It all comes down to this, here we are, at the end of Season Three with the episode that originally aired on May 26, 2004. This is Zero Hour
The Episode:
Archer and team chases down the Xindi Super Weapon so that they can board it and take it down from the inside. Using Degra’s schematics, with a translation from a very wounded Hoshi who is really having a hard time with her ultimately responsible for the weapon being activated, the team is able to find a weak spot and are able to enter the weapon and attack the Reptilian Xindi. As they are taking the fight to the Xindi, T’Pol and Tucker attack the sphere’s causing the sphere channel to collapse.
Just before heading toward the weapon, Archer finds himself with Daniels in the future at the founding of the Federation. Daniels warns Archer that, if the Captain dies, this day will never come. After several close calls, Enterprise is able to destroy Sphere 41 which disrupts the Sphere-Makers plans. Shran shows up to assist Archer as backup to get them to the sphere where Archer finally destroys the weapon but is unable to beam off in time.
Despite the loss of their Captain, All is good and everyone returns home, however Hoshi is unable to contact Starfleet or even the moon settlements. Taking a shuttle pod to the surface, Tucker and Mayweather discover an Earth that has been taken over by….alien Nazi’s. Oh and a wounded Archer has been captured by them.
End of season three.
Is this a ‘Good’ Episode:
So, yeah, there is it. The season finale. I mean, really, what did we expect? This season has been a complete mess from the start with only a handful of bright spots along the way. I mean, it was pretty obvious that Earth would be saved but, it was equally obvious that this season could not end well.
The episode itself is a predictable and rather unfulfilling finale for an extremely unfulfilling season. So, in a way, I guess this finale is perfect for the season we just got. What really annoys me about this episode comes right back to Archer and his wishy washy nature that has become the norm for this guy. He constantly tells people how important it is to keep the future of mankind intact but, when warned that his death will destroy the future, he doesn’t care. He just goes about his business and acts like it’s not a big deal in the least. So, of course his death is going to have ramifications, but…did it have to be Nazi’s, or really, Space Nazi’s? I mean…really?
I really hate to say this but there is really nothing good about this episode only that is finally wraps up the really horrible story line that was obviously just phoned in episode after episode. Even Archer’s apparent death is lackluster at best because, well, he kinda became a dick this season. So, when he died I was not really all that sad about it. The only redeeming quality to this episode, we got some more Shran action with the wonderful Jeffery Combs making a wonderful appearance. Sadly, he is not enough to save the pitiful story that was season three.
So, with one more season left, join us next time with the advent of Space Nazi’s…because that’s a thing apparently.
Gleanings and Cool Bits:
- Dr Phlox dictates his last will and testament with a comment that Denobulans actually enjoy bequeathing their belongings to others.
- Archer owes Shran a dept now. they just keep trading don’t they?
- When the spheres are destroyed they crumple like an aluminum foil ball….because of course they do.
- We NEVER see the Sphere-Builders again…not sure why but they apparently just gave up after this loss.
- We learn that T’Pol is 65.
- Oh…and the episode ends on Valentines day…how about that?
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: Season Four Premiere: Storm Front!
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.
As always, please feel free to comment below and share your experiences with these episodes as well. If you just happened by, tell me what you think! Don’t Forget To Follow me if you like the blog!
Late To The Game 10/15/2021
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.
“Star Trek and all related marks, logos and characters are solely owned by CBS Studios Inc. This fan production is not endorsed by, sponsored by, nor affiliated with CBS, Paramount Pictures, or any other Star Trek franchise, and is a non-commercial fan-made production intended for recreational use. No commercial exhibition or distribution is permitted. No alleged independent rights will be asserted against CBS or Paramount Pictures.”
Late to the Game Blog 