"The Xindi" set the tone for season's story arc to come: bad guys to blow up. Turn anger on, brain off. Hence we get the nonsense physics of "Anomaly" and goofy genetics of "Extinction." "Rajiin" set up an interesting character we'll likely never see again. The Vulcan zombies of "Impulse" began T'Pol's crack problem. Despite some Hoshi development, "Exile" was throwaway. I did like "The Shipment" alot, mainly due to the snarky Gralik. I'll miss him too.

"Twilight" may be the best-looking ENT episode but Archer dreaming did nothing to the arc. "North Star" was an otherwise enjoyable romp terribly out-of-place this season. "Similitude" integrated better and raised quite a fan ruckus; it's probably the best episode of the season. To make up for it "Carpenter Street" came along foreshadowing the immense temporal stupidity yet to come at season's end. "Chosen Realm" failed the potentially interesting sphere-worshippers by resorting to cliche. "Proving Ground" proved that the "Andorian Mining Consortium runs from no one!" That's probably the season's best line.

"Stratagem" brought Degra through a barely credible impossible mission. The transdimensional realms of "Harbinger" dove deeply into unpalatable fantasy. "Doctor's Orders" was a retread of a Voyager episode somewhat salvaged by exceptional performances. The creepy "Hatchery" gave Archer an opportunity to negotiate with the insectoids later, squandered (par for the year).

Then came the run to the end. "Azati Prime" took a look at a far future Enterprise and shot up the current one. "Damage" delivered the crack whore insult damaging an otherwise good show. "The Forgotten" introduced Archer "the Great Pirate" - despite no overwhelming need to rape another ship for parts, he barely bats an eye. (Credit to his officers for at least objecting to brutally spoiling another first contact.) "E^2" could have fit anywhere and left annoying riddles. "The Council" redeemed the Xindi arc to a degree by depicting some not so monolithic bad guys. "Countdown" upped the action pace, killing a minor character. "Zero Hour" rewarded viewer loyalty with a last minute slap to the face.

If you believe the papers, Star Trek Enterprise was the lowest of several hundred programs that made this year's ratings. That probably means it's the lowest rated season in Star Trek history too, even worse than the first two seasons. This demonstrates the militaristic approach was wrong. War needs no encouragement, particularly from a tradition dedicated to peace and the human potential. Stop torturing time and return Enterprise to exploration. The bottom of the barrel is no place for a starship.