Tuvix

I watched this episode when it originally aired, which coincided with the beginnings of the popularity of the internet (those online - with their blazingly fast modems [14.4? 23.3? Hey; 56k] primarily had 'AO hell' accounts, and that was as far as they 'dipped their toes' into the 'abyss'). There was no instant look-up for anything. Though there were mobile phones, their internet speeds were TERRIBLE. They had huge problems with graphic-intensive pages (if you thought waiting just for a single picture to download line-by-line was bad...). It wasn't until about 94/95 that mobile companies began to switch to a digital system instead of analogue, and the possibilities which digital hinted at were still quite a way off.

Saying this, there was no way to look up anything, and in this case, no way to see anything about this episode, Tuvix.

When I first saw it, my immediate thought was, 'Aw, damn! This is a frakkin' Neelix-centric story!'

Neelix was/somewhat still is a character I'm only take in tiny 'bite-sized' portions. I find him too manic (though he does have a few funny 'zingers' primarily aimed at the other main lead of this episode, Tuvok).

I think the first time I watched-and paid attention to-this episode, it stunned me because it was a very engaging story, well acted wonderfully (as I said, in those early internet days, when it was difficult, if possible, to find out most anything, it wasn't until years later, when I read the credits, that I found Tim Russ hadn't portrayed Tuvix in makeup but an unrelated actor).

That says a lot about how much effort went into capturing Tuvok and Neelix's characters and making them believable.

Stop! When I found out that Tom Wright had portrayed Tuvix, I was amazed at his chameleon-like performance-and what a terrific performance he gives.

All I can add are more hosannas and superlatives. Still, it all boils down to this being one of my favourite (and unfortunately, lesser-praised in sci-fi media) best Star Trek any-show episodes, hell-best ANY type series episodes, with a special notice to actor Tom Wright.

We've all seen shows (even this series; I can think of a few episodes) wherein a character is introduced but 'retconned' into the show's backstory, and whatever happens to this character (in this single appearance) is almost always never good (otherwise, the show's producers would use a prominent cast member). This happens only when the main character is written out/off the series (DS9 and what happened to Jadzia Dax come to mind).

I've never seen an episode where the character's death is weighty-both for the cast and the viewers.

So, when I think that Mr. Wright took this single-episode appearance and made this character well-received, that what ultimately happens to him is like a wallop (and I'm almost sure the producers, director, and writers wanted that exact viewer response), his performance is all the more amazing.

Hell, even Captain Janeway's outer countenance of being (emotionally) in control shows definite signs of breaking into outright bawling when the resolution of Tuvix has taken place, and she leaves the room.

Even though I've tried my darnedest not to give away this episode's plot, I'm guessing many people reading this are like me, having already seen and liked it.

I apologise if some wording while I tried dancing around the proverbial 'elephant in the room' is in.

Whether or not you've already seen this episode, I HIGHLY recommend (re)watching it.

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.

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.

This was the most interesting episode so far. The concept, the overall story, the characters picked, the implications, the lack of judgment. Something more real than enforcing a right choice.

And sadly also something that rarely is dared more often. The need to satisfy often stands above real questions, real dilemmas, real no-win situations.

The execution is great.

I am sorry to say it, but if one criticizes science fiction for not being realistic is completely detached from science and reality. The whole point of going into fiction is to explain stories in a better way than reality might be able to. I think this episode is a wonderful example.

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.