The Andorian Incident

DVD, Enterprise S1 (The Andorian Incident)

You could say it ends a little abruptly, but you get the idea that nothing more need be said: the Andorians are going to be happy, the Vulcans unhappy (oops, that's an emotion!), Archer a bit disgusted, and with a better knowledge of the Vulcan mind, just as he hoped, though not in the way he expected. It's another early episode you can't fault.

The writing is witty and sharp, most of the characters are well used - we see more of the over-cautious, but duty-bound Reed, Tucker as usual, with his funny little observations, quips and cheek, and T'Pol demonstrates her gradual acceptance of her Human co-workers (despite the lack of nasal numbing agent, another funny angle on the age-old Vulcan-Human relationship!).

Archer becomes more of a maverick, the characteristic you could most pin on him - you can't imagine the other captains handing over scans of an allies sensors, to an enemy that has beaten the stuffing out of him. We get to see his resourcefulness, curiosity, not to mention fighting ability.

Honours must be paid to the first appearance of Jeff Combs, making his way over from DS9. It's brilliant seeing all the pain he puts Archer through, knowing that they will become staunch allies over the course of the series. I'm still bitter that Season 5 never came about because he was planned to join the cast as a regular. Though he looks similar to Weyoun, in the way you can see the face, he continues to show his range, relaunching the Andorians for a modern audience, and continuing a tradition people have long wanted to see. And if you thought blue-skinned antennaed aliens were a bit too wacky, this episode changes your mind.

The beautiful setting (with detail right down to the Vulcan styled door hinges) is an example of the production team's craftmanship. Even the good old cave set gets another makeover, filled with dusty cobwebs and rotting corpses (doesn't seem the most logical place to leave the dead!). The characters continue to be enhanced, with good scenes such as Phlox and T'Pol's chat in the mess. And I love hearing them say things like 'Kohlinahr', 'Surak' and 'landing party'!

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