Enterprise 05-21-03 (Season Finale)

[John Crichton]

Well, that was interesting. I wanted a second hour. Honestly, most of that Technobabble, I just ignore. However they want to use it in the plot is fine by me as long as they don't overuse it (like they did with 7's Borg implants in VOY).

Not perfect but there were flashes of brilliance in there. Much has already been said about what was good and bad so I'll just say that I read an article (on IGN I think) about Enterprise taking a page from Farscape's book. While I don't really see it, taking it in that direction is fine by me. I'd like to see some more character growth next season between some key characters:

- Malcolm & Trip: Their dynamic was a little strained in this ep. Trip was a little out of character with his rage but I blame that on the short episode. I wanted to see more. His character should grow from this. Malcolm (and Archer) should be forced to calm him down at many points making for some interesting moments.

- Archer & T'Pol: I have no problem with them having a Kirk/Spock relationship. Just do it well.

- T'pol & Phlox: Already solid. He keeps her grounded I think.

Hoshi & Everyone: Okay, she has been seriously ignored the later half of Season 2. Give this woman more to do! I think the communications officer will be just as vital as the extra security forces in the upcoming eps. Maybe she can develop a friendship or something with one of the military grunts that has been put on the ship.

- Archer & Trip: They are obviously buddies and have been for a while. Archer will put up with alot from him, moreso than other ship member but he also expects more from him. I would like to see the 2 of them have to experience more together. Bring in another character to create a better thinktank that is better than just Archer bouncing ideas off everyone (T'pol?) and going from his guts.

- A character to stir the pot: One of those military types would be a perfect candidate. It would divide Malcolm a bit and add some spice to things.

I would also like to see more character backgrounds and flashbacks. I loved how Archer & Trip became friends. It's also a damn shame that Archer's old rival had to die as he was a solid character. I'd love to see how Archer and Hoshi came to know each other as they obviously knew each other from before the first Enterprise mission.

And finally, I hope they don't botch the obviously approaching field commission that Archer will award T'Pol. Either don't show it or do it with some pride & flare as it will be a big first for Starfleet. And please God I hope they make the Xindi interesting. If they are half as cool as the Scarrans from Farscape I will be pleased. Without a solid villain this show will die...

 

[Kesh]

Personally, I felt that this should've actually been three or four episodes at the beginning of season three, rather than crammed in one season finale episode. It should've been a normal episode, with three minutes at the end where Enterprise recieves the news and is told to come home.

I would've liked to see some of the journey from Earth to the Expanse, with the crew still coming to terms with the attack, fears over what they're facing, dealing with the Klingon threat in a somewhat more believable manner, etc.

 

[Mark]

ee gads you guys sure type a lot!

*fingers bleeding...*

One thing that occured to me... what if the ship was boarded by Romulans? They look just like Vulcans and they have cloaking tech so they could have approached and attacked without being noticed...

Interesting thought...

... believe me when I was old enough to handle the remote (which was a huge feat back then because remotes were modeled adter cemment bricks)

Was it called a "clicker" because it actually made a clicking sound, or just called a "clicker" out of tradition...?

I wanted a second hour.

Agreed.

Regarding Trip's new attittude, I'm not surprised. Losing his baby sister seems reason enough for me. They've established pretty well that he can't find closure without vengeance, IMO. Just wait til he bears a Xindi Baby!

I'm glad they didn't drag out the journeys to and from Earth. That'd more or less what we've been watching for the last two years with the exception that they have a definite destination.

The new direction required a certain amount of shaking off the last two seasons perceived malaise (though I was never personally bored) for it to work with most longtime fans. Just a cursory reading of the current critics shows that even might be too little.

 

[Viking Bastard]

Again, I decided to download this episode.

Overall, I liked it. That is, the episode itself wasn't inspiring as such, but it's a good setup.
This is actually a very good cliffhanger, a good example of how to end a season (and I hate
season cliffhangers).

I like how they took care of the Klingon arc. It didn't "Whoah!" me in any way, but it got the
job gone. Got rid of Duras while keeping all doors open for a Klingon comeback. I mean, I'd
loved a much more snazzier way of doing it, something that'd surprise me and leave a mark
on the series forever, but y'know, this IS still Braga. On VOY, this plotline would just have
been ignored and never be mentioned again. There was certain darkness over the episode
and you could actually notice the score (which was suitible).

So... there's not much that really stands out, but I can't think of any major peeves either.

7/10

 

[orbitalfreak]

Regarding Trip's new attittude, I'm not surprised. Losing his baby sister seems reason enough for me.

I missed the part where they said how old his sister was. Does "baby" in this instance mean "She's my youngest sister / she's the baby of the family," or does "baby" mean "under five years old?"

 

[Mark]

I missed the part where they said how old his sister was. Does "baby" in this instance mean "She's my youngest sister / she's the baby of the family," or does "baby" mean "under five years old?"

Youngest/younger. They don't say exactly but they imply she is old enough to be out of diapers, IIRC. I'll pay closer attention on Sunday when it's rerun. I think I remember someone asking him or him saying something like last time they talked rather than last time he saw her. He also points out the movie house and I think mention they used to go there for films. I'd guess adolescent or young adult.

 

[John Crichton]

Again, I decided to download this episode.

I don't mean to harp, but you may not want to mention that around here. It could get Morrus into trouble. There are laws or something about it, or so I have been told. I wasn't previously aware of them until I started posting here...

 

[Viking Bastard]

I can mention it I believe, never has been a problem with that
in past, I just can't distribute it or give links or talk about the
overall how of me downloading the ep. Y'know. Semantics.

But point taken.

 

[myrdden]

I missed the part where they said how old his sister was. Does "baby" in this instance mean "She's my youngest sister / she's the baby of the family," or does "baby" mean "under five years old?"

It was mentioned that she was an architect, so I think it's safe to assume that it is a younger sister and not a child sibling.

Either that or Viagra has come a long way.

Myrdden

 

[myrdden]

Malcolm & Trip: Their dynamic was a little strained in this ep. Trip was a little out of character with his rage but I blame that on the short episode. I wanted to see more. His character should grow from this. Malcolm (and Archer) should be forced to calm him down at many points making for some interesting moments.

That will come as the seaon progresses. Although the show hasn't been spectacular for me, and it has been boreing more often than entertaining, I will say that the main characters are interesting and usually well acted.

- Archer & T'Pol: I have no problem with them having a Kirk/Spock relationship. Just do it well..

I would be ok with that as well. However, instead of a Kirk/Spock relationship (which would draw criticism for being a blatant rip-off) how about a McCoy/Spock relationship? Both characters having a well earned respect for one another, as well as a close friendship, but they are constantly at odds with their respective outlooks on life? It sort of there right now, but it needs some more refinement.

Bottom line - just do it well...

T'pol & Phlox: Already solid. He keeps her grounded I think.

I like the Phlox character but I feel that his pressence detracts from the consept of the show. This is supposed to be the explorarion of space by humans. Why not have a human doctor who must struggle with the knowledge that human medicine doesn't know everything? The Phlox character seems to be well experienced with space medicine, which would be vital on the mission, but sometimes seems a bit too convienient. I really do like the character so this is only a minor nitpick.

Archer & Trip: They are obviously buddies and have been for a while. Archer will put up with alot from him, moreso than other ship member but he also expects more from him. I would like to see the 2 of them have to experience more together. Bring in another character to create a better thinktank that is better than just Archer bouncing ideas off everyone (T'pol?) and going from his guts.

I'll agree with this. Of all the characters, I feel Archer is the weakest. I think this will be addressed by having more background story as the season continues. I thought that the episode "First Flight" was decent, but I was a bit unsatisified with Archer being a test pilot. Just a personal preference I suppose.

I wonder - is the show trying to create a Kirk/Spock/McCoy relationship between Archer/T'Pol/Trip? There are some similarities.

And finally, I hope they don't botch the obviously approaching field commission that Archer will award T'Pol. Either don't show it or do it with some pride & flare as it will be a big first for Starfleet. And please God I hope they make the Xindi interesting. If they are half as cool as the Scarrans from Farscape I will be pleased. Without a solid villain this show will die...

I think they will have to tread very carefully with awarding T'Pol a field commission. It was stated that Spock was the first vulcan to enlist in Starfleet. Now technically it was the Federation and not Earth but splitting hairs like that could cause further problems for hard-core fans. I think they have setup a plausible storyline whereby Archer can use the Klingons as a reason for not being able to take T'Pol home. T'Pol gets to stay on the ship and she doesn't need to resign her position. I'm just thinking out loud.

And I absolutely agree...the Xindi had better be interesting else this whole change of direction will be a waste of time.

Myrdden