Season Two brought lots to like. "Dead Stop" was original and creepy, though "Cogenitor" was probably the best episode of the season (if not the series). "The Communicator" brought important issues into focus even with its nick-of-time rescue sparing the crew from any consequences. "First Flight" was an overdue peek into Starfleet's development. The Andorians returned in "Cease Fire" to witness a nascent Federation; other old friends like the Tholians and the Tellarites made brief but welcome appearances.

There were embarrassing moments to be sure. Somewhat redeemed by its attention to Porthos, "A Night In Sickbay" inexplicably introduced a non-sensed attraction between T'Pol and Archer. After her bright start in "Carbon Creek" (and a murky follow-up with "The Seventh") she fared little better, often worse, dragged through begging scenes with Phlox in "Bounty." One hopes a reported third season costume establishes a logical and sensible respect for her character.

We learned what Malcolm fears in "Minefield" and what he desires in the confusing "Singularity." Hoshi's subtle performance in "Vanishing Point" left me wondering what happened when "The Crossing" disappointed. Tucker in the unintentionally funny "Precious Cargo" and pulling the diplomatic coup in "Dawn." Mayweather outdid himself (and his brother) in "Horizon" and "The Catwalk" (also featuring new NX-01 interiors and a brief below-the-belt view of "Chef"). Phlox beat the nanoprobe odds in "Regeneration" but largely spent the season reciting the radiation threat (or cure) of the week.

Like the Ferengi before, the Suliban accelerated their appalling slide into gophers shown in "Shockwave Part 2," "Future Tense" and "The Expanse." Other races were similarly soiled - the Klingons found in "Marauders" were plain silly, "The Breach" situation was boring and even Vulcans weren't spared with "Stigma." The Romulans (remember them?) popped in just long enough to be forgotten. Outstanding guest performances couldn't save tired and recycled structures from "Canamar" or "Judgment."

Struggling, the show became quite bloodthirsty (going out of its way to attack an ore freighter). We're left with another course change for the show, from its original peaceful exploration then to the warped Temporal War now reduced to mindless ass-kicking. Will they change the theme song? I hope not, but Faith and Heart have little to do with Blood and Guts (found on bodies anatomically inverted that is!). As "Enterprise" sets sail on its quest to "blow up bad guys," bloody bodies and space battles might replace the promise of more interesting and cerebral stories.

No matter. To the Delphic Expanse or not, I'll go wherever you will go.