What a great collection of stories make up Season 3 of Star Trek: Voyager. From the unlikely heroism of Lon Suder in "Basics, Part II" to the re-creation of "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country" in "Flashback," to a trip to modern-day Los Angeles in "Future's End" (featuring the great Sarah Silverman) and the inevitable run-ins with the Borg starting at the end of "Blood Fever." Other stand-outs in this volume include "Warlord," undoubtedly Jennifer Lien's best performance; "Real Life," one of the funniest and most moving Voyager episodes ever; and "Distant Origin," one of the great Star Trek episodes of all time. And of course, the introduction of Species 8472, one of the most interesting Trek aliens ever invented, in the season cliffhanger "Scorpion, Part I." I also particularly liked "Rise" because it's a classic example of how to take a scientific theory and create drama around it.

Even the "clunkers" in this season are pretty fun to watch: "The Q and the Grey" (who can ever resist John de Lancie?); "Macrocosm" (Janeway as Rambo—believe it!); and "Favorite Son" (hey, it's got the Terminatrix herself, Kristanna Loken!)

As usual, Disc 7 includes several documentaries about the making of the third season, but the highlight is one with George Takei about "Flashback." There's also a fascinating easter egg (i.e., a special feature not overtly listed) with Tim Russ talking about the relationship between Voyager's two Vulcans, Tuvok and Vorik, in "Blood Fever."

The Voyager Season 3 DVD box set hits shelves July 6, but of course, you can pre-order now. Don't delay!

[Sandy]