The writers had problems bringing back the Borg due to their apparent near-invincibility. The idea for "I, Borg" was well received among the staff, with Taylor comparing it to the film "Edward Scissorhands". The episode also saw a development in the make-up design for the Borg by Michael Westmore's team. Del Arco was deliberately antisocial prior to his audition to get into the role but also sought to use the innocence and wonderment generated by a friend's death as Hugh's voice. He was pleased when the character later returned in the two-part episode "". The episode received Nielsen ratings of 12.8 percent and critics were positive with praise directed at both Del Arco and Whoopi Goldberg, as well as the general nature of the plot.