The Final Frontier: A Critical Analysis of Star Trek Enterprise’s Conclusion

When fans of Star Trek Enterprise anticipated the series’ final episode, they were met with a bittersweet conclusion that many felt left much to be desired. The episode, titled “These Are the Voyages,” serves as the summing up of a mission that was fraught with dramatic yet underwhelming moments. Despite the closure provided, the series failed to fully explore the establishment of the United Federation of Planets, leaving certain plot threads unfulfilled and the audience feeling unsatisfied.

War and Federation

The final episode of Star Trek Enterprise focuses on the war with the Xindi and the ultimate pacification of this opposition through a weapon that decimated the alien species. While the war with the Xindi brought a resolution, the series could have delved more deeply into the beginnings of the Federation. The process of forming the Federation and the relationships between the various humanoid species would have been far more engaging than the conflict with a rare alien culture.

Additionally, it remains unclear how the timeline of Star Trek Enterprise connects with that of the original series. The show is replete with mirror universes, time travel, and alternate realities. It would have been more satisfying if the creators had explained how different timelines and realities connect.

The Borg Prelude

One of the most intriguing points discussed in the final episode is the prelude to the encounters with the Borg. In the Star Trek: Next Generation series, “Q” explicitly states that the Federation was not ready to confront the Borg. Furthermore, Q tries to warn Captain Picard about venturing into the region where the Borg might be encountered. This implies that in another reality, the species did not meet the Borg until they were more prepared.

This reality where humans did not encounter the Borg until “they’re ready,” could be set in a future timeline. Given the complex nature of time and alternate universes within the Star Trek universe, the creators could have provided a clearer connection between the different timelines, especially regarding the threat of the Borg.

The Impact of Production Schedule

According to insider accounts, the producers were not given much time to develop a cohesive ending. The studio’s decision to not renew Star Trek Enterprise was made late in the season, leaving the writers with a limited timeframe to craft a comprehensive and satisfying conclusion. In desperation, they resorted to using Jonathan Frakes, the actor who played Commander William T. Riker, in a plot device that involved reliving the last mission of the original Enterprise on the holodeck. This storyline not only felt rushed but also inferior to previous episodes that were well-received.

Many fans and critics agree that had more time been allocated, the plot could have been tightened, and a more coherent narrative could have been developed. Instead, the episode seems like a hasty and last-minute creation, lacking the depth and continuity expected from a critically acclaimed series.

Filling the Gaps with Books and Other Media

For a more satisfying conclusion, many fans recommend reading books that offer alternative perspectives. Novels like TheSHORTLIST and Enterprise: Final Frontier provide additional insights into the early years of the Federation. These works delve into the origins of the Prime Directive, which is only briefly mentioned in the final episode. Furthermore, watching the episodes Terra Prime and Demons can provide a more complete and thought-provoking conclusion. The latter, in particular, is considered by some to be a better ending than the one offered in “These Are the Voyages.”

In summary, while the final episode of Star Trek Enterprise did provide some closure, the failure to fully explore the establishment of the Federation and the unfulfilled plot threads leave many fans feeling let down. A more thoughtful and carefully constructed finale would have been more satisfying and cemented the legacy of the series in the fans' hearts.