Twilight

Twilight is an important episode in the evolution of Captain Archer and T'Pol's characters. However, it is unclear, throughout most of the episode whether any part of what we are seeing is actually happening. This ambiguity is a big part of the plot, but it almost feels as if the writers wanted to experiment around with a few new ideas but wanted the option to take them back if they interfered with the series' arcs or overall development.

Most of the episode involves what MIGHT be an alternative future where extra-dimensional bacteria associated with the anomalies in the expanse have infected Archer's brain and he has either become extremely delusional or he has lost his anchor in his own time as well as his ability to create new memories.

Although cleverly plotted, there are quite a few logical inconsistencies in the story - but these depend upon which of the alternative explanations hold. And, to avoid a spoiler, I can say no more.

Acting - terrific. Cinematography and Directing (by Tom Paris!) - good. Script - better than average for Enterprise.

Worth a careful viewing.

Archer is knocked out as the Enterprise encounters another anomaly and wakes up to a quite disturbing situation.

This is the strongest episode of season 3 so far as it reverts to a more traditional Star Trek concept and applies this to the serialised Xindi narrative. It's all done in a way that works quite well for me.

The plot is not in the slightest bit original but its unfolds in quite a plausible way. I accepted Archer's situation wholeheartedly and even though it is obvious from the start that everything will be resolved by the end of the episode, I found the next 40 minutes pretty compelling.

What lifts it above most standard Enterprise episodes are the performances. Jolene Blalock not only nails T'Pol's emotional repression but she also made me really like the character. Scott Bakula is pretty much back in Sam Beckett mode playing Archer in such a highly disoriented condition. This is something he does particularly well and is a joy to watch. Dr Phlox and Trip Tucker are also excellent during their moments.

It also contains some great references to the Star Trek universe, particularly the Mutara section and Ceti Alpha V. This isn't just written into the plot as a bit of fan service, it gives a nice level of black ironic humour to the situation.

I had mixed feelings initially after watching this one. It doesn't say much for the crew's ability to function without Captain Archer and that bothered me but hey ho they aren't my characters. In my head it is a 7.5/10 so I'll be nice and round upwards.

While the Enterprise is under a wave of anomalies, T'Pol is wounded in a corridor and Captain Archer refuses to leave her behind, being hit by another anomaly. After the examination of Dr. Phlox, he realizes that Archer has lost his short memory since his brain has been infected by alien parasites from another space-time. Twelve years later, T'Pol tells Archer again how he lost his commission in Enterprise and the Xindis had destroyed Earth and the human race. Meanwhile, Dr. Phlox pays a visit to the colony where they are living to tell him that he should return to the Enterprise for a possible new-developed treatment that may destroy the parasites.

"Twilight" is the most ambiguous and one of the best episodes of the series. The original and engaging screenplay with an the open conclusion is magnificent, with great performances. My vote is nine.

Title (Brazil): "Futuro Incerto" ("Uncertain Future")

When Sci Fy series Dabble with Timelines they seem to think anything goes.

With extension this episode is awesome.

In one of the more interesting episodes of "Star Trek: The Next Generation", Riker awakens to discover that MANY years have passed. The crew has aged considerably and he's somehow lost his memory. "Twilight" has a similar sort of set-up...but fortunately the secrets to why this has occurred are very different and make both worth your time.

So, in this case, it's Archer who awakens and finds many years have passed--12 to be exact. The last 12 years have been absolutely horrible. The Earth and its major colonies off world have all been destroyed by the Xindi's new doomsday machine. What's left of the humans, just a few thousand folks, are now living on a small, far away planet.

As for Archer, he was injured long ago while trying to save T'Pol's life. This injury, oddly, has destroyed his ability to remember what has just occurred--and his long-term memory is still intact. So everything he experiences AFTER the injury he soon forgets--much like Drew Barrymore in the film "Fifty First Dates". Is there any way Archer can somehow undo this damage and, perhaps, undo the last 12 years?

This is a very intriguing 'what if' episode. Now the audience KNOWS that the human race did not get wiped out (based on the other Trek series' canon)--but how did all this get worked out is what makes this interesting. What's also interesting is Archer's subsequent relationship with T'Pol...fascinating.