As the first chronological series, Enterprise gets a lot right. The set design is perfect for an early starship, and the uniforms are a nice transition between present-day flight suits and Starfleet uniforms. The ship is rickety, and flying into uncharted space to meet new species feels appropriately dangerous. Despite the crew, Enterprise feels less human-focused than other Star Trek series. Getting more screen time for Andorians, Vulcans, and Tellarites is welcome and generally well done. The opening credits (minus the abysmal "Faith of the Heart") really embody the series and the spirit of boldly going where no one has gone before.
So it's a shame that so many of the plots are recycled from other Trek series. This is partly because Enterprise just didn't air long enough. Every Star Trek has a rough first season or two, and Enterprise ends just as it starts hitting its stride.
While the plots eventually get there, the characters never really become as compelling as those on other series. T'Pol, Trip, and recurring Andorian Shran are the best of the bunch. Archer, who gets most of the screen time, is the human equivalent of mayonnaise. Hoshi and Phlox are well-acted, but forgettable. Reed and Mayweather are basically nothing.
Overall, it's flawed, but worth watching. Just use a watch-skip guide, and be ready for some gratuitous underwear shots.
So it's a shame that so many of the plots are recycled from other Trek series. This is partly because Enterprise just didn't air long enough. Every Star Trek has a rough first season or two, and Enterprise ends just as it starts hitting its stride.
While the plots eventually get there, the characters never really become as compelling as those on other series. T'Pol, Trip, and recurring Andorian Shran are the best of the bunch. Archer, who gets most of the screen time, is the human equivalent of mayonnaise. Hoshi and Phlox are well-acted, but forgettable. Reed and Mayweather are basically nothing.
Overall, it's flawed, but worth watching. Just use a watch-skip guide, and be ready for some gratuitous underwear shots.