Review of "Harbinger"

JME2 · Post by **JME2** » 2004-02-12 01:16am

Well, in the tradition of my reviews for Justice League, I’m now trying to do reviews for ENT. Okay, here we go.

“Harbinger”

I truly liked this week’s episode; it wasn’t as good as ‘Stratagem’ but it was still enjoyable because it finally brought many of the suplots of the Xindi arc to a head at last and as everyone on the BBS knows, I’m a stickler for arcs and subplots thanks to my love of DS9.

Reed/Major Hayes: Very well done. It was obvious from the start of the season that this tension with the MACO’s would cause problems. I liked it because it really has given Malcom somethig to do this season (unlike Travis; I’m dead serious, the helmsman has pretty much become Sulu at this point, simply with saying ‘Aye, Captain’ and all. Come on B/B - give him something EXCITING to do).

It’s also a nice touch and reminder to show that the hummanity of ENT has not yet reached the level of sophistication and tolerance that the hummanity of TOS, TNG, DS9, and VGR has. I also thought it was funny as hell to see Hayes and Reed kick each others ass, stop the alien, and then when they show up in Archer’s ready room, they had kicked each others ass again.

Trip/T’Pol: Okay, this brings not just everything between Trip and the Vulcan science officer thus far this season to a head; in a lot of ways, this goes way back to the decon scene in “Broken Bow”. I think this is great, especially considering how much their relationship has evolved since the pilot episode. Should be interesting to see how it continues; I for one do not believe that this ‘one night stand’ will be the end of this pairing.

The Spheres/The Alien: Things are getting VERY interesting with this arc. I like Archer’s analogy of the canary as well as the alien’s makeup. It was also great to see Phlox once again clashing with Archer on ethical beliefs - and reminding us that despite his recent victory in tricking Drega into revealing the location of the Xindi weapon, he is still very much determined and obsessed with stopping the threat that the Xindi pose to Earth.

The last line of the episode is still playing in my mind:

“When the Xindi destroy Earth, my people will prevail.”

Interesting. Could it be that whoever built the spheres may very well be the Xindi’s TCW benefactors - or rather, given the revelation at the start of the season, manipulators; this is why I’m very much looking forward to the upcoming “Azati Prime” and ‘The Forgotten”, which both may very well answer these questions.

All in all, an entertaining and enjoyable episode. I give it a 9/10.

Alex Moon · Post by **Alex Moon** » 2004-02-12 02:17am

I agree, this was a good episode overall. The Reed/Hayes thing played out well, and the fact that Hayes was the good guy in this, IMO, was a nice touch. The ending really seemed to put that into perspective.

I've never been big on the T'Pol/Trip thing, but the way Reed was giving Trip shit in the mess hall was funny.

Metrion Cascade · Post by **Metrion Cascade** » 2004-02-12 05:19am

I don't know if I'd give it a 9. I'd probably give it a 7. To me, a 9 would be BOBW or the episode with Lal. DS9 "Duet" and TOS "City On the Edge of Forever" would be 10s.

And I might give TNG "Measure of a Man" a 9 if it had been better executed. The case was very shoddily argued, and all in all I think it should have been a 2-parter or a movie. I give it an 8.

But yes, it was good and bodes well for the series if this keeps up. My question - why did he look so much like a Suliban without it being suggested that maybe he was one?

Col. Crackpot · Post by **Col. Crackpot** » 2004-02-12 07:36am

am i the only one who thought the gravametric disturbace/blob of space jello was incredibly silly? Come on, couldn't the SFX department come up with something a little less reminicent of 'The Blob'? Other than that, not a bad episode.

Sarevok · Post by **Sarevok** » 2004-02-12 07:45am

Trek SFX is not known for their originality.

Metrion Cascade · Post by **Metrion Cascade** » 2004-02-12 09:30am

I thought it was pretty neat that the anomaly looked solid rather than like some pretty lightshow. And if you want to talk about SFX, let's have another look at the gorgeous work that was Earth's destruction in "Twilight."

JME2 · Post by **JME2** » 2004-02-12 01:10pm

Col. Crackpot wrote:am i the only one who thought the gravametric disturbace/blob of space jello was incredibly silly? Come on, couldn't the SFX department come up with something a little less reminicent of 'The Blob'? Other than that, not a bad episode.

It reminded me of the NCC-1701 facing the Fesarius in TOS' "The Corbomite Manuver".

Kerneth · Post by **Kerneth** » 2004-02-12 01:44pm

I'm just disappointed in Trip for not responding to T'pol's comment about "studying human sexuality" with "Oh, in that case, let's grab the corporal and have a threesome, you'll learn a LOT about human sexuality that way and I understand the MACOs have some 'special equipment' you'll absolutely love."

Faram · Post by **Faram** » 2004-02-12 03:26pm

Hmm I might try to find this episode then, OTOH I haven seen a episode in over a year.

TheDarkling · Post by **TheDarkling** » 2004-02-12 04:54pm

Faram wrote:Hmm I might try to find this episode then, OTOH I haven seen a episode in over a year.

You could pick a better episode to watch then.

Sir Sirius · Post by **Sir Sirius** » 2004-02-13 03:29pm

Two good Enterprise episodes in a row, I am once again starting to think that Enterprise has some hope after all. Of course the last time I did that the next episode turned out to be shite, optimism is a bitch.

Johonebesus · Post by **Johonebesus** » 2004-02-14 12:30am

So I guess I'm the only one who thought the conflict between Reed and the marine was absurd? It seems pretty strange to me that a career military officer should be so incredibly unprofessional and insecure and childish. Granted, they can't exactly head back to earth to pick up new officers, and Archer didn't look too closely to find out why they fought, but Reed's behavior seemed to me so out of line that I would be questioning whether he is fit for service as a senior officer. Of course, I have no military experience, so maybe that sort of behavior isn't such a big deal in the military.

Sir Sirius wrote:Two good Enterprise episodes in a row, I am once again starting to think that Enterprise has some hope after all. Of course the last time I did that the next episode turned out to be shite, optimism is a bitch.

I don't know, the preview for the next episode looked exactly like a Voyager episode.

Burak Gazan · Post by **Burak Gazan** » 2004-02-14 01:47am

You're not the only one who thought that

I kept thinking , Reed is basically the Weps officer, and Hayes is the troop commander ----- isnt this kinda like a line officer on a CG getting into it with the Marine Detachment Commander?? That is, to say, utterly fricken stupid? Plus, isn't it MAJOR Hayes, ie , an O-4; LIEUTENANT Reed, O-3.....anyone see a slight problem with protocol and military discipline here?

JME2 · Post by **JME2** » 2004-02-14 03:41am

Burak Gazan wrote:You're not the only one who thought that

I kept thinking , Reed is basically the Weps officer, and Hayes is the troop commander ----- isnt this kinda like a line officer on a CG getting into it with the Marine Detachment Commander?? That is, to say, utterly fricken stupid? Plus, isn't it MAJOR Hayes, ie , an O-4; LIEUTENANT Reed, O-3.....anyone see a slight problem with protocol and military discipline here?

Well, let's try looking at it from the viewpoint of the first two seasons. Reed very much enjoys being the NX-01's weapons man. It's what makes him comfortable, to know that he has the experience and ability necessary for the Enterprise's mission, something that he has demonstrated time and again since the pilot. And so, while he realizes that the MACO's are necessary for stopping the Xindi's second attack on Earth, he can't help but feel that Major Hayes is might be trying to usurp some of the control and norm that Reed has given for the tactical dept. onboard the NX-01.

Johonebesus · Post by **Johonebesus** » 2004-02-14 04:44am

Well, that would be fine for a highschool football player. But for a career military officer, that just doesn't wash. I can certainly understand his feeling like the marines are intruding into his realm, but he took it much too far. I could buy it if he got a little pissy, but to get so insecure and paranoid that he had to pick a fight with the major, that's just stupid. Then the way he whined, "you're trying to take over," that just seemed incredibly, what's the word, silly, childish? It's just too unprofessional to be believable, unless we are supposed to think that he's paranoid and possibly neurotic and altogether mentally unstable.

Burak Gazan · Post by **Burak Gazan** » 2004-02-14 05:05am

Reed's problem seems more about ego than reality; he might THINK he knows whats what, but lets face it, in a shootout -- grenades and bayonet work 6 inches in, who are you gonna trust that to? The specialist, or some wannabe who's idea of combat is pressing buttons on a console?

And frankly, if I was Hayes, I'd prefer court-martial charges against MISTER Reed -- and If Archie dont want to do anything, settle for stringing Reed up by his nuts and using him for a Pinata -- but I'm the vindictive sort

Iceberg · Post by **Iceberg** » 2004-02-14 11:58am

Reed's ego is writing checks his body can't cash!

MAVERI... I mean REED!

Burak Gazan · Post by **Burak Gazan** » 2004-02-14 07:27pm

You know, after watching it again? I nominate Reed to be killed in action on the next landing party

WHO THE $#%^&* HELL does this self-important prig think he is?? That cute little smirk of his needs to be surgically removed when they glue his face back on, preferably after someone rips it off sans anesthesia

He's Mr Smug as long as the regular crew winning matches (which Hayes is objectively commenting on as good work) but when the grunt decides, ok swabbie, funs fun..... and caves in Merryweather's face...he gets all indignant and puffed up - very professional I dont fucking think.

In the midst of a mission to save your homeworld, and you in a pissing match over TURF?? I'll give you turf, you son of a bitch, like 6 feet deep worth.....

Alex Moon · Post by **Alex Moon** » 2004-02-14 07:44pm

You've got to remember, Reed's father wanted him to be in the military, like the 4 generations before him. There's probably a serious inferiority complex going on. This is Reed's chance to prove that he's a match for his ancestors, and simultaniously prove to his father that his choice of careers was the right one. Now Hayes threatens that by showing up Reed, and Reed fears that he's going to loose his position due to the seriousness of the mission.

He needed to get his ass kicked so he would wake up. I love the way Hayes basically tells him to grow the fuck up.