Stigma

Enterprise visits the Interspecies Medical Exchange Conference and Dr Phlox attempts to gain information relating to Pa'nar syndrome.

This continues the story of T'Pol and the mind-meld rape incident from the first season episode 'Fusion'. The writers have added a new theme which portrays mind-melding Vulcans as a minority group who experience discrimination within Vulcan society. The plot device it uses revolves around the fact that mind-melds can cause Pa'nar syndrome. All of this appears to be an unsubtle analogy to AIDS and prejudice suffered by the homosexual community.

The main theme is handled pretty well in how it tackles the subject, with T'Pol more concerned about the prejudicing of a minority group than her own career and reputation. Although the plot does slightly ignore the fact that in 'Fusion' she initially went willingly into a mind-meld. The highlight is Archer fighting fighting for her and also respecting her right to privacy about the circumstance of the incident.

There is also a very good sub-plot involving a Human/Denubulan culture clash between Trip Ticker and Dr Phlox's wife that provides much needed relief from all the serious stuff.

For me the biggest downside is portrayal of the Vulcans. Enterprise is persisting with its own interpretation of the species as narrowed minded, bigoted and behaving far more emotionally than they should be. The whole mind-melders as a minority group issue feels like a retcon of what we already know about Vulcan culture.

All performances are strong in this one, so I have to say I did enjoy it overall.