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T’Pol, like most of the Star Trek: Enterprise characters, remains under developed. Her backstory and motivations are still unclear, especially since the Vulcans of the Enterprise era seem to be distinct from the Vulcans we know from earlier/later series. Into that hazy understanding come a ship full of Vulcan hippies who want to show T’Pol the ways of emotional understanding. It’s a “Fusion” of the old and the new – but are these Vulcans bearers of new knowledge and wisdom or is there something sinister underneath?
The Wikipedia plot summary for “Fusion”:
“Enterprise is near the Arachnid Nebula when it is hailed by Captain Tavin, of the Vulcan vessel Vahklas, which is in need of repair. On Enterprise Tavin says that they left Vulcan eight years previously, and their mission is to explore themselves rather than the galaxy. Sub-Commander T’Pol identifies them as V’tosh ka’tur, Vulcans without logic. Captain Archer reports that the repairs will take up to four days and that they should use that time to explore the nebula. He also observes that T’Pol has been avoiding the Vulcans, encouraging her to keep an open mind. In the Mess Hall, T’Pol is joined by Tolaris, who comments that she has been affected by human society in more ways than she realizes.
T’Pol reports that a full nebula charting mission would take several weeks. However Vahklas has translinear sensors that would cut the time down significantly. On the Vahklas, T’Pol expresses curiosity that the Vulcans display the likeness of Surak but reject his teachings. Tolaris has no regrets in exploring a balance of reason and emotion, and asks T’Pol not to meditate that night and to experience her dreams. Later, she does dream – she is in San Francisco, walking around disguised in the evening. The memories then blur with thoughts of Tolaris acting provocatively towards her. She awakes and visits Doctor Phlox, who tells her that it would be unwise to change her routine too quickly.
Later, Tolaris asks T’Pol what her dreams were like, and he tells her about the Mind Meld, an ancient technique abandoned by Vulcans centuries ago. When she tries to end the meld, Tolaris persists, until finally, she forces him away. Archer later summons Tolaris and informs him that T’Pol is now recovering in Sickbay. Tolaris becomes violent, forcing Archer to ask the Vulcans to leave. Later T’Pol is meditating in her quarters when Archer tells her that ship has departed. As he turns to leave, T’Pol asks the Captain if he dreams. Archer replies that he does, sometimes even in color. T’Pol then asks the Captain if he finds it enjoyable. He replies that most nights he does. T’Pol then says “I envy you”.” No “Fusion” there!
In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss the schism between the Vulcans we know and the Vulcans we see. Plus! The guys discuss doing a disservice to your female characters, Archer’s 1950’s-level handling of assault, and chubby Vulcans!