Written by Chris Black and David Goodman

Directed by LeVar Burton

I enjoyed this episode and here are some of the reasons why:

In the opening scene, Archer is meeting with the surviving crew. He observes them with a gaze befitting a proud father. Archer knows that he is responsible for the safety and well-being of his crew and you can tell that the deaths of the 18 crew members weighs heavily on him.

"We're in bad shape. I can't deny that. But we're still in one piece. Enterprise is a tough ship. She took more than anyone could ask her to and then some! And so have all of you. I wanted to say thank you. For everyone on Earth who is relying on us, and for the 18 -- we're going to succeed!" I loved Scott's delivery on this. His voice was very calming to a crew that had been to hell and back. Archer was very sure of himself. His confidence had not wavered and it came across in his attitude and pitch. This is just what his crew needed to hear. By bringing his crew together, Archer was able to alleviate any fears or doubts they may have had as to whether or not he was still fit to command this mission. After all, he had been captured and severely beaten. The ship had been violently attacked and everyone had been thrown into a state of confusion. The crew needed to see that their Captain was okay and still in charge.

Archer informs Trip that he wants him to write a letter to the parents of crewman Taylor who has been killed in the line of duty. This assignment plagues Trip throughout the entire episode. Understandably, it causes him to face the death of his own sister, which causes him even more grief. Perhaps that is why Archer told him to do it in the first place. Perhaps Archer realized that Trip had some issues he needed to confront and this would force him to do just that.

I liked Phlox's character in this episode. My favorite line was: "Trip took the repair crew away because the armory was a higher priority. We'll see how low a priority I am when he burns his finger on a plasma conduit." Notice it wasn't, "if" he burns his finger, it was "when" he burns his finger. He knows Trip all too well.

Despite the fact that I really do not agree with what the writers have done with T'Pol's character, I do think Jolene is handling it well. Her eyes, facial expressions and body language have all been utilized to expose not only the addiction she had, but also the struggle she is experiencing with her newfound emotions. I liked T'Pol's hesitation when she came into sickbay. Her body language has changed from the stiff and confident, and sometimes arrogant, Vulcan to a person who is a bit overwhelmed by the circumstances. T'Pol confides to the doctor that her emotions are getting more difficult to control. The techniques for suppressing them have not been effective. Phlox tells her the story of what happens when you let the Genie out of the bottle. He explains that her neural pathways have been significantly damaged and that she may have to live with the emotions she has let out of the proverbial bottle. I liked the interaction between these two characters. Phlox is wearing two hats: One as her doctor and the other as a friend who is "holding her hand" as she goes through this. It's a side of Phlox that we have not seen and I like this new development in his character.

Enterprise arrives at the coordinates to meet with Degra and the Xindi-Arboreal. After arriving on the Xindi ship, Archer tells Degra that all the proof they require is aboard Enterprise. Archer proceeds to methodically show proof of his claims about the spheres and the aliens who built them. I enjoyed this portion of the episode because roles have been switched. It is Archer who is normally on a fact-finding mission to solve a problem. This time, however, Archer already has all the pertinent information and he is trying to guide Degra through the process of uncovering the real truth behind the spheres and their builders.

I think it's interesting that Archer is so calmly and painstakingly explaining things to the Xindi. He's being patient and very thorough. The time Archer spent learning about Degra when they were in the "escape pod" together was time well spent. Archer has the advantage of knowing how Degra thinks and this assists him in convincing Degra that he is supplying him with accurate information. Archer is pulling out all the stops and using everything he can to cause this situation to end successfully for both sides. Archer has, for the moment, put aside his warrior cap and taken up the scepter of the mediator.

A few lines I liked in this segment were when Archer tells Degra that Enterprise was designed to be a ship of exploration and Degra responds by telling Archer that if they are successful, it will be again.

There were two surprises in this episode that I really liked. One was when Archer convinced Degra to work together against the Reptilian ship that had tracked them down. At first, Degra puts up resistance to the request. The expression on Archer's face shows understanding for the conflict that Degra faces, but it also has the look of persuasion. Archer is encouraging him to do what is right. Not only did Degra comply with Archer's request, he took it a step further and destroyed the ship. His reason for this action was that the Reptilians would have contacted the council and revealed the alliance that had formed between Archer and Degra and he could not allow that to happen. This is the first time that Degra has verbally admitted to there being any sort of alliance between the two men.

Degra's expression of sadness for destroying the Reptilian ship and killing his own people was gratefully acknowledged by a nod from Archer. Archer understood full well the sacrifice Degra had made. Clearly, Degra is as driven to protect his race as Archer is to protect Earth.

As Degra was getting ready to leave the ship to return to his own, Archer offers Degra his hand. I think this has been an incredible learning experience for both Archer and Degra. Archer realizes, after spending more time with Degra, that he is more than the creator of the weapon. He is not the ruthless killer we once thought he was. He is an honorable man simply trying to prevent the destruction of his people. Degra has learned that Archer and humanity is not his enemy. Archer is also a man of honor who is an explorer and wants the same thing for his people that Degra wants for his.

This next scene held the second surprise for me. As the two men shake hands, Archer does something that I've only seen him do once before. Archer places his other hand on Degra's forearm. The only other time that I have seen Archer do this was when he was saying his good-byes to Admiral Forrest as he was beginning the journey into the Expanse. This gesture is not one that Archer gives lightly. It has special meaning to him and it is a sign of respect and alliance. I think it was also an acknowledgement of the sacrifices both men had made for their cause.

Sarah's Two Cents