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My journey through all of Star Trek is one series nearer to completion. I finished Star Trek: Enterprise, which completes all of the live action series. All I have left is the Animated Series.
The end is in sight!
Enterprise wasn’t nearly as bad as fan opinion led me to believe it would be. Sure, it didn’t reach some of the heights of the other shows, but overall it wasn’t awful. There were some truly awful episodes, true, but every Trek series has a handful of them.
I did find myself groaning aloud on occasion at the heavy-handed winks and nods to the other series and fan service, and shouting criticism at my television when Captain Archer made terrible decisions (which he does frequently.) My biggest criticism, in short, is that sometimes it seemed to be trying too hard to set up the other shows, particularly The Original Series, that it never got time to be its own show.
Basically, I didn’t hate it, but I definitely still like at least 3 other series more. Here are my top ten favorite Star Trek: Enterprise episodes. Two and three part story arcs are combined, else those would be my entire list.
1-10: Every episode with Shran. The end. (Just kidding. But I really do love Shran.)
10. Detained
Captain Archer and Travis Mayweather find themselves at an internment camp full of Suliban, run by the Tandarans. We learn a bit about the Suliban, that their homeworld is uninhabitable and that they are a mostly nomadic people. The Suliban in the camp are innocent civilians, and not part of the cabal or genetically enhanced. Archer and Travis decide that they have been wrongfully imprisoned and help them escape. A pretty solid season 1 episode where we learn more about our characters and an alien species.
9. The Andorian Incident
We’re introduced to my favorite character, Shran. The Enterprise visits the Vulcan sanctuary at P’Jem to find that a group of Andorians has taken the monks hostage. Hijinks ensue, and we learn that the Vulcans have a listening post at the sanctuary that they use to spy on the Andorians, who they’ve recently been at war with. We see that the Vulcans aren’t as trustworthy or as honest as we believe they are, and get back story on two founding worlds of the Federation.
8. Dear Doctor
Phlox and Archer wrangle over whether or not to help an alien species cure a genetic disease, or to let the natural evolution of the world take its course, which would result in an oppressed species becoming dominant. This is one of the first instances in which human explorers have to hash out their policy on interference in other worlds. The Prime Directive episode before there was a Prime Directive.
7. Broken Bow
Enterprise’s pilot episode, which I thought was pretty strong. We get an introduction to all of our main characters, a handful of alien species, and our main antagonist for the season in the Suliban. It sets up the time period, state of human exploration. Solid first episode.
6. Similitude
Phlox creates a fast-growing clone of Trip to harvest organs needed after the original Trip is severely injured. We get to watch the clone, Sim, grow up rapidly and develop relationships with the crew. Archer agonizes over whether or not it’s moral to cause Sim’s death to save Trip. This episode reminded me a lot of the Voyager episode ‘Tuvix,” actually. It has some very Star Trek-y moral ambiguity and questioning.
5. Babel One/United/The Aenar
Tellarites, Andorians, Vulcans, Romulans, oh my! The Enterprise is ferrying diplomats to Babel One to negotiate a peace, but it’s threatened by those darn, scheming Romulans. I honestly just thought this arc was a lot of fun, and set up the foundations of the Federation.
4. Carbon Creek
I liked this episode for the same reason I liked “Bride of Chaotica” from Voyager. It’s just good, wacky fun. Vulcans get stranded in the United States in the 20th century and have to try to adapt and blend in. We get to see Vulcans do things like wash dishes and watch “I Love Lucy.” This also carries on the proud Star Trek tradition of actors playing their character’s ancestors.
3. Borderland/Cold Station 12/The Augments
Speaking of actors playing their character’s ancestors, it’s Brent Spiner! He’s most of the reason I love this trio of episodes. The story itself is solid, too. Dr. Arik Soong, ancestor of Data’s creator Noonien Soong, finds the embryos for a group of Augments, the genetically enhanced superhumans created by villain Khan Noonien Singh. They naturally try to gain power, betray Soong, and meet their demise. Soong has to deal with the loss of his “children.” We end with Soong back in his prison cell, wondering about creating cybernetic life instead. With a giant wink to the audience, he muses that it may take “several generations.”
2. The Forge/Awakening/Kir’Shara
Earth’s embassy on Vulcan is bombed, killing dozens, including Admiral Forrest. The Enterprise arrives to investigate and learn that a Vulcan fringe group called the Syrannites may be responsible. Over the three-episode arc we learn that they are innocent. Archer helps them find the Kir’Shara, which contains the full, true teachings of Surak. We learn Vulcan has strayed from its intended path and that there is a conspiracy in the High Command. We get to meet young T’Pau, who we will later see in TOS, and learn about her past. Vulcan is set to rights.
1. Demons/Terra Prime
I now totally get why fans think this should have been the series finale rather than ‘These Are the Voyages.” This story arc is my favorite of the series because of its message and relevance to our world today. Terra Prime, a xenophobic terrorist group on Earth, threatens to destroy Starfleet Command unless all aliens leave the planet. They want Earth to be for humans alone, and fear and despise aliens. This hit a little too close to home for me right now. Some of Terra Prime’s rhetoric sounds like it could have been lifted from a certain U.S. presidential candidate’s campaign.
It’s a warning of what could happen if hatred escalates and triumphs over compassion and tolerance. The peaceful society of the United Federation of Planets and xenophobic organizations like Terra Prime cannot coexist, and we have to overcome those impulses to create a better universe.
Those are my favorite episodes from Enterprise. I’m sure everyone’s list will vary a bit, but I do think some of the better episodes of the series are included here. Would you have added anything else? Let us know in the comments!
Star Trek: Enterprise Season One, Season Two, Season Three and Season Four are all available in high-definition on Blu-ray.
(photos: CBS Home Entertainment)
Darkthunder
July 27, 2016 at 12:01 pm
Can’t really disagree with this list. Thou a little cheating by including multiple episode “arcs”. Thou, would be nice if someone would one day re-edit some of the episodes into feature length films. Demons/Terra Prime certainly fits the bill, not just as a series finale but as a worthy feature.
Michelle
July 27, 2016 at 3:54 pm
I had to leave some room for the good one-off episodes. 🙂
Templerman
December 24, 2017 at 9:45 am
Templerman
Yes that would be an excellent idea. Many of the episodes could be intigrated into films, though the lack of props, sets, and wardrobe might make this problematic. Still, I think your idea would be well received by fans. I know I would end
Joy them if I could get out to see them.
Ultra Tiny Frog
July 27, 2016 at 1:23 pm
Mine
1- Carbon Creek (2×02)
T’Pol tells the story of what she pretends to be the real Vulcan First Contact on Earth,
when her great-grandmother and two other Vulcans, crash landed in Pennsylvania in 1957. Fantastic narrative, fable style episode. In my opinion, the greatest Enterprise episode with ‘Twilight’ a close second.
2- Twilight (3×08)
Archer loses his ability to form new memories after his trip to the Delphic expanse. Twelve years after humanity has lost the war and is practically wiped out, we hear T’Pol re-telling him the story, probably for the thousandth time. Remarkable Archer/T’Pol episode.
3- In a Mirror, Darkly part 1 (4×18) & In a Mirror, Darkly part 2 (4×19)
In the mirror universe, Commander Archer mutinies to get his hands on a ship from the future lost in Tholian space. Hands down the greatest of the re-visits to the mirror universe since the original. And since the series finale is controversial in the eyes of many (but not me), this two-parter fully deserves to be considered the true crowning achievement of Enterprise. Great opening titles music theme as well, that should have been the main theme all along.
4- Similitude (3×10)
In order to save a critically injured Tucker, Phlox creates a clone to harvest parts from. This is a very emotional and damned good Trek episode, filled with moral issues, ethical dilemma and smart character interactions. Connor Trinneer is one of the greatest actors to have been in Star Trek, and is too often overlooked as such.
5- First Flight (2×24)
When Archer learns of the death of old comrade (and competitor) A.G. Robinson, he tells the story of his early days flying spaceships to T’Pol. It’s true that this episode has a ‘The Right Stuff’ feel. It’s also fun to have this episode being a prequel to the prequel (that is the Enterprise show).
6- The Council (3×22)
Captain Archer, with help by Degra, meets the Xindi council to try and convince them that he is not the enemy they are led to believe he is. Totally nail biting episode of Enterprise.
7- Stigma (2×14)
T’Pol has contracted a mind-melding disease and tries to keep it a doctor-patient matter. Meanwhile, one of Phlox’s wives is hitting on Trip, who seems to be the only one a little uncomfortable with the whole situation. Really great episode of Enterprise.
8- Demons (4×20) & Terra Prime (4×21)
Xenophobes don’t want aliens on Earth and the whole Sol system. Their leader is operating from the Moon. Penultimate two part episode of Enterprise, that many consider to be the real finale of the show, since they dislike so much ‘These are the Voyages’.
9- Broken Bow (1×01/02)
The Launch of Earth’s NX-01 Enterprise, on a mission to return an injured Klingon to his homeworld. This is the series premiere two hour episode of Enterprise. It looked promising and I wasn’t disappointed. But the opening title song was just painful and horrible.
10- These Are the Voyages… (4×22)
Commander Riker, facing a tough decision of his own, observes a simulation of the final mission of the NX-01 Enterprise, in the days just before the birth of the United Federation of Planets. Many Trek fans despise that episode, considering it unworthy of a series finale mainly because of the use of Next Gen stars. I’m not one of those. I thought it was a pretty good and moving ending.
Gregory
August 3, 2016 at 1:30 pm
I love all those, but am clearly in the 4×22 was the very worst episode in the worst order.
dingleburt
August 22, 2019 at 8:31 pm
There was clearly some absolutely amazing enterprise episodes and I don’t recall any ENT episodes that were truly terrible. DS9 and TNG had some truly shocking episodes.
Most trekkies say ENT sucks because of Archers decisions as captain. To me this is an absolutely ridiculous reason to dislike a show, it was set in a time before the federation, that’s what makes ENT so exciting for me, because they are learning as they go along. You see Archer grow as a captain and I like the subtle references to the prime directive.
Roger McCoy
July 27, 2016 at 1:44 pm
It’s sad when the tenth best episode of the series is only “pretty solid”.
DeanHI
July 27, 2016 at 8:34 pm
I really like the show when they came across the Borg, but that one was just fun. My favorite episode however is Observer Effect. Archer’s willingness to do whatever it takes for the slim chance to save Trip and Hochi is a powerful demonstration of empathy and compassion and the very best of the human condition. One that seems to have a powerful impact on T’Pol who is watching things unfold on the bridge monitor. For me it was absolutely Star Trek at its finest and easily competes with the very best of all the shows and all the movies. Just IMO.
Jens Joe Nick
July 28, 2016 at 4:31 am
Good choices!
But I would add “Twilight”, where Archer suffers from memory loss for decades…
And I would add 4.01. and 4.02 “Stormfront I and II”… I love those time-travelling, multiverse/saving the timeline episodes (think about Worf’s “Parallels”-episode in TNG)…
jackson roy kirk
July 30, 2016 at 2:30 pm
I am one of the folks that really enjoyed the 4 seasons. I believe the good episodes outweighed the bad
Hef Wannabe
August 10, 2017 at 7:27 pm
No, you are not the only one. I don’t know why STE ever got any hate. It was awesome. Yes, I came to it later, because no DVR and just didn’t watch TV much during the college years. Yet, it was an incredible show, and I don’t think it ever got THE LOVE that it deserved.
dingleburt
August 22, 2019 at 8:31 pm
It got hate from people who had seen quantum leap (i haven’t) and from Trekkies because they couldn’t handle a show without the prime directive. ENT and TNG are definitely the best treks.
Robert Groeling
May 2, 2022 at 5:59 pm
After watching STD, ENT really stands out among the ST series’ for its traditional themes and great writing and acting. Ive been watching ST since TOS was originally “on air.” Tears streamed down my checks when I first watched TNG first make its appearance on TV. Im watching ENT from the last to first episodes on the entire series. It is really enjoyable. I spent a great Summer watching the entire DS9 series. Next Ill attempt to watch the entire Voyager series. Note: I am a Quantum Leap fan. Seeing Stockton on one of the episodes of ENT was a great delight.
Stephen Millholland
August 22, 2019 at 8:31 pm
I loved it! I just got finished re watching it and it just gets better. To bad it got cancelled it was really hitting it’s stride and should have continued.
lostnvegas
January 28, 2017 at 8:23 pm
To the author of this article…It hits not close to home for a candidate now but actually hits a bullseye with our new President and his actions as of today(in regards to your opinion on Demons/Terra Prime) Sometimes I wish the Star Trek Universe wasn’t so good at predicting civilizations possible future.
Ronnie
August 22, 2019 at 8:31 pm
The only Bulls eye is you pointing out your racism and hate for America. Obama says you are his favorite white cuck boy.
Impecunious Joe
February 26, 2017 at 5:24 am
I mostly agree with this list, but I hate, hate, HATE “Dear Doctor” with a passion. It’s a terrible episode, in which Phlox and Archer make a horrible decision apparently based on a writer’s deeply flawed understanding of evolution.
That aside, though, it’s an otherwise solid list, and the handy alternative option of all Shran episodes is also a fine choice.
John
April 3, 2017 at 5:11 pm
I’m discovering Enterprise now. been a fan of all Star Trek series since a kid (Kirk, Spock) and was too busy when Enterprise came out. I’m finding it one the most human of them all.
Any possibility of a movie(s) or TV Special(s) to conclude the open spaces left unresolved in Enterprise end with the same crew.
Hef Wannabe
August 10, 2017 at 7:29 pm
Same with me. I was busy in college during STE, and I so wished that I could have kept up with it back then. I was TOO POOR to have a DVR, so I would miss an episode or two and be really lost. And, they didn’t seem to replay them back then. So, I think it was so awesome now, once I’ve watched everything on DVR. Wish it would have lasted more seasons …
Brian Lelas
May 17, 2017 at 6:45 am
I find it strange that there’s no mention of the Xindi. “Stratagem” and a few others in that large story arc are among my favourites of ANY Star Trek show.
Another one I love is “Cogenitor” which has a knockout punch of an ending.
BrianD
January 28, 2021 at 12:47 am
Agreed, Enterprise is underrated. Give them credit for not trying to duplicate the other shows – and a little humor is a necessary element for me to enjoy the characters over time. Almost done Season Two. ‘Cogenitor’ seemed predictable but interesting and then took it up in drama. ‘Regeneration’ is a nice change toward more action, but I like some of the more thoughtful episodes too. I respect the Original, but TNG is my benchmark.
Hef Wannabe
August 10, 2017 at 7:26 pm
Love your list, and I sure loved STE. I wish it would have had longer to mature and finish up with more episodes. It felt abrupt to me. But, I found it about as it was leaving the air, because it always had sucky timeslots. And, I didn’t have a DVR back then, so I would miss an episode or two and be lost for the season. But, I still loved it and plan to buy the DVDs.
WestVirginiaRebel
August 22, 2019 at 8:31 pm
I was wondering where “In a Mirror Darkly” was. We get to find out what happened to the USS Defiant, and even get to see a Gorn for the first time since the original series.
Also The Expanse, which introduced the Xindi story arc with their attack on Earth.
ACS Shap
August 22, 2019 at 8:31 pm
First off, I agree with most of your list. There’s too many others to mention but The Seventh is one of my faves. It helped form the bond between Archer and T’pol. The major problem with ENT was the horrible casting. Keating and Montgomery are horrible actors, at least on ENT. Secondly, your Snowflake sensibilities have no place in this article. We come here for info on ENT; not to be lectured on presidential elections.
Doctor Lore
August 22, 2019 at 8:31 pm
I have to disagree about one thing: Your characterization and politicization of the message in Demons/Terra Prime. Being concerned about whether immigrants are entering legally or illegally, and insisting on border security is not the same as being xenophobic and wanting everyone who is “other” to leave.
Ronnie
August 22, 2019 at 8:31 pm
Trump spoke only of illegal aliens. Ironic how easily you were fooled by the violent and vicious left in our country. Trump has shown that he cares more about America than your evil felon, crooked and American sellout Hillary. Your ignorance far exceed your Bigotry!
Personal Jihad
August 22, 2019 at 8:31 pm
“Some of Terra Prime’s rhetoric sounds like it could have been lifted from a certain U.S. presidential candidate’s campaign.”
Go on, quote some. Go on. I’ll wait. Quote some of Terra Prime’s “rhetoric” that “sounds like it could have been lifted from a certain U.s. presidential candidate’s campaign.”
Let’s have at it then, seeing as you had to slip it in at the end — virtue signalling to the progressives.
flyaway
November 9, 2019 at 10:20 pm
carbon creek
WestVirginiaRebel
July 15, 2020 at 8:49 pm
“Carpenter Street” had some fun time travel moments (like Archer and T’Pol trying to steal a guy’s truck). And “Azanti Prime” had its tantalizing look at the Enterprise-J.
Grant
December 5, 2020 at 5:00 pm
“Similitude” is so powerful. I think maybe it should be #1.
Robert Groeling
May 2, 2022 at 5:50 pm
I thought Rogue Planet would earn a place in the top five. It captures who Captain Archer is and “drive” inside him to explore.
L. J. Fartham
May 30, 2023 at 1:49 am
I enjoyed what you put together here, till you got stupid with this:
“Some of Terra Prime’s rhetoric sounds like it could have been lifted from a certain U.S. presidential candidate’s campaign.”
President Trump was never racist, or hateful. You drank dumbass kool-aid and weren’t alert enough to realize you were being misled by handlers and manipulators. I feel sorry for people like you, and your dumbass hate… which you retardedly always spew as an accusation to ANYONE who doesn’t walk and talk exactly like all you and your hive do.
Wake the fuck up. Realize others are not the demons…. it’s you! You are the Nazis, the haters, the judges of others, the bigots. The crucifiers, doxxers, rioters. You fools do this. The rest of us get along with pretty much everyone, and are very accepting. You believed a lie, and are still steeping in it.