"Meld" is the 32nd episode of '' Star Trek: Voyager'', the 16th episode of the second season. In this science fiction television show, a crewman is murdered aboard starship '' Voyager''.

Tuvok Tuvok is a fictional character in the ''Star Trek'' media franchise. One of the main characters on the television series '' Star Trek: Voyager'', Tuvok is a member of the fictional Vulcan species who serves as the ship's second officer, Chief of ...

investigates and the character Suder is introduced. However, when Tuvok conducts a

Vulcan Vulcan may refer to: Mythology * Vulcan (mythology), the god of fire, volcanoes, metalworking, and the forge in Roman mythology Arts, entertainment and media Film and television * Vulcan (''Star Trek''), name of a fictional race and their home p ...

mind meld Vulcans, sometimes referred to as Vulcanians, are a fictional extraterrestrial humanoid species in the ''Star Trek'' universe and media franchise. In the various ''Star Trek'' television series and films, they are noted for their attempt to l ...

, things go further awry. The episode aired on

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on February 5, 1996.

Plot

A crewmember named Darwin is found dead and an investigation soon uncovers a murder. It is discovered that

Lon Suder This is a list of minor fictional characters from the science fiction television series '' Star Trek: Voyager''. Characters here are members of the crew, or passengers, on the starship ''Voyager'' as it makes its way home through unknown space du ...

, a Betazoid, killed him, because he did not like the way Darwin looked at him. To discover the reasoning behind Suder's admittedly senseless act, Tuvok initiates a

with Suder. This causes Suder's violent impulses to be transferred to the Vulcan, giving Suder a sense of calm by causing Tuvok to experience uncontrollable violent urges himself: he even attacks a holographic form of Neelix. Eventually, Tuvok confines himself to quarters, and removes himself from duty as he is unable to control his violent urges. The Doctor attempts to cure Tuvok of his urges by forcing his emotions into the open. This fails, and Tuvok is able to escape. He finds Suder with the intent of executing him, hoping this will satisfy himself. Tuvok is convinced by Suder not to kill him and instead mind melds in an attempt to get his emotional control back. This meld renders Tuvok unconscious, allowing Suder to notify the crew. Later, the Doctor watches over Tuvok, hopeful that since he controlled himself enough to not kill Suder, he is recovering. Meanwhile, Tom Paris runs a pool to bet replicator rations on what the radiogenic particle count will be. When Chakotay learns of it, he ends the pool and confiscates the replicator rations.

Continuity

Lon Suder's character arc continues and ends in "

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" parts I and II, which bridge seasons two and three.

Reception

"Meld" was given a Nielsen rating of 5.1 when it aired in 1996. '' Den of Geek'' included this episode, along with " Lifesigns", "

Death Wish Death Wish or Deathwish may refer to: Common meanings *Suicidal ideation, term for thoughts about killing oneself *Death drive, term in Freudian psychiatry Arts and entertainment Radio *"Death Wish", a 1957 episode of the radio series ''X Minus ...

", and " Deadlock" from Season 2, for their abbreviated viewing guide for ''Star Trek: Voyager''. ''

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'' ranked "Meld" as one of the top five episodes of the series, commending it for tackling "tough questions of human nature" but noting its similarities to '' The X-Files'' episode " Beyond the Sea" which also cast Brad Dourif. ''

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'' listed this episode as one of the "must watch" episodes from season two of the show. ''The Digital Fix'' said that Tuvok's confrontation with Suder was the best scene in season two, and praised Brad Dourif's acting performance as Suder.

References

External links

* * * {{Star Trek: Voyager episodes, 2 Star Trek: Voyager season 2 episodes 1996 American television episodes Television episodes directed by Cliff Bole Television episodes about gambling Television episodes about murder