Two major Star Trek: Voyager stars are speaking out about the most controversial episode of the series and how “Tuvix” may not be what fans think!
Star Trek: Voyager fans have a lot of great episodes to discuss. But few storylines spark as much debate as “Tuvix.” In the episode, a transporter accident causes Tuvok and Neelix to be merged into a brand new being who takes the name of Tuvix (played by Tom Wright).
The episode shows Tuvix quickly becoming a trusted member of the crew from a great officer to a fine cook. When The Doctor reveals he has a way to split him up, Tuvix refuses as he doesn’t want to die. That leads to a debate among the crew if they have a right to do this to get Tuvok and Neelix back.
The climax has Janeway arresting Tuvix for the procedure. Tellingly, The Doctor refuses as it violates his programming to do no harm so Janeway does it herself. While it’s great to see Tuvok and Neelix back, it comes at the cost of effectively killing off this new being.
Ever since, fans have argued about whether or not Janeway was in the right. Now, nearly 30 years later, two of the main actors involved are speaking up about it.
What do the actors feel about Tuvix?
At Creation's Trek to New Jersey convention, the Star Trek: Voyager cast took part in several panels to celebrate the show’s 30th anniversary. At her panel, Kate Mulgrew faced the inevitable question about Tuvix and justified Janeway’s decision.
“Janeway did the only thing she could do. Was she going to keep Tuvix over those two guys? I loved those two guys. Easy choice. Had to make it look tough. But easy, easy.”
Mulgrew then tongue-in-cheek tried to move onto other questions like religion or lifestyles.
At his own panel, Tim Russ was first asked if Tom Wright had “forgiven” him and Ethan Phillips “for securing your jobs.”
“Tom Wright, the only thing he would forgive us for is for having to do the work that he had to do that week on that episode. Let me tell you, that was brutal, absolutely brutal for him. Rewrites and miles of dialogue and playing two characters instead of one. Tom Wright is one of my very good friends and associates. He’s a very good actor, and I was proud to have him play both of us at the same time. What a kick in the pants—in the most controversial episode of the entire series.”
Russ also backed up Janeway’s decision and the idea she did regret it.
“And yes, [Janeway] did make the right decision, absolutely. Sorry. Her responsibility is that of her crew—the health, safety and welfare of her crew. That is the captain’s responsibility. So you know, the very last end shot in that episode, when she walks down the hall after the sick bay doors close, the look on her face tells you everything right then.”
The duo’s answers do shed more light on the decision as Janeway may have been influenced by her friendship with Tuvok. At the same time, Janeway felt that keeping one new being who technically should never have existed over two crewmembers wasn’t right. As good as Tuvix was, losing Tuvok and Neelix was still a bigger blow.
It just shows how Tuvix continues to divide the Voyager fandom and makes this story so unique. How do you feel about the Tuvix controversy? Share your thoughts and comments on the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages.
Star Trek: Voyager is now streaming on Paramount+. Plus, all 26 episodes of season 3 are currently available absolutely free on PlutoTV.