One might attribute
the Doctor's developmental progress to the writers and directors of
Star Trek: Voyager.
I wouldn't.
Actor Robert Picardo took a one-joke premise and breathed life into
it. There's no doubt in my mind that the Doctor was originally to
have been a break of comedy relief in the show for the long haul.
Then, The Powers That
Be switched gears by virtue of Picardo's talent and potential. The
result is
a character of incredible depth, and arguably the most human member
of the Voyager crew. That is what I believe.
I've never seen such dedication or devotion to a character as Picardo
has demonstrated with the Doctor. Just look up any number of
interviews transcribed on the Internet (there's also that realvideo
link on the Indicia page from SciFi Web): he is capable of discussing
the Doctor's development on just about any level. Picardo also wins
the
distinction for having thus far been the only Star Trek actor to
receive story credit for an episode (Season Six's "Life Line," now
considered a classic). Then again, all you have to do is watch his
performance. Even with something like "Virtuoso," Picardo
put his all into the part; the result is memorable and the climactic
sequence heartwrenching, despite the episode's continuity
shortcomings. That truly is dedication.
The range of acting required to make the Doctor come alive is
extremely demanding. Take the character's notorious inherent traits
of irritability, pomposity, overconfidence, and smugness. Add to
that compassion, sensitivity, vulnerability, and charm. Try
putting that all together
successfully to make a believable persona. Picardo has done just
that, and I don't think this site would be here if someone else
landed the role (many debate that the series itself wouldn't have
lasted as long as it had without Robert Picardo's presence; you
read in feedback forums all over the web that he's
the only reason they still tune in).
Likewise, this seven year challenge has enabled him to
hone and transcend his acting skills. Much as I'll miss Doc when the
series ends, I can't wait to see what Robert Picardo does next.