Seven of Nine's arrival in Star Trek: Voyager Season 4 changed the series, according to CBR, with Jeri Ryan's character helping save the show from potential cancellation and adding a new narrative dynamic. Her presence allowed writers to examine the Borg from a fresh angle while also exploring Seven's growing humanity as she adjusted to life outside the Collective. CBR points to Season 5's "Someone to Watch Over Me" as a key example of that evolution.
The episode takes a lighthearted, comedic approach as Seven tries to understand dating and relationships. It places her connection with The Doctor at its center, giving Ryan and Robert Picardo room to show their on-screen chemistry. CBR describes it as a simple, straightforward episode that succeeds on its own terms. While fans often associate Seven's best episodes with Borg-focused stories such as "The Gift" or "Dark Frontier," her journey to establish an identity was a central storyline from her introduction in "Scorpion, Part II." By Season 5, Episode 22, she had made progress.
The humor comes from The Doctor teaching Seven human social skills despite his own shortcomings in that area. CBR characterizes the setup as a case of the blind leading the blind, with both characters approaching the subject scientifically. The Doctor gives Seven lessons and a practice run inside the holodeck, instructing her on small talk, first impressions, and noticing whether someone is interested. Ryan's deadpan delivery and impatience contrast with The Doctor's theatrical enthusiasm. Seven's dating attempts are largely unsuccessful, including an incident in which she unintentionally injures Lieutenant Champman while dancing.
Her relationship with The Doctor does evolve, but not in the way he hopes. CBR notes that The Doctor develops romantic feelings for Seven during their time together and learns about relationships himself as he deals with rejection. By the end of the episode, the roles are reversed: The Doctor struggles with feelings he did not anticipate, while Seven moves on largely unaware of them. CBR also highlights Ryan's range, noting that she makes Seven's social awkwardness funny without breaking the character's personality. The episode, according to the article, shows why Seven became such an integral part of Star Trek: Voyager.
Sources: Comic Book Resources.