Star Trek: Voyager, known for its intricate dialogue and sci-fi plots, faced an unexpected hiccup during the filming of its season 1 episode, “Ex Post Facto.” Roxann Dawson, who played B’Elanna Torres, found herself in a challenging spot due to a single line that nearly derailed production.
In an interview, Dawson revealed that her troubles began with overconfidence. Despite the show’s renowned technobabble, she decided to glance at her lines only on the morning of filming. Her character’s line, “Vent a couple of LN2 exhaust conduits along the dorsal emitters. Make it look like we’re in serious trouble,” proved unexpectedly difficult to deliver.
Director LeVar Burton, a Star Trek veteran, stepped in to offer guidance. Despite his efforts to reassure her, Dawson felt frustrated by her own struggle. She recalled the irony of receiving acting advice from Burton, akin to Torres getting advice from a seasoned engineer—a scenario her character might have found equally exasperating.
The incident didn’t stay behind the scenes. Media outlets seized on the story, depicting Burton’s supportive gesture as a necessary pep talk, amplifying Dawson’s momentary embarrassment. Reflecting on the experience, Dawson admitted it taught her a valuable lesson in humility and preparation.
Despite the initial setback, Dawson’s professionalism prevailed. She eventually mastered the challenging line, a testament to her dedication to the role and the series’ demanding dialogue.
“Ex Post Facto” remains an intriguing episode in Voyager’s history, not just for its storyline but also for the memorable behind-the-scenes drama it created. Dawson’s perseverance and the camaraderie on set ensured that the episode, despite its challenges, continued Voyager’s legacy of excellence in science fiction storytelling.
As Star Trek fans revisit the series, Dawson’s journey serves as a reminder of the meticulous craftsmanship required to bring technobabble to life—an art she mastered over her tenure on the show.
