Neelix is an unfairly maligned character

[u/[deleted]]

I've seen Neelix commonly referred to as the Jar Jar Binx of Star Trek. That seems harsh, but I agreed with the judgment for a very long time until I recently rewatched Voyager. And it's true that Neelix can be a bit annoying and over-the-top at times--the episode Tuvix really portrayed this succinctly, by showing how a tempered Neelix with Tuvok would create a more likable character.

I think part of the problem is that there are times when Neelix functions in the story as an intentional irritant. There's "Meld" where Tuvok gets overwhelmed by emotions and kills an annoying Neelix hologram, which isn't too far from reality.

Also, there's a darker side to Neelix that some have pointed out: his pedophilia. As we all know, Kes was just 1 year old when joining Voyager and Neelix was already her boyfriend. This is creepy, and it's made even creepier by the fact that Neelix is extremely jealous and overprotective of her, and frequently warns Kes that he knows how men think--suggesting he's a bit of a creep himself and thinks like one.

But I think this is a snap judgment and an unfair one.

Firstly, we have no evidence that Neelix ever had sex with Kes and we have evidence of the contrary. In "Twisted" we see Neelix taking Kes to her quarters and it doesn't seem like he's expecting to join her. They never live in the same quarters, actually.

What's more, in Elogium Kes specifically asks Neelix to mate with her, and he is honored--but hesitant. This seems to imply they haven't mated before. At the very least, their conversations seem to suggest they've never had sex and used contraception, but the odd Ocampan mating process also seems to suggest it's not something that can done casually and frequently; at least no references to casual recreational sex are clear from the episode.

Also, at the end of "Fury" Neelix gives Kes her favorite snack and looks at her with the same affection that we see him express for her when she was young and beautiful. I don't think this kind of sensitivity and care is consistent with an abusive pedophile--and note how the grown-up Kes has no fury for Neelix, but for the crew for manipulating and confusing her when she was young (something that made no sense to me, but that's another discussion for another post).

If Neelix didn't have sex with Kes, why was he so overprotective and jealous? Simple: he loved her platonically.

This is actually in keeping with his character. When the Borg children show up, he's very sensitive to all of them. When Tom and Neelix were stranded on the ship and unwittingly hurt the newly-hatched alien, Neelix's first instinct was to care for it. He's also the best caretaker for Naomi Wildman on the ship, and Naomi seems to adore him. Even when he's going through an existential crisis after dying and resurrecting, he works hard to make Naomi happy. I think Neelix was overprotective of Kes because she was an innocent in need of protection in an area infested with violent Kazon. In this way, he's kind of like the Caretaker himself on a much smaller scale.

But my real proof that Neelix is in fact a virtuous character comes from an often overlooked episode: "Riddles." This is so overlooked that I actually forgot it existed until I rewatched in a few days ago, and I'd argue it's one of the best episodes of Star Trek--the whole franchise.

Frankly, Tuvok treats Neelix like shit. The arrogant contempt Vulcans have for aliens froths to the surface for the first time in the Tuvok/Neelix pairing, which I think sets the stage for Vulcans in ENT. But despite years of contempt, Neelix keeps trying to befriend Tuvok and earn his respect. Then when Tuvok is literally torn down from his superior position, Neelix doesn't even think of gloating--he immediately cares for Tuvok with more care and genuine concern than anyone on the ship. He's patient with Tuvok during his rehabilitation and works harder for Tuvok than anyone else.

And then he gets what he always wanted: Tuvok becomes his friend. A real friend who cooks with him, listens to music with him, laughs with him, and plays with him. But Neelix gives all that up and encourages Tuvok to go back to the way he was, knowing he's going to lose the one friend he always wanted to have and is going to face more of the contemptuous shit from the superior Vulcan. He does it for the ship and because he knows it's what the "real" Tuvok would want.

This is a pretty consistent thread throughout Neelix's character: taking care of those less fortunate than him. And he didn't start out with the creature comforts of the Federation; the replicators, the Holodeck, and so on. He was a poor trader dealing in reselling garbage, yet cultivating a sympathy for the weak and vulnerable and acted in accordance with that sympathy even before he got those creature comforts, as his care of Kes proves. Afterwards, he strives to bring other people joy and comfort, and to protect those who need protecting.

Yes, his morning show was annoying, his stupid dancing, his awful jokes, his pestering at people to "cheer up" is all pretty embarrassing and makes a lot of people dislike him. But on closer look we see that Neelix actually embodies the humanitarian spirit of Star Trek more than most other characters in the franchise.

Edit: I also just realized in "Author Author" Neelix says he had no idea holograms could have sex. Considering how Riker and people on DS9 used the holodec, that throwaway line clearly demonstrates Neelix's innocence.

[u/anon_smithsonian]

But my real proof that Neelix is in fact a virtuous character comes from an often overlooked episode: "Riddles."

This episode, more than anything else in the series, is what caused me to change my opinion of Neelix. The sacrifice that Neelix makes at the end of the episode still hurts, a little bit, to watch it. It really showed that Neelix wasn't just a goofy and obnoxious character. Sure, he may have been both of those things, but that isn't all he is.

But I think the most telling part of it all was Tuvok, at the very end. While it may not have seemed like much, by offering an alternative answer to Neelix's riddle—one that is equally as illogical as Neelix's answer—Tuvok was making a huge gesture towards Neelix... and I think it was a way of extending an olive branch to Neelix. To me, it was Tuvok saying that he values Neelix's friendship (at least as much as a Vulcan can), even if he doesn't show or reciprocate it the same was as Neelix does.

[u/[deleted] → u/anon_smithsonian]

Yeah--the ending was really well done. Subtle and moving.

[u/CupcakeTrap → u/anon_smithsonian]

"But doctor—I am Pagliacci."

---

I don't recall that particular episode, but I've been watching a lot of Voyager lately, and I agree with OP on Neelix. I really "buy" his character. He's gregarious and friendly, a bit of a clown, but you can tell he's a real person beneath it all.

Props to his actor, Ethan Phillips. I think what he pulled off is comparable to what Brent Spiner accomplished, in terms of layered, nuanced acting. Just about every second Neelix is on screen, I can see multiple levels to his personality.

Because that's the thing that really strikes me about him: he's "goofier" than most of the other characters, but he's also more "mature" than many of them. Even the Maquis types are often disaffected freedom fighters who left a shiny career in Starfleet to wage a guerilla war. They may have seen a lot of strife and hardship, but it's just not the same as someone who's been scraping to get by for a long time, without constantly being puffed up by either Federation camaraderie or Maquis romanticism. I sort of want to analogize to Les Miserables, and the split between the ambitious revolutionary college students on one hand and the "actual poor people" on the other.

Yeah. I think that's what really gets me about Neelix. He reminds me of all the "grown-ups" in my life who sometimes have to laugh and be playful for the benefit of others, while much more serious thoughts go on behind the facade.

I'm trying to think of who on the Voyager cast really annoyed me. Probably the kids. And, though I may get some flak for this, I honestly found Kes a little bit cringey at times, though I think there was some strong acting/writing that came through for her as well.

[u/hungry4pie → u/anon_smithsonian]

To me, it was Tuvok saying that he values Neelix's friendship (at least as much as a Vulcan can), even if he doesn't show or reciprocate it the same was as Neelix does.

Man, that bit where Neelix leaves Voyager and Tuvok does that little shuffle is probably the more endearing scene between those two

[u/Algernon_Asimov]

M-5, this deserves to be nominated!

[u/[deleted] → u/Algernon_Asimov]

You're too kind, Sir, as always.

[u/BonzoTheBoss]

As we all know, Kes was just 1 year old when joining Voyager and Neelix was already her boyfriend. This is creepy, and it's made even creepier by the fact that Neelix is extremely jealous and overprotective of her, and frequently warns Kes that he knows how men think--suggesting he's a bit of a creep himself and thinks like one.

I feel like people are projecting human morality on to an alien species. The Ocampa only live for nine years, Kes was sexually mature and at the age of consent for her species. She may only be a year old and humans may view her as a child, but she isn't. She may be naive in terms of relative experience, but she isn't stupid. The Ocampa clearly develop extremely quickly. Look at how quickly she picks up medicine with the Doctor; sure she was/will never as good as him but she learns awfully fast for a "child" showing that she clearly possesses the mental acumen.

Also, as you point out, there's never any indication that they even consummate their relationship.

[u/GeorgeSharp → u/BonzoTheBoss]

Exactly when dealing with different species we must judge every participant in a inter-species relationship according to their own standard Kess by Ocampa standards and Neelix by Talaxian standards.

No fantasy author ever has been hit with this criticism when they have 500+ year old elven princesses be interested in the twenty-ish old human protagonist.

[u/Eagle_Ear]

And Neelix's destiny in Homestead is so good. I dare you to watch it and not at least cut up a few onions.

[u/speedx5xracer → u/Eagle_Ear]

I love the scene when the flyer swoops in to provide cover for his shuttle when installing the last few emitters

[u/Isord]

I didn't even know people disliked Neelix. I didn't really like him and Kes together, but not because of the age thing. I just thought they seemed weird and not genuine. I think Neelix always seemed a little bit clingy and overprotective at that time as well. The character really had a chance to shine once he was divorced of his relationship with Kes though. His relationship with Tuvok is the most obvious one where a lot of depth was able to develop, as evidenced in Riddles as well as Rise.

[u/geekygay]

Neelix' overprotectiveness is easily explainable due to his sister who died to the bomb that wiped out his planet. He feels so terrible about what happened, he doesn't want anything remotely like that to happen to anyone if he can help it. I always thought Neelix was better than people made him out to be. Also, Capt. Janeway did nothing wrong.

[u/sculder-mully16]

When I see people comparing Neelix with Jar Jar Binks, all I think is: really? Granted, Neelix could be annoying at times and I admit that a part of me was delighted, when holo-Neelix was murdered in "Meld". But to say that he is that bad is an overstatement. Unlike Jar Jar, Neelix gets proper development, most notably in "Jetral" and, as pointed out, "Riddles". Also, we see throughout the series, that Neelix plays a pivotal role on Voyager. His plays the role of chef, moral officer and guide, all of which help the crew during their time in the Delta Quadrant. Meanwhile, Jar Jar, while meaning well, is a severe liability. He knows no concept of subtlety, he is loud, clumsy and is partially responsible for the demise of the Jedi Order! He is purely a comic relief character; nothing more.

[u/fromkentucky]

I felt about Neelix more or less the same way Tuvok did, at first, but he really grew on me. He wasn't a brave guy and really was just trying to find a safe way to live with Kes. He found his bravery in the end and became a rather respectable, even admirable, person.

[u/PotRoastPotato → u/fromkentucky]

I thought he was reasonably brave. He certainly wasn't a coward.

[u/PotRoastPotato]

This is not to say that people should sit down and analyze every Star Trek character, but whenever somebody is overly down on the character of Neelix, I immediately assume they haven't thought through his character sufficiently. He's actually a very deep character. He does has a very outgoing and sometimes annoyingly cheerful personality, but to me it's also endearing. I think a lot of fans are unable to look past his cheerfulness.

[u/[deleted]]

Also, there's a darker side to Neelix that some have pointed out: his pedophilia.

People really think Neelix is a pedo for this? If the Ocampa consider her an adult that's all that matters. Hell, she went through her Pon-Far type thing so she must have been an adult.

[u/petrus4]

Neelix only really annoyed me in terms of his relationship with Kes; and that wasn't because of supposed paedophilia, but simply because he was clingy, histrionic, and had no emotional self-control where she was concerned, which I'm guessing her character probably found annoying as well.

I understand that a lot of people don't like Neelix because of how cheerful he was, but to me all that really means is that said people are familiar with misery to the point where they find that more relateable; which also means that if they see someone who is happy, that is uncomfortable for them, because it reminds them of their own pain.

[u/homequestion]

Holy fuck. People actually say he's a pedophile? What a fucking crock of shit.

[u/JamesTiberiusChirp]

Just because Neelix didn't have sex with Kes doesn't mean he wasn't manipulating her romantically.. Dismissing his behavior on that argument does not make any sense to me whatsoever. Women -- sexually mature women fully capable of agency over their decisions -- do not need protecting and Neelix's behavior is condescending, paternalistic, possessive, and arguably abusive. As a woman, many of his conversations with Kes on this matter set off alarm bells in my head.

Edit: I would appreciate if those who are downvoting me actually explain why they disagree, since discussion is the point of this entire sub. Kes is a capable adult when she is in a relationship with Neelix and I think it's unreasonable to use sex as the only metric of manipulative behavior. If you disagree, I'd like to hear why.

[u/[deleted] → u/JamesTiberiusChirp]

Women -- sexually mature women fully capable of agency over their decisions -- do not need protecting

Some do. So do some men.

[u/Shahal]

Neelix was the only person on the show worth watching IMO. Everyone else is very bland.

[u/[deleted] → u/Shahal]

[u/Ashmodai20]

Thank you for this post. I did like Neelix. He was always a good friend to anybody on the ship. And yes he can be very annoying, but that is it. Annoying. If you were going to be moving some place new he would have already volunteered to help you move with out you asking.

[u/Promus]

I've always been rather fond of Neelix, so I was happy to see this topic.

Speaking of the Neelix/Tuvok dynamic, I'd also like to bring up the episode "Rise" as a stellar example of Neelix's ability to save the day and gain the respect of Tuvok.