Stigma
- Episode aired Feb 5, 2003
- TV-PG
- 43m
T'Pol is diagnosed with a possibly fatal neurological disease as a result of a mind meld. Meanwhile, one of Phlox's wives visits Enterprise and becomes very interested in Trip.T'Pol is diagnosed with a possibly fatal neurological disease as a result of a mind meld. Meanwhile, one of Phlox's wives visits Enterprise and becomes very interested in Trip.T'Pol is diagnosed with a possibly fatal neurological disease as a result of a mind meld. Meanwhile, one of Phlox's wives visits Enterprise and becomes very interested in Trip.
- Dr. Yuris
- (as Jeffrey Hayenga)
- Vulcan Official
- (uncredited)
- Ensign Billy
- (uncredited)
- Engineer Alex
- (uncredited)
- Vulcan Medical Technician
- (uncredited)
- Enterprise Sciences Crewman
- (uncredited)
- Vulcan Official
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis is the first appearance of Denobulans other than Phlox on the series.
- GoofsIn Fusion (2002) it was implied that the ancient Vulcan technique of the mind meld had only been recently rediscovered by a small group, and that the general population - including T'Pol - had never even heard of it. Just a year later in "Stigma," it is revealed that the mind meld has already been well known for some time, as the subject of an ongoing society-wide controversy.
- Quotes
Sub-Commander T'Pol: I have Pa'nar Syndrome. It doesn't make a difference how I contracted it.
Captain Jonathan Archer: It makes a lot of difference. You're not a member of this minority. He forced himself on you, you said it yourself.
Dr. Phlox: He's right, T'Pol, you should tell them.
Sub-Commander T'Pol: He is not right. If I used that as a defense as a way to keep from being taken off Enterprise, I'd be condoning their prejudice, and in the process indicting every member of the minority. I won't do that.
- ConnectionsReferenced in Star Trek: Enterprise: Kir'Shara (2004)
- SoundtracksWhere My Heart Will Take Me
Written by Diane Warren
Performed by Russell Watson
Episode: {all episodes}
This continues the story of T'Pol and the mind-meld rape incident from the first season episode 'Fusion'. The writers have added a new theme which portrays mind-melding Vulcans as a minority group who experience discrimination within Vulcan society. The plot device it uses revolves around the fact that mind-melds can cause Pa'nar syndrome. All of this appears to be an unsubtle analogy to AIDS and prejudice suffered by the homosexual community.
The main theme is handled pretty well in how it tackles the subject, with T'Pol more concerned about the prejudicing of a minority group than her own career and reputation. Although the plot does slightly ignore the fact that in 'Fusion' she initially went willingly into a mind-meld. The highlight is Archer fighting fighting for her and also respecting her right to privacy about the circumstance of the incident.
There is also a very good sub-plot involving a Human/Denubulan culture clash between Trip Ticker and Dr Phlox's wife that provides much needed relief from all the serious stuff.
For me the biggest downside is portrayal of the Vulcans. Enterprise is persisting with its own interpretation of the species as narrowed minded, bigoted and behaving far more emotionally than they should be. The whole mind-melders as a minority group issue feels like a retcon of what we already know about Vulcan culture.
All performances are strong in this one, so I have to say I did enjoy it overall.
- snoozejonc
- Sep 13, 2020
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime43 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.78 : 1