| CONTRIBUTE |
FUSION
“I envy you.” – T’Pol
Episode: 1.17 Original Airdate: 02/27/2002
Mission Date: Unknown
“I envy you.” – T’Pol
Episode: 1.17 Original Airdate: 02/27/2002
Mission Date: Unknown
| SEASON 1 |
SYNOPSIS
While studying the Arachnid Nebula, the Enterprise encounters a unique ship of Vulcans, a group that has
chosen to live openly with their emotions. T'Pol, though disturbed by their new guests, is asked to observe the
nebula using the more advanced sensors aboard the Vulcan ship. While there she forms a relationship with
Tolaris, a member of the Vulcan crew. But Tolaris’ need to help T’Pol explore her emotions ends in disaster and
with lasting consequences. Meanwhile, a message from Admiral Forrest leaves the Captain with the difficult task
of informing one of the emotional Vulcans about a dying father.
EPISODE DATA ANALYSIS
Stellar Phenomenon: Arachnid Nebula
Technology Encountered: Translinear Sensors, Vulcan Civilian Transport
Historical Facts:
One of Archer’s first astronomy books was “The Cosmos A to Z”, written by Laura Danly, and given to him by his
father on his eighth birthday. It is interesting to note that Laura Danly, Ph.D. is a real American astronomer,
academic and author. Currently, Danly is the senior fellow of the honors program at the University of Denver. She
also serves as the Curator of Education at Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles. In 1993, she co-authored a book,
“The Baltimore Charter for Women in Astronomy”, to help address the issue of women as a minority group in the
field. Unfortunately, she has not authored any children’s books but we feel confident that one day she will take a
moment to write one.
The blue nebula that Archer is so keen on exploring is called the Arachnid Nebula. This interstellar dust cloud is
8 billion kilometers in diameter and contains over 20 million cubic meters of disodium, with traces of
ethylchlorate. Unfortunately at only 8 billion kilometers this nebula is rather tiny for a dust cloud clocking in at
roughly the same size as our solar system (and may have been a mistake). And even though the Arachnid
Nebula hasn’t been discovered yet, you may be familiar with another spider-like stellar body called the Tarantula
Nebula. At over 500 light-years across it is one of the largest emission nebulas in our sky.
The Vulcans onboard the Vahklas practice V’tosh ka’tur which means “Vulcans without logic”. This theological
movement chooses to embrace emotions with logic and base their beliefs on a different interpretation of Surak’s
teachings. Even though they are a small group, the practice does manage to survive for several generations and
would later be followed by Sybok, Spock’s half brother.
This episode marks the first time we see the interior of a Vulcan ship and their computer systems. We also learn
that Vulcan’s have civilian ships and use something called translinear sensors.
This episode establishes that the Vulcan movement toward logic happened about 5,000 years ago.
The most interesting item we learn in this episode is the concept of the 'mind meld'. Although we have seen
mind melds performed in other Trek series, in this time period many Vulcans are not familiar with the concept
and the technique is even considered taboo to the ones that do.
It is also revealed that American football is still played in the 22nd Century. Pizza is also still popular and another
food favorite of Mr. Tucker’s.
And speaking of Trip, we learn that he attended Bayshore Elementary in Panama City, Florida and had a crush
on a Melissa Lyle. He also has a brother.
This episode's title carries a triple meaning. Not only is the name a comment about the melding of two minds, it
is a reference to the separate but similar Vulcan beliefs coming together. This is also the name of the jazz club
seen in T'Pol's dream memory where she experiences her first uncontrolled emotion. As she enters the
establishment, the doors are clearly marked "Fusion", something many fans may not have noticed.
We also have another mention of inaprovaline, which is again used as a stimulant.
Production Facts:
Robert Pine is a forty year television veteran with a resume of diverse roles in shows like Lost in Space,
Bonanza, Wild Wild West, Gunsmoke, Charlie’s Angels, Knight Rider, Dallas, ALF, Baywatch, Murder She Wrote
and 24. His most memorable role was that of Sgt. Joseph Getraer on the police drama CHiPs. He has also
guest starred on Star Trek: Voyager and Quantum Leap.
Even though the design is new, the set for the Vulcan ship makes use of several elements we have seen before.
The angled doorway used to represent Vulcan bridges since the episode “Breaking the Ice” makes an
appearance. We also see the domed control console built for the Xyrillian ship and the long copper and silver
Vulcan ceremonial artwork from Tuvok’s quarters.
The circular art deco grating, seen behind T’Pol in the Fusion Club, made its first appearance on Star Trek: Deep
Space Nine. It has been used several times since, most notable on the Sona ship in Star Trek: Insurrection.
While studying the Arachnid Nebula, the Enterprise encounters a unique ship of Vulcans, a group that has
chosen to live openly with their emotions. T'Pol, though disturbed by their new guests, is asked to observe the
nebula using the more advanced sensors aboard the Vulcan ship. While there she forms a relationship with
Tolaris, a member of the Vulcan crew. But Tolaris’ need to help T’Pol explore her emotions ends in disaster and
with lasting consequences. Meanwhile, a message from Admiral Forrest leaves the Captain with the difficult task
of informing one of the emotional Vulcans about a dying father.
EPISODE DATA ANALYSIS
Stellar Phenomenon: Arachnid Nebula
Technology Encountered: Translinear Sensors, Vulcan Civilian Transport
Historical Facts:
One of Archer’s first astronomy books was “The Cosmos A to Z”, written by Laura Danly, and given to him by his
father on his eighth birthday. It is interesting to note that Laura Danly, Ph.D. is a real American astronomer,
academic and author. Currently, Danly is the senior fellow of the honors program at the University of Denver. She
also serves as the Curator of Education at Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles. In 1993, she co-authored a book,
“The Baltimore Charter for Women in Astronomy”, to help address the issue of women as a minority group in the
field. Unfortunately, she has not authored any children’s books but we feel confident that one day she will take a
moment to write one.
The blue nebula that Archer is so keen on exploring is called the Arachnid Nebula. This interstellar dust cloud is
8 billion kilometers in diameter and contains over 20 million cubic meters of disodium, with traces of
ethylchlorate. Unfortunately at only 8 billion kilometers this nebula is rather tiny for a dust cloud clocking in at
roughly the same size as our solar system (and may have been a mistake). And even though the Arachnid
Nebula hasn’t been discovered yet, you may be familiar with another spider-like stellar body called the Tarantula
Nebula. At over 500 light-years across it is one of the largest emission nebulas in our sky.
The Vulcans onboard the Vahklas practice V’tosh ka’tur which means “Vulcans without logic”. This theological
movement chooses to embrace emotions with logic and base their beliefs on a different interpretation of Surak’s
teachings. Even though they are a small group, the practice does manage to survive for several generations and
would later be followed by Sybok, Spock’s half brother.
This episode marks the first time we see the interior of a Vulcan ship and their computer systems. We also learn
that Vulcan’s have civilian ships and use something called translinear sensors.
This episode establishes that the Vulcan movement toward logic happened about 5,000 years ago.
The most interesting item we learn in this episode is the concept of the 'mind meld'. Although we have seen
mind melds performed in other Trek series, in this time period many Vulcans are not familiar with the concept
and the technique is even considered taboo to the ones that do.
It is also revealed that American football is still played in the 22nd Century. Pizza is also still popular and another
food favorite of Mr. Tucker’s.
And speaking of Trip, we learn that he attended Bayshore Elementary in Panama City, Florida and had a crush
on a Melissa Lyle. He also has a brother.
This episode's title carries a triple meaning. Not only is the name a comment about the melding of two minds, it
is a reference to the separate but similar Vulcan beliefs coming together. This is also the name of the jazz club
seen in T'Pol's dream memory where she experiences her first uncontrolled emotion. As she enters the
establishment, the doors are clearly marked "Fusion", something many fans may not have noticed.
We also have another mention of inaprovaline, which is again used as a stimulant.
Production Facts:
Robert Pine is a forty year television veteran with a resume of diverse roles in shows like Lost in Space,
Bonanza, Wild Wild West, Gunsmoke, Charlie’s Angels, Knight Rider, Dallas, ALF, Baywatch, Murder She Wrote
and 24. His most memorable role was that of Sgt. Joseph Getraer on the police drama CHiPs. He has also
guest starred on Star Trek: Voyager and Quantum Leap.
Even though the design is new, the set for the Vulcan ship makes use of several elements we have seen before.
The angled doorway used to represent Vulcan bridges since the episode “Breaking the Ice” makes an
appearance. We also see the domed control console built for the Xyrillian ship and the long copper and silver
Vulcan ceremonial artwork from Tuvok’s quarters.
The circular art deco grating, seen behind T’Pol in the Fusion Club, made its first appearance on Star Trek: Deep
Space Nine. It has been used several times since, most notable on the Sona ship in Star Trek: Insurrection.
Teleplay By: Phyllis Strong & Mike Sussman
Story By: Rick Berman & Brannon Braga
Directed By: Rob Hedden
GUEST CAST
Vaughn Armstrong Admiral Forrest
John Harrington Bland Kov
Enrique Murciano Tolaris
Robert Pine Tavin
Story By: Rick Berman & Brannon Braga
Directed By: Rob Hedden
GUEST CAST
Vaughn Armstrong Admiral Forrest
John Harrington Bland Kov
Enrique Murciano Tolaris
Robert Pine Tavin
| MAIN PAGE |
| SEASON 1 |
| APPENDIX |
| SEASON 2 |
| SEASON 3 |
| SEASON 4 |