Star Trek: Enterprise Reviews B

This is one of my posts where I “review” Star Trek episodes. I will be giving each one a star rating. I sometimes will make some comments about non-political parts of them that I like or don’t like. I’ll sometimes use the issues raised in the episode to discuss similar issues in real life. And I will sometimes simply high-light the progressive politics of ST. ST is in-line with the three original themes of this blog, as I explain in the first ST post where I offer some general thoughts about ST.
I’m not very familiar with The Original Series and there might be some small amount of material there that would affect what I say about Star Trek (i.e. how often religion is mentioned)

Lastly. multi-culturalism is such a pervasive theme in ST that I only comment on it when it goes beyond the norm (i.e. inter-species partners).

“Fortunate Son” See this for a plot summary.

There is one little bit about torture, and StarFleet’s opposition to it. Besides that a non-political episode. I give it three stars out of five.

“Cold Front” See this for a plot summary.

This episode has something pretty rare in Star Trek- references to “Old Earth” religions, including Christianity. I like that, because it erodes this idea that the sort of progress among humanity that is central to ST requires ditching religion.

I give it three stars out of five.

“Silent Enemy” See this for a plot summary.

A non-political episode. I give it two stars out of five.

“Dear Doctor” See this for a plot summary.

This is a fairly political episode. It’s partly about how the (seemingly) inferior of two humanoid races indigenous to same planet is treated almost like children. It’s a fairly good example of bigotry.

There is also talk about if, when and how Star Fleet should interfere in the affairs of other races (this is a hint of what will be known decades later as the Prime Directive, which is drafted sometime not long before the events in The Original Series). As far as I can tell, the exact text of the Prime Directive is not available anywhere, so that affects what I can say about it. I sort of like it, but generally support Star Fleet officers when they bend or break it. It also seems to never be explained if it only applies to another race’s domestic situation, or if it also applies in inter-planetary conflicts.

I give this episode three stars out of five.