Storm Front, Part 2

Written by: Manny Coto

Directed by: David Straiton

One of the things I found interesting was the theme that ran throughout the Storm Front mini-arc. Even though the future factions have technology far superior to that of Enterprise, and some even had physical enhancements, it is a regular man who Daniels turns to for help when things get out of control. Archer was Daniels "secret weapon" to thwart the faction that was trying to take complete control of the timeline. It would seem, by one of the comments Silik made to Archer, that no one was expecting a human to be capable of doing what Archer did. These factions apparently viewed humans as being innocuous.

In today's movie dramas we are bombarded with super-beings that have all these special powers in order to save the world. It is refreshing to see that someone still writes stories in which a regular guy can be the hero. No bells. No whistles. No superhuman strength; just a normal person like you or me. Sometimes I believe that we think that we are helpless to do things or to change situations, or that we are waiting for that "super hero" to step up and take care of our problems. At least that is the way normal people are depicted in today's super action movies. But Archer's character can be our example of what one person can accomplish.

With that said, I do not mean to imply that Archer has no gifts or special abilities associated with human beings. Archer is a very gifted man who thinks fast on his feet and whose compassion for life and humanity drive him to bring good over bad. Archer's character is the best portrayal of a Starfleet Captain I've seen: He's diplomatic, charming, bold, and now he is a seasoned Captain. Archer is what the other Captains should be striving to emulate. Archer has something that trumps all the special abilities and enhancements: simple human ingenuity coupled with a determination and desire that is guided by his compassion for humanity. I believe this episode, as well as the entire Xindi arc, has provided us with a very important life lesson: One man, or one women, can make a difference if we simply apply ourselves and use our talents and the abilities that we have been given.

One of the things I enjoyed about this episode was Archer's individuality. Throughout the Xindi arc he has been a man who has made his own calls. He will accept other people's input and collect evidence in an effort to make the best choice possible, but his independence is unmistakable and very much appreciated. I think it says a lot about Archer's character in the way he has handled this whole Xindi conflict. After all, he had no prior wisdom to draw from, since he is the first Captain, he had to rely on himself and his own ethical principles to get him through. Starfleet sent a man who was a diplomat and explorer first, but because of his innate sense of protecting humanity he was able to adapt and become the person needed in order to stop the Sphere Builders from destroying the universe as we knew it.

I liked watching Archer's eyes and body language as he studied Vosk. Archer was listening and analyzing everything Vosk was telling him; not because he was considering joining his cause, but because he wanted to learn anything and everything he could about any weakness that would assist in defeating him.

I liked the relationship between Archer and Alicia. I liked it because it was based on mutual admiration. They were allies, both having similar goals, and though there was one point where Archer had to correct Alicia when she started demanding that he use Enterprise's weapons in order to destroy the enemy, upon Archer's gently rebuke, she quickly acknowledged that Archer knew best and she let him know that she trusted him enough to allow him to correct this situation in his way, not hers. I also liked the fact that when Archer told her that he could send her anywhere on Earth -- away from the fighting -- without hesitation, she lets him know that she wants to go back and help defeat the Nazis. Again, he gives her a look of approval and admiration for her stance, just as he had back at her apartment when she told Sal she wasn't going to leave.

I loved the silent communication between Phlox and Archer once Trip and Mayweather beamed back aboard Enterprise. This incident took me as much by surprise as it did Mayweather. I had already forgotten about seeing Silik drop in on an unconscious Trip just a few scenes before. So, when Archer body blocked Trip's attempt at escape, I thought, "what is going on here?" I knew something was up by the way Archer was looking at Trip prior to their confrontation, but I had not put two and two together at that point. Archer's eyes turned steely and his body posture had that unmistakable stance of being ready for a conflict.

When Archer visits Silik in the brig, he experiences first-hand the changes that have taken place in Archer's character. I enjoyed this scene as well. While Archer's hand is firmly holding Silik by the throat, Silik informs Archer that he has changed. Archer released his hold on Silik and takes a step back. The expression on Archer's face is one of alarm, and perhaps even a little fear. I think this is the first time Archer realizes that he has changed, and I think for a brief moment it takes him aback. But Archer quickly regains his composure and immediately tells Silik, "And not at all for the better!" I look at this as a prerequisite to the struggle that we will see Archer facing as season four progresses.

I loved the tension created when Vosk was on the verge of stepping into his time portal. It had me sitting on the edge of my couch, banging on my knees, rocking back and forth yelling, "NO! You've got to stop him!! Shoot! Shoot!" This was a very suspenseful episode and if this is any indication as to what's to come, I think we are in for a real treat this season.

Special Effects I liked:
-Silik going into the vent in order to open the door from the inside.
-Enterprise entering the Earth's atmosphere in order to zero in on the factory in which Vosk was creating the time portal. I liked the aerial fight and the scenes we see of New York as we watch Enterprise fly overhead.
-And finally, I really liked the scene in which the timeline was correcting itself. It was so well done. I think the special effects people do a fantastic job on this series. And if you will notice, one of the last events we saw in the time line as it was resetting was the scene from the season three finale, right after Archer had defeated the Reptilian and was running to rendezvous with the Xindi so he cold transport off the weapon before it exploded. I liked this because for me it brought things full circle. It closed the book on the Xindi conflict, giving us a "peace of mind" that Archer did indeed rectify the conflict as well as bringing the Cold War to an end. Now we get to move on and see what else and who else is out there...

As the final scene comes to a close, we see Archer and the others waiting. There is tension on the bridge as silence falls over each crewmember as they anxiously await confirmation. It seems that everyone is waiting to exhale. Have they truly made it back home? Can their eyes and computer sensors be trusted? Just at that moment, dozens of Starfleet ships are seen coming out to meet them and welcome the heroic crew back home.

I have truly enjoyed the Xindi arc. I whole-heartedly agree with Scott in that I believe season three could be put up against the best of Star Trek or any other show out there. It was well written, well acted and it has been a pleasure to invite the Enterprise crew into my home.

Sarah's Two Cents