Borderland, Prod#ST:ENT 180
Synopsis:
When genetic supermen left over from the Eugenics Wars hijack a Klingon 
ship, Archer must rely on their creator, the criminal Dr. Arik Soong, to help hunt 
them down. 
MJC Review:
The Drama -

Borderland brought its own unique perspective on the Star Trek eugenics thread. 
There is always the danger of being a rehash or cheap follow-up to such a great story 
line, but fortunately that did not happen. It would be a mistake for anyone 
expecting this to be hold its own against a Khan episode or movie. In this eugenics 
story, we learn that Arik Soong (yes, an ancestor of Data's creator from TNG) was 
one whose intentions were only to improve humanity through genetic engineering. 
Though he may come across as a bit evil and psycho, he truly believes that what he 
his doing is for the greater good of all mankind. Soong also came across as quite a 
resourceful character and a genius on many levels . An earlier scene in jail, 
Archer mentioned how he used a pad to unlock all of the security locks and make a 
brief escape. Soong also new how to use Archer's offering to help find the Augments 
to his own advantage by luring him into the borderland and contacting his "creations". 
It should be interesting to see how Soong plays out and changes over the course of 
this mini arc story. Soong was the main driving force for this episode. Brent 
Spiner played this character quite well. It is such a contrast to playing Data from 
TNG. Spiner does of good acting talents that most Star Trek fans have probably not 
been aware of.

The augment actors did play the superman in there somewhat typical aggressive 
fashion. Viewers did get an insight to there hierarchical structure. The women are 
attractive to those that are smart and strong and males strive to prove to there 
group and women of their superior intellect and strength. This was somewhat of an 
outtake of Nietzscheans from the Andromeda series, but that series had its ideas 
"borrowed" from other stories as well.

The writers have done well in setting up the plots and confrontations that are sure 
to follow. There a little bit of something for all kinds Trek fans to watch and 
enjoy. The two following episodes would be exciting to watch.

Tid Bits -

1) Mayweather doesn't get to do much in this episode.

2) It's good to see an Orion female gain!

3) J.G. Hertzler had a very brief appearance.

4) Getting a peek into the Orion slave market was exciting. Certainly a bit 
reminiscent of slavery trade markets in Americas early days.

5) Earth is still a bit jittery about genetic engineering. Guess they still watch 
too much science fiction.

6) So how did the Augments get a hold of a small shuttle to begin with?

What it all means -
The eugenics gang is back!
4 cool peace signs
MJC 200410.31
Copyright 2004