Enterprise 1.9 FAQ

What’s it called?

“Civilization.”

What does Herc secretly call this episode when no one is looking?

“Ugh! Let's See What That Bowling-Alley Lawyer Is Up To!"

Who’s responsible?

Teleplay is credited to Phyllis Strong & Mike Sussman (authors of “Strange New World” – the one with the lame transporter mishap).

What does TV Guide say?

“Disguised as locals, Archer and his expedition explore a civilization bedeviled by a virulent ailment possibly linked to a covert - and anomalous - nuclear reactor. Determined to find the truth, the captain teams up with a local apothecary (Diane DiLascio), leading to a close encounter between the two.”

Does Archer get pregnant?

Nope.

What is TV Guide not telling us?

There is no nuclear reactor. It’s a matter-antimatter reactor. TV Guide is such a liar!

Lots of continuity this week?

Virtually none. This one stands alone to the point of tearful annoyance.

Is T’Pol back to being a wet blanket?

Very much so. She wants to do all their investigating of this new civilization from orbit. “It’s standard protocol to wait until a society develops warp drive before initiating first contact.”

Does everyone disregard T’Pol’s advice?

To a degree. “Those are Vulcan protocols, not human,” points out Trip. Still, they explore disguised as locals.

Does T’Pol get all jealous when Archer smooches the local?

In no way. But when they go undercover, we do get to see Jolene Blalock trying out a new ear-camouflaging hairstyle.

What’s with that reactor?

A lizard-dude disguised as a local shopkeeper claims the reactor beneath his shop powers a device that allows him to fabricate food and clothing.

What does it really do?

It powers an impressive looking Viridium Isotope mining operation. But highly toxic industrial lubricant leaking from the reactor into the water supply is killing the locals.

Viridium Isotope?

It’s useful in the manufacture of explosives.

Any sign of Porthos?

He’s mentioned, but remains off-camera.

What’s good?

T’Pol advising Archer to “enjoy his tea.”

What’s not so good?

This turns out to be one pedestrian installment, with the fistfights and the shootouts and the break-ins. Where are the Archons when you need them? I'd even settle for a Ferengi.

How does it end, spoiler boy?

We witness a tender farewell between Archer and his medieval alien Erin Brockovich.

Herc’s rating for “Enterprise” 1.9?

**

The Hercules T. Strong Rating System:

• ***** better than we deserve
• **** better than most motion pictures
• *** actually worth your valuable time
• ** as horrible as most stuff on TV
• * makes you quietly pray for bulletins

I warn you not to defy me!! Mmm cookies!!

I am – Hercules!!

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