The Enterprise discovers a ship from a pre-warp civilization drifting in space. Taking the two ill crew members aboard, they quickly learn that these aliens from a civilization that is suffering from a mass epidemic that is now affecting a full third of the population. Archer offers his resources, along with the ingenuity of Dr. Phlox, to try to find a cure.
On the planet, however, their task is complicated by the discovery of a second group of humanoids, one not affected by the disease. The dominant species keeps this second group in servitude, protecting them but also controlling where and how they live. When Dr. Phox discovers that the disease is actually a genetic deterioration, and that the second species appears to have been selected by evolution to become the dominant species - as occurred with Neanderthals vs. homo sapiens on Earth - he finds himself faced with a difficult dilemma.
CHARACTERS
Capt. Archer: Amazingly, the caution and self-doubts Archer finally learned in the previous episode appear not to have been wiped away this time. Archer doesn't simply implusively offer help the instant he hears of the aliens' plight. He actually pauses to consult with T'Pol before making his offer. He consults with T'Pol again when the aliens request warp technology, and thoughtfully acknowledges that as much as he would like to help them, "they aren't ready." His compassion, as Phlox observes, does continue to override his judgment at times, but Archer is learning from experience. It's good to see genuine character progression. The episode also offers Scott Bakula's best performance yet, as Archer's weariness at the burden he has assumed here mounts steadily.
T'Pol: The relationship between T'Pol and Archer has progressed considerably since the pilot. T'Pol is quite supportive of Archer in this episode. She gives her opinions, but doesn't do so in a strident or confrontational manner, and even seems compassionate as she observes Archer wrestling with the dilemma. I do wonder if this point was reached too quickly, perhaps, but it is good to see this more mature interaction between the two characters just the same.
Dr. Phlox: Also finally - a character spotlight episode of Enterprise that doesn't simply repeat what we already know about the character. I commented, in my review of the pilot, that there was something a bit creepy in Phlox, and that I hoped his genuinely alien perspective would be elaborated upon. This finally happens here. Dr. Phlox is friendly and outgoing, but he is not as enthusiastically compassionate as the human crewmembers. In some ways, he actually seems less emotional than T'Pol, filtering his interactions through science at every turn.
I also enjoyed the budding friendship/romance between Phlox and Cutler (Kellie Waymire, becoming the first recurring guest crew member). They are, indeed, a "cute couple," and I wouldn't mind seeing this subplot developed further. Sadly, consulting IMDB reveals that Waymire died not long after this show's first season was produced - startling, given her youth and on-screen energy. I actually wish I hadn't IMDB'd her now, as that will cast a bit of a funereal pall over any of her future appearances.
THOUGHTS
Now this was an episode of Enterprise! From actually utilizing Dr. Phlox's non-human status, to Archer having to wrestle with his conscience vs. his reason because of the lack of any guidelines over his actions, to the doctor actively considering withholding information from Archer... This is the show that Enterprise's best moments have provided postcard glimpses of from the beginning.
This story, as presented, simply could not be an episode of any other Star Trek show, and yet the universe itself remains recognizably Trek. Here's hoping this points to the sort of episode I can expect in the future, and that it's not simply a one-off.
There is food for thought and debate here. Archer's argument with Dr. Phlox near the end particularly sees both characters having good points. As a doctor, Phlox is devoted to preserving life. However, as a scientist, he knows that if he cures the one species, then the other will suffer. There is no easy answer, and many viewers may be as apt to think that Phlox is wrong in his stance here as believe that he is right. That said, I do wish the original ending - in which Phlox made his decision and never disclosed it to Archer - should have been retained (Archer's final determination seemed vaguely out of character, given his portrayal in episodes prior to this one).
The same can be said of the relationship between the two species. Hoshi and Cutler are disturbed by the subordinate species being treated "almost as pets" by the more advanced race. Dr. Phlox has a far more dispassionate view, noting that the two races have found a means of co-existence that appears to work for them both, and that is certainly preferable to one species driving the other to extinction. Again, while I won't say that both sides are equally balanced, there is food for argument as to who is right and who is wrong.
In any case, this is by far the best Enterprise episode yet.
Rating: 10/10.
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