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Enterprise
"Breaking the Ice"
Episode 1.08
Directed by Terry Windell
Written by Maria & Andre Jacquemetton
At this point, it's more than evident that the strained Human/Vulcan relationship will continue to be a central theme to the series. This is a good thing.
"Breaking the Ice" is superficially about the discovery and mining of a comet, but that's merely the side story. The real issue is, why are Vulcans so damned distrusting of us humans? They always seem to be there, looking over our shoulders, meddling in our affairs. Of course, a simple answer might be that, well - from their point of view, Archer just sold them out to their arch-enemies. (see "The Andorian Incident") But of course, it's more than that. The Vulcans are worried that human "arrogance" and "inexperience" will get us, or them, in trouble.
Just as Enterprise is about to send a landing team to the surface of the comet, our pointy-eared friends drop by and wish to supervise. Archer is clearly frustrated by this. In an attempt to gain the Vulcan Captain's trust, he invites him over for dinner. This was easily the best scene of the episode. Vanik wouldn't eat, and didn't really want to talk either. Not exactly good company. To say the dinner went badly would be an understatement. Even with T'Pol's help, Archer did little to win over the Vulcan.
Speaking of T'Pol, there was another side-plot which involved her needing to make an important decision -- go home and marry her pre-determined mate, or stay aboard Enterprise -- essentially turning her back on her heritage. Surprisingly, she asks Trip of all people for advice on the matter. Not surprisingly, that doesn't go well either. He spells it out in what he thinks is a black and white issue, and T'Pol seems more irritated with his advice than appreciative.
Of course, in the end, everything works out pretty well. An accident on the comet necessitates Vanik's assistance, and T'Pol decides to stay. What was a bit intriguing, however, was the final shot of the episode -- T'Pol about to try pecan pie, something that Trip had offered to her earlier without success. Is this foreshadowing to a growing relationship between the two? They already have the best dynamic on the show. It's natural to think that they may hook up down the line. I hope not too soon though.
There was also one very funny scene involving Archer & Co. giving a presentation of life aboard Enterprise to elementary school students. Trip, as you'd guess, got to answer a question about poop.
My only real qualm with this one was the whole comet thing. I suppose it's largely inconsequential, but as someone with a scientific background I must say that the entire sequence was laughably unrealistic. I mean, I thought Armageddon was bad, but this...
- no cometary debris. makes landing a bit easier, huh? They were close to a star - there would have been solar wind.
- the surface, even at night, would not be that calm.
- gravity would have been non-existent. And I don't want anybody saying they had magnetic boots, because it was covered in snow and ice. Not to mention their movements were still indicative of 1 G.
But science nitpicks aside, a good episode. Notice how Berman and Braga didn't write it?...
Episode Rating: 7 out of 10.
-- Ultra Magnus
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