Star Trek: Enterprise
From LoveToKnow Sci-Fi
Star Trek: Enterprise is the fifth live-action Star Trek series. It ran for four seasons from 2001 to 2005 with just under 100 episodes. The series is set before the timeline of the original Star Trek series and explores the galaxy without many of the technological advancements or rules of conduct found in previous Star Trek series. The series made a strong television debut but was cut short due to sluggish ratings.
Enterprising Ideas
After the original Star Trek series established the Star Trek universe, The Next Generation expanded the idea and improved upon the formula. Deep Space Nine followed to dive into the details and personal interactions of the Star Trek species. Afterwards, Star Trek: Voyager took viewers to an unexplored quadrant of the galaxy and cut them from Starfleet contact. When Voyager's episodes were coming to a conclusion, creator Rick Berman and Brannon Braga were searching for fresh new Trek ideas. Enterprise is the result.
Star Trek: Enterprise was originally titled "Enterprise". The series takes place before the events of the original Star Trek series when mankind is first exploring the galaxy. Enterprise purposefully veered from many traditional Star Trek themes in an attempt to draw a wider audience. The famous Star Trek orchestral opening was replaced with the lyrical ballad "Where My Heart Will Take Me". In later seasons the show continued the less episodic storylines begun with Deep Space Nine and spun a dark tale. Many believe this dark theme alienated viewers, both casual and Trek-fans alike.
Enterprise - The Story
The United Federation of Planets has not yet been formed. The Prime Directive, the governing set of rules that maintains the purity of exploration and cultural contact, has not been written. Force fields have not been invented. Humans have begun exploring the galaxy and the Enterprise is the first ship capable of traveling at warp 5. It's an exciting time in the Star Trek universe.
The first seasons of Enterprise deal mainly with the exploration and early driving concepts behind the Star Trek universe. Earth (and humans) have yet to become known elements in the galaxy. In fact, when members of the Enterprise crew tell alien races where they are from, many respond with puzzled looks and say "Earth? Never heard of it.".
In addition to establishing contact with many races found in the original Star Trek series, Enterprise features a mysterious temporal entity that helps a race called the Suliban manipulate and change events of the past. The first two seasons end with the frightening discovery of the Xindi, a species who despises humans and are planning to kill millions of humans on Earth.
The third season of Enterprise saw many changes. Ratings for the show were sluggish, so the name was changed to Star Trek: Enterprise and a grand story arc was introduced with each episode ending on a cliffhanger. The plot followed the Enterprise as they searched for the Xindi and sought information about their devastating weapon and their motives behind destroying Earth.
The final season of Enterprise was a mixture of long story arcs and self-contained episodes. The controversial final episode of the series featured many characters from Star Trek: The Next Generation and is generally seen as a poor end to the franchise.
The Final Word
Enterprise was an attempt to pull a decidedly non-Star Trek fan base into the fold. Although it succeeded mildly in this venture, many Trek fans felt alienated by the vastly different look and feel of the show. Regardless, the short-lived Enterprise run features some great storytelling and exciting episodes, even if it's a little light on the Star Trek spice.
Was Enterprise the final Star Trek television series? The producers of the series and owner of the brand, Paramount Studios, say the Star Trek television franchise will take a break for a few years. Rumors of new series, new movies and other media are always buzzing. Only time will tell when and if one of the most pivotal sci-fi series will make its triumphant return. In the meantime, a host of episodes, movies and books await the eager explorer of the galaxy.
Related Star Trek Links
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