10 Star Trek Debates That Tear The Fandom Apart

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.