Star Trek: 10 Terrible Scenes That Ruined Episodes
3. It Wasn't Her Fault - Stigma
Star Trek had nixed the idea of dealing with HIV/AIDS in the late '80s and early '90s, as David Gerrold revealed, discussing his rejected script Blood & Fire. While that would eventually be made by a fan production, the franchise would take another decade to tackle the topic.
Stigma shows T'Pol's Pa'Nar Syndrome worsening, before being exposed to other Vulcan scientists. Their reaction is rooted firmly in bigotry, as Archer later calls them out. They not only refuse to share any data on the disease but have T'Pol recalled to Vulcan for her 'abhorrent behaviour.'
Pa'Nar Syndrome is transmitted via mind melds, which at this time in Vulcan history were seen as degenerate. The final scene means well, but T'Pol is only spared punishment because she didn't willingly engage in a meld - she was assaulted.
Stigma fumbles the ball at the end. Those who engage willingly in mind melds are still judged, while T'Pol - her own words - is looked at with pity because it wasn't her fault. Thus continues the judgemental discussion that permeates the episode.
I'm sorry. I had to tell them the truth. You should do the same.
The episode clearly meant well, though it tried to do too much in a single episode. The language chosen around the discussion of the disease deliberately evokes discussions of HIV/AIDS, though that final scene between T'Pol, Archer, and the scientists is too rushed to truly work.