S4 E22: Unforgettable

A member of a xenophobic species (Kellin of the Ramuran) that inhibits the memories of those that they meet (and wipe records of them from computers) arrives and tells Chakotay that they had fallen in love the last time she visited the ship, while he was helping her hunt down another Ramuran who had the audacity of wanting to leave home. He doesn't remember any of that. She eventually convinces him that she's telling the truth, and the re-fall in love, but a Ramuran comes after her and wipes her memory. Now Chakotay is the only one that remembers that they're in love, but he gives up and she leaves.

A species that can't be remembered opens up some fantastic plot opportunities. I mean, just look at Clues (TNG, Season 4): the conflict between Picard and Data, who is only following Picard's orders (which Picard can't recall giving) is fantastic. And that's just with a species that can do so intentionally. Imagine what you could do with a species that doesn't have any direct control on that effect! Then, forget what you just imagined, and write a crappy, angsty love story for Chakotay. You've just written Unforgettable! You took the set up for the ultimate mind-bending puzzle episode, and spewed out a relentless 45 minute eye-rolling exercise video. Why, why have you done this? What did I ever do to you?

There's so little substance here that I don't have much more to write. I guess Neelix's talk with Chakotay at the end about the spark of unpredictability in love is a decent coda for the episode, and almost gives it a reason for existing. And at least Neelix is still not being annoying, there's that. However, it's hard not to imagine him just leaning over to Chakotay and saying: "It's tough, I know. Sometimes, in order to restore the status quo at the end of every episode, you've got to break a few hearts. But buck up and take one for the team, maybe the next one will just die tragically or turn out the be a bad guy in the end!"

Watchability: 1/5

Bottom Line: Pointless. While this one isn't as offensive as something like Parturition, it just feels like a complete waste of time.