The GOOD
NX-01 and Crew This is a beautiful ship, befitting of the name. Just the right amount of tech to depict its place in the timeline (circa 2151). Visualisations inside and out take full advantage of advancements in CGI at the time of production, though I will concede are more primitive by today’s standards. The crew is a solid crew, with special recognition going to whoever cast Scott Bakula in the lead role of Captain Archer. I’m a huge fan of his work on ‘Quantum Leap’, having watched re-runs right the way throughout the 90s. The jumpsuit uniforms are great and plug the gap between early manned sol exploration and the more colourful uniforms we’re accustomed to in TOS and later series.
Captain Archers Quarters I thought the Captains quarters was a nice touch. Nothing special or over-the-top. Just enough space to provide a home away from the bridge for himself and Porthos, decorated with a few keepsakes from home. Which leads me to my next point.
Porthos I think dogs are one of the greatest gifts to humankind. They’re amazing! I’ve shared my life with dogs for well over 20 years and I cannot imagine my life without them. To see a dog on the Enterprise fills my heart with joy (regardless of how dangerous and reckless it might be to take one on your first adventures into the unknown).
Humanity I loved watching humans be humans. Their distrust and anger towards a race (Vulcans) that have kept them caged at home for so long. Their eagerness to go it alone. The way they compare others by human standards (there’s a great moment in this episode where Trip challenges an alien mother weaning child onto Oxygen, mistaking the act for one of punishment). All of this makes me feel that Enterprise is set a little closer to present times. Before a degree of refinement, universal acceptance and General Order One.
The BAD
Vulcan Arrogance Let me start by saying that Vulcans are one of my favourite races in Star Trek. To coin a phrase, I find the concept of a civilisation evolving to control their emotions ‘fascinating’. While I find little wrong with the idea that Vulcans would put a leash on humankind after First Contact, I found the Vulcans in this episode lacked an air of controlled emotionless superiority, instead displaying an air of uncharacteristic emotional arrogance. Depicted perfectly in a scene early on between Captain Archer and Ambassador Soval at Starfleet Medical.
Temporal Cold War I wasn’t a fan of the Temporal Cold War when I first watched Enterprise and I still feel the same way about it now. In my opinion its too big a concept to introduce into a franchise with five series and ten movies already under its belt, with no prior mention.
Decontamination The scenes between Trip and T’Pol in the decontamination chamber are filmed in such a provocatively sexual way. While I don’t have any issues with scenes filmed in this way per se, I do have an issue when it contributes absolutely nothing to the story. I felt this was shot for affect only. A talking point to grab potential headlines. I guess it did the job, ironically.
The INDIFFERENT
Suliban I have mixed feelings about the Suliban. While they’re pivotal in the above mentioned Temporal Cold War storyarc (which did I mention I hate), I do like that a new race is brought to the forefront in Enterprise. Would I have introduced them in the premiere though? Probably not. I’d have kept them back for later episodes, adding an air of mystery to them that builds to some sort of climax.
Klingons The look of the Klingons is such a controversial topic of discussion throughout the entire franchise. I neither like or dislike their appearance at this point in the franchise. When I get around to reviewing Discovery, thats when I’ll share some opinions.
Theme Tune & Intro The same goes for the other controversial topic of Enterprise discussion, the intro and theme tune. Does it set my world on fire? Not in the slightest. Does it make my blood boil? Absolutely not.
In conclusion I give this episode a rating of TREK, a 5/10. Remember theres only ever TREK, GOOD TREK and GREAT TREK. This episode has a lot that’s good about it, but it does introduce the Temporal Cold War. Thankfully there’s plenty of good and great Trek yet to come.
Feel free to agree or diasgree with me on Twitter.
