Robert Picardo replays scene in Tinker, Tenor, Doctor, Spy

Star Trek: Voyager fans have no trouble remembering the season six episode, “Tinker, Tenor, Doctor, Spy.” Easily one of the funniest episodes of the series, it takes viewers on a walk through the Doctor’s (played by Robert Picard) daydreams which spying aliens think are real. The first scene of the episode sets the tone with the Doctor singing La donna è mobile in front of a rapt audience of Voyager crew members, including Captain Janeway.

During the performance, Tuvok starts to cry, a surprising action from the stoic emotionally-repressed Vulcan. The tears turn to laughter then anger, and the Doctor quickly surpasses that Tuvok is going through the Pon Farr. In order to diffuse the situation, he breaks out into a comical aria meant to distract Tuvok so Lt. Paris can get the hypospray and “aim for his behind,” a tune which has been referred to as the Pon-F-aria online. Picardo plays up the scene which ends with accolades from his crew members, obviously as part of an elaborate day dream.

Picardo, who has been sharing Technobabble al Fresco videos on his Youtube Channel, hasn’t forgotten the tune or the short burst of babble leading up to it.

If you didn’t already love the Doctor by season six, this scene would have prompted your affections. How the cast got through this scene without guffaws of laughter is beyond me. If you’re looking for more memories of Voyager and the Doctor’s scenes, spend some time on Picardo’s channel. He frequently shares lines he had to learn while filming along with other, equally important information like love advice from Alphonso who, in one bit of wisdom, advises us to grab the carpe as in carpe diem.

Robert Picardo is one of the many reasons why Voyager needs a movie. Seeing this crew back together once more would be the bright light we all need at this time in the world!