Lower Decks: Samanthan Rutherford opens questions of the self and the physical nature of the mind
As a long-time Trekkie with a penchant for philosophical ponderings, I find Samanthan Rutherford to be a captivating character that embodies both humor and ethical depth in the universe of Star Trek: Lower Decks. The way his cybernetic implant shapes and alters his personality, memories, and very essence as a sentient being is nothing short of intriguing.
As a devoted Star Trek fan, I can’t help but reflect on the intriguing theme of cyborgs that the series often explores. The Borg, typically seen as antagonists, are one of the clearest examples of this. However, there are also instances where cybernetic technology serves a more positive purpose, like Geordi La Forge’s VISOR, which enhances his vision. In the latest spin-off, Lower Decks, Samanthan Rutherford’s personal experience with cybernetic implants presents a nuanced perspective on this topic.
In the series Star Trek: Lower Decks, we first encounter Rutherford (Eugene Cordero) as a lively, optimistic Ensign. Despite this sunny disposition, he expresses concerns over his latest Vulcan cybernetic implant as it seems to dampen his emotions. Fortunately, a minor tweak resolves this problem, paving the way for numerous comedic scenes where tinkering with Rutherford’s implant results in changes to his personality.
Although Rutherford’s adaptable character, often portrayed humorously, may seem harmless, there is an eerie undertone to it as well. This becomes especially clear when it’s disclosed that Rutherford’s cybernetic implant was covertly inserted, with the intention of controlling and erasing memories related to the clandestine Texas-class AI starship project.
Besides altering Rutherford’s recollections, this process also transformed his character. Originally, Rutherford was known for being aggressive and hostile instead of cheerful and amiable. This raises a query: Which version of Rutherford is authentic? This question, in turn, brings up the broader question about what truly defines each one of us.
Instead of viewing our inner selves as detached entities apart from our physical bodies, substantial proof suggests that our reality isn’t a case of mind triumphing over matter, but rather our minds are an expression or manifestation of the very matter that forms us.
As a gamer, I might put it this way: Just like Phineas Gage, whose life took a drastic turn following major damage to his frontal lobe (gaming equivalent: losing my character’s stats due to a glitch), some folks resort to beta blockers for managing temporary stress. Unlike other solutions, these pills don’t directly affect the brain but rather slow down my heart rate (think of it as reducing my gaming controller’s sensitivity). This helps break the loop of my body’s response to stress, making it easier for me to focus on the game (or real-life challenges) ahead.
In a futuristic, Star Trek-esque setting, Rutherford’s cyborg enhancement significantly molds his identity across multiple aspects. This technological integration poses risks to his long-term recollections, suppresses his emotions, and transforms his character most profoundly.
The significant change in Rutherford’s personality following the implant raises ethical concerns, as it seems questionable to alter someone so fundamentally. The fact that the implant was imposed without necessity only intensifies these doubts. While we may find the changed Rutherford more appealing due to his improved demeanor and kindness, is it morally correct to have replaced the “unpleasant” Rutherford in this way?
This question recalls classic Star Trek episodes like “Life Support” (DS9) and “Tuvix” (VOY), which delve into the essence of identity. These ethical quandaries are a hallmark of Star Trek, even if they don’t always provide definitive answers or resolutions. Instead, they provoke us to ponder these questions.
Regrettably, since Lower Decks is primarily a comedy, ethical questions are only vaguely addressed or resolved in a superficial manner. After his extensive character development, Rutherford essentially remains the same character as at the beginning of the series, and viewers are expected to accept this, likely due to him being portrayed as a kinder version of his original self.
As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but ponder the intrigue of delving into the complexities of the human mind within the expansive universe of Star Trek. If only there was a character like Samanthan Rutherford who could serve as a gateway to such an exploration, especially in a series that tackles ethical dilemmas head-on. Such a narrative would not only be entertaining but also enlightening, shedding light on the profound relationship between self and brain.
It seems unlikely that we’ll delve deeper into Rutherford’s character in Season 5, which is unfortunate. He had potential to offer unique insights on identity and self-discovery, something other Lower Decks characters haven’t quite managed. Instead, he often serves as a provider of cyborg humor. Among the main characters in Lower Decks, I find Rutherford’s character development the most underwhelming.
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2024-10-19 20:23