Episode Report Card Keckler: C+ | Grade It Now! YOU GRADE IT Doctor's Day
By Keckler | Season 1 | Episode 13 | Aired on 01.22.2002
We snap back to the Valakian city scene, which Mathra and I analyzed and decided looked like a bunch of Citicorp Towers, a Transamerica Pyramid, and air filters from Niles Crane's office, all slapped together. At the hospital, Quantum tells the Valakian director that Phlox generated a serum that will relieve the disease's symptoms for a decade, maybe even longer. "A lot can happen in that time. I wouldn't even be surprised if you developed a cure on your own," Quantum says, back to his stiff-necked, John Wayne-y acting. "And if we don't?" the Valakian director asks. "With a warp-capable starship, our chances would be greatly improved." Quantum looks down at his feet, but meets the Valakian's eye to say, "I'm sorry." The Valakian's shoulders slump in defeat. Quantum hands over an e-pad, saying, "This will give you detailed instructions on how to synthesize more of the medicine." "We appreciate everything you've done," the Valakian says. Quantum squares his jaw and nods. Phlox VOs, "If I hadn't trusted him to make the right choice, I'd have been no better than the Vulcan diplomats who held your species back because they felt you couldn't make proper decisions on your own." Again with the slamming of the Vulcans? Can we please stop that now? This is the sole episode where Quantum -- as the representative of the human race -- has shown that he can make the "right" decision, and he only did that when Phlox argued with him. A lot.
Sick bay. Phlox sits on his desk and VOs that he came close to misjudging Cpt. Quantum. "But this incident has helped me gain a new respect for him. Happiness and health to you, Doctor. Your dedicated colleague, Phlox." Phlox pulls out the yellow translucent plastic disk from the computer just as Hoshi enters sick bay. "You wanted to see me?" she asks. "Please," Phlox says, handing over the disk. "For Doctor Lucas." "It'll go out first thing in the morning," Hoshi tells him. Phlox nods silently, and Hoshi asks him if he's okay. "Fine. Fine," he answers her. "The past few days have been taxing." "Want my advice?" Hoshi asks. "Get out of sick bay." Phlox agrees with her, and Hoshi leaves. Phlox goes over to a com panel and pushes a button. "Phlox to Crewman Cutler." "Go ahead," Scrunch's voice says. "I know it's short notice, but I was wondering if you'd like to join me for a little snack in the mess hall," Phlox says, "I could use a, uh, friend right about now." "Ten minutes?" Scrunch asks. "Thank you," Phlox says, and hits the button again. "Sweet dreams," he calls out to the rustling cages, then turns out the light and leaves sick bay.