When you have two plots going on in the same episode, chances are that at least one will turn out ok. However, in this episode, they were both mediocre to bad stories. I guess the plot that had the best potential for good emotional drama was the Phlox plot. In this setting, we see issues arise that bring out and confront old feelings between the Denobulan and the Antarans. Although I admire the acting efforts of Billingsley and Stram at trying to bring out some real drama tothis plot, bad writing just kept anything meaningful from coming to light. Lines were lame and the outcome was too predictable. Now having Hudak die from Phlox's procedure while an Antaran battle cruiser is breathing down Enterprise's neck - THAT would have made a setting for great drama and entertainment! But what do I know? I'm just a little peon Star Trek fan.

The caving rescue plot was useless. It added nothing to the story and could have been best done without. I guess it was just an episode filler to give some of the other characters something to do (and screen time).