Your thoughts on "Proving Ground"?

[Seiben 0]

So what did you think of Wednesday's episode "Proving Ground" when the Enterprise crew allied with the Andorians to steal a Xindi- planet destroying weapon? I personally thought it was very entertaining. I kinda wish for more action, but I thought it added to the show's plot nicely. The ending however was kinda dissapointing, in my opinion. I thought it was well written, like most other episodes of this season. Hopefully, the B-twins will pump out more good episodes like this one, and pick up Enterprise's sagging ratings. :P

Edit: Whoops, I meant Comic Book guy.. dang it. If someone can change it to that, I'd appreciate it. :)

Edited January 22, 2004 by Seiben

[Vex Xiang 0]

It was okay. One of the better ones Ive seen.

 

One thing is though that this Enterprise show is starting to remind me of Voyager. They're out deep in space for so long now. Enough with the Xindi plot! I want to see more variety.

 

This Xindi thing would have been a good 2-part episode but I HATE these long soap-opera style episode runs.

 

Get back to Earth and start dealing with Starfleet and Klingons and stuff, I say.

[Nemesis 0]

It was okay. One of the better ones Ive seen.

 

One thing is though that this Enterprise show is starting to remind me of Voyager. They're out deep in space for so long now. Enough with the Xindi plot! I want to see more variety.

 

This Xindi thing would have been a good 2-part episode but I HATE these long soap-opera style episode runs.

 

Get back to Earth and start dealing with Starfleet and Klingons and stuff, I say.

I think the Xindi is almost over now Vex don't worry lil' buddy :P

[FredM 0]

Hey there,

 

Well, outside of people now stealing my concept of a poll about episodes....::growl::: :P

 

I think it was a quality episode. We actually did learn a bit more about the pre-Federation Andorians in this episode. They did have tractor technology, shielding, etc. I could honestly see how they become one of the founding members of the Federation.

 

As for the Xindi plot, I'm sorry to say that I'm enjoying it. I think having the overall theme but having variety within it is working. It's an attitude and direction that really seems to work in Trek (aka: Dominion War). It helps to bring the episodes together, while at the same time keeping them from dealing with the same subject matter every single week.

 

I do love how they are holding to continuity. They are building on their past experiences and those experiences are having effects on present/future events. That's something Voyager wasn't doing and one of my biggest fears with this series.

 

My only concern has to do with the folks at CBS/Paramount. This show is finally, like all other successful Trek incarnations before it, coming into it's own during it's third season. Yet they've already trimmed the season by two episodes and it has not yet been confirmed whether or not it'll return for a fourth season. If it doesn't, I think it will be a horrible shame. Just as the show, the writers and the actors are really coming to terms with their positions....

 

As for the ratings, I've been seeing some interesting discussions and numbers showing that it is doing quite well these days. Not number one or anything, but it is gaining viewers. Caused a horrible dispute between two of the ratings company's last week. One indicated horrible ratings, the other showed an exact opposite.

Edited January 22, 2004 by FredM

[Travis Kroells 0]

Get back to Earth and start dealing with Starfleet and Klingons and stuff, I say.

You have to remember, that ENT broke a time line that I must comment on.

 

In reading Star Trek, the magizine, some time ago, and then again recently, I read the history of the klingons on the Federation. And it states that the Federation, discovered the Klingons, some time AFTER the Earth Romulan war, and the founding of the Federation, and the council...

 

The story goes, that up ontil then, Earth ships would just land on a planet, introduce themselves, and hope for the best. And then they came across the Klingons. They had never encountered a warrior race like that before, and didnt know what to expect, lets just say it didn't go down well.

 

Tensions, and the conflicts we all know about insued, and from that point on, Starfleet decided to go under cover for first contact for a while, learn about the species, their culture and stuff, so they wouldnt make such fools of them selves like with the Klingons.

 

And so the offical story is.

 

ENT broke that terribly, by involving the Klingons from episode one. I like the show, dont get me wrong, but thats my major pet peve with the show, and I havent liked a single Klingon related show to date because of it. I understand that the series is a prequal, and will be a little different then what the books say, but with a series core species like the Klingons, I dont think they should have manipulated things like that.

 

And there are my two cents.

[FredM 0]

Hey there,

 

Travis, here's the thing. What did they break? What fans had decided must have happened in the absence of any factual information? That doesn't make the theory canon. Like it or not, that's no longer the case. In addition, looking at all of the television series and movies...I don't see anything where continuity has been broken regarding Federation/Klingon or Federation/Romulan relations. Might not have turned out the way people thought, but it hasn't broken continuity.

[Vex Xiang 0]

Im pretty sure I remember Picard saying once that the reason they do undercover first contact is because of the first incident with the Klingons. I dont think he told details though.

 

I dont like that ENT is not involving Starfleet and showing Earth and the birth of the Federation, and the beginning of the Romulan War. Timeline and canon aside, I'd like to see these things because thats what I feel the entire show is supposed to be about. Not just about a ship before 1701. But we need to see how and why the Federation grows with other races in the region. Bring on the Romulan War and lets see some of that developing before the show gets cancelled!

 

I did like the Xindi plot for a very short time, but Im getting tired of it. The Dominion War in DS9 was good for a while too, but I stopped watching it. It got boring, because even though the missions and specifics of the episodes were different, it was the same stuff over and over...and a lot of the episode was built around driving this larger plot.

 

Not to mention if you missed a couple episodes of late-DS9 you were lost, which is what happened to me.

 

I liked how TOS and TNG had so much variety and they weren't focused on a single goal for 20 episodes. I had the same problem with VOY. They were just trying to get home, and the only variety were the things they found along the way and how they were going to get there. It got old fast.

 

:P

[FredM 0]

Hey there,

 

I'm not certain what your expecting. The Romulan War, according to canon, isn't supposed to officially start for another...what...five or six years. The Federation isn't founded for a solid seven or eight. I think it's way too early to be showing anything.

 

Besides, I like the fact they're showing Earth wasn't this massive military might. This is something that makes sense. The Vulcans had massive technology when we just figured out what "warp speed" was. The Andorians, as established in TOS, have had horrible relations with the Vulcans for a long time. So it's logical to assume they have this great technology. Not sure if you caught it, but in that episode titled "Twilight" where Earth is destroyed...it actually hints at a lot. For example, there is a line where someone says "Well, let's be sure to thank General Shran" regarding shields on Enterprise. This type of stuff is what I would expect.

 

Earth has a lot of catching up to do. I like the fact that's shown. I like the fact it's shown they can't yet produce ships like they're cars. They're showing Starfleet growing...they're showing Earth growing.

 

I can now easily see how it could be said that when the Romulans start an attack against Earth, they have allies who come and help. After that war, the allies say "We should set something up full time."

[Vex Xiang 0]

I'm not certain what your expecting. The Romulan War, according to canon, isn't supposed to officially start for another...what...five or six years. The Federation isn't founded for a solid seven or eight. I think it's way too early to be showing anything.

 

I know. And you're going to kill me Fred, but I really don't care about canon. :P Really Im watching the show because I have a love for Trek so I want to see the birth of things familiar. There are so many inconsistencies already that if I was a die-hard canon fan then I'd be going nuts watching this show, I think.

 

You made a good point about the Romulan War and the birth of the Federation. But why not just skip a few years and start it early? Its not going to destroy the history of Trek. These are just my wishes of course Im sure paramount has other ideas. Though they did show the Romulans already so Im guessing they'll bring them in at some point.

 

Kind of off topic though, I think the part about the Romulans having no warp drive, using atomic weapons, etc should be stricken from canon and using Enterprise to rewrite Trek history is a way to do that. I mean, if they dont have warp drive...what threat are they to anyone? Why would Earth go out of its way to fight a war entirely in their territory when it takes them a month just to get from Romulus to Remus?? It makes Earth sound like a conqueror and the aggressor.

 

I suppose we're just looking for different things from the show :)

[Vex Xiang 0]

I can now easily see how it could be said that when the Romulans start an attack against Earth, they have allies who come and help. After that war, the allies say "We should set something up full time."

 

Come to think of it, I think it would have made MORE sense if the Romulans were building these weapons and preparing to send them to Earth. Maybe they could build warp capable missiles but nothing that a humanoid could survive? Dunno...its the only thing to me that would make sense for the Romulans attacking Earth without warp drive when they're light years away.

[AndrewLyon 0]

I only recently started watching Enterprise since a friend at my college lends me episodes on VHS. (Thank you local channels for refusing to buy the broadcaste rights for Enterprise:-( )Which means I have allot of catching up to do. However, honestly this is refersing compared to the Star Treks we have seen before. Since I do not know how many times on Voyager, or The Next Generation. The enemy is coming around the horn blasting everyone to attoms, and what does the captain do? S/He walks to the bridge or to where the fighting is going on. Instead on Enterprise, when I see fighting breaking out, I see Archer running around the ship, I see him willing to space an alien unless the guy turns over some information. This is what I have thirsted for years four, and now I feel my thirst being quenched!

Does Enterprise have what it take to go the distance? Yes it does. From what I have seen, I think this show has another seven years in it at least. If those guys at UPN offer it to public broatcasting stations (i.e channels that use transmitters, and not cable) then the ratings would go up, since I would be glued to it. Yes they have had some bomb episodes, but even the original Star Trek made a few bombs. Now some of you have asked to see them return to Earth. I think that would be nice, a quick visit home, maybe for repairs/restocking. However, do not keep them there, keep them exploring the final frontier to seek out new life, and new civilizations, and maybe Q if they so derserver the curse.

[Vex Xiang 0]

Well remember the TOS was only around for 3 seasons. That might be the same fate for Enterprise.

[Seiben 0]

Well remember the TOS was only around for 3 seasons. That might be the same fate for Enterprise.

I kinda doubt that.. the Enterprise episodes are starting to get much better than they were in the show's first season. Remember the first three years of TNG? I'll bet noone thought it would last more than three years either. Give it more of a chance, I'd say. :) Though I still am quite dissapointied that Enterprise is changing some of the Trek history though. :P

[AndrewLyon 0]

Though I still am quite dissapointied that Enterprise is changing some of the Trek history though. 

 

Sebien, anytime anyone touches up the "before" part of anyone stories mistakes will arise. If you read the last six newwest Dune books, you'll realize the mistakes that Brain is making, and he grew up with Frank Herbert. While half these writters never met Gene Roddenberry so mistakes will be made, and please accept it.

[Seiben 0]

Sebien, anytime anyone touches up the "before" part of anyone stories mistakes will arise. If you read the last six newwest Dune books, you'll realize the mistakes that Brain is making, and he grew up with Frank Herbert. While half these writters never met Gene Roddenberry so mistakes will be made, and please accept it.

You're probably right, but it does leave a bitter taste in my mouth. But I do smell what you're cooking, man. I still don't like the way the producers are changing years of solid Trek history, but what can you do?

[John_Anderson 0]

Well remember the TOS was only around for 3 seasons. That might be the same fate for Enterprise.

Actually the contract the Parmount has on Entereprise is a 5 year contract, so even if they wanted to cancel it they couldn't since the contract says they must do atleast 100 episodes.

 

There were rumors floating around because the UPN cut back the epsiodes in this season and changed some numbers in the next season so that in the end they could have 100 epsiodes exactly by the end of the next season. So people were worried that they were going to end it by next season. But it doesn't seem so.

 

They are trying really hard in keeping the show afloat at least for 7 seasons (If you notice that's how many seasons all the series's had excluding TOS). Doing it gives them a chance to make more money when they sell of the show to syndication. :P.

[FredM 0]

Actually the contract the Parmount has on Entereprise is a 5 year contract, so even if they wanted to cancel it they couldn't since the contract says they must do atleast 100 episodes.

Hey there,

 

Most contracts of this type hold a clause that would allow a cancellation but require a percentage payment to cast/crew. As of this moment, CBS has not confirmed Star Trek: Enterprise will be returning for a fourth season. Furthermore, neither has Rick Berman.

 

It should be noted however that the ratings for the show have been on an upward trend this entire season. Heck, UPN Wednesday nights was one of the few networks to *gain* viewership this past week. With American Idol season starting, all of the other networks (minus UPN) had horrible ratings...so bad that at least two networks are cancelling the shows that run on Wednesdays or moving them to other timeslots.

 

As to a cut in episodes, I believe Rick Berman a few weeks ago confirmed that Season 3 was cut by two episodes. This means the season will feature twenty-four adventures vs twenty-six.

 

Now, I'm the first person to say this show needs to continue. They, like TNG, have gotten a solid grip and are doing quality storytelling. I can honestly only think of perhaps two episodes this entire season I would rate as "average."

[Captain Huff 0]

Well crap, here's another episode I liked. ::sigh:: I'd watch it just for the Andorian antennae. Okay maybe the wine had something to do with that, but man that's SO cool.

 

And I just really like shades of gray (no pun intended). A race or persons in that race who are not good or evil, but some gray combination of both. What a strong character. I hope we see that blue b--- many more times.

[Vex Xiang 0]

I agree I think that the andorian Shran is becoming a very good character. Maybe they'll get rid of Archer and make Shran the captain? j/k :)

[Nemesis 0]

I agree I think that the andorian Shran is becoming a very good character. Maybe they'll get rid of Archer and make Shran the captain? j/k :)

They should make Shran the new Neelix, you know chef but he is really a Cardassian and claims to have Chakotay's baby and then runs back to the Ocampa but is rescued by ENT from reasssimilation. There that might work :P

[Vex Xiang 0]

Paramount should definately hire you as a writer for Trek, Nemesis. You're right up B&Bs ally :)

[Nemesis 0]

Paramount should definately hire you as a writer for Trek, Nemesis. You're right up B&Bs ally :)

I know what you mean I'd make a great writer, first thing I'd do is get rid of this PG rating and make it 18+ because you know Star Trek needs more swearing and nudity. I'd make Archer into an ex-marine who fault against the Vulcans in the war. Then I'd have the Klingons flying paper airplanes and singing in the rain. Then I'd bring everyone's favorite captian Janeway become the Admiral in the Enterprise universe. You see I can do a good job :P

[Captain Huff 0]

Maybe they'll get rid of Archer and make Shran the captain? j/k :)

I'd be first in line to buy the series on DVD.

[AndrewLyon 0]

Finally got this Enterprise Episode, and I say they are kicking butt. Paramount can not kill this series after letting Voyager go on so long, and making Janeway an Admiral.

[Grom 0]

Finally got this Enterprise Episode, and I say they are kicking butt. Paramount can not kill this series after letting Voyager go on so long, and making Janeway an Admiral.

Perhaps paramount has learned from its mistakes. :)