An Interview with Executive

Producer Brannon Braga
 

Are there any double episodes scheduled for this season? "We are currently working on a two-part episode that deals with 7 of 9 being reassimilated by the Borg. I ain't telling any more."

Are we going to be introduced to any new species this season? "Of course! That's what Star Trek is all about. You will see the return of the Borg in a very big way... maybe even the Borg Queen."

I understand that Tom Paris is going to be demoted...any comments? "Yes, he is demoted and sentenced to a long term in the brig. I won't say why. It's part of the mystery of the episode."

Will Kim ever get his much-deserved promotion? "Uh... I don't even know his rank right now. No offense, but there are no plans now. However, we are doing a lot for his character to grow up and seem more mature and interesting as a character. Whether or not he's an ensign or a lieutenant is immaterial. In fact, the 100th episode is all about Harry Kim, or he's central to it, and you'll see some real character growth there."

Can we expect any new characters in the future? "Only Naomi Wildman. You will be seeing more of her this year."

Brannon, I was wondering what twist the show will take once Voyager returns to the Alpha Quadrant? Where will you go with the show from there? "We don't know for certain, but I can say one thing: We're not interested in doing Ferengi/Klingon stories. If Voyager did get home, we would have to put a very special twist on it. We don't want to tread very familiar territory."

Will Voyager find another way to contact their families, like they did with the alien sensor system? "Yes."

What style of story for the show is most difficult to write and produce: action, drama or comedy? "Romance and comedy are very difficult to do on Trek. What I'm very proud of this season is that we do both effectively. There are three or four very offbeat romance stories that work. Even Janeway will have one. And our comedy episode, called "Bride of Chaotica," is absolutely hilarious."

Will there be any arcs? "You will see threads of stories weaving throughout the season, one of which is returning home."

Do you plan to introduce more continuity into the show, i.e., references to past shows, that has been avoided in the past? "In my opinion, there is too much continuity. One of the things I believe that makes people shy away from our show is that they feel they must know too much info to enjoy Star Trek. To a degree this is true, which is why, although I don't ignore continuity and pay very close attention to it, I like to tell stories that stand alone week after week."

What is your favorite and least favorite episodes? Why? "Hmmm.... that's a very broad question. I don't have specific titles, but I feel we're at our best with emotional stories, like "Drone" this season. We're at our worst when we rely on scientific and technical aspects. There needs to be a good balance between the two."

Does it feel any different since Jennifer Lien left and Jeri Ryan started? "Yes, very. But that has a lot to do with a new philosophy of storytelling when 7 of 9 was introduced: bigger bolder, more fun."

What made you decide on bringing in a new ship, Delta Flyer? "We thought it would be cool to introduce a new ship and a set that would be easier to shoot in. Plus there was something nifty about the crew in a space race with a new species building a new craft. The Delta Flyer has a grittier feel to it, which is part of our larger effort to give Voyager a leaner, more realistic flair this season."