I gotta hand it to the paramount powers, wagering like true gamesters. The pressure builds as only a week remains before "Enterprise" leaves familiar space for "The Expanse," fueled by a spectacle of interests risking so much to gain so little. "We don't have the luxury of being safe or cautious anymore," says Jonathan Archer, aptly describing the desperate shift in focus. Wrong. Recklessness and impatience make poor substitutes for intelligence, the saving grace of our species, hardly a "luxury."

I've read this season described as "fewer smiles," probably an accurate prediction from the fans all the way up to the bean counters. Apparently damage from ratings decay brought the production team out swinging, largely in the direction of friendly noses. The "continuity challenge" exposes where the decision came down between addressing the existing premise or seeking to entertain another instead. (Came down favoring the latter, in case I'm not being sufficiently clear.) Continuity means connecting with what's been established earlier, right?

"We want some new cool stuff on the ship" say the powers, since the old stuff must no longer considered "cool." The new stuff turns out to be "lots of rifles and guns - all sorts of neat toys," plus a set of macho MACO's out to make Star Trek look less "goofy" and "lame." In addition to slaking the blood thirst for more vicious viewers these soldiers will somehow provide all the storytelling possibilities those Andorians, Tellarites, Romulans et al., were unable to deliver. (OK, count on Vulcan zombies for one tale at least.)

One thing's for sure - it's bad enough that crew favorites like Hoshi and Travis have to compete now for precious minutes of screen time without adding more characters to the mix. (Good thing everyone continues to salute the magnificent efforts of the cast.) It must be a device to encourage new interest, but clearly the existing characters interest the fans as much as ever. Are we overlooking the golden egg to pick out plot arcs from the not-so-golden refuse from the other end of the goose?

So much for words. It's been a long summer and I'm glad the ship launches early. I'm prepared to see this violent view of the future succeed or fail (and remain continuous with the peaceful perception seen in the original show). The combative approach to the fans encourages an anticipation and expectation reserved for gladiatorial sports. Who wouldn't cheer a bare-chested, training-haltered Bermaga vanquishing all doubters to take home all the quatloos?

Happy "Season's Eve" to all!