Episode Review: Breaking the Ice (Enterprise, Season 1)

For those who are new to my episode reviews, you can find the post where I establish my point criteria here

Overview – Archer and his crew discover an unusually large comet and decide to investigate and study it. While they are doing this, they make a recording to send back to an elementary school on Earth. When a Vulcan ship starts to tail the Enterprise, Archer becomes suspicious. When Trip intercepts a coded message from the Vulcans to T’Pol, he gets Hoshi to decode it, and in doing so he learns an unfortunate personal matter of hers. Malcolm and Travis are sent to retrieve some core samples from the comet, and soon find themselves in trouble. Now, Archer must decide whether he should ask the Vulcans for help or try to rescue his crewmen alone.

Score: 7/10 – I have to admit that I like this episode. It is by no means a heavy hitter, and though Reed and Mayweather are in peril on the comet, there is really no reason to fear for their well-being, so the threat level is relatively low here. What makes this episode interesting is the glimpse and insight into the characters that we are still coming to learn about. Keep in mind this was the next episode after the very tense introduction to Shran in “The Andorian Incident”, so taking things down a couple notches is fine. Almost every main character is given some added depth here. While it initially seems that Travis and Malcolm in trouble on the comet is the main story, it is quickly over-shadowed by the beginning of the Trip-T’Pol arc. There is humor and a touch of home that comes from the letter that the crew make for the elementary school in Kenmare, Ireland (which, if I may add, was a nice touch to not have it to a school in the USA). Vanik is a particularly unpleasant character, who seems to be bent on reinforcing Archer’s reasons to dislike Vulcans. He is dismissive, patronizing, and just plain rude. This makes it even more impactful when Archer is given a moment of truth as he is forced to swallow his pride for the sake of his stranded crewmen. Overall, this is a pleasant and light character-focused tale.

Relevance – 2 points. A point scored here for the first mention of Koss, who is T’Pol’s fiancée. Koss will go on to play a very significant role in T’Pol’s life and in the overall story. A second point is being scored for the beginning of the T’Pol/Tucker relationship. This is arguably the most compelling relationship that Enterprise has, and it all begins here. Interestingly enough, it is a piece of pecan pie that seems to be the catalyst, as Tucker suggest T’Pol try some for the sheer sake of enjoying food. The end scene where see that T’Pol takes him up on that offer seems to signal that something is in store for these two.

Continuity – 2 points. Character continuity is good here. Archer continues to feel that he has to prove himself to the Vulcans by going at a problem alone. T’Pol is understandably upset at Trip for reading her communique, and Trip is understandably remorseful for doing so. When Phlox is providing an answer to the school children, he is in full Phlox-form when he jumps in with the answer and goes off on lengthy response that Archer has to cut short. There is one little inconsistency that continues to not sit right with me. While Vulcans are said to not have a particular interest in things like comets, the comet is discovered to be rich in eisillium, a rare element. Why the Vulcans do not mention this during the remainder of the episode seems odd to me. I think that this would fall under the story continuity, and therefor I can keep universe continuity intact.

Character Development – 3 points. The fact that we begin the T’Pol/Tucker relationship by revealing that Trip is the only person to know about T’Pol’s arranged marriage. The whole misunderstanding about the encrypted message serves as a catalyst for these two. We also see some significant growth as Archer is forced to ask the Vulcans to help rescue Travis and Malcolm from the comet. This is not easy for Johnathan, and yet is an important first step in him eventually accepting that the Vulcans are going to be important allies in the future. As previously mentioned, almost everyone gets some attention here. Travis has hardly ever seen snow, and has a blast building a snowman (complete with pointy ears). Even Malcolm shows his lighter side by adding the nose as well as making a joke about the lack of symmetry in the hole they blast on the comet’s surface. If there is nothing else to be said about this episode, you can say that it is character-driven.

Social Commentary – 2 points. This part was a little tricky to nail down. I did think that there was something to be said about Tucker’s sincere remorse over reading T’Pol’s message, and with Archer having to ask for help from the Vulcans. T’Pol turned to Trip to discuss the things that were troubling her. All of these lead to a theme about having to take that first step in trusting someone. Trip betrayed the trust of T’Pol, and yet she still found it within herself to trust him in seeking advice. Archer had to take the proverbial leap of faith to trust the Vulcans, which led to the rescue of Mayweather and Reed.

Cool Stuff – 2 points. I loved the snowman. Yes, I said it, though no pun was intended by including a snowman in the “Cool Stuff” section. I thought that was such a cool little part of the story. I also am going to score a point for the scene where the crew is answering the questions to the elementary class. I love that scene. It adds some humanity to everyone involved, from Archer’s attempt to speak to children he cannot see, to Phlox’s enthusiasm about germs, to Tucker’s dismay at having to answer a “poop question”. It was really good stuff.

Rank – Captain (18 points). OK, so this episode is not the most exciting, the most humorous, the most intriguing, or the most complex story that Star Trek has ever done. Far from any of those, in fact. Yet, despite all of those, it still comes across as a very charming story. Everyone gets something significant or important to do or say (which is quite rare for an ensemble cast), and the story is woven together quite well. Sure, there are far stronger and wittier episodes, but “Breaking the Ice” can do just that with

If you would like to check out my other episode reviews for Enterprise, simply click here.

If you would like to read an episode review from any of the Trek series, click the following link to get to the series catalog. If the episode you want reviewed has not been done yet, then feel free to request it in the comments and I will see what I can do.

Episode Review - Home (Enterprise, Season 4)

For those who are new to my episode reviews, you can find the post where I establish my point criteria here.

Overview – Captain Archer and his crew finally reach home after successfully completing their mission to stop the Xindi from destroying Earth. As the crew are setting about relaxing and enjoying some much needed shore leave, they learn that the latest crisis has left Earth changed. In addition to that, T’Pol and Tucker travel to Vulcan together where T’Pol’s mother informs her daughter that the time to marry her fiancée is now. Each member of the crew seeks to adapt to the changes in their respective lives.

Score: 8/10 – Reminiscent of TNG’s episode “Family”, this episode takes the crew back to Earth to be debriefed and recuperate from overcoming the latest crisis. Several of the main characters each have their own story as they deal with the aftermath of the Xindi crisis. Archer is struggling with the emotional consequences of some of his decisions, and the toll of those choices reaches a breaking point when he snaps at Soval. T’Pol and Tucker must rectify their feelings for each other, but it does not end the way we may have expected it as T’Pol ends up marrying Koss with Trip witnessing the ceremony. As for the rest of the crew, an interesting story of xenophobia that has gripped Earth encircles them, focussing mostly on Phlox being the target of the hatred while Travis, Malcolm, and Hoshi support the good doctor. This almost should have been a two part episode to allow each of the stories to develop more, but what we are given is sufficient for our characters and is a nice break after the exhausting Xindi conflict. I found the xenophobic storyline to be the most interesting, and yet it received the least amount of air time. The good news is that its theme is picked up later in the season. It was nice that the T’Pol-Tucker story did not follow the typical “forbidden love” angle which would have had Tucker somehow stopping the wedding. The end part of that story leaves it open-ended for the time being, and it will also feature prominently in future storylines. With Archer, we are introduced to Captain Erica Hernadez, who is a nice potential love interest for Archer. She will show up again as well. Overall, this episode does a good job at changing gears of the show, finally putting the Xindi arc behind and moving forward with some interesting new ideas.

Relevance – 3 points. Obviously we bring closure to the Xindi conflict. In this episode it is revealed that 27 members of Archer’s crew died on that mission. We also see how many of the decisions that Archer made on that mission have been haunting him. Archer makes several references to episodes from the past three years, most notably “Impulse” where Archer had to destroy a Vulcan ship with all her crew. There is also the appearance of Koss, T’Pol’s fiancée who was mentioned in Season 1. Their storyline has more to be told. We also have the seeds sown of the xenophobic group called “Terra Prime” with the anti-alien sentiments that are witnessed by Phlox and the others. A lot of storylines are either continued or have the foundations established in this episode, making it important to see.

Continuity – 3 points. Story continuity and universe continuity are both good here. Character continuity is also good. I especially found Phlox’s response to the racism shown against him interesting. At first, I thought he would not have chosen to remain on the ship when invited to go for his beloved egg drop soup, but upon further reflection it makes sense. Phlox has always been one who would rather avoid making people upset, and while he will defend his patients with passion, he is less likely to make a scene on his own behalf.

Character Development – 3 points. A lot goes on here for our crew, with Archer, T’Pol, and Tucker seeing the most advancement. Archer gets to finally deal with all the negative emotions that have built up over the last season. T’Pol gets married, and Tucker finally admits that he has feelings for her. For both of them this episode is significant in their development. Even the other crew members get some attention. We see Phlox persecuted for being an alien, and then see him calmly withdraw internally. Mayweather and Reed defend him in a bar brawl, but Sato tries to comfort him emotionally. It showed how close these four had become throughout the series.

Social Commentary – 3 points. There are three stories here, and each carries its own message and/or commentary. Archer’s deals with the emotional toll of hard decisions and shows us that it is necessary for us to deal with these types of emotions as soon as it is expedient. T’Pol and Tucker deal with the forbidden love. If we are not true to our own feelings towards others, we may find that those we love may be forced to choose someone else. Finally, with Phlox’s tale, we have an extremely relevant message about the dangers of xenophobia. This, as mentioned previously, will come into full fruition in a later episode. Regardless of which, the warning against hating those who are different could not be more relevant than today.

Cool Stuff – 2 points. I have to score a point for Phlox’s defence face. That was one cool little surprise. I also want to score a point for the scenes on Vulcan and the rock-climbing that Archer and Hernadez were doing. It was some great views we able to witness.

Rank – Admiral (22 points). This episode may be lacking in some of the action that was prevalent in the two-part season opener and much of the previous season, but “Home” gives us a nice break. It advances most of the main characters and lays some important groundwork for the rest of the season.

If you would like to check out my other episode reviews for Enterprise, simply click here.

If you would like to read an episode review from any of the Trek series, click the following link to get to the series catalog. If the episode you want reviewed has not been done yet, then feel free to request it in the comments and I will see what I can do.

Episode Review - Unexpected (Enterprise, Season 1)

For those who are new to my episode reviews, you can find the post where I establish my point criteria here

Overview – The Enterprise is suddenly affected by a series of unexplained malfunctions, including loss of gravity. As they search for the cause of the problems, they discover a cloaked ship trailing the Enterprise. When they contact the ship, they meet the Xyrillians, an advanced alien species. They are using the plasma exhaust to help them power their ship so they can return home. Tucker agrees to go over to their ship to help them make repairs. While he is there, he befriends Ah’len, a female Xyrillian engineer, who shows him some of their technologies. During his encounter, Ah’len showed Tucker a game which connected them telepathically. After the Xyrillian ship was repaired, Tucker returns to Enterprise, having enjoyed his visit. Shortly after the Xyrillians leave, Tucker notices a strange growth on his arm. Phlox examines Tucker and announces that Tucker is pregnant. The Enterprise then tries to find their new friends to figure out what happened. When they find the Xyrillians following a Klingon ship, they must convince the Klingons to assist them without destroying their new friends.

Score: 7/10 – This episode is a nice way of giving the viewers an in-depth look at Tucker, plus give us some entertaining moments. As I re-read the overview I just wrote, I have to admit that I really do not do the episode justice. On paper, it looks like a bad comedy plotline, but it actually works very well. The story flows fairly well and while it may not be terribly ground-breaking it is a fun story. From the introduction we are given some moments that we often thought about in Star Trek. In this case, we not only see how they shower, but what happens when the gravity cuts out. It’s interesting to see a holodeck, and we cannot help but wonder if this is the inspiration for the holodecks we see in TNG or Discovery. There are some funny moments, although some of the jokes written in seem a bit stale and cliché (thinking specifically of the “When in Fellebia” line from Phlox and the Klingon captain, when on the Xyrillian holodeck looking at his homeworld, exclaims “I can see my house from here”). The concept of having Tucker be the one who gets pregnant (OK, technically he is a host to the developing embryo) is an interesting twist, especially since nothing sexual happens between him and Ah’len, or at least that is what it seems at the beginning. Connor Trineer does a great job at making the most out of pregnant Trip, showing typical mood swings common in pregnant women from a man’s perspective. The story doesn’t have a whole lot of real risk or threat to it, and when it is resolved it doesn’t seem to have a big send off, but the viewer is left with a sense of satisfaction of having been entertained.

Relevance – 3 points. One point scored for the reference to Archer’s experience on the Klingon home world during the pilot episode. They use his experience to convince the Klingons to cooperate with them. Of course, the pregnancy will be brought up again by T’Pol later in the season, adding fuel to the fire between these two characters. There is also the part in the mind reading sequence that has Trip retelling how Archer saved his life in the Omega training mission. This story was established in the previous episode, “Strange New World”.

Continuity – 3 points. Character continuity works here. Trip is his usual laid-back self, but when the situation starts to develop, his reaction is spot on. I also liked how T’Pol, as is typical for her early Season 1 self, is highly skeptical that Trip didn’t intentionally get romantically involved with Ah’len. Of course, there is also Phlox who is curious but unshaken by this medical anomaly. Storyline works out as well. Universe continuity is also kept intact here.

Character Development – 2 points. Naturally, this is a good Tucker episode, and it is the first one that really focuses on him in the series. Having said that, it really doesn’t do much to advance his character, but it is important to give him a solid introduction to the fans. Nobody else is heavily featured in the episode, and that’s OK. I did feel that Trip’s character became much more rounded out with this story, and it showcased Connor Trineer’s abilities as an actor.

Social Commentary – 1 point. Don’t put your hands in an alien bead game without wearing gloves. OK, seriously, there is not much to say in this episode, other than the importance of getting to know a different culture through experience and keeping an open-mind. Even though the story is fun, there is not much that it offers us as a glimpse into our own world.

Cool Stuff – 2 points. A point for finally (on television, at least) showing us what happens when the gravity goes out on the ship. I am also giving a point for the Xyrillians here. They have a sleek look and the episode shows us a great look into their culture. We learn a lot about them quickly, and it’s fascinating.

Rank – Captain (18 points). A fun story that takes a potentially hokey topic and turns it into a fun romp. A cool new alien species with some neat technology and some humorous moments. 

If you would like to check out my other episode reviews for Enterprise, simply click here.

If you would like to read an episode review from any of the Trek series, click the following link to get to the series catalog. If the episode you want reviewed has not been done yet, then feel free to request it in the comments and I will see what I can do.

Episode Review - The Forgotten (Enterprise, Season 3)

For those who are new to my episode reviews, you can find the post where I establish my point criteria here

Overview – The Enterprise is badly damaged after a devastating Xindi attack that has left over a dozen crew members dead. They have a meeting set up with Degra, the Xindi-Primate scientist who developed the weapon that attacked Earth, and Jannar, the Xindi-Arboreal Council member, hoping to convince them of the truth behind the Sphere builders. As they attempt to form an alliance with the Xindi representatives, Tucker must come to terms with a letter he is asked to write for a fallen comrade and the emotions it is causing him to experience.

Score: 8/10 – As we wind down the Xindi arc that comprises the third season, we are given this treat of an episode that starts tying up a lot of threads that have begun throughout the season. Of the many highlights in this episode, I particularly enjoyed the opening memorial that Archer holds for the fallen crewmembers. I also liked how the Enterprise is still badly banged up from the previous episodes. With the exception of “Year of Hell”, this is one of the complaints that fans had about Star Trek: Voyager that was remedied here. The ship has been through an almost literal hell, and they have not been able to make the necessary repairs between the last two episodes. Even the crew are still sooty and unkempt, giving the happenings of the last few epsidoes weight and significance. It is a nice attention to detail. We had some great development of several characters and the fractious Xindi council continues to splinter. Malcom Reed shows some of his grit by completing his assignment with extinguishing the plasma fire on the hull of the ship. Phlox gets to show the different ways that he can be supportive of his crewmates, ranging from a nurturing role with T’Pol to a more stern, tough-love approach with Tucker. Archer continues to show the strains of command from this difficult mission, while Tucker and T’Pol continue to sort through the psychological burdens that the mission has placed upon their shoulders. There is a good dose of action with the arrival of the Reptilian Xindi vessel, and we finally see some members of the Xindi Council begin to accept the truth of what Archer has been telling them. Most notably, Degra is showing his remorse for the weapon that he created, and takes the final step that begins his road to redemption by destroying the Reptilian vessel. Underlying all of this is a simple yet poignant story of Tucker having to write a letter to the family of one of his fallen crew, forcing him to acknowledge the grief he bears over the loss of his sister. In the end, we see that those that have fallen will not be forgotten, at least not in the minds of those who worked with them. Overall, a great episode.

Relevance – 3 points. Points are scored for T’Pol’s continuation struggles to deal with her trillium addiction, Tucker finally accepting the impact of his sister’s death, and finally for Degra destroying the Reptilian vessel with the hope that it will ensure that Enterprise can reach the Xindi council. The repercussions of this action will have a significant impact in upcoming episodes. There could also have been points scored for the reference to the episode “Carpenter Street” when Archer shows Degra and Jannar the bodies of the Reptilian Windi they found and killed in 2004, and to the crewmen killed in an earlier episode as “The Forgotten” begins with their memorial.

Continuity – 3 points. For character continuity, everything checks out. A lot of people seem to try to ignore orders, from Reed’s refusal to stop his work with the plasma fire as his EVA suit reaches dangerous levels, to Tucker bargaining down Phlox’s order to get some sleep so that he can keep the ship together all fit with their characters. Story wise things also check out, especially the fact the Enterprise is still heavily damaged. If not for Degra’s assistance, the Reptilians would have finished them off for good. Universe continuity also checks out here.

Character Development – 3 points. I at first thought that this show would do more to develop Archer’s character, and maybe T’Pol, but it soon becomes apparent that it is Trip that gets the most attention. His order to write the letter to crewman Taylor’s family weighs heavy on him, and it is a catalyst that forces him to accept that he is feeling conflicted for mourning the death of his sister Elisabeth more than the other 7 million people killed in the Xindi attack. This also leads to some significant development for T’Pol as she bonds with Tucker over this. Archer also gets some significant growth as he continues to address the desperation of their situation. Phlox and Reed get some good moments as well (and of course, Hoshi and Travis are given some token lines, but that’s about it).

Social Commentary – 2 points. Coping with the tragedies of our lives, looking for internal healing, or remembering the forgotten. Any of these themes can apply to this episode. We tend to take the loss of loved ones harder than the loss of complete strangers, and sometimes we feel guilt over this fact. We recognize that all lives matter, but we feel that by feeling the loss of those we knew more keenly than the loss of strangers that we have somehow failed. I think the point that Trip came to in that it was fine to grieve his sister more than to grieve the other millions of lives that were lost is one we can all acknowledge. Yes, he knew that Elizabeth was no more important than any other life lost, but she was more important to him.

Cool Stuff – 2 points. A point is scored here for the plasma fire and the hull walk needed to fix it. I also score a point here for the first appearance of Seth MacFarlane as an engineer that Tucker berates. MacFarlane, who is best known for creating the animated show “The Family Guy” (and, this fall, Trek-like “The Orville” which appears to be a parody/homage to Star Trek) is a huge Star Trek fan. While his humor tends to lean more to the raunchy side of things, I almost always appreciated his Trek references in his work. At a convention several years ago, Connor Trineer admitted that when Seth was on the show, he had no idea who he was or what Family Guy was. When he realised how big MacFarlane was, Connor thought that maybe Trip shouldn’t have yelled at him so much.

Rank – Admiral (21 points). This episode gives us necessary plot movement to advance the story that arches across the season while delving into the human condition that deals with loss and tragedy. Some fine acting gets us set up for a solid end to this year-long adventure. 

If you would like to check out my other episode reviews for Enterprise, simply click here.

If you would like to read an episode review from any of the Trek series, click the following link to get to the series catalog. If the episode you want reviewed has not been done yet, then feel free to request it in the comments and I will see what I can do.

Episode Review – Observer Effect (Enterprise, Season 4)

For those who are new to my episode reviews, you can find the post where I establish my point criteria here

Overview – Hoshi and Tucker are suffering from a mysterious illness. While the crew work towards finding a cure, different crew members find are possessed by a pair of observers who belong to the race of Organians. The Organians discuss the reaction of the crew as they study humans.

Reed and Mayweather possessed by the Organian observers

Score: 8/10 – There are few episodes in the fourth season of Enterprise that are truly stand-alone episodes, and this is one of them. It takes a familiar theme (aliens possessing the crew) and adds a new dimension to it (observing their actions in a crisis). In a way, it reminds me of “Encounter at Farpoint”, where Q puts Picard and his crew on trial for the crimes of humanity. While the Organians are trying to see if humans are intelligent enough to merit contact, and watching how they react to a silicon-based virus found on an abandoned planet is the test they use. Starting with Reed and Mayweather, two Organians jump from one pair of crewmembers to the next as they discuss the progress of the crew. There are a few instances when it is a surprise that the Organians are in particular crew members. This is a very rare episode in that there are no credited guest stars, so all of the crew get a lot of screen time. No special effects are needed, and almost everything happens on the ship. It is the story that drives the episode, and the story is good. There is even a surprise twist when Hoshi and Trip both die from the illness, putting them in elite company of crew members who have officially died and then returned to life.

Trip and Hoshi waiting in quarantine

Relevance - 2 points. With the Organians being the main aliens, they are definitely a tie-in (or would that be lead-in?) to the episode “Errand of Mercy”, even establishing that the Organians had originally planned to make first contact with the Federation several thousand years later than what actually happened. Another point is scored for the first reference of the Cardassians, who as of Enterprise had not been mentioned.

Archer and Phlox reassure Hoshi that they are working on a cure

Continuity - 2 points. While character continuity easily scores a point, the other two criteria are a little dicier. Some may argue that story continuity should not be counted as the Organians plan on making first contact 5000 years from now, and in the timeline they meet about a century later with Kirk. All things considered, I can let that one slide. They do wipe the crew’s memories of what happened, so in the eyes of Kirk their meeting will be the first contact. Where I will deduct a point is for universe continuity. As a science teacher, I have always enjoyed how science is attempted to be maintained in Star Trek. This episode has a big flaw. In the episode Tucker and Sato are infected by a silicon-based virus. There is no way that humans, being carbon-based life forms, would be affected, let alone threatened, by such a virus.

One of the observers thinks the protocol needs to change

Character Development – 2 points. With all main characters getting some significant screen time, it is a bit of a challenge to identify which characters receive significant development. Malcolm and Travis actually get very little, as most of their performances are when they are possessed by the Organian observers. Hoshi and Trip, on the other hand, have to deal with the prospects of dying. Hoshi shows aptitude with math in breaking out of quarantine, even in a delirious state. She also shows some regret at not being able to say good-bye to her students at the start of Season 1. Trip seems to face his imminent death head on, only showing frustration that the best he can do is wait for other people to find a cure. T’Pol and Phlox work at finding a way to save their crewmates, and Phlox especially gets some good dialogue in with the Organians when he discovers what is actually happening. It is Archer that really gets some good moments here as he addresses the Organians and pleads to their sense of compassion. His passion is full tilt, as always, and he is able to appeal to the Organians to reconsider their “non-interference” protocol. If the future episode “Errand of Mercy” is any indication, Captain Archer leaves a lasting impact on the Organians.

Hoshi and Trip are possessed by the Organians

Social Commentary – 2 points. How do we judge the actions of others? That seems to be the underlying question in this episode. The Organians obviously find something in the humans. As they attempt to see how Archer and his crew treat those that were infected with the silicon virus, they start to question their criteria for worthiness. I particularly liked the line of Archer when he tells the Organians that if they want to understand humans, they should try to be like them and show some compassion. These days trying to see through the eyes of those who are different than us is sage advice indeed.

Archer about to lay Hoshi to rest

Cool Stuff – 1 point. Definitely scores a point for Organians and the Cardassian mention. Aside from that, there is not much else about this episode that is “cool”, but in this case it does not mean that this is by far a bad episode.

Discussing humans over a game of chess

Rank – Captain (17 points). I quite enjoyed this episode, even if it is somewhat predictable. In order to make the story work, a non-corporeal species was needed, and I liked how they tapped into the Organians to do this. They were able to work around the fact that Kirk and the Federation had no prior knowledge of the Organians with the memory-wiping bit, but that’s good for continuity. Definitely an episode that showcases the growth in Enterprise’s fourth and final season.

Hoshi escapes quarantine