10 Star Trek Debates That Tear The Fandom Apart
These Star Trek topics are guaranteed to fuel a night of debate between the staunchest fans of the franchise
In any fandom, there are those passionate folks who will go out of their way to defend their positions. TrekCulture is no stranger to this, nor are we innocent. We believe what we believe, and we do our best to offer a balanced argument to support said beliefs. The differences through the fandom often show their hands in how these arguments are handled.
Two or more may stand on opposite sides of the aisle having an impassioned discussion as to whether Kirk or Picard are the better captain, but as long as it remains on either side, then it’s simple discourse. Every so often, something will come along that will whip people into a frenzy.
Sadly, many of these frenzies can quickly devolve into slanging matches, with all reasoned debate leaving the room as quickly as someone can say ‘not a real fan’. The goalposts as to what qualifies one as a ‘real fan’ often change mid argument as well, especially when one combatant realises that their position is less secure than they might like.
This article is not designed to paint any position (within reason - racism for example being a non-negotiable topic, as it should be) as more or less correct than any other. There are plenty of commenters who will do that without our help. Here, we will focus on the catalyst for many of these debates.
10. Tuvix
There mere mention of the name Tuvix is usually enough to inflame social media for a few days, with the usual arguments centering on whether or not Captain Janeway was justified in her actions. As most will know, Tuvix was the result of a transporter accident that fused Tuvok and Neelix, seemingly forever, until it was discovered the accident could be reversed. Though this would save the two men, it was certain death for Tuvix, who was a fully sentient being, one intent on staying alive.
Consider the arguments - who had the greater right to live? Two men who had gone into a transporter, just like any other day. These men had friends, families, responsibilities - they were living, breathing beings. Surely, they had the greater right to live. Next, there is Tuvix himself. He is a being created accidentally, yet is no less sentient than the other two. He quickly assumed duties aboard Voyager, and thanks to Tom Wright’s excellent performance, displays a grand depth of emotional understanding.
Let us be clear - sending Tuvix back into the transporter is an execution, despite it being one for the best possible reasons. By simple definition, Janeway is guilty of murder - something Lower Decks poked fun at in their fourth season opener Twovix. She is also a life-saver, returning both Tuvok and Neelix to life as they knew it. Much of the discourse focuses on this element, while other voices speak of right to life, and anti-corporal punishment. This is a topic where there is no clear correct answer - every turn seems to have at least some merit. It is therefore hardly a surprise that there can be little consensus on the matter.