Episode Report Card Keckler: B+ | Grade It Now! YOU GRADE IT Phlox's Runaway Imagination
By Keckler | Season 3 | Episode 16 | Aired on 02.17.2004
Phlox continues his letter to Dr. Lucas, saying that he and his Imaginary Vulcan are relieved that their "adventure" is nearly over. On the Bridge, Phlox says that once they confirm that they're out of the lower intestine of a Marshmallow Peep, they can start waking people up. Phlox hits something for the viewscreen, and stops mid-sentence when he realizes they aren't clear of the Peep's tush. "We should have been out of the disturbance half an hour ago," Phlox says. The Imaginary Vulcan thinks there were some slight navigational differences that they didn't account for. Phlox bitches about space travel not being as precise as reputed. It turns out they are nearly a quarter of a light year from the edge, because the Peep's polyp has reconfigured and enlarged itself. Phlox determines with a brilliantly cracking voice that, at their current speed, they won't be out for another ten weeks. "Okay, light doesn't even get a quarter of a light year in ten weeks and they are going far slower than light at impulse speed, so either the distance is screwed up or the speed is," the Evil Dr. Mathra feels the need to mention. Bermaga, you need to hire someone like my husband to keep your science on the straight and narrow, I'm serious. Don't piss off your geeks. They're powerful. T'Pol decides they need to increase speed to warp. Quoting Trip, Phlox tells her it's too dangerous, because they have no idea what could happen. T'Pol points out that their only other choice is keeping the crew sedated for another ten weeks.
Engineering. The camera comically looks down at Phlox and T'Pol from a great height as Phlox asks his Imaginary Vulcan what they should do first. Standing slightly behind Phlox, the Imaginary Vulcan says, "I'm afraid I may not be of much assistance." She says she's having problems focusing. "On your worst day, you are more qualified to operate warp engines than I am!" Phlox insists. "Unfortunately, this is by far one of my worst days," the Imaginary Vulcan admits. "I'm a physician, not an engineer!" Phlox shouts-out to Bones. Imaginary Vulcan points out his many degrees. "None of them are in warp theory!" Phlox bellows. "The procedure for starting the warp engine are in the database," Imaginary Vulcan remembers. "Are you suggesting I read the manual?" Phlox whimpers. Hee. The camera-work here was hysterical. Phlox and his Imaginary Vulcan look like two little kids next to the engine, and Blalock had great expressions solely contained in her eyes. Nice direction, B'Elanna.