2015-02-25

VOY S2E25 "Tuvix" Review By AnswerMan

Horrible:Meh:Adequate:Good:Fantastic

I remember the first time I watched "Tuvix" it left me with an unsettled feeling, and made it one of those episodes that I didn't have an urge to watch again. But I'm glad I did, because "Tuvix" is actually an excellent episode. Neelix and Tuvok are involved in a new kind of crazy transporter malfunction, and somehow they get fused into one person. The interesting thing is that although this one person possesses the memories and traits of both donors, Tuvix (as he decides to be called) is actually a distinct third person. To drive this home, the show has gotten a completely different actor to play the part as well. It's not as if two people became one, but rather more similar to if the two of them had an offspring. It takes a while to get your head wrapped around this, but by the end it is crystal clear.



At first they're not sure what to do with Tuvix until they find a way to fix him, but he pronounces that he would like to resume duties as a tactical officer. Later on he also mixes it up in the kitchen as well, although he must reorder Neelix's chaos to feel at home there. What's important to note here is that although it would have been easy writing, there is no comedic element to this story. Even though Neelix and Tuvok are often thrown into scenarios together just for a cheap chuckle, if you think that's where this story is going, you are mistaken. Over time, Tuvix begins to fit in with the crew just fine. He's good at his job and enjoys fraternizing over a game of pool at Sandrine's. People like him, as an individual. The role is played very stoically. Tuvix has a very elegant nature to him, that is somehow both sophisticated and yet socially awkward at the same time. The character is very sympathetic. He's in a weird situation that he didn't ask to be in, yet he's willing to make the best of it. He understands that Kes is put off by him, and is willing to accept whatever limitations she puts on their new relationship.

But soon enough, The Doctor and Kim have found a way to put Humpty Dumpty back together again. Everyone is excited...except Tuvix. He proclaims that he does not want to die. This forces Janeway to take a fresh look at the situation. Janeway correctly points out that if they had figured out how to separate the two moments after the mishap, no one would have questioned going through with the repair. But now that Tuvix has been around for awhile, and is clearly a real person in his own right, how can they just choose to destroy him? She asks the question, "At what point did he become an individual, and not a transporter accident?" When she has a heart-to-heart with Tuvix, he is offended by the very notion that the decision would be anyone's but his. But Janeway makes it clear that because two other members of her crew are involved, it's up to her to represent their interests. Although Tuvix makes the case that he has the right to live, in the end it's Kes's argument that wins over the captain. Although she knows it's selfish, Kes wants Neelix back. Ironically, it's Tuvix that nudges her to talk to the captain, knowing that her input will be critical. She betrays him.

Meanwhile Tuvix tries to go about his business, but gets a very real "dead man walking" vibe from everyone. Soon enough Janeway comes to him, and one of the most disturbing scenes follows. Tuvix frantically goes from friend to friend, looking for someone to stand up for him, but none do. Always the gentleman, Tuvix tells the crew that he is sorry that they will have to live with this decision, and that he forgives them. He is escorted by security to sick bay, where he is forced against his will to go through with the procedure. The Doctor is the only one that makes a stand, and refuses to participate in taking Tuvix's life against his will. So Janeway herself is the one to throw the switch, while staring him coldly in the eye. No one comforts him. No one says goodbye. No one holds his hand or tells him that he will be missed. After Tuvok and Neelix return, Janeway welcomes them back, and then leaves the room. She has a moment where it looks like she might cry, but she sucks it up and moves along. Roll credits. Damn!

"Tuvix" is a Fantastic episode precisely because of how dark the ending is. It's supposed to leave you with that disturbed feeling that I remembered from my first watch. They don't try to smooth it over by catching up with Neelix and Tuvok, or by a follow-up discussion in the ready room. It just ends, leaving you feeling sick and wondering what the right decision was. The episode doesn't take the easy way out by presenting a situation where the clear choice is offered or even made for us. Janeway was right about many things. It's not really fair for the plight of Neelix and Tuvok to go unconsidered, and Tuvix is probably not the right person to speak on their behalf since he is so obviously biased. Also true is that Neelix and Tuvok have friends and families that care about hem, while Tuvix has less ties to anyone. But Tuvix is a new life, and we don't go about destroying life in Star Fleet. However, perhaps the needs of the many (Neelix and Tuvok) do outweigh the needs of the few (Tuvix). Janeway has made a very difficult decision, and she must put on a cold face and separate herself in order to have the courage to go through with it.

Published April 7, 2018

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