Review of the Doctor (EMH)
Star Trek Voyager sixth scale action figure

Introduction

Star Trek gave us many unique and interesting characters, from alien races to artificial intelligence. But none are quite as unusual as the Doctor on Voyager, known as an 'emergency medical hologram'.

When STOS created Spock, it started a tradition of a main character in each series who is less emotional and more logical. Of course, Data took this role in STTNG, and it was the Doctor in Voyager who inherited the legacy. A computer program that was intended to provide emergency medical help only, the EMH could create a holographic image to go along with the A.I.  Because the medical crew was killed and they were far beyond Star Fleet assistance, the EMH became the doctor for the show, growing and learning over time, becoming more human but always maintaining that core personality.

He becomes the second Voyager figure released by EXO-6, following their recent Janeway. He just started shipping, and will run you around $175 depending on the retailer.

Packaging - ***1/2
The box is quite sturdy, the graphics are attractive, and the interior plastic trays hold everything safe and sound. It's all collector friendly, with no need to damage anything when removing the figure or accessories. There's not a ton of text, but if you're a Voyager fan you won't need it.

Sculpting - ****
Robert Picardo played the Doctor, and they have captured his likeness extremely well. While this isn't a character or actor the average person on the street will recognize, the Trekkies will know who it is immediately.

The skin texture creates a lifelike appearance, and the detailed hair sculpt is quite realistic. The expression is just about perfect too, capturing a trademark appearance without going overboard.

The work on the hands and accessories is solid as well, as you'd expect. The Doctor stands about 12.5 inches tall.

Paint - ***1/2
The name of the game in great sixth scale production these days is paint. Can you get the kind of paint application that will make your sculpt shine?

The good news for EXO-6 is yes, they've cracked it. The skin has a subtle freckling, with a realistic hairline, lips, and eyebrows. The very, very slight shadow of beard growth adds to this realism, and overall it's outstanding work.

I do wish the eyes had a little more life to them. Yes, I know, it's a hologram, and I'm being super picky. But the eyes are a bit flat, without any gloss, and are the one area where I hope they improve.

Articulation - ***1/2
The underlying body has all the usual sixth scale articulation, and it works well with little restriction from the outfit.

Of course, this isn't a character you'll be using for ninja poses, so the critical factor is getting realistic, natural, flowing stances that mimic an actual person. The slight tilt of the head is a big factor, and while there's only the joint at the torso (the neck and head are a single sculpt), it works great when looking to add a little personality and life.

The torso can turn and tilt too, another key area when trying to create natural stances. All the joints are tight as well, so he'll remain in place long term without any worries.

Accessories - ***1/2
While he isn't overloaded with extras, there's a nice assortment that includes some unique items.

There's additional hands of course, designed to augment the relaxed pair he comes wearing. There's a set of fists, as well as a wide grip left and two tight grip rights, all designed to work with specific accessories. The hands swap easily, and remained in place while I was working with the figure.

Standard Voyager extras include the PADD, Star Trek's version of the ipad, and the tricorder. Like previous releases, the tricorder (medical, of course) comes in two pieces that can be folded together, or opened up, and held in place with a magnet. There's also a magnet holding the tricorder holster to his suit, which is quite strong. The tiny scanner comes as a separate piece as well, and can be quite easy to lose - take care.

Unique to this figure is the hypospray, which comes with four different 'vials'. One comes already in the tube, while the other three - all different colors - can be swapped in.

All the EXO-6 figures come with stands. The black base can have two different inserts. One is a simple transporter base, while the other is designed to connect to the other figure bases and form a large transporter pad. There's a few black connectors to attach bases together, and there's a clear plastic connector to hold the autograph card on the base. And yes, there's an translucent autograph card designed for you to get the actor's signature at some point, if you're into that thing.

Outfit - ****
The costume looks terrific, just as you'd expect it to based on their previous releases. Colors are accurate, stitching is clean, and the tailoring is spot on.

I've heard some folks say it's too baggy, but on rewatching some episodes, I'd say it's screen accurate. His costume wasn't as tight and form fitting, and the figure has a properly tailored appearance.

Along with the communicator, the figure has the mobile transmitter on the left shoulder. The attention to detail is setting EXO-6 apart, and it's clear they truly love the Star Trek license.

Fun Factor - ***1/2
While he's not quite as much 'fun' as a character like Kirk or Picard, the Doctor has plenty of posing and display potential. He's also a key figure in any Voyager set up, and makes a nice companion piece to Janeway.

Value - ****
Getting any licensed sixth scale figures under $200 is pretty amazing these days. Getting ones of this quality at $175? It's unheard of, and EXO-6 deserves the kudos. We are seeing prices go up on some of the later announcements, but they are doing their best to keep their costs down and prices in a more reasonable range.

Things to Watch Out For -
You can definitely lose the medical scanner, so pay particular attention to it.

Overall - ***1/2
I  recently watched the Toys That Made Us episode on Trek. They finished up with a discussion about the future of the license, and talked about McFarlane. Yea, we know how that turned out.

This is the future of the Trek license in figures. EXO-6 is killing it with the license, and every release is a blessing from the toy gods. With Mirror Mirror Spock and Q already up for pre-order, and several more figures coming in 2022, the line appears to have the legs necessary to really create a fantastic collection.

Score Recap (out of ****):
Packaging - ***1/2
Sculpting - ****
Paint - ***1/2
Articulation - ***1/2
Accessories - ***1/2
Outfit - ****
Fun Factor - ***1/2
Value - ****
Overall - ***1/2

Where to Buy 
Online options include these site sponsors:

- Entertainment Earth had him at $175, but may be pre-sold out.

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
Other EXO-6 Trek includes Janeway, Data, and Picard.

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