Звездный путь: Вояджер Tuvix (1995–2001) watch online HD

This is a tale about a transporter incident in which the disparate bodies and minds of opposing characters Tuvok and Neelix are fused together into a third man whose name, and identity, becomes known as Tuvix.

The fact that the result is truly a third man is the precise moral dilemma that this episode tackles. Should this third man supplant both Neelix and Tuvok? Or should he be removed in order to bring those men back to their own beings? These are tough questions and are typical of the moral dilemmas that the "Star Trek" franchise has always taken on for analysis.

Writers Andrew Shepard Smith and Mark Greenberg create an episode deserving of an award with this "Star Trek: Voyager" morality play which examines some of the deepest and darkest elements of individuality, coexistence and morality. Not just the writers deserve credit for this excellent episode. The fabulous makeup department at Paramount creates an impressive physical juxtaposition of the characters Tuvok and Neelix. Further, veteran actor Tom Wright, with considerable assistance from director Cliff Bole and teleplay writer Kenneth Biller, takes viewers deeper into the characters of Neelix and Tuvok than either Tim Russ as Tuvok or Nathan Phillips as Neelix had yet been able to do. Tuvix becomes a popular man aboard Voyager, with his most memorable quote coming as he is besieged in the mess hall and asked on what authority he orders them all out: "As Chief of Security or as Head Chef, take your pick! Out, out!" Wright's interpretation of the material results in an absolutely stunning character, a true "fusion" of Neelix and Tuvok, and his aggressiveness in the role demonstrates not only his versatility as an actor, but an apparent deep understanding of "Star Trek" ideals.

The ugly underside of this episode is its exploration of the death penalty. Tuvix exists for weeks as B'Ellanna and Kim and the rest of the engineers attempt to find a way to bring back Tuvok and Neelix separately. In the process, Tuvix ingratiates himself to many of the crew, including Neelix's squeeze, Kes. But the separate persons, Tuvok and Neelix, are not forgotten, and it is discovered that the only way for those men to be returned to Voyager is to essentially "execute" Tuvix. The unique "Star Trek: Voyager" mix of ingenious writers (both Greenberg and Smith are winners of daytime Emmy awards for their work on "Jeopardy!"), producers (multiple award-winning "Star Trek" alumni Brannon Braga, Merri D. Howard and Peter Lauritson), director (Cliff Bole) and extraordinary actors all end up examining not just the morality of capital punishment, but its definition. Is Tuvix, as an individual, in being fully halved so as to revive the two individuals, Tuvok and Neelix, an innocent victim of the crew's desire for its familiar colleagues, or is the elimination of Tuvix worth those colleagues' return? Is it an execution? Does Janeway commit capital punishment? If so, why? Why aren't other solutions sought? Why isn't it simply accepted that Tuvok and Neelix are dead, but that they live, and quite illustriously so, within Tuvix? Tough questions, these. And the "Star Trek" franchise is famous for taking them on.

The lovely and the ghastly: these are the domains of Gene Roddenberry's "Star Trek." Experience one of its finest incarnations in "Star Trek: Voyager," and keep an eye out for one particularly provocative episode called "Tuvix."

The episode started with a ridiculous premise. Neelix and Tuvok are combined in a transporter accident and we are treated to Tuvix. What seems like it will be an annoying abomination, a forgettable, unfunny episode with a typical "and then nothing changes" conclusion.

But the ridiculous premise surprised me and went much further than I thought it would. Tuvix becomes an individual person through the several weeks the episode takes place. I likable one who is friends with most of the crew. So by the time a cure is discovered, Tuvix is a separate person from Neelix and Tuvok with his own will to live.

Which is the lesser of two evils: to accept the deaths of Nelix and Tuvok to allow the life of Tuvix or to save those two lives at the cost of this new one? When did he become an individual with the right to life? Does he have the right to demand two deaths to pay for his life? Does Janeway have the right to save them by taking an unwilling life?

"The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few." Do these two lives outweigh the one? Spock would give his life to save many. Though many captains would risk the lives of their entire crew to save a handful of people. Worf saved the life of his wife at the cost of countless war casualties. When Sisko convinced the Romulans to join the war, which would save many of their lives, it cost the execution of some innocent Romulans. Now it's Janeway's turn.

We all know how it will end because it would be stupid for Tuvix to be a main character for the rest of the show. But it's still heart wrenching to see the characters deal with their emotions and make the decision.

If you think the captain made the right decision to sacrifice one unwilling life to save two, they make sure it's hard to go through. They evoke emotions that make sure you don't want it to happen, even if you think it's right. Just as the characters are going through.

If you think she made the wrong choice, you see her struggle to choose, how much this choice hurts, how hard it is to do and to live with. Either way, she will punish herself for her choice. Between the two options, there is no right one. But she has to choose.

Tuvok and Neelix, are on an away mission collecting plant life for the crew. Meanwhile the Voyager is experiencing some transporter malfunctions not knowing, that when used, it would materialize some unexpected results. Tuvok and Neelix, two separate beings have become one, Tuvix! Over time the crew have become used to the 'new' crew member, all but one,Kes. She misses her Neelix and finds the 'newer' version unsettling. Weeks pass and still they remain as one. Eventually the crew finds a way to separate the two conjoined souls. Kes wants her Neelix, and Tuvix wants to live. Tuvix does not deserve to die, but neither does Neelix and Tuvok. It is a hard choice that needs to be made.

Tuvok and Neelix are one because of a transporter malfunction. The new character rising from the merging of their essences is called Tuvix. He becomes an autonomous, highly functioning creature, greater than the sum of his parts. But then a cure is found and he is to be separated. This, however, would result in the death of Tuvix. The conclusion of this episode becomes rather sickening. It would be like a man convicted of murder being found innocent but executed anyway. This gives us a lot to talk about.

After a transporter malfunction Tuvok and Neelix find themselves merged into one being that has characteristics of both of them the new being, dubbed Tuvix even wears a uniform that combines the designs of the clothes Tuvok and Neelix were wearing at the time. Tuvix's arrival is most difficult for Kes who has lost both the man she loves and her closest confidante; it is made worse by the fact that he still has Neelix's feelings for her. It becomes clear that the accident wasn't due to a malfunction but due to the reproductive system of a flower they were transporting with them at the time of the accident. It appears that separating Tuvok and Neelix again may be impossible but after a few weeks a solution is found which causes a moral dilemma for the captain; does she force Tuvix to sacrifice himself to bring back the two lost crewmen or does she accept that they are lost to let Tuvix live.

This was a really good episode even though it wasn't packed with action. I think they were right to get a different actor to play Tuvix rather than using Tim Russ or Ethan Phillips, Tom Wright, did a good job in the role, Jennifer Lien also puts in a fine performance as Kes as she has difficulty dealing with the fact that Tuvix is both the two people closest to her and neither of them. Even though Tuvix only existed for one episode there was sadness when he is forced to cease to exist so that Tuvok and Neelix can return in a scene where the Captain can barely look him in the face having decided what to do.

Although you never hear Tuvok say aloud that he hates Neelix, his body language throughout the series clearly indicates that he can't stand the guy. As for Neelix, it's as if he goes out of his way to annoy Tuvok--so this episode is awfully ironic as well as funny.

When the show begins, Neelix and Tuvok are on a planet and when they beam back, their DNA is scrambled and instead of one begin, they are now one! It's a hybrid that now calls itself Mr. Tuvix--and he's certainly like both of them. And, in my opinion, he's the best of both. The Doctor and other Voyager staff are stumped about how to change them back and repeated experiments fail. It looks like everyone will just have to get used to the new and much improved Tuvix! However, when a way to separate them finally is developed weeks later, Tuvix wants nothing to do with this--he wants to live. And, oddly, Janeway decides to play god and force a separation.

This is a good episode, though I do wish they'd just had Tuvix remain as he was! Interesting and worth seeing.

I found the enigmatic and unique character of Tuvix utterly fascinating, having the calm logic of Tuvok but also the friendly and pleasant nature of Neelix. He retains the Vulcan's height and skin tone, but has the facial features of the Talaxian. The actor was no stranger to enduring heavy makeup for a role, I just loved him as the hitchhiker who could not die in Creepshow 2! He plays it like he's neither of the characters, yet somehow also both at the same time. There's a sense of both personalities. How can a person be two other persons and yet still be a different person? No idea! But the guy pulled it off brilliantly. His manner is almost childlike, he was a kind of newborn after all. I thought Tom Wright was simply excellent in the complex and rather demanding role put to him. I say demanding, because this particular guest star called for something much deeper than the usual alien trader or foe that slips in and out of the episode and never crosses the mind again. But to me, when you think of this episode you really remember Tuvix. Here was somebody who was wearing their uniform, and in the significant amount of time that passes within the story, becomes friend to some of the crew. Wright stated that he had felt a little tension from some of the regular cast members. I think that may have just been the natural reaction to the kind of character he was playing. It probably even helped his performance. I could have accepted Tuvix as a permanent member of the crew-the actor to me just does that great a job with the limited time available to him of conveying this poor unfortunate being who should never have been who ingratiates himself so very well into the crew! But there is also an air of wrongness and awkwardness about Tuvix. He's genuinely charming and competent, yet somehow never doesn't quite seem like a stranger and intruder. He never truly belongs. In any case, such a thought- provoking and challenging role must have been a daunting task for any actor, and Tom Wright did an amazing job. It's pretty much his performance alone that makes this episode a great and memorable one. I think if they had chosen someone wrong for the part, things could have turned out plain ridiculous. Fortunately that was not the case ::: Just what is the damn moral dilemma supposed to be? Tuvok and Neelix were there first, they didn't have a say in what happened to them, they had more of a right to exist than Tuvix. It's not as if they volunteered and then later on everyone changes their minds. I like the subtle little touches that are sneaked in that make you see Tuvix in a bit of a negative light, and not feel too bad when he is disposed of. Such as the way he throws himself at Kes even though she is clearly creeped out by him being anywhere near her. His slightly self-centred nature, the way he tries to convince Kes to put in a good word for him, and simply how much of a fuss he makes during the climactic scene. Not that you can blame him for wanting to live, but he's not even real! It's like, in Threshold, Janeway and Paris were transformed into salamanders, made sweet salamander love, and had cute little salamander babies! Was it "wrong" to restore them to humanity? Need every single decision on the show be so black and white, couldn't a mistake or two be made along the way? Sometimes there isn't a correct choice. Tuvix couldn't really be considered a real person because everything he was came from Tuvok and Neelix. He was never really born, and doesn't really die, just returns to where he came from, and lives on in their minds-like he said they would in his. The door swings both ways. One life isn't taken, two are restored. That said, the final scene that leads up to the diffusion is quite unpleasant. What I find most moving about it is the way he forgives them. The emotions are running high, and it's not until the reappearance of Tuvok and Neelix that all the tension disappears. And for what it's worth, you can clearly see how deeply disturbed Janeway is and probably would be for some time. Great story! To me the morality thing's a bit overrated but it's a real standout episode of the early seasons, and all in all a most excellent show.

I am giving this a 5 out of 10 because the concept was good and the Tuvix character was very interesting with good acting.

However, Janeway and her crew decided to murder Tuvix. They were never brought to justice either. It's a very sick episode.

This is another example of a fake moral dilemma that was solved in a completely amoral way. I mean fake because there was only one possible moral solution: let Tuvix live -- don't murder him!

All of the rationalizations fail utterly. That no one seems to even see this is even more troubling.

The episode where a Q commits suicide is also a mess, but for a different reason, by the way. In that episode, there was also a solution that didn't involve Janeway deciding someone should die. The solution was for Q to selectively forget his experiences which would have solved his problem. But, I guess the Voyager writers liked to kill people needlessly.

I would also like to strenuously counter the euphemistic and absurdly inaccurate "death penalty" framing. There is no penalty for existing. Being born, however strangely, is not a crime!

We're not talking about penalties. We're talking about cold-blooded murder.

It may be inconvenient and emotionally unfortunate for Janeway and others to lose the separated Tuvok and Neelix, but that in no way can possibly justify murdering someone.

Plus, the transporter was used to duplicate Riker so the intelligent and moral thing to do would have been to try to duplicate Tuvix and then separate the duplicate. Even that is murder technically, but it is vastly less serious -- particularly if the duplicate were to be immediately rendered unconscious so no new experiences were gathered to make the duplicate a separate person.

The transporter is also a fountain of youth, but that's another Trek problem that's outside of the scope of this review.

After watching approximately two seasons of mundane, unintriguing episodes of Star Trek: Voyager I finally encounter an episode that I can unequivocally state is "good" Star Trek. Nominally Star Trek possesses at a minimum of three or four episodes within a season that possess philosophical concepts at a forefront in contrast to the background. However, Voyager's episodes have predominately possessed little to no fixation upon philosophy and consequently they did not warrant one to apply their mind to understand the consequences of what was to transpire. Yet in stark contrast to this trend I am jubilant to state that this episode is worthy of an individual's time to analyse for philosophies, propaganda, and characters dispositions.

=SPOILERS=

Philosophy and propaganda go hand in hand and such is most evident near the final act of the episode from the interval where Tuvix and Janeway discuss the matter of reversing the synthesis process and Tuvix's termination. The two philosophies present are pro individualism and pro collectivism, pro collectivism is endorsed by this episode and individualism is defeated. But because Star Trek is a conditioning tool for the public one should expect nothing less than an endorsement of the statuesque of our society, where the individual is always sacrificed to the uncaring collective. One truth that is ignored in the episode, that one should deliberate upon when observing the story, is that "The only thing that one truly can control, is oneself." But because Captain Janeway has a monopoly on violent force and a crew of willing drones that obey anything she says Tuvix's efforts to resist his sacrifice to the uncaring collective are fruitless and he subsequently yields and is terminated; thus conditioning those who passively accept all information they are shown, that they must yield to any collectives desires, and any attempt to resist the oppressive nature of collectivist organizations is hopeless (Like the Borg).

Divergent from such things but remaining pertinent, this episode also reveals interesting truths about the various characters on voyager. One, all of the bridge crew at the time of Tuvix's outburst to resist his termination, are psychopaths or are so submissive that they have no ability to express an opinion in opposition of an oppressive collective's will. Such is demonstrated by the complete lack of empathy or remorse for the circumstance of Tuvix for absolutely no one attempts to concur with Tuvix, who is in the right. And so subsequently they then violate the individuals wishes and ignore another truth "The most considerate individual for ones own circumstances, is oneself." Yet Janeway the psychopath lies and pretends to act as a representative for two people who are terminated and synthesized into Tuvix, if anything Tuvix should represent the interests of Neelix Tuvok because he knows both of them better than anyone else, and as such the decision should be his. In addition, did anyone bother asking Tuvok and Neelix if their wish was to terminate Tuvix? No of course not, this is propaganda remember ;). Finally, another intriguing aspect of possible propaganda following the trend of counter intelligence is Tuvix himself, who is a generic synthesis of individuals, who is then destroyed by a collectivist organization in stark contrast to what most collectives would find most useful, generic people to use and dispose of at will.

"So at what point, did he become an individual and not a transporter accident?" - Captain Janeway.

"Tuvix" is one of the most troubling episodes I have ever watched within Star Trek. I don't think I will ever forget about it. When Janeway walks away after the separation of Tuvix, Kate Mulgrew's agony and emotional turmoil are so understandable and palpable, few would ever want to be trapped in that position. The Starship Captain has never been an easy role for anyone, and episodes like "Tuvix" are an example of why that is the case. After a transporter accident (a planet flourishes with floral and nutrient life) causes a type of "symbiogenesis" where orchid samples, Tuvok, and Neelix "merge as one", the end result is Tuvix, a hybrid lifeform! Picardi's Doctor attempts to work on the means to separate Tuvix and return Tuvok and Neelix to the Voyager.

The problem that arises is that Tuvix, who has all of Tuvok and Neelix's thoughts and feelings, logic and playful spirit, wants to live as an individual being and not "die" (the separation would essentially kill him). What is Janeway to do? That is not an easy decision to make but Tuvok and Neelix have every right to live as Tuvix…so do you kill Tuvix and bring back the other two? That moral dilemma (some consider what happens to Tuvix to ultimately be murder) at the heart of this episode (Tuvix, when told he may never be split back into Tuvok and Neelix, begins to make a life for himself, developing relationships and friendships, eventually accepted by almost all on the Voyager) doesn't have an easy answer. Regardless of what decision Janeway makes, there's loss. Neelix and Tuvok returning as separate individuals, seemingly unaware of what happened while they were merged, isn't a tragedy but what was lost because of the transport fix that rescued them is. A large part of that is the extraordinary performance by Tom Wright who does incorporate Russ and Phillips' personalities of their characters into Tuvix…you literally see both of them within a combination and yet Tuvix is still his own being. When Tuvix is begging for his life to those on the Bridge, it is gut-wrenching. So when Janeway walks away as Tuvok and Neelix show signs of exhilaration and relief, that aching and heartbreak on her face hits right at the gut.

For me, one of my favorite scenes of the entire series occurs in this episode: Janeway and Kes have a discussion on those missing in their lives, for the Captain the loss of Mark and for Kes the loss of Neelix. I like seeing the vulnerable side of Janeway, this reflection on what getting lost in a different quadrant has done to her and the crew. She fights away tears and her embattled struggle to maintain her composure while hoping to console Kes is evident. Mulgrew really delivers a powerhouse in this episode…one of her finest hours.

Despite a grueling, thought-provoking premise and highly controversial subject matter, the opening sequence with Tuvok and Neelix on the planet, surveying the grounds looking for specimens is a hoot. Neelix wants Tuvok to enjoy the experience of the rich landscape they occupy while his Vulcan logic doesn't permit such jovial excitement.

This has been considered one of the most debatable and conflicting episodes of all of Star Trek. I think it certainly provokes a response one way or the other. Kes' dealing with this brand new lifeform who has feelings for her (he is Neelix, in a sense), and understanding that Tuvok has a family all his own is an intriguing development that further conveys the complexities of the plot.

** SPOILERS **

"Tuvix" is the worst episode ever made in the Star Trek franchise, in which Captain Janeway murders a new member of the crew in cold blood. The last two minutes is, literally, this character named Tuvix running away from the Captain, begging for his life from everybody in sight. Only the holographic doctor comes to his defense, but only for a few seconds until the Captain orders him aside.

No, not a word in the above is inaccurate or even a slight exaggeration. How could this happen, you might ask? Let's start at the beginning. Tuvix is the name of a new character created from the accidental amalgamation of two crew members, Tuvok and Neelix. From the beginning of his life, Tuvix embodies the best qualities of the two aforementioned crew members: Neelix's innocent, empathetic and engaging nature, combined with Tuvok's sharp intellect and deep wisdom. Tuvix is a simply wonderful person. Or, was.

Needless to say, from the beginning, the crew attempt to find a way to reverse the process which combined them. However, despite Tuvix's open and innocent nature, the rest of the crew can't help but be uncomfortably reminded of their former relationships with either Tuvok or Neelix. This is where the episode stopped being a rather intriguing story, and started a proverbial cliff-dive into the jagged rocks of cinematic disaster. Around 3/4 into the episode, there is a dialogue between Janeway and Chakotay where Janeway asks a question which is, apparently, intended to embody a moral dilemma:

• - - - -

Janeway: It's funny - if we'd had the ability to separate Tuvok and Neelix the moment Tuvix came aboard… I wouldn't have hesitated … but now, in the past few weeks, he's begun to make a life for himself on this ship. He's taken on responsibilities, made new friends…

Chakotay: I count myself as one of them.

Janeway: So, at what point did he become an individual, and not a transporter accident?

• - - - -

The answer is obvious, to anyone with a functional brain: he became an individual when he asserted himself as one. However, the writers of this episode were intent upon highlighting this question, as if it presented a genuine moral dilemma. No - a moral dilemma is where ANY answer you choose has negative repercussions. In this case, the negative repercussions of allowing Tuvix to live - i.e., the loss of Tuvok and Neelix - already happened. The only element still on the table is the other side of the coin, i.e. the death of Tuvix.

So the real dilemma in this episode is this: either do nothing, and allow everyone currently alive to remain alive, OR: murder one individual in order to bring back two former crew members.

Janeway chose the second option. Forget the Prime Directive, this was cold-blooded murder, plain and simple.

After all, it is called Tuvix, and involves a transporter accident, which stands for "unbearably unscientific craziness". And yes, it is an episode where Tuvoc and Neelix fuse together into a single humanoid, because of alien orchids. An eye-rolling premise - and at first, there is the fear that the episode is about how Tuvoc will through this experience learn to appreciate the annoying organism known as Neelix and vice versa.

But, surprisingly, no. Not even close. The new Tuvix creature just settles in the ship, as the Doctor has trouble "separating the two DNAs in order to restore Tuvoc and Neelix". Mind you, this is the same Doctor who had no trouble turning humans who had turned into salamanders back into humans - but maybe everyone already pretends this never happened. Eventually, though, a solution is found, but Tuvix doesn't want it - he has a mind of his own, and to force the cure would kill him.

I understand the (necessary for a series) resolution may leave some viewers unsettled and unsatisfied - I see some reviews disagreeing vehemently with the morality of the episode. As I see it, within context, there is no clear answer - you can't claim Tuvoc and Neelix are dead when there is a way to restore them. But that doesn't mean Captain Janeway's decision is correct. Again, within context, one might argue that "transporter logs" would allow everyone to remain alive (I thought so anyway). However, whether there is a plot hole, or whether the resolution offered is morally correct or not, is irrelevant here. Episodes like this one need not be judged on plot as much as on presenting a topic - and here, Voyager does so marvellously and in the best tradition of Star Trek. Asking difficult questions is the sign of good science fiction. And Tuvix, unexpectedly profound and helped by a great guest performance from Tom Wright, is just that.

When this episode began, I was quite intrigued by the notion of the two, very different characters of Tuvok and Neelix being merged into one. I anticipated the humor of Neelix facing off with the logic and discipline of Tuvok. However, instead of playing on these differences, the character of Tuvix, pulled both of them into a dark and disturbing place.

The first hint of this was in Kes' reaction; instead of seeing that Neelix still existed within him, she was revolted by Tuvix. Although the merged character possessed some of the talents of both men, he lacked their honor and genuine "goodness". If Tuvix really had the feelings of Neelix; including his dedication to Kes; his top priority would have been to get Neelix back for her, whatever the cost! Mr. Tuvok's Vulcan instincts would have insisted that the benefits to the majority would outweigh the interests of a single individual. Instead, we find that Tuvix is cowardly and self-centered. How appalling!

Making Katherine Hepburn (er... I mean Janeway) go through this "death penalty" scene is just adding more insult to the injury of these characters. She's not taking a life for heaven's sake, she's saving two of her crew members! Portraying the restoration of Tuvoc and Neelix as if there could be any other choice for the Captain is just bizarre! For the Doctor to oppose the procedure was also completely out of character for him.

As we all know, Star Trek is all about the characters. Following so closely to episodes, "Investigations" (2.20), where Neelix's bravery and loyalty is showcased; and, "Innocence" (2.22), where Tuvoc's paternal love is so beautifully and tenderly apparent (whether he admits it to the children or not); the "Tuvix" episode (2.24), is a tragic disappointment.

While nothing could be as bad as the "last episode" of Enterprise, "Tuvix" marks a low point in the Voyager series.

Was there ever such a loathsome-looking creature as our new buddy Tuvix? The spawn of Neelix and Tuvok melding in a transporter accident, Tuvix wanders the ship like his spit don't stink, taking over both Tactical AND Cooking duties as well as hitting on Kes.

I'm not sure the exact odds that the transporter could combine two people and not produce a lifeless, four-eared genetic puddle, but if it could split Kirk in two based on different elements of his personality I suppose anything is possible. Yet another dark hypothetical is explored here, and we're treated to another overuse of the Doctor...his medi-babble to explain the event is downright infuriating. (If I hear him say "neural peptides" one more time I might implode.)

In spite of Tuvix' inspired moral plea that he be allowed to stay "alive," he is eventually de-materialized back into two separate people, and we are once again back where we started from. Odd and unsettling... even for Star Trek.

GRADE: C+

This episode is incomplete at the end. It leaves us hanging. It left me wanting to understand more. Why did Janeway do what she did? How did she justify it? Why did the crew take her side, even the most respected ones? What was the whole reaction to everyone involved? It leaves a lot of questions. To some, this episode may make you so ashamed of the entire voyager crew that you may not watch it anymore. If you are like me, this very well could be the final episode I watch (or the only one I will see again). This episode makes me question the morality of not only the Captain, but everyone single one on that ship, even Neelix and Tuvox (which didn't seem to object to what was done). If it were up to me, I would have been Pro-Choice about the matter (and I am Pro-Life). I am glad this subject was tackled, but I do not appreciate its one-sided ending.