Star Trek: Enterprise.  It’s often regarded as the least favorite of the television franchise but to be honest, I’ve never understood why.

The theme song was off-putting for some, the series didn’t use the “Star Trek” in the title until season 3, some didn’t like the season long story arcs, some couldn’t relate to the characters.  I understand and as a Trekkie, I respect the opinions of other fans (IDIC, after all) but I offer this article as my rebuttal.

Enterprise (or simply “ENT”) was in many ways the definitive Star Trek series.  Filled with action, intrigue, heroes and villains, mysteries solved, loss, love and above all, hope. It was also unique in not only the era, but the challenges that the crew and Captain endured.

Kirk was a man of action; but he was also self admittedly the beneficiary of tremendous luck.  Despite playing fast and loose with the Prime Directive, he never really faced any permanent consequences.  Archer was repeatedly forced to make decisions that haunted him long past story arcs. “Similitude” and “Damage” are jaw dropping  at how Archer must compromise everything he believes in, in order to succeed in the mission against the Xindi and save Earth.  Truly an example of “the needs of the many…”

Picard was a diplomat; but he also had the might of the Federation behind him. A running gag in ENT was the alien reactions of “Earth? Never heard of it.”  Archer had to forge paths to diplomacy with very little to offer beyond an open hand of friendship.  No starbases nearby for repairs and very little in the way of trade for supplies. This was truly the wild west of space.

Captains Sisko and Janeway, while facing incredible odds, were often blessed with Ex Deus Machina on more than one occasion.  The crew of the NX-01 couldn’t count on assistance by the Prophets or to find comfort in their prime enemy becoming less frightening each week. (A particular sticking point for me, the Borg started out as terrifying and became more or less a nuisance by Voyager’s end.)

If you’re on the fence with Enterprise, I would suggest omitting the first season.  Let’s be honest, no Trek series with the exception of the Original Series ever found their footing in the first season.  Even TNG was a yawn fest until Riker’s beard saved the series in season 3.  I suggest watching Seasons 3 and 4 (sans finale, another sticking point) and settle in for a treat. From a series standpoint, this is what you get:

• First to be filmed in widescreen and broadcast in HD.
• The only Star Trek series to finish its series with the original cast.
• Finally gave a plausible explanation to the evolution of Klingons in the original series to the more commonplace “turtleshell” Klingons in TMP onward.
• A deeper look at the conception of the Orion “slave” girl.
• Teased with showing the birth of Soong’s interest in cybernetics.
• Gave further insight into additional surviving Augments from the Eugenics Wars.
• Gave credence to alien abductions and the impact in episode “North Star”.
• Revealed the ultimate fate of the USS Defiant. “In a Mirror, Darkly” will knock your socks off. The exacting detail to the Original Series is staggering while telling one of the best tales in Trekdom.

Everyone has their favorite Captains, crews and eras; each series was brilliant in some regard and all have a place in the hearts of all Trekkies.  I’m just asking for a little love for Enterprise.

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