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One of the longest and dragging nit-picks about Star Trek has
been why Klingons had no ridges in the original series yet starting with the first
movie and the various series to follow, they had ridges. Well then, watch this episode and you'll get part one of the answer. Overall, the science fiction explanation has been written quite well. In its own way, it ties in very well with the original series Klingons and the different looking ones to follow. There was also a tie-in to the previous three part episodes on the augments last fall that formed
the science basis for this story. Combined that with the well known Klingon-type action scenes, made this a fun episode to watch.
Behind the Klingon ridge storyline, there was a cloak and dagger element to the episode. Evidently, there was some sort of secret operation going on that presumably, though not directly mentioned, involved an early version of Section 31. The
involvement of this secret organization was played out good enough to add yet more mystery behind Phlox's kidnapping and the Klingon's epidemic without repeating Section 31 stories from DS9. Apparently, Reed was (or still is) involved in this organization which was a bit surprising, though a logical choice for his type of character. These prior commitments before joining Enterprise have certainly had profound affects on
Reed in this episode. His actions have caused serious harm to his relationship with
Archer causing him to be torn with his loyalties. One wonders what might be so important has to
jeopardize his career, let alone the respect he had with Archer. It should be interesting
and entertaining to see how this unfolds in the follow-up episode next week. Keating's performance was well played. The expressions of guilt on his face yet at the same time the
secrecy of his actions needed no lines to tell the viewer what was going on.
Behind all the action, secrecy, and confusion going on with the Enterprise crew, Trip is now on the Columbia (NX-02). Even though he
was on a new warp 5 ship with new toys to play with, the words from his mouth were very
subtle and lacked the passion that was scene on Enterprise. Even captain Hernandez could pick this up. One could tell that he was just
aching all inside over T'Pol. Trip has run away from his "issues" on Enterprise
and T'Pol. Being on Columbia certainly will not make things better. His current path will eventually end in misery unless something
dramatic and inspiring happens in upcoming episodes. Perhaps, the daydream scene of T'Pol and Trip might be an
omen of things to unfold. It was interesting that Hoshi had a similar dream
and even told T'Pol about it! Guess those mind melds have more of an affect than what was expected.
It was surprising that although Phlox was the focus of the kidnapping and the overall plot, that there was not much character development on him. Guess that is what next weeks episode may or may not fill in.
Overall, the story was well paced, had good action, and was well balanced with the various plots going on.
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