"Riker has problems as he confronts an important personal decision from his past. Troi advises him to use the NX-01 on the holodeck for help, studying events directly before she was decommissioned. Though six years have passed, no one has progressed personally. Shran comes 'back from the dead' to enlist Enterprise to rescue his kidnapped daughter from evil aliens. Riker enters the holodeck as Chef, and talks to all the NX-01 crew. Violating security as they haven't learned a zillion times before, the evil aliens sneak aboard. They take Trip hostage. Trying to outsmart them and save Archer, Trip blows himself up (not in a bloody or realistic way) and dies. No one much notices. Archer gives a speech celebrating the birth of the Federation we do not hear, as Riker ends the holodeck program."

I liked TNG, and "Pegasus," and still don't get the connection. The framing technique was clever but far enough it did not boldly go; if you're gonna do it, go all the way! As DS9 brought back TOS characters for an episode so ENT could have done, uniting all generations and connecting loose ends. Two hours could have and should have been dedicated to this, the franchise finale, for goodness' sake! One with a final script doing justice to the superb cast of this series without focusing on the characters of another.

The episode wasn't a complete loss. Riker as Chef was clever. I liked hearing Majel's computer voice again. I especially liked the hints of Kirk's uniform in Archer's speechifying dress. And another good point? Daniels made no appearance. But why was there no scene with Archer and Riker? (What ... you're gonna go to the trouble and not check out the big guy?) If he wasn't important to Riker or anything, why was Trip's death relevant? Why did Trip and T'Pol go nowhere in all that time? T'Pol busts at the seams with emotion, at least when Riker isn't too busy kissing her. And they worked in that stupid waterpolo ball! Let's not leave any low spot unsampled, shall we?

Though the closing starship montage was nice, as was hearing familiar voices, ultimately "These Are The Voyages" becomes the sad sigh of what The Voyages ultimately became, driven from such optimism into ignominious flames. Paramount may be out one golden-egg laying goose, but fan films will no doubt keep the hope of New Voyages alive for some time now. Shame on those who blew the opportunity. "Computer, end program." Indeed...there you have it.