Ep 22. Real Life

The Star Trek: Voyager television show is set in the 24th century and follows the journey of the USS Voyager, a Starfleet exploration vessel, as it attempts to return home to Earth after being stranded on the other side of the galaxy. In Season 3 episode 22 titled "Real Life," the show explores the life of the holographic Doctor, who is struggling with interpersonal relationships and his own sense of humanity.

As a hologram, the Doctor is not fully human, but he has developed a strong sense of self and a desire for personal growth. In this episode, he decides to create a holographic family in an attempt to understand the experience of being a parent and to better empathize with his human colleagues. He designs a wife, two children, and a dog, and programs them with personalities and backstories.

At first, the Doctor is pleased with how well his "family" is functioning. His wife is supportive and loving, his son is curious and passionate, and his daughter is creative and independent. However, as time goes on, the Doctor begins to feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of being a parent and dealing with the challenges that come with having a family. He struggles to manage his work as a medical officer on Voyager with his duties as a father and husband.

Meanwhile, the Voyager crew is dealing with their own issues. The ship has encountered a dangerous spatial anomaly that requires the crew to work together to find a way through. As the Doctor's holographic family starts to fall apart under the stress of daily life, the Doctor feels increasingly isolated and frustrated. His wife announces that she wants a divorce, and his daughter rebels by breaking the law.

As the situation on Voyager becomes more dire, the Doctor realizes that his holographic family was not a perfect simulation of reality. He learns that true relationships require sacrifice and compromise, and that even in difficult times, families can come together to support each other. Through his experiences, the Doctor gains a deeper understanding of humanity and a greater appreciation for the people he works with on Voyager.

"Real Life" is a poignant episode that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of balancing personal and professional responsibilities. The Doctor's journey is relatable and emotional, and the various themes of the episode are thought-provoking and relevant. This episode is a standout in the third season of Star Trek: Voyager and is a must-watch for fans of the show who are interested in exploring the deeper questions of life.