Tuvix

This is quite an interesting episode with lots of ethical dilemma involved. When Tuvok and Neelix are merged into one individuum after a transporter accident, the first reaction of course is, to revert them back to normal. Unfortunately Kim, Torres and the doctor are unable to fix this mess although they have found out why this accident happened. Tuvix makes himself comfortable with this new situation and begins to accept his new reality. He starts to work like a normal officer on board the Voyager, makes friends and seems to be popular among the crew. It looks like he merged the best parts of both characters into one: He cooks better than Neelix now and his logical deductions are sprinkled with humor.

The dilemma though: When finally a possibility is found to revert the accident and restore Neelix' and Tuvok's life, Tuvix does not want to "die". He claims that he has a right to live this life. So, the question is: Is Tuvix' life worth more than the lives of Tuvok and Neelix? Does he even have the right to live in the first place or is he just the result of an accident? Is he really an indipendent individuum? After all he has the memories and skills of both Neelix and Tuvok - one could argue that he stole their lives and personalities and is only some sort of parasite, or an impostor as he points out in the beginning himself.

We then see a strong character moment from Janeway. She does not only have to make a decision but carry it out on her own, too. Mulgrew does a good job here again. She really embodies this tough captain figure.

Viewers seem to be devided if Tuvix deserves to live or not. I think, there is no simple truth here. Both sides have valid arguments to back their claims. I am on Tuvok's and Neelix' side though. Their existences were removed by an accident and if there is a chance to give them back their lives, this should count more than Tuvix' new existence. After all Tuvix was never born in classical sense. He also did not evolve his own character, he possesses the character traits and memories of Tuvok and Tuvix. In a way you could say, he is still Tuvok and Neelix, an amalgam of the two. By separating them again, you do not lose anything - you just give those two minds, trapped in one body, their original bodies back. If Tuvix had a completely different character, no memories of the two at all and would be something new and unique, the situation might be different.

This was a great episode and somewhat controversial with the outcome. I enjoyed it and it really made one think. It was much like when Kirk was split into two beings in The Enemy Within, in the original Star Trek series. I wondered why they didn't call the spliced being Tudix though. You started off with two male beings plus the DNA from the orchids on the planet so I think that sounds better and would be more appropriate. I think Kess would have warmed up to Lieutenant Tudix more if this had happened. I liked the ending though, it turned out nice in the end (in my opinion) One of the better season two episodes.

As others have said, the "science" in this episode isn't even plausible, but the story is solid, and Tom Wright manages to capture the essence of both Tuvoc and Neelix, little manerisms, tone of voice, speech patterns, etc. So, if you can set aside the terrible science, and just enjoy the story and performances, it's really quite a good episode.

Gene Roddenberry, never in a million years, would have allowed the resolution in this episode. His Trek was uplifting and moral, not ends-justify-the-means cold brutality.

Even Spock, who Bones always accused of having ice water for blood, would have shown more intelligence, morality, and compassion than the Voyager crew does in this one.

As someone else said, this is a very sick episode. Not only is it not Trek, it's not good sci-fi, considering the lengths to which the series goes to portray those involved as protagonists.

An excellent episode as good as a book. The situation is as contrived as usual but I will set that aside. The character is amazing. What follows in terms of dialogue, acting, and depth makes this a perfect example of the best of Star Trek.