An episode where the plot centres around Archer being brought to book for his "alledged" transgressions against The Klingon Empire. An extra plot stand also sees to a least degree Klingon self-examination.
Essentially, this episode is steeped in allegory and is similar the initial ST:TNG episodes where Q put's mankind on trial. In this case, the theme is rather more lowly than in those episodes. Here rather, the issue on trial is humanity's interference and projected arrogance in meddling in matters that does not concern them. It also demonstrates the Klingon (prosecutor/defendent) judicial system at work, and one that is heavily biased towards the prosecution - as one may expect with the Klingons.
This is played out though the premise that Archer is on trial for the previous incidents were he was perceived to wronged the Klingons. Where the first part of the middle act shows their point of view. Archer then gets to riposte their claims. The episode plays rather well, even if it does not really reaching any high intensity levels. The drama as you may expect is centred around the intrigue of the court and the flashbacks to previous encounters, with each side giving their point of view. It also demonstrates quite well Klingon prejudice and corruption of the time quite well, providing a simplistic insight into their culture 'of old' and the levels of corruption which will eventually curtail the empire.
The threat of what awaits Archer at the end of the trial provide some impetus to watch and the unexpected ending to trial provides a nice twist that kept me watching, even if I knew what the eventual outcome would be.
However, one of the better elements of the show as the character arc for Archer's Klingon adovcate, who starts of as an archetypal Klingon and due to his close proximaty to 'the human' and a self-examination of Klingon ways. Something that is hammered home right at the end again, in a way that Im sure returns in a future episode (maybe).
Enterprise plays a small role as it stands ready to execute an unlikely direct rescue through dangerous Klingon space, but then opts for a more stuble approach, as of Starfleet's approach of this era.
In the end, this episode is more about Humanity's ability to reach in and convince others of their point of view, even amoung the most stubborn and culturally ingrained enemy like the Klingons. Overall, I was disapponted by what the episode actually brings to the table, but it is logical conceived, well played out with great sets, especially, the Klingon court. While the story isnt up to much, its entertaining enough and shows enough new concepts and idea's to make it worth a watch, if only one time.moreless
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Dominic Keating
Lt. Malcolm Reed
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John Billingsley
Dr. Phlox
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Scott Bakula
Captian Jonathan "John" Archer
Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions
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Trivia
ADD TRIVIA-
Trivia: The tribunal takes place on the planet Narendra III. In the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "Yesterday's Enterprise", this planet was the site of a Klingon outpost destroyed by the Romulans (and, coincidentally, defended by another vessel named Enterprise).
Edit - Trivia: Jonathan Archer is condemned to the dilithium mines of Rura Penthe. In the Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country, James T. Kirk and Leonard McCoy are also convicted in a Klingon court and then imprisoned on Rura Penthe. Edit
- Trivia: Duras's ship was called the Vortas. Coincidentally, Duras's descendant and namesake would later command another ship named the Vortas (as seen in The Next Generation). Edit
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Notes
ADD NOTES- Asahf's species, unnamed on-screen, is identified as the Arin'Sen in the production notes. Edit
- Scott Bakula chose this as his favourite episode for the Star Trek: Fan Collective - Captain's Log DVD. Edit
- The story, sets, and props were all very similar to those featured in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. Edit
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Quotes
ADD QUOTES- Kolos: You didn't believe all Klingons were soldiers? Archer: I guess I did. Kolos: My father was a teacher. My mother, a biologist at the university. They encouraged me to take up the law. Now, all young people want to do is to take up weapons as soon as they can hold them. They're told there is honor in victory-–any victory. What honor is there in a victory over a weaker opponent? Had Duras destroyed that ship, he would have been lauded as a hero of the Empire for murdering helpless refugees. We were a great society, not so long ago. When honor was earned through integrity and acts of true courage, not senseless bloodshed. Edit
- Kolos: I've been an advocate for 50 years, and I spent the last 20 of them standing in that tribunal.. playing my part, holding my tongue. And all the while honorable men were sent to places like this.. without the benefit of a defence. And then I was assigned to your case. You told me that on your world a few courageous people made a difference. I'm not sure I have the courage, but I know I'll never be able to restore honor to my people living as a fugitive. Archer: You realize what that means. You said most prisoners don't survive a year. Kolos: Most prisoners here have very little to live for. Edit
- Kolos: You aknowledge that Captain Archer acted with conviction and integrity, and how do you reward him?! With this grand, public display of compassion.. Before sending him to his death in a frozen cave! Magistrate: Enough! Kolos: Forgive me if I don't see the honor in that! Edit
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Allusions
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