Episode #96: Half a Life
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Episode #96: Half a Life
HALF A LIFE episode #22 of 4th episode / Air Date: 5/6/91
written by Peter Allan Fields; Directed by Les Landau
There comes a point in the existence of most TV series (if they last long enough) that characters become familiar to the audience and a form of shorthand can be used in the writing; this can sometimes enhance the viewing experience. On TOS, this happened pretty quickly, about midway through the first season; it took longer with TNG - about 2 years/seasons. But, it did happen. So, when, at the very start of this episode, Troi's voice-over intones "My mother is on board," we 'hear' the ominous, dire tones; we need no further information. The next shot is that of Picard, looking about nervously.
But, this episode takes an unexpected turn in respect to Lwaxana Troi and the man she meets - Dr. Timicin (David Ogden Stiers). He's a scientist from a world where the sun is on the verge of failing in about 40 years. He's developed a process to possibly recharge the sun and the Enterprise assists by taking him to a 'test star' they found so that he can try his theories. In the meantime, Lwaxana is her usual man-hunting self; to both her and Timicin's surprise, they begin to get serious about one another. However, the worm turns - Lwaxana finds out that in Timicin's society, people commit suicide at age 60 in a ritual called 'The Resolution' - there are no exceptions. Timicin turns 60 in a few days.
This episode invites a lot of debate on the issue of becoming a burden to society when at a very elderly age vs. forcing everyone to end it at the same age to circumvent such a burden (Logan's Run-1976 had a similar if more extreme custom). It seems like an attack on those who favor euthanasia to avoid the burden placed on children of the elderly, but, in the end, Timicin doesn't change the status quo, suggesting that it works, whatever your personal feelings. I also view it as an extreme form of socialism, where everyone gets the equal 60 years; I would prefer it depended on the individual - 60 for some, 65 for others, 70 for others and so on.
I also find it hard to conceive of Timicin being the only one to get doubts as he passes age 59; tradition or no, there should always be some who balk at the last minute. In any case, Ogden Stiers' performance as Timicin elevates this episode - he is superb as the brilliant scientist who finds himself doubting his faith - a faith that many find as "obscene" - and, for a brief moment, is without a world and suddenly in love. It's a complex, thoughtful portrait - rare for series TV.
BoG's Score: 7.5 out of 10
TNG Trivia: actress Forbes impressed the producers with her one-scene role of Timicin's daughter and they offered her the role of Ro Laren in a future episode, Ensign Ro.
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