Wibbly Wobbly Timey Wimey….stuff and how Archer deals with it all. Originally broadcast on November 28, 2001 this is Cold Front.
The Episode:
Captain’s Log Date 9/12/2151
After encountering a transport ship and dealing with a plasma storm that nearly destroys his ship, Archer learns that there may be a Suliban spy aboard his ship from a crewmember who claims to be from the future. Together they track down the Suliban named Silik who, when caught, informs Archer that the Captain might have indeed endangered his own future. Silik escapes forcing Archer to realize that his war with this new species if far from over and they will certainly see them again.
Is this a ‘Good’ Episode:
With this episode we finally get a continuation of the overarching story that started in the pilot episode. It is no secret that the Suliban are and will be an ongoing threat especially that of Silik himself who we last saw on that first episode. What makes this particular episode important is that it is the first time Archer is fully exposed to the Temporal Cold War and it’s potential threat on, well, everything.
What I love about this particular episode is the mystery that it presents and, while it is not solved this time, it pushes the overarching story a little further giving us a hint of something bigger going on. That thing, The Temporal Cold War (TCW) and the fact that Enterprise is caught in the middle of everything thanks to Archer’s involvement in the rescue of a certain Klingon. It is a really fun and cool premise that sadly never really gets a complete wrap up as the series is cancelled well before it is all resolved, but seeing that this latest season of Discovery references the Temporal Cold War I have a feeling we might finally get some sort of resolution in the coming years. At least I hope so.
One aspect I think is really cool has little to do with the main story but with a particular character, Doctor Phlox. Phlox is a tremendous character and his infatuation with the monks aboard the ship shows his growing interest in other species and cultures. The sheer joy Phlox shows is nothing short of incredible as this alien is determined to learn all he can about, well, everything. This alone makes this character one of the best on the series as his curiosity is one that is quite infectious.
Overall, this is a great continuation of the TCW story line that gives us the very real idea that Enterprise is much more important to the grand scheme of things than just the start of the Federation itself. Why are the Suliban so interested in Enterprise, who are the people running the show? We will certainly learn more as the series progresses but, as I mentioned before, not every answer will be forthcoming…
Gleanings and Cool Bits:
- Apparently Vulcans don’t believe in Time Travel which is funny seeing how one particular Vulcan would later do it on a fairly regular basis.
- We will see the Borothan Pilgrims again but…not for some time.
- We never learn who really sent Crewman Daniels and for what reason, other than to capture Silik, but this is not the last we see of him.
Thanks for reading the Retro TV Review, I look forward to discussing the rest of the series with you, one episode at a time every Monday, Wednesday and Friday! Next Review: Silent Enemy
more reviews I have a weekly series called Key Movies Of My Life that comes out every Thursday and for more retro TV goodness check out the rest of the Retro TV Reviews here.
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Late To The Game 5/17/2021
Special Thanks to Memory Alpha as they are one of the best sources for details on Star Trek information available. Although I have a pretty deep knowledge on the subject, they have proven invaluable as a regular resource.
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