Star Trek: Voyager - 10 Greatest Doctor Episodes

Taking a leaf out of Next Generation's book, this episode of Voyager explored the Doctor's rights in a similar way that Next Gen did for Data.

This episode doesn't provide character development for the Doctor, but it provides a big step forward for the rights of holograms while giving audiences an interesting storyline. The subplot surrounding the interpretation of the holonovel by those who play it is fun and provides a lesson for the EMH.

After the Doctor writes said holonovel and sends a draft to a publisher in the now frequent communications with Earth, the question of his capacity to be considered a person arise. The publisher proceeds to circulate the novel without it being finished and, as an EMH, the Doctor has no rights over his work under Federation law.

So begins a hearing with the crew of Voyager and Barclay back on Earth arguing in an attempt to have the EMH recognised as a person. While it results in him not being considered a person, he is ruled to be an artist, allowing him control over his holonovel.

It provides an excellent commentary on what it means to be a person as the crew and Barclay explain their observations and feelings about the Doctor to the arbiter. Hearing the different interpretations of what a "person" is gives viewers food for thought around their own ideas on the topic.