Cogenitor

While preparing the sensors to observe a hyper-giant that will be transformed in a supernova, the Enterprise makes first contact with the amicable and highly developed Vissians. The race of explorers is invited to visit the Enterprise and the crews exchange information about each civilization. Trip is intrigued about the third gender of the Vissians, necessary for their reproductive process, and Dr. Phlox explains that there are many races with more than two genders and T'Pol asks him to not interfere with the Vissian culture. When Trip finds that the Cogenitor, who does not have a name, is illiterate and treated like and object, has the same level of intelligence of the males and females of its race, he decides to secretly encourage it to learn how to read and expand its culture, tragically affecting the relationship between humans and Vissians.

"Cogenitor" is original, dramatic and tragic, and certainly the best episode of the Second Season up to now. The story is important to show that there are different cultures where the concepts of what seems to be right or wrong are different from the standards of others and must be respected, no matter in deep space or on Earth. In Brazil we have a saying that could be translated as follows: "the hell is full of people with good intentions". Trip seems to have learned the lesson through the most difficult way when he sees the consequences of his action. My vote is ten.

Title (Brazil): "Cogenitor"