Absolutely. I shudder to think what these people are going to be like in 20 years.

I recommend writing books. It's fun, and you own the IP at the end. Takes a little bit of setup to get going, though.

Thank you very much for that. :)

Brilliant.

Yes, absolutely. They should have left the Kazon behind almost immediately and focused on the emotional pressure cooker of their situation. Ditch Kess and have them find Seven on the Caretaker station while we're at it.

Also, this would give Seska waaaay more opportunities to stir the pot. She's in only 13 episodes and then her story is done. Think of the possibilities that could be found in her working mischief before realizing she was in denial and she must now make peace with her situation and surroundings.

Imagine if he pledged that they would stay on Voyager only until they could find a suitable replacement for the ship they lost during the Caretaker incident? Now he's got pressure putting him at cross-purposes with Janeway, yet he cannot change from that course without creating a breach with Janeway

Instead, we get Janeway learning to trust Torres during a sci-fi gimmick of the week, and Chakotay's characterization never really makes up for that lost opportunity.

What kind of arguments would he make? What kind of concessions? Would he commit himself to a course of action that he'll regret?

Imagine if instead of Parallax, the second episode was about Chakotay trying to sell the Maquis on subordinating themselves to Starfleet discipline, perhaps for the rest of their lives.

Imagine how much depth that would have given him, his relationship to Janeway, and to Torres.