Enterprise is ordered to Rigel VII to investigate cultural contamination.
This has the feel of an original series story that explores a strange new world and its society in a way that reflects on humanity. I also like how it expands on a reference made by Pike in the original pilot episode 'The Cage'.
It has some pretty good themes. I particularly like how it questions the role that memories play in behaviour and personality. I have experienced immediate family members suffering effects of dementia and some of this hits home quite strongly with me.
Ortegas has a bit more to do than in previous episodes which is nice to see, however the focus is fairly evenly split between Enterprise and it's landing party. Melissa Navia gives a likeable performance, but the episode mostly belongs to Anson Mount, who has the best of the material with Pike's arc. Reed Birney also makes a good contribution as a guest character.
Visually it is quite striking in moments, particularly the colours used in various shots that reflect the sky on certain characters. As ever, the art design and effects are excellent.
For me it's a 7.5/10, but I round upwards.
This has the feel of an original series story that explores a strange new world and its society in a way that reflects on humanity. I also like how it expands on a reference made by Pike in the original pilot episode 'The Cage'.
It has some pretty good themes. I particularly like how it questions the role that memories play in behaviour and personality. I have experienced immediate family members suffering effects of dementia and some of this hits home quite strongly with me.
Ortegas has a bit more to do than in previous episodes which is nice to see, however the focus is fairly evenly split between Enterprise and it's landing party. Melissa Navia gives a likeable performance, but the episode mostly belongs to Anson Mount, who has the best of the material with Pike's arc. Reed Birney also makes a good contribution as a guest character.
Visually it is quite striking in moments, particularly the colours used in various shots that reflect the sky on certain characters. As ever, the art design and effects are excellent.
For me it's a 7.5/10, but I round upwards.