Stigma

Finally a thoughtful episode.

This particular episode has been heralded as an “AIDS-themed” one for weeks now, but it could be interpreted into much more than just that. How about stigmatization of entire sub cultures? Be it gay lifestyle (they certainly have some “intimate” practices that are frowned upon by many) or any other kind of different lifestyle.

Finally an Enterprise episode during which I did not think “oh man… they did that already in season X of show Y” or a show that is completely based on T&A. Not that I mind T&A, but I like mine with a tad reason for it. I can’t help but feel insulted when they tie Scott Backula to a hot chick and say “watch this show… its going to be goooooood! wink wink, nudge nudge.”

The next couple of episodes actually look pretty promising as well. Seems as if they finally noticed that continuity is not necessarily something that constraints what kind of stories you can tell, but actually spawns its own story lines that viewers care about because they already have invested in the origin of them emotionally. Next week’s Cease Fire is a prime example for it as it could show the role humans played in Andorian/Vulcan relations. Maybe they helped them overcome their differences and are therefore the most prominent members of the Federation, an organization we know the Andorians and Vulcans will both belong to as well? Should get interesting.