. The holodeck serves as a recurring tool for resolution, echoing previous uses in scientific and ethical dilemmas, while the episode subtly connects to Star Trek lore through da Vinci's musings on historical enigmas, such as potential meetings with figures like Captain Kirk. Positioned as the 11th episode of season 4, "Concerning Flight" functions as a narrative breather following the high-stakes Borg and Species 8472 arc of "Scorpion" and other intense early season 4 episodes, offering a lighter, character-focused adventure that emphasizes holodeck ingenuity and crew resilience without advancing major plotlines, thus providing respite amid the series' relentless journey home.

Distribution and legacy

Broadcast history

"Concerning Flight" premiered in the United States on , 1997, airing on the as the 11th episode of Star Trek: Voyager's fourth season, with production code 179 and set on 51386.4. The episode occupied the Wednesday 8:00 PM ET/PT slot, following "Random Thoughts" from , 1997, and preceding "Mortal Coil" on , 1997, without any notable scheduling delays or airing controversies. It drew approximately 4.0 million viewers, yielding a Nielsen household rating of 4.1 and a 7 share—figures consistent with Voyager's mid-season performance in 1997. Following its U.S. debut, "Concerning Flight" entered international syndication in 1998, reaching markets worldwide; in the United Kingdom, it first aired on BBC Two on April 11, 1999.

Home media and cultural impact

The episode "Concerning Flight" was first released on DVD as part of Star Trek: Voyager – The Complete Fourth Season on September 28, 2004, in Region 1, containing all 26 episodes of the season along with special features such as audio commentaries, deleted scenes, and featurettes on production aspects. It was later included in the complete series DVD box set, Star Trek: Voyager – The Complete Series, released on March 7, 2017, spanning 47 discs with the full 172 episodes and additional bonus materials like episode commentaries and behind-the-scenes content, though not featuring high-definition remastering. Digitally, "Concerning Flight" became available for purchase and download on platforms including and starting around 2013 for individual seasons, with the full series offered on from November 9, 2018. As of 2025, the episode streams on Paramount+, the primary platform for the franchise following the rebranding from All Access. The da Vinci hologram, portrayed by John Rhys-Davies, has garnered significant fan appreciation for blending historical ingenuity with adventure, inspiring merchandise such as trading cards and autograph cards from Rittenhouse Archives sets released in 2012 and 2015. This character has been referenced at conventions, including reunions where Rhys-Davies interacted with screen-used props like his da Vinci hat in 2025. dedicated to Voyager, such as The Pensky Podcast and Mission Log: A Roddenberry Podcast, frequently highlight the episode's charm and Rhys-Davies's performance in discussions of storytelling. The episode's heist-adventure structure, emphasizing lighter, exploratory tones amid Voyager's ongoing journey, has been cited in analyses of the series' more whimsical installments, contributing to its enduring appeal among fans.

References

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  6. https://trektoday.com/content/2016/11/retro-review-concerning-flight/
  7. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0708868/plotsummary/
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