Lifesigns

This Story: Season 2 Episode 19 (production code 136)
VOY Overall: Episode 35
Trek Overall: Story 466, Episode 491
Airdate: 26 Feb 1996
Written by Kenneth Biller
Directed by Cliff Bole

Notes

• Running fired torpedo count: 11 (7 this episode) / Confirmed crew deaths since pilot: 5 (crew of 148)
• A working title for this episode was “Magnetism”.
• The song on the radio when the Doctor & Pel are in a Mars simulation was “I Only Have Eyes For You” by The Flamingoes (in original broadcast and on VHS).  On the DVD release it was changed to “My Prayer” by The Platters. Presumably this was some sort of rights issue.
• The third encounter with the VIdiians.  It’s also the only time we get to see what one of them looks like when they’re not sick.
• The events of the episode “Faces” are recalled here.
• The character of Denara Pel reappears later in “Resolutions“.
• The resolution of this episode mirrors the original TOS pilot (“The Cage“) somewhat.
• One of the costumes worn by Denara here was later reissued in the fourth season episode “The Year of Hell Pt II” by Anorak’s wife.
• Dr. Leonard McCoy is name checked here.
• Seska has a cameo in this episode, but only interacts with one character (Jonas).

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