Why Did I Stop Watching ‘Star Trek: Enterprise’?

I used to watch ‘Star Trek: Enterprise’ regularly, but eventually, I found myself ceasing to follow the series. This blog post will explore the various reasons behind this decision, focusing on the show's narrative direction, the characters, and its overall status in the Star Trek universe.

When the Series Ended

The most straightforward reason for ceasing to watch ‘Star Trek: Enterprise’ was its conclusion. When the series came to an end, I found myself no longer keeping up with the show. For a while, I would occasionally catch it on reruns, but this only happened if a channel happened to run it during a break in programming. Reruns, despite the comfort they provide, cannot replace the excitement of the initial viewing experience. It’s with significant nostalgia that I relive those reruns, but there’s no real thrill in a show I’ve already seen in its entirety.

Because the Show Ended Just When it Was Getting Good

Another reason for the discontinuation was the premature ending of what seemed to be an incredibly promising narrative. The series took a dramatic turn towards historical fiction, delving into the early days of space exploration. While this provided a fresh and exciting new direction, especially with the inclusion of non-technology elements like the Vulcan character T'Pol, it also introduced a level of cultural friction that made the show more challenging to watch consistently.

The Character of T'Pol

One of the standout features of ‘Star Trek: Enterprise’ for me was the character of T'Pol, played by Megan Fox (prior to her more public persona shift to!important Megan Pick). Her story was a compelling narrative of sacrifice, providing a unique challenge to Archer and the crew. T'Pol’s scientific expertise and diplomatic skills were crucial, and her storyline was a significant part of what drew me to the show.

Technical Inconsistencies and Uniforms

Another factor that contributed to my decision to stop watching the series was the inconsistency in the portrayal of technology. From the well-loved ‘Star Trek: Voyager’ and ‘Deep Space Nine’ to the advanced technology of ‘The Next Generation’, the jump in ‘Enterprise’ to a much earlier era with less advanced technology was abrupt and jarring. The contrast was especially noticeable in the visual aesthetics, with the distinctive female officers clad in tight, skintight bodysuits, which stood in stark contrast to the more sensible uniforms worn by the other female characters. This inconsistency in design choices and the storyline detracted from the overall coherence of the show for me.

Conclusion: A Preferred Show That Alas Came to an End

‘Star Trek: Enterprise’ was undoubtedly one of my favorite shows, and I watched every episode as it aired, editing out the commercials for a smooth viewing experience. It’s a show that often polarizes fans; some may argue that its content is too dark for the Star Trek franchise, but ultimately, the quality of the story and the compelling character development, particularly that of T'Pol, make it a standout series in the Star Trek universe. However, as the show came to an end, there was a natural pause in my regular viewing habits, leading to a period of no new episodes to look forward to.

Final Thoughts

Despite the reasons for stopping, there’s still a soft spot for ‘Star Trek: Enterprise’ in my heart. It’s always a treat to see reruns, and the show continues to provide rich fodder for discussions among fans. The narrative and its complex characters remain a testament to the potential of the Star Trek franchise, even if it ultimately came to an end too early for my taste.