Synopsis: The Enterprise plays host to two guests, Lwaxana Troi of Betazed and Dr. Timicin of Kaelon II.
In this episode, viewers can see two very different ways of being in the world, that of the extrovert and the introvert, and how both are equally valid.
In “Half a Life” the extremely extroverted mother of Counselor Deanna Troi, Lwaxana Troi comes aboard the Enterprise and considers it hers to do with what she will. Arriving separately is a scientist from Kaelon II, Dr. Timicin, who is trying to save his planet by reviving its dying sun. There is so little known about the race on Kaelon II, that this is virtually a first contact situation, although since Lwaxana Troi is not Starfleet, she feels no compulsion to behave slowly.
Lwaxana Troi is there when Timicin arrives and immediately takes a shine to him, projecting onto him her ideals of a perfect mate. Timicin, as an introvert, is far more cautious about his involvement with Lwaxana Troi, but it is obvious that he too is drawn to her, her vibrance and her love of life. However, Timicin harbors a truth that only he knows until he reveals it to Lwaxana Troi, that on his planet once an individual reaches the age of sixty, which he is just now becoming, they go through a Resolution Ceremony, basically an honor killing. This is the way his society has dealt with the problem of the growing frailty of old age.
Lwaxana Troi is outraged and wants Timicin to ignore his cultural mandate, and for a while he does request asylum aboard the Enterprise. He thought that he could continue his work to save his planet, but his planet did not want his help. He loves Lwaxana Troi, but he could not stop being himself. Lwaxana Troi, who loves him also, eventually accepts what Timicin must do, and she accompanies him to the planet, to witness the Resolution Ceremony. The extrovert and the introvert both respecting each other’s ways.
Original post created 17 September 2021
mydailysoultrek 