Storm Front, Part 1

Written by: Manny Coto

Directed by: Alan Kroeker

As we open the 4th season of Enterprise, we find our Captain handcuffed and sitting in the back of a German truck. The expression on his face reflects a resounding, "What happened here? The last thing I remember was running to reach the area where the Xindi could transport me off of the weapon before it exploded. Now, I wake up staring at an alien with gray skin and red eyes." Archer is taking everything in and trying to analyze it in order to determine his next course of action. He seems a bit disoriented, but then again, who wouldn't be? In just the last couple of days, Archer has been in a fight for his life with Dolim, the Reptilian commander. Through speed, agility and cunning, Archer defeats the Reptilian and destroys the Xindi super weapon. Then, just as the weapon explodes, Daniels somehow manages to transport both Archer and Enterprise out of their time and sends them back 200 years into Earth's past. Archer wakes up in the German hospital.

Archer's opportunity for escape presents itself when the vehicle transporting him comes under attack. Archer rapidly assesses the situation and determines that it's now or never. Even after all he's been through, his athletic form responds instantaneously to his command. Archer delivers a kick to his captor's arm knocking the gun from his hand. Another kick to his captor's head, followed by a punch to his face delivered by Archer's cupped hands. Without missing a beat, Archer turns his attention to the only thing still in his way of a clean getaway. He kicks the rear panel of the truck, and the tailgate gives way to the strength of his kick, sending it flying backwards. Archer leaps out of the back of the truck, landing firmly on his feet, and takes off running.

Archer has been recaptured by the same band of freedom fighters who attacked the Germans, and we are not privy to what altercation might have transpired between Archer and Sal, but the next time we see him, he is lying unconscious on Alicia's couch as she tends to his newest wounds. Archer comes to with a start, but quickly ascertains that he is in no immediate danger. One of the nice things about this scene is that we get to see the results of all Scott's preparation that went into his marathon debut. It's all part of the Bakula package -- good looks, wonderful voice, charming personality and an energy level second to none!

As the story unfolds, we are witnesses to what and who is behind the cold war we have been hearing about for so long. I believe the story is well written and everyone is doing their part in bringing it to life. Some of my favorite scenes are when Archer and Alicia were walking together on the street and they are spotted by two German soldiers. The soldiers approach Archer and ask him why he is walking with *her.* I loved the look of slight confusion on his face and the look in his eyes as if to ask, "Why are you asking me such a stupid question? We're two people walking; why is that a problem for you?" Then the one German soldier poked Archer. (This brought a quiet chuckle to me because I immediately thought of the incident in Major League where Leonard Huff poked Gus, Scott's character, more than once...and the confrontation that followed.) Archer took hold of Alicia's arm and quickly steered clear of the harassing and obnoxious soldiers.

Another scene I enjoyed was when Sal and his men came to Alicia's apartment to warn her of the fact that one of their men had been captured and if he talked she would no longer be safe staying where she was. Her response was immediate and defiant of the odds that at that time were clearly against her. The expression on Archer's face when she stood her ground was one of admiration. He understood her feelings, and he approved. In some ways, Alicia's personality was similar to Archer's. She was bold, determined, and wanted to be a part of the alliance that stopped the advancement of the Nazis.

One-liners I liked were Archer's line when he had been accused of retreating. Archer lets Sal know under no uncertain terms that: "I didn't cut and run." The expression on Archer's face said, "I've just been through a war where I and my crew saved the entire universe -- you think I'm going to run from something like this!?" I also liked the confrontation between Archer and Sal when Sal is trying to bully the information out of him. We all know from past episodes how Archer feels about bullies. Even when Sal had his gun cocked and pointed at Archer's face, there was not so much as a blink of an eye from Archer as Sal begin his countdown. It wasn't until Sal put his gun down that Archer offered any type of explanation as to who he was.

I also liked Malcolm's line to Trip: When Trip was trying to make sense out of why Silik went to the trouble of taking him out of the air lock before launching the shuttle pod Malcolm says, "Another item on our list of things to ponder." Very amusing.

I enjoyed this opening episode on many levels, but the thing I always enjoy the most is seeing Scott work his magic. Just when I think I've seen Scott at his best, he does even better!

Sarah's Two Cents