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It's been a long time since I have seen the episode, but why doesn't Lon Suder, Casual Killer have Telepathy?

The Prefect wrote: ↑Sat Sep 19, 2020 4:26 pm It's been a long time since I have seen the episode, but why doesn't Lon Suder, Casual Killer have Telepathy?

He's Betazoid.

I believe that it's noted that Suder, despite being Betazoid, lacks any form of empathic or telepathic abilities. His 1E card notes that he's "unable to sense even his own emotions".

It's suggested, but never outright confirmed, that this is at least partially why he has sociopathic tendencies. Basically, he's unable to see other people as real.

This interpretation also relies on the TNG episode "The Loss", in which Troi loses her Empathy and proclaims at one point that without it, even Riker feels like an empty projection with no more reality to her than a Holodeck character.

Naetor wrote: ↑Sat Sep 19, 2020 4:53 pm

The Prefect wrote: ↑Sat Sep 19, 2020 4:26 pm It's been a long time since I have seen the episode, but why doesn't Lon Suder, Casual Killer have Telepathy?

He's Betazoid.

Yes. That's why thought he should have it. To the best of my knowledge, he's the only one who doesn't.

Boffo97 wrote: ↑Sat Sep 19, 2020 5:14 pm I believe that it's noted that Suder, despite being Betazoid, lacks any form of empathic or telepathic abilities. His 1E card notes that he's "unable to sense even his own emotions".

It's suggested, but never outright confirmed, that this is at least partially why he has sociopathic tendencies. Basically, he's unable to see other people as real.

This interpretation also relies on the TNG episode "The Loss", in which Troi loses her Empathy and proclaims at one point that without it, even Riker feels like an empty projection with no more reality to her than a Holodeck character.

Okay. I don't remember that specifically but that reasoning makes sense.

The exact line comes from the episode Meld:

"Most Betazoids can sense other people's emotions. I can't even sense my own."

GooeyChewie wrote: ↑Sat Sep 19, 2020 9:55 pm The exact line comes from the episode Meld:

"Most Betazoids can sense other people's emotions. I can't even sense my own."

That's a great line! Would have made for good lore...