TV: Star Trek: Enterprise

In a Mirror, Darkly Parts I & II

With the war against the rebels going badly, Commander Archer takes the Enterprise into Tholian space to search for a ship that was stolen from another universe...

This two-part adventure drags in as many Original Series references as it can, including the mirror universe from Mirror, Mirror; The USS Defiant from The Tholian Web; and the Gorn from Arena. Some things have changed: the Tholian web has been upgraded from the Etch-A-Sketch 1960s version and the Gorn ditches the rubber suit in favor of a CGI makeover.

For once the fans can’t complain about any changes because this isn’t the normal Star Trek world, it’s the mirror universe, What remains from the Original Series is the backstabbing, murderous society, with nasty, base versions of the Enterprise crew serving a brutal military organization.

Most of the cast take the opportunity to have a little fun, although Mayweather (Anthony Montgomery) seems his usual drab self. Even the alternative title sequence with its moody music and images of war pokes fun at the lameness of the regular opening to the show. It’s only the double and triple crosses of the second part that let down an otherwise interesting concept story.

Buy Star Trek Enterprise on DVD at Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

Matt Chapman is available to write TV reviews.