Episode Report Card Keckler: B- | Grade It Now! YOU GRADE IT Melded Cheese on Melda Toast
By Keckler | Season 2 | Episode 14 | Aired on 02.04.2003
Dr. Ensign tells Phlox that they have discussed his request but are still hesitant to share their data on Pa'nar Syndrome. Smoothly Phlox informs them, "Subcommander T'Pol is not aware of my request, I'm curious why you asked her to stay." One of the Vulcan doctors questions the fact that Phlox is requesting info about a Vulcan syndrome without discussing it with his Vulcan Science Officer. Phlox points out that T'Pol is not a doctor. Dr. Ensign confirms that T'Pol knows what Pa'nar Syndrome is, and asks her to describe it. "You're physicians, why would you need me to define an illness?" T'Pol hedges. Dr. Ensign asks that she indulge them. "It is an incurable degradation of the synaptic pathways. It also affects the endocrine and immune systems," T'Pol says. Immune systems, hmm? You know, if I hadn't been aware of this PSA for months, I'd be playing Dodge Anvil. As it is, they're just piling themselves neatly in the corner I cordoned off for them. One of the doctors is impressed by her definition, and asks how the disease is transmitted. "Through a telepathic practice," T'Pol answers. Dr. Ensign wants to know what that practice is. "Mind-melds -- they cause a disruption of neuroelectric impulses in the mid-brain, which can lead to the early stages of the syndrome," T'Pol responds. One of the Vulcan doctors asks if she condones the act of mind-melding, and T'Pol stands up, saying, "I'd appreciate it if you'd tell me why you asked me here." Phlox seconds the motion, thinking their questions to T'Pol are inappropriate. Dr. Ensign tells T'Pol that Phlox wants info on the syndrome, and wants to know if she had anything to do with his request. Phlox points out that he was fairly explicit about why he wanted the information. The Vulcans obviously don't believe his story, and tell him that since he didn't tell them there was a Vulcan on his ship, they had to consider "other possible motives." Phlox asks what they are suggesting.
One of the Vulcan doctors gets up and hands T'Pol a witch hunt in the form of an e-pad, asking if she knows any of the blacklisted names on it. T'Pol looks, and answers that they are Vulcan but she is not familiar with any of them. The Vulcan doctor tells her that they are "melders." "Vulcans with the ability to transfer thoughts and memories to each other. Do you know any melders, Subcommander?" the Vulcan doctor asks. Phlox looks concerned. "Not well, but I've met a number of them," T'Pol responds. "Then I'll ask you again -- do you condone their behavior?" the Vulcan doctor asks. T'Pol repeats that she doesn't see what that has to do with Phlox's request. Dr. Ensign points out the obvious by telling her they find the melders behavior "unacceptable," and because Pa'nar Syndrome is transmitted by "[those] people," its cure "is not a priority." Following so close on Bush's State of the Union, one of the anvils tries to sneak out of the corner, but I kick it back. And now I need toe surgery. Phlox asks if that means there isn't any additional research. "None that we'd care to disseminate," Dr. Ensign tells him. T'Pol, fairly near the boil and crammed to the gizzard with low suspicions, states that they came all the way from the surface to tell Phlox they wouldn't help him. Dr. Ensign asks to be shown to the airlock. T'Pol clenches up and complies, tossing a look at Phlox as she leaves. Did anyone see Jolene on Carson Daly's Super Bowl pre-game show? Apparently, she was trying to convince people that they should be watching her on Enterprise because the show is so titillating and spicy -- my vocab words, not hers. They basically sent her out as the show's sexperson. I don't have a calculator on me -- can anyone tell me how many degrees of patheticism that is?