Fallen Hero
Date: February 09, 2152
Original Airdate: May 08, 2002
By T'Bonz
The Story
The story begins with T'Pol encouraging Archer to provide
shore leave to the crew, as she feels that they are tense and
have "gone without" for too long. She suggests that
they go to Risa, a planet known to Vulcans that can provide the
proper remedy for what ails the crew. Trip is enthusiastic and
is soon seen on the bridge sporting a rather loud shirt.
Enterprise receives a message from Admiral Forrest. Enterprise
is to pick up a Vulcan ambassador, V'Lar, who is being
sent back from Mazar to Vulcan in disgrace. They will then convey
her to a Vulcan ship en route.
The ambassador comes aboard Enterprise, and proves to be quite
amiable, to the surprise of Archer and crew, who had been expecting
someone along the lines of T'Pol, behavior-wise. This ambassador
shakes hands and makes attempts at humor. T'Pol is disappointed
in her, and confesses to Archer that she met the ambassador years
before.
The Enterprise is contacted by the Mazarites. They've
had a change of heart, and now want the ambassador back. When
Archer doesn't comply immediately, they jam communications
and fire upon the ship. V'Lar refuses to tell why the Mazarites
want her back or what is really going on. Disgusted, Archer threatens
to take her back to Mazar, but is convinced not to by T'Pol.
Enterprise races off to try to rendezvous with the Vulcan ship,
attaining the magical warp five. They are forced to drop to
impulse when only 10 minutes from meeting the other ship. Archer
concocts a scheme, and the Mazarites who board Enterprise are
tricked into thinking they've killed V'Lar. The
Vulcan ship finally arrives and forces the Mazarites to surrender,
they are allowed to depart. V'Lar then takes her leave
of Enterprise, with a handshake to Archer and "Live long
and proper" to T'Pol.
Review
The Good
Plenty of good in this episode. Continuity touches throughout
the episode, from the Vulcan-Andorian accords of the near past,
to "Live long and prosper", so familiar to TOS fans.
V'Lar. Charming. Finally a Vulcan that isn't an arrogant
snob. She seemed to be willing to meet the humans on their terms
and not offended by them, as Vulcans have seemed to be in ENT
thus far.
Phlox's play acting in sick bay.
The Vulcan Captain. The "take no prisoners" attitude
of his was great.
The Very Good
The chase. Tense and exciting. Getting to warp five put one
in mind of Zephram Cochrane's first flight; it seemed like
the ship would shake itself apart. And nice look on Mayweather's
face when they achieved it.
The Bad
The Vulcans only get laid every seven years? It's know
by TOS that they have to mate every seven years, but this is
the first time it's said that they ONLY have sex at that
time. Somehow I can't see Amanda wife of Sarek tolerating
that. And what's with T'Pol blabbing about it? Spock,
Tuvok and Vorik considered it highly private and yet T'Pol
will blab about it to humans, whom she doesn't particularly
like.
The Verdict
Good episode. Somewhat predictable, but enjoyable. V'Lar,
although seemingly a bit emotional for a Vulcan, was charming
and pleasant, the humor throughout the episode was good, the
touches of continuity were good. The Vulcans were much better
this episode; we're starting to see a little more variety.
Even the captain of the Vulcan ship didn't seem arrogant.
The sickbay ploy was rather obvious, but Phlox's playacting
saved that scene.
Grade: 8/10
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:
Fionnula Flanagan as V'Lar
Vaughn Armstrong as Admiral Forrest
J. Michael Flynn as Mazarite Official
Dennis Howard as Vulcan Captain
John Rubinstein as Mazarite Captain
Creative Staff:
Director: Patrick Norris
Teleplay By: Alan Cross
Story By: Rick Berman & Brannon
Braga and Chris Black
