Dear Doctor
Date: Unknown
Original Airdate: January 23, 2002
By Q
The Story
The episode opens with "mail call" - a highly anticipated
occasion on any space-fairing vessel. We join Dr. Phlox as he
listens to a letter from his human-counterpart, Dr. Lucas, who
is spending time as a cultural exchange doctor on Dr. Phlox's
homeworld, Denobula. His reply to his human friend begins the
narration of this episode, which continues throughout.
Cut to the doctor watching a movie in the Enterprise's "movie
theater", accompanied by twenty or so crewmates and Crewman
Cutler (last seen in "Strange New Worlds") who appears
to be his date for the evening. He expresses his fascination
at the human capacity for compassion, even at something as trivial
as a fictional movie.
Having walked his companion back to her quarters, Dr Phlox turns
to leave, only to be detained several times by Cutler - who eventually
gives him a goodnight kiss on the cheek.
Shortly thereafter, the crew of the Enterprise discovers a ship
from a pre-warp civilization with two very weak life signs. Having
taken the ship and its occupants aboard Enterprise, Dr. Phlox
discovers they're dying from an unknown disease.
Having revived one of the aliens, he tells Archer of their travels
and their sickness. More than 12 million people have died on
his home planet of Valakis, from this disease for which their
doctors have no cure. The visitor tells them they are not the
first warp-capable species they have encountered, having already
met the Maelins and the Ferengi, but neither race was willing
or able to help them. Archer offers the assistance of Dr. Phlox,
and sets course for Valakis. There the crew meets Esaak, a researcher
dedicated to finding a cure, who assists Dr. Phlox by providing
his years of research data. They also learn that there is another
species living on the planet - the Menk. The Menk, they explain,
are a similar, yet much less evolved species, untouched by the
disease. The two humanoid species seem to coexist peacefully,
much to the surprise of Dr. Phlox.
Phlox quickly develops a drug to ease the suffering of the patients,
but does not feel very optimistic of finding a cure. His studies
eventually reveal that the disease is genetic.
While visiting the sick alien whom they had rescued, Archer
is given the ultimate request: If they cannot find the cure,
then give them warp technology so that they might search for
help on their own. Clearly distressed by the implications, Archer
discusses the matter with T'Pol. Archer is forced to admit to
T'Pol that, for the first time, he realizes how the Vulcans must
have felt, fighting off Earth's century-long desires to race
to the stars. Without asking, he knows that he must deny them
their request.
Soon after, Phlox finds a cure for the genetic disease and reluctantly
admits his findings to Archer. He feels ethically compelled NOT
to give them the cure. To do so, he explains to Archer, would
be altering the natural genetic evolution of the planet and possibly
denying the Menk their own intellectual growth. Archer argues
that the people need their help, but Phlox is persistent with
his beliefs.
In the end, Archer takes the doctor's advice and chooses not
to tell them of the cure. His reasoning speaks of concepts and
ideas that will ultimately be the foundation of the Prime Directive...that
they did not venture into space to "play God". He admits
to Phlox and himself, that he cannot guide his actions by compassion
alone, and promises to remind himself of that in the future.
They leave Esaak with the formula to create more of Phlox's
pain medicine, but he does not give them the cure, or the warp
drive technology. It is regrettable, but he knows he has made
the right choice.
We close with Dr. Phlox concluding his letter to his fellow
doctor. Having gained new respect for his human Captain, Phlox
admits to his friend that he regrets second-guessing Archer's
integrity, and vows not to repeat his mistake in the future.
Finally, he calls Cutler and asks her for dinner, stating that
he could really use the company of a friend.
Review
This is an episode long overdue, in my opinion. We've seen so
much of some of the other characters, mainly Archer and Tucker,
that this episode heavily featuring Dr. Phlox was refreshing.
The Good
As this episode unfolded, I was reminded of TNG's "Data's
Day" - a non-human crewmember relating his observations
about humanity to a colleague, but it didn't detract from the
show. I was intrigued that the episode was centered on the doctor's
point of view, and was quite pleased with the result. It was
great to finally see an episode where the good doctor didn't
laugh after every sentence! His perspectives are unique and intelligent,
laughable and thought provoking. The scene in the theater where
he chomping away at his popcorn, intently watching Tucker cry
at the movie, instead of watching the movie, was hilarious to
me. His performance was superb, and his part well written. For
example, I felt his tension, when Cutler touched his arm, and
I could feel the pain he was going through in having to make
a difficult moral decision. Regardless of the overall show rating,
you have to admit, John Billingsley gave an A+ performance in
this episode.
It's clear that the writers know how well we can identify with
our pets, as Porthos' appearances have been increasing. All I
can say is "Great! More!" Hey, he never screws up his
lines, right?
Cutler's character was also well portrayed - very dynamic acting
on her part, and hopefully, she'll return in future episodes.
T'Pol was neither self-righteous nor condescending, and was
in short supply. Just what the doctor ordered, if you ask me.
Her character can be too abrasive at times, and even though she
seems to be softening up a little, it was good to have a break
from her.
The plot reminded me of something they'd do in TOS. Tackle
a somewhat sensitive, controversial subject, show more than one
point of view, and find a solution. I think Gene would be proud
of this show.
I loved the ending! It was not at all what I had expected Archer
to do. I was waiting for him to use his "human compassion" to
do what he thought was right. He didn't, and it was a pleasant
surprise.
The "Could've Been Better.."
I get the feeling that by not giving up the cure or the secrets
to warp drive, Archer was playing God, just as he would've been
had he given them these things. It didn't quite make sense to
me. What's the difference?
Reed only had one line and we didn't get to hear from Travis
at all. I would've liked to have seen Phlox interact with every
crew member, but maybe that will come in time.
Overall
The plot itself may not be as unique as I would've liked, but
it played out in a way that could have only been accomplished
in Enterprise, and for that it gets original marks. To me, this
is another real winner...the best so far this season.
Grade: 9.5/10
Cast:
Scott Bakula as Jonathan Archer
John Billingsley as Dr. Phlox
Jolene Blalock as T'Pol
Dominic Keating as Malcolm Reed
Anthony Montgomery as Travis Mayweather
Linda Park as Hoshi Sato
Connor Trinneer as Charles Tucker
Guest Cast:
Kellie Waymire as Elizabeth Cutler
David A. Kimball as Esaak
Alex Nevil as Menk Man
Chris Rydell as Alien Astronaut
Karl Wiedergott as Larr
Creative Staff:
Director: James A. Contner
Teleplay By: Maria Jacquemetton & Andre Jacquemetton
