'Tuvix'

Stardate: 49655.2
Written By: Andrew Price and Mark Gaberman
Directed By: Cliff Bole
Rating: ****1/2 (out of 5)

Arguable a classic Voyager episode that I think very highly of, but it isn�t perfect.  The only reason why I won�t give �Tuvix� full marks is because of the process by which Tuvix is created.  Sure it sounds good, but it doesn�t really sound plausible.

The plant uses the patterns of Tuvok and Neelix as a host and combines them to reproduce.  Like I said it sounds good!  Transporters turn you into bits of molecules and than rearrange them.  For this Symbiogenesis thing to work, the patterns would�ve been stretched slightly for the different dimensions and would�ve been put back, merging the subjects.  It�s a wonder that Tuvix didn�t end up with an eye on his shoulder and two brains.  I can�t buy that the process is so precise, and precise enough to merge the thoughts of the two!

It�s just the same with how using a tech thingamajig to latch onto the subjects� DNA pattern and thereby releasing the two, reversing the process.  Firstly, the plants DNA is still within both of them, and it�s possible that Neelix�s arm could�ve become Tuvok legs or their brains  become muddled.  What I�m saying is that it�s improbable that the specific DNA was able to be unfused.

And when Tuvix dies and Tuvok and Neelix appear, there was no plant, so that means the plant is still within them.  I can see a follow-up episode where both become deathly ill and must be reintegrated into Tuvix for them to survive.  And naturally Tuvix wouldn�t be too happy!

But I can easily look past that minor flaw and what I see is a once in a lifetime experience; a Voyager episode that thinks a bit about character development and drama!  Especially for Kes who is understandably thrust into the middle of this moral conflict.

Kes is very fond of Neelix and Tuvok, and Tuvix is not only a reminder of what she has lost, but also he is a man who has the affections of both men for Kes.  Kes can�t cope with the emotions that over run her, she wants Tuvok and Neelix back, but likes Tuvix all the same.

Kes is placed in a complicated situation that she can�t handle and she requests the help of Janeway.  But Janeway was bound to make the decision for Tuvix�s life.

The moral decision for Tuix�s separation is also complicated.  Is it murder if he is separated?  Or did he in a way murder Tuvok and Neelix?  Is it right to take the life of an individual who lives and breaths, even if he will live on the memories of the crew and in the spirit of the men that created him?  He was an accident, but he is a living being.

Janeway not surprisingly decides to end Tuvix�s life by separating him, without his consent.  And everyone understands that while they are guilty of murder, they are also bringing back the lives of two others.  Is it fair to say that killing one is replacing two lives, therefore justifying the lost?  It�s hard to say.

Two memorable scenes in �Tuvix� that are great little touches to the episode are The Doctor refusing to do the procedure, and Janeway after the separation, feeling guilt over what� she�s done.

Tom Wright plays a perfect Tuvix, good emotional control but won�t hesitate to smile, he has good logic but won�t be afraid to speak aloud.  He goes through the �Prick us do we not bleed� routine, and does it well.  He is a fun character that would�ve been good to see in a few episodes more before the separation.

�Tuvix� succeeds in being a very interesting debate over life, and is a perfect example of how science fiction can uniquely create interesting and riveting situations.  �Tuvix� is an episode that makes you think, and I recommend it to anyone who likes science fiction or a good drama.