The Doctor of Star Trek: Voyager and His Focus on Holographic Superiority

Many Star Trek fans may recall the intriguing yet temporary experience when the holographic doctor in Voyager had to integrate with the Borg implant of Seven of Nine. During this period, he enjoyed experiencing a range of human sensations, from enjoying cheesecake to feeling human emotion. While this was a temporary state and Seven of Nine later felt unhappy and sick, it did indeed confirm the doctor's ability to experience human-like sensations.

A Firm Belief in Holographic Supremacy

Despite this unique experience, the Doctor in Voyager persistently holds the belief that holograms are naturally superior to organic counterparts. This belief often causes frustration for Captain Janeeway, who may wish for a more balanced view.

In contrast to Lt. Cmdr. Data, who aspires to become a real, organic being, the Doctor shows no such desire. Instead, he demonstrates appreciation for the relationships he has built, considering these relationships as cherished family members. These interactions provide emotional fulfillment and stability.

No Desire for Human Ancestry

The Doctor has been subjected to a tumultuous history, but he remains steadfast in his commitment to his holographic form. Unlike the android Data, who dreams of human connection, the Doctor focuses on his current existence. The only legal parallels he might draw are with the holograms on La Sirena, but even then, the circumstances of his creation are starkly different.

The Doctor was designed in the likeness of a despised individual, labeled for manual labor due to being unappealing and irritable. Unlike other holograms, he retains advanced security protocols ensuring his survival and protection. The Federation, Borg, and Maquis all respected his code, preventing unauthorized deletion or reprogramming.

Potential for Future Development

While the Doctor's status remains legally tenuous, this could change in the future. The movie Star Trek: Picard introduces a combat hologram with a mobile emitter, which may suggest the potential for evolving technology. However, without such advancements, the Doctor remains dependent on others for access to required technology and environments.

Considering that Picard's holograms are often treated as mere applications or potentially as slaves, the Doctor's background further highlights this conundrum. It remains unclear how his status and relationships will evolve, but his story could still offer a poignant examination of what it means to be a hero in a galaxy where artificial life is either highly valued or viewed with suspicion.

Final Thoughts

The Doctor of Star Trek: Voyager represents an intriguing character whose journey invites deep reflection. As a representation of a war hero turned into a being of lesser status, his story transcends simple plot devices and touches on complex themes of identity and respect. The future exploration of his character could shed light on the evolving societal norms of a futuristic society.