Dead Stop

After the damage caused in the 'Minefield' incident Enterprise stops at a repair station.

This is a strong episode with an intriguing plot that makes you want to find out what is going on. I also like the concept of the Enterprise being the ship that sends out a distress signal as it makes sense that the crew would require help from time to time.

The story unfolds in a compelling way and other than one plot point that presents something to you that you know is going to turn out to be untrue, it all builds perfectly to a creepy conclusion.

There are some decent character moments for Trip, Reed, Dr Phlox and Archer, but some of the dialogue they are given to work with is not the best. Thankfully, this one is very much plot driven so it doesn't drag the episode down.

What is a bit of a let down, is that the repair station doesn't tie in with anything that has been introduced or referenced in the franchise previously. It doesn't make the story any less enjoyable, but I think the episode would have been a classic if they had connected it to something familiar, making the final reveal that much more impactful. Maybe a bit of Borg technology that ended up disconnected ending up in the alpha quadrant somehow. That for me would have been so much better.

Some elements of the episode clearly take inspiration from 2001: Space Odyssey and The Matrix, but they come across as a homage more than a rip-off. Well done to Roxanne Dawson for a well made episode and lending her voice to the station computer.