Screen Comment by Alan Duncan Star Trek, The Next Generation: “The Host”

Gay Star Trek fans were assured in the early 90’s that Star Trek: TNG would be the incarnation of Trek that finally featured gay characters. Gene Roddenberry was ready to do it, and it was going to happen. Unfortunately, Mr Roddenberry didn’t live to see that day, and the possibility seemed to die with him. And with the apparently homophobic production team that assumed control, it was back to very occasional covert commentary on sexuality and gender issues, and not necessarily positive imagery at that.

One such example is the episode “The Host”. It concerns an Ambassador called Odan, who is being transported aboard the Enterprise to the Peliar Zel system to mediate a dispute between the inhabitants of Alpha and Beta moons over a new energy source.

It soon becomes apparent that Odan has fallen in love... with Dr. Beverley Crusher. It has been a whirlwind romance, but both seem very happy and certain of their feelings. But, when alone in his cabin, it seems as if there is something wrong with Odan's stomach, which is seen to pulsate and bulge, almost as if something was BREATHING within the walls of his abdomen.

Upon reaching their destination, Odan rejects the notion of being transported to the moon's surface. This seems slightly unusual in these days of common transporter usage, but he excuses this as a personal idiosyncrasy. He descends by shuttle... and is intercepted by a hostile ship which fires upon him.

Odan is injured in the attack, but he maintains his anti-transporter stance, even in an emergency: ”If you transport me, you will kill me!!” It is only once back aboard the Enterprise, when Dr Crusher has a chance to examine him, that they realise the extent of his injuries. Not only is his body fatally wounded, but there also appears to be a parasitic infection at work. For the first time, Beverley sees Odan's stomach pulsating, rising and falling, like a heart beat.

Odan is a member of a race called the Trill, and it is only now that he reveals to Beverly just what that means: the supposed parasitic infection is actually Odan, the symbiont. The body of the man she had fallen in love with, was merely a host. Odan stresses to her that, in order to survive, he must be moved to a new host body.

Will Riker steps forward as a temporary host until a permanent one can be sent by the Trill. Once inside Riker's body, Odan confirms his continuing love for Beverley. She is, of course, confused by her long time colleague speaking to her as the man who loves her. In her hour of soul searching, she turns to telepath Deanna Troi:

Dr. Crusher: “I loved Odan, I’m sure of it. I had no doubts, no fears, but what was it I loved? His eyes, his hands, his mouth, they’re gone. If that was all it was, I should mourn him and go on. But it was more than that. I felt completely free with him, unguarded, at ease with myself. There were so many things that made him special to me, but where are they? Are they still there, alive, in Riker?”

What was it she loved? What indeed? Was it Odan the person, or a physical manifestation that she loved? For the first time, Dr. Crusher is confronted with the possibility that the two aren’t mutually exclusive.

Dr. Crusher goes to see Odan/Riker. He makes it clear how he still feels about her. He also makes it clear that the implant in Riker's body is unstable and will not last. He will need to be implanted into a genuine host's body or Riker will die. He reassures her that he is still the Odan she loves, and she starts to see traits of her beloved showing through Riker's physical being. Their passion is rekindled; it seems that finally perhaps love really will transcend physical barriers!

Alas, the time comes for the transference of Odan from Riker's body to the new host. Odan is removed from Riker and kept in stasis until the new body arrives. Dr Crusher is advised of the arrival of the new host, and eagerly waits to see the new man that her Odan will become. To her horror, the new host arrives... a female host body.

Later, the new, female Odan comes to see Beverly in her office:

Odan: “Dr Beverly, could we talk for a moment?... My poor Beverley, this has been so hard for you. I want to thank you for your caring, for your standing by me... Yes, I am still Odan and I still love you and I cannot imagine that ever changing.”
Dr. Crusher: “I am glad that you’re all right.”
Odan: “Is there to be nothing more?”
Dr. Crusher: “Perhaps it is a human failing, but we are not accustomed to these kinds of changes. I can’t keep up. What would the next one be? I can’t live with that kind of uncertainty. Perhaps, someday, our ability to love won’t be so limited.”
Odan: “I understand.”
Dr. Crusher: “Odan, I do love you. Please remember that.”
Odan kisses Beverley’s hand.
Odan: “I will never forget you.”

So, the idea that Odan could remain in her life was not enough for Dr. Crusher. Her love for Odan could not transcend her need for social normalcy. It was interesting to note that Beverly was on the point of overcoming her uncertainties about Odan’s changes when he was housed in Riker’s body. However, once Odan was inside the new female form, Crusher suddenly felt there was a barrier which she could not overcome.

Some people call this episode homophobic, negative stereotyping. On some levels, maybe it is. But isn’t it a valid comment on reality?

As enlightened as we think we are, perhaps these “human failings” still pervade all of us, no matter what our persuasion. If faced with a situation like Crusher's, I’d like to think that we could look past such uncertainties and be satisfied with the devotion of a loving being, regardless of the external packaging.

For my part, I’m not yet 100 per cent certain that I could. Could you?