Star Trek Watch: The Dangers of the Vulcan Mind Meld by Certifiably Ingame

Certifiably Ingame covers the concerns of mind melds.

Vulcans are more than likely the most popular science fiction alien in the history of mainstream sci-fi. Not Wookies, not Klingons, not even ET from the film ET. Vulcans. They’re the standard-bearer for all things alien. Part of the reason is their stoicism, a race of people who suppress their emotions and seemingly run from joy. The original brooding bad boy of science fiction. The other reason is their immense power. From their strength to the Vulcan Nerve Pinch and all the way to the Vulcan mind meld; the Vulcans are a unique and powerful species.

So it’s no wonder that the YouTube channel Certifiably Ingame wanted to cover such a concept as mind melds.

As Vulcans can learn to be tactile telekinetic, they present a unique take on the old ‘reading your mind’ plot device. Vulcans need to touch you to read you, and in doing so they can probe deep, causing both parties to be at risk of severe consequences. It’s that risk that makes mind melds so interesting.

The mind meld has not always had the desired effects

As mentioned in the video, the mind meld hasn’t always gone well. The inherent danger is one of the reasons why it’s such a captivating plot device. The negative side effects of an improper mind meld are long-lasting and can cause some serious issues for those subjected to or are engaging in the practice.

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In Enterprise, an improper mind meld caused T’Pol to develop Pa’nar Syndrome from a mind meld with Tolaris, a v’tosh ka’tur practitioner. Since Tolaris wasn’t properly trained in such a technique, the mind meld severely injured T’Pol.

The most iconic Vulcan of them all, Spock, suffered synaptic damage on Star Trek: The Original Series when he attempted to suss out the truth involving Simon Van Gelder. Despite the negative side effects of the Van Gelder-meld in the TOS episode Dagger of the Mind, Spock would go on to use the technique many times, to a mixed bag of results.

Tuvok had a few, but his most notable was with Lon Suder, a Betazoid who was a former member of the Maquis. As Suder was a violent psychopath, the meld caused Tuvok to take on some of Suder’s less than desirable traits, which was a problem for the ship.

Due to its unforseen and unpredictable outcomes whenever it’s used, the mind meld will always be a useful plot device in Star Trek lore whenever it can be utilized properly.