Having Neelix be the main character of an episode is pretty much always a bad idea. I still think it is a bad idea after watching this episode, but maybe not as much as I did before watching. The opening bits where Neelix is being so irritating to Tuvok that he leaves the room are exactly what I was expecting, but when Neelix began taking care of the crippled Tuvok things took a much different turn. As much as I and the rest of the crew clearly find him irritating, in his own way he is clearly a deeply caring person. And as much as I am ready for him and serious Tuvok to never share a scene together again he is right that Tuvok could really handle mellowing out a bit.
We open with Neelix pestering Tuvok as they return from a mission in the Flyer. Neelix is being so irritating that Tuvok heads to the back room to get some reading done, but he is interrupted by a sound from a console. It seems someone is trying to download tactical information from the computer so Tuvok calls Neelix on the comms instead of just opening the door. Before Neelix can head back Tuvok is shot by an invisible foe he is scanning with his tricorder and goes into some sort of shaking shock like state. Neelix calls for help and we cut to Tuvok being treated in sickbay. Neelix helps stabilize him but he remains in a coma after the Doctor does all he can do. Neelix really wants to help and the Doctor suggests familiar stimuli may help so Neelix drags all sorts of stuff from his room to sickbay. He even tries playing traditional Vulcan music which both Neelix and the Doctor hate but as soon as he turns it off he is surprised to find Tuvok sitting up.
But Tuvok isn't himself. Sure his brain is healing but he can't talk and seems to not recognize anybody. He does gradually recover though and eventually learns to speak again. The whole time Neelix keeps doing everything he can for Tuvok and they becoming close. Neelix even teaches Tuvok to cook which is a mistake since everyone instantly likes Tuvok's food better. The new Tuvok is full of emotion and laughter but clearly doesn't have everything he used to have. There is a subplot where they track down the invisible aliens and convince them to give Voyager specs on the weapon used on Tuvok which the Doctor uses to find a cure. But the new Tuvok likes who he is and doesn't want to go back, but Neelix talks him into it. Back in the mess hall a day or two later Tuvok walks in and sits alone just like old times. He resists Neelix's efforts to reach out but finally makes a call back joke to a riddle Neelix told him on the Flyer in the opening which shows he at least learned from his experience.
Review: Normally I would take hella points off for Neelix being on screen so much, but this was actually a rather touching episode. Not one to remember forever and ever, but nice to see Neelix and Tuvok getting along if only for a short time.
6 out of 10
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