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Warp Five: A Star Trek Enterprise Podcast

Warp Five: A Star Trek Enterprise Podcast

271 episodes — Page 1 of 6

Ep 265265: Not All Things Can Be True

"Chosen Realm" 20th-anniversary reflections The Enterprise crew already knows that there is something unusual about the spheres scattered around the Delphic Expanse, but the extent to which some locals hold them sacred comes into focus when they bring aboard of a group of aliens who find scientific examination of the globes to be paramount to sacrilege. As these extremists attempt to commandeer the ship, Archer and his crew learn that they are in conflict with a rival group who view the spheres in a slightly different way, with extraordinary consequences for their shared home world. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 3 with "Chosen Realm" as we discuss its real-world parallels and how it ramps up the mystery of the Expanse while propelling us into the second half of the season. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) One of These Things Is Just Like the Others (00:01:39) Pacing the Reveal (00:05:17) Holy Objects (00:07:26) That's So Trivial (00:17:11) Tension Between Religion and Science (00:23:42) The Maturing of Jonathan Archer (00:32:13) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:34:35) Closing (00:36:46) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Jan 30, 202640 min

Ep 264264: Big Lizard in My Backyard

"Carpenter Street" 20th-anniversary reflections As the Xindi continue to develop their superweapon to destroy Earth, the Xindi-Reptilians decide to take matters into their own hands and create a bioweapon. To do so, they need a sample of each human blood type. Where best to find that? Detroit, Michigan, of course. In the year 2004. When temporal agents get wind of the incursion, they send Daniels to let Archer know. Though details are thin, he sends Archer and T'Pol back in time to stop the lizards from completing their mission. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 3 with "Carpenter Street" as we discuss the choice to go back in time, the timeliness of the subject matter, fast food upselling, and more. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Have It Your Way (00:02:18) Going Back in Time (00:07:05) Why a Bioweapon (00:17:46) Why Take T'Pol (00:22:49) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:30:44) Closing (35:44) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Jan 23, 202638 min

Ep 263263: I Think I'm a Clone Now

"Similitude" 20th-anniversary reflections Sexy time with T'Pol turns into a brainstorming session for Trip Tucker, but the neuropressure-induced euphoria won't last long. When he attempts to pull off his plan to improve engine performance, he is critically injured. Without Trip, the Enterprise has little chance of successfully completing its mission, so Doctor Phlox proposes a bold resurrection plan: growing a symbiont to harvest its tissue. As the clone rapidly matures from silent embryo to Southern drawl, it experiences a rapid ride through Trip's life, putting Archer, T'Pol, and others in a difficult position. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 3 with "Similitude" as we discuss the importance of Trip to the mission, the ethics of Archer's decision, Sim's sacrifice, and, of course, compare and contrast with Voyager's "Tuvix." Chapters Intro (00:00:00) The Irreplaceable Trip Tucker (00:02:38) Ethical Nuance (00:12:07) Sacrificial Love (00:16:20) Putting Archer in a Vise (00:27:10) Sim's Sacrifice (00:33:42) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:36:15) Closing (41:47) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Dec 29, 202545 min

Ep 262262: Arrested Development

"North Star" 20th-anniversary reflections As they explore the Expanse in search of the Xindi superweapon, the Enterprise crew runs across a planet inhabited by humans. Living in a town that looks like it was yanked right out of the 19th-century Wild West, these humans love their whiskey and hate the locals. Archer learns that they were brought to the planet by the Skagarans, an alien race that was sourcing slave labor from Earth in the 1860s. As conflict between Archer and the sheriff deputy grows, he takes action to save a teacher who has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for teaching Skagaran children to read and do math. And while he cannot take the humans back to Earth right away, Archer leaves behind materials to help them fill in the lost centuries of progress and build a better society. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 3 with "North Star" as we discuss the story's classic roots, its message about prejudice and isolation, and how it works as a breather within the Xindi arc. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Quite a Contrast (00:02:32) A Reminder for Archer (00:11:25) Contrasting Westerns (00:16:20) Casting for Success (00:22:47) A Positive Ending (00:26:19) A Literary Return (00:32:05) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:32:50) Closing (36:30) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Jul 17, 202539 min

Ep 261261: Shacking Up to Save History

"Twilight" 20th-anniversary reflections As anomalies in the Delphic Expanse rock the Enterprise, T'Pol is trapped under debris and Archer works to rescue her. Although he pulls her out just in time, another wave smacks him head-on and knocks him out. Even worse, the wave deposits interspatial parasites in his hippocampus. He is also left with anterograde amnesia, leaving him without the ability to form long-term memories. One morning, he awakes to find that he's been shacking up with T'Pol for the past 12 years, that he has a Vulcan haircut, and that the Xindi conflict is over—and Earth lost. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 3 with "Twilight," Mike Sussman's clever concept, the story's Voyager origins, and how it raises the stakes for the rest of the season. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) A Clever Concept (00:02:10) Jolene and Scott Shine (00:05:20) Voyager Origins (00:13:00) The Reset Button (00:23:33) THIS Is Ceti Alpha V!!! (00:29:30) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:32:50) Closing (36:30) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Jun 19, 202539 min

Ep 260260: Leaning into Trust

"The Shipment" 20th-anniversary reflections With deployment of the Xindi superweapon just weeks away, the Enterprise follows a tip from Hoshi's almost boyfriend, Tarquin, and visits a planet where Xindi-Arboreals are refining kemocite. The mineral will be used in the construction of the weapon, something the facility's primary technician, Gralik Durr, claims to be unaware of when confronted by Archer. He agrees to help the humans by sabotaging the final shipment. Meanwhile, Trip, Phlox, and T'Pol take apart Xindi-Reptilian guns and discover that they are powered by worms. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 3 with "The Shipment," how the episode quickly pushes the Xindi story forward, its nuanced look at conflict and trust, and a fun science fiction take on alien tech. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Pushing the Story Forward (00:02:15) Durr's Doubts (00:10:23) A Nuanced Discussion (00:14:07) Archer's Angst (00:21:14) KemoCITE! (00:24:48) Gunny Worms (00:26:45) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:31:33) Closing (00:36:25) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Jun 2, 202539 min

Ep 259259: I Only Wear My Sexiest Dresses in Exile

"Exile" 20th-anniversary reflections Contacted telepathically by an alien who says he might be able to help find the Xindi, Hoshi decides to take advantage of the opportunity by packing her nicest dresses and high heels for a stay at his mysterious castle. At first she's happy to be his guest and even enjoys a lavish dinner of her Earth favorites—despite being creeped out by his mind-reading. But the mood is soured when she discovers the graves of past guests just outside, leaving little more to do until the Enterprise returns but translate a book written in an undecipherable alien language while staying comfortable in leisure wear. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 3 with "Exile" as we discuss Star Trek's attempt to do Beauty and the Beast in space. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Be Our Guest! (00:02:25) Mixed Signals (00:07:43) An Unnecessary Pit Stop? (00:16:01) An Uneasy Feeling … or Sphering (00:20:58) Visual Effects (00:24:06) Mind Games and Plot Holes (00:28:19) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:36:35) Closing (00:41:16) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Apr 19, 202544 min

Ep 258258: Tap Two Times on the Bulkhead

"Impulse" 20th-anniversary reflections A distress call leads the Enterprise to a derelict Vulcan cruiser trapped in an asteroid field. When the crew boards the ship to mount a rescue, they find not the calm and cold Vulcans they're used to but rather scary and cold zombies. As they attempt to get off the ship, whatever has transformed the Vulcan crew begins to affect T'Pol. And as her behavior becomes more and more irrational, a new threat to survival comes from within the landing party itself. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 3 with "Impulse" as we discuss how the story flips the Human–Vulcan narrative and accelerates T'Pol's character development. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Flipping the Vulcan-Human Narrative (00:02:10) Suspicious Minds (00:12:34) One Long Chase Sequence (00:17:19) Jolene's Brilliant Performance (00:21:56) Remembering Who We Are (00:28:13) VFX Advancements (00:34:01) Shortest Cold Open (00:37:24) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:39:34) Closing (00:45:27) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Apr 6, 202549 min

Ep 257257: Tricorder Hands

"Rajiin" 20th-anniversary reflections While the Xindi Council continues to debate how best to destroy Earth, the Enterprise welcomes aboard a beautiful passenger. Archer rescued the lingerie-clad alien from a slave market on the Xanathan planet where he, Tucker, and Reed sought clues about the Xindi and a way to synthesize trellium-D. It turns out that the freed woman may not have the information they need, but she does have ulterior motives … and the hots for everyone. Things take an even weirder turn when the Xindi Reptilions and Insectoids show up looking for their electric Barbarella. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 3 with "Rajiin" as we discuss Xindi motivations, Rajiin's reality, Archer's hard knocks journey, and how this installment advances the overall story. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Xindi Motivations (00:02:14) Archer Learns Star Trek Tropes (00:07:16) Should Rajiin Have Returned? (00:14:46) Muddy Powers (00:18:58) Susceptible to Abuse? (00:23:36) Managing Time in Storytelling (00:28:03) Advancing Trip and T'Pol (00:31:45) A TOS Vibe (00:37:26) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:39:52) Closing (00:44:07) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Mar 20, 202547 min

Ep 256256: Silk Worm Floss

"Extinction" 20th-anniversary reflections Arriving at a dangerous planet not clearly marked, Enterprise crew find themselves being transformed into primitive creatures who apparently have amazing scientific prowess. Luckily, the mutagenic virus created by this civilization's geneticists doesn't work on T'Pol, thanks to her Vulcan K cells. Otherwise, all would have been lost before the end of Act 1. Will Doctor Phlox find a cure in time? It's Star Trek meets Planet of the Apes—long before IDW did an official crossover—in this peach of an Enterprise episode. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 3 with "Extinction" as we discuss if anything good comes from Archer, Hoshi, and Malcolm cracking open a grub-filled coconut. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Advancing Trip and T'Pol … and Archer (00:03:02) A Devolving Story (00:09:58) Borg Parallels (00:19:56) What Is Going on Here? (00:25:10) Connecting to the Story (00:31:33) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:35:38) Closing (00:38:24) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Mar 5, 202542 min

Ep 255255: Thousand-Year-Old Storage Unit

"Anomaly" 20th-anniversary reflections Things in the Expanse get weirder—and more dangerous—as an anomaly starts rearranging Enterprise. And an unexpected visit from a group of alien pirates complicates matters and threatens to leave the crew stranded. Porthos knew it was going to be a bad day when he saw a book on the floor, but he didn't realize just how bad it would get. To keep the mission on track, Archer has to resort to more extreme measures, including torture. In the process of retrieving their supplies, the crew uncovers an even deeper mystery: an ancient sphere. And to find it, they just had to follow Jenny. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 3 with "Anomaly" as we discuss how the Expanse changes people, the mystery of the spheres, and more. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Cosmic Canvas (00:02:49) (Almost) an Orion Backstory (00:09:06) Archer Changes (00:13:15) MACOs Matter (00:17:42) The Spheres (00:22:24) Subtle Continuity (00:28:29) What's in a Name? (00:31:34) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:35:57) Closing (00:39:07) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Feb 16, 202543 min

Ep 254254: A Trellium-D Pickle

In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we warp into Season 3 with "The Xindi" as we discuss how the series takes a dark turn with a new mission, sexy character tension, and an upbeat retooling of everyone's favorite theme song. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) The Xindi Concept (00:02:10) Faith of the Upbeat Heart (00:10:28) A Dark Turn (00:16:26) Making the Case for MACO (00:26:17) Malcolm and the Major (00:30:01) Sexy Time with Trip and T'Pol (00:34:43) Visual Effects (00:40:22) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:43:54) Closing (00:45:53) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Jan 19, 202548 min

Ep 253253: Bringing It All Together (to Tear It All Apart)

"The Expanse" 20th-anniversary reflections An attack on Earth by an unknown species forces Starfleet to call the NX-01 back and presents the crew with a new mystery, one filled with danger greater than anything humanity has faced. Tipped off by Future Guy that a species called the Xindi are behind the attack, Archer has to convince Admiral Forrest to let him go find these unknown bad guys. Meanwhile, Trip faces the loss of his sister, killed in the attack, and T'Pol finds herself once again caught between two worlds. And if that wasn't enough, Duras and the Klingons are at it again. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we close out Season 2 with "The Expanse" as we discuss how the story sets the show on a new course. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Clearing the Deck (00:01:41) T'Pol's Arc (00:10:03) Ripped from the Headlines? (00:17:32) Injecting the Unknown into Star Trek History (00:25:55) Trip's Loss (00:32:25) Cut Scenes (00:35:49) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:44:11) Closing (00:46:55) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Oct 19, 202450 min

Ep 252252: Bitten by the Love Bug

"Bounty" 20th-anniversary reflections The Empire never forgets its enemies. That's something Jonathan Archer learns when he decides to trust a surprisingly friendly Tellarite offering vacationing tips. Turns out he's a bounty hunter working for the Klingons, who still haven't forgiven Archer for escaping from Rura Penthe. The Enterprise crew sets out on a mission to rescue their captain but find it difficult to focus while T'Pol runs around the ship in her skivvies trying to mate with everyone. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 2 with "Bounty" as we discuss how the story marks the end of the show's original concept, sets a course for serialization, adds texture to pon farr, and proves that Tellarites are terrible travel guides. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Bringing Back the Tellarites (00:02:20) The End of the Original Concept (00:09:38) All In on Serialization (00:17:37) Fleshing Out Pon Farr (00:23:34) Sexualizing T'Pol (00:31:07) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:36:58) Closing (00:39:14) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Jun 1, 202442 min

Ep 251251: Proof of Concept

"First Flight" 20th-anniversary reflections While observing a dark matter nebula, Captain Archer receives a message from Admiral Forrest informing his that one of his old comrades from the early warp program days has died while climbing Mt. McKinley. Reflecting on the loss, Archer tells T'Pol the story of how he competed with this fellow pilot, AG Robinson, for the chance to captain Enterprise, and how the two overcame Vulcan obstruction to keep the NX program on track. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 2 with "First Flight" as we discuss how the story serves as a resounding proof of concept for the original idea for the series, meeting Trip, how Archer's experiences with AG prepared him to be a leader, and more. We also enjoy a plate of the 602 Club's famous fried mushrooms. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Getting Away from Space (00:04:29) T'Pol's Growth (00:14:24) Archer's Path to Leadership (00:18:08) When Johnny Met Trip (00:25:06) Vulcans Can't Think Outside the Box (00:28:39) The 602 Club (00:30:22) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:34:44) Closing (00:36:15) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Mar 20, 202440 min

Ep 250250: Popsicle Drones

"Regeneration" 20th-anniversary reflections A research team in the Arctic uncover mysterious cybernetic beings while examining the wreckage of an alien ship that dates back more than 100 years. Unaware of the danger, they quickly find themselves assimilated by regenerated drones from a previous attempt by the Borg to assimilate Earth and stop first contact. The Enterprise is ordered to pursue the researchers' vessel, now under the control of the Borg, and Archer must make some difficult decisions as he quickly wakes up to the threat posed by this mysterious alien menace. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 2 with "Regeneration" as we discuss using the Borg at a time long before they were known to Starfleet, how to do a prequel right, how the story sets up Archer and his crew for the challenges of Season 3, and more. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) An Unplanned Contingency Plan (00:02:46) Prequel Proof of Concept (00:11:06) Borg Instinct (00:15:45) Phlox's Semi-Immunity (00:21:56) Setting Up Season 3 (00:27:49) Time (and Exploration) Is Loopy (00:33:20) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:36:03) Closing (00:39:10) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Aug 27, 202343 min

Ep 249249: Linguistic Games

"Cogenitor" 20th-anniversary reflections The Enterprise makes first contact with the Vissians, a species that has a lot in common in with humans, such as a love of exploration, a fascination with ice cream, and an interest in large tactical arrays. But they also have key differences, like a third gender that enables reproduction. Given the specialized role these cogenitors, as they are called, play in Vissian society, they have little need for niceties such as literacy. That doesn't sit well with Trip, who befriends the cogenitor of the Vissian chief engineer and his wife, Calla. When Trip teaches the cogenitor to read, it leads to them questioning—and taking—their own life. While Trip's intentions may have been good, the outcome was not. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 2 with "Cogenitor" as we discuss first contact, equal rights, cultural relativism, missed opportunities, and why we wish this important story had been expanded and revisited. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Moral Quandaries and Fast Friendships (00:02:49) Trip's Dilemma (00:09:05) Restraints of the Format (00:14:40) The Dangers of Labeling (00:16:43) Archer vs. Trip (00:20:10) Does the Framework Work? (00:25:02) Equal Rights and Opportunities (00:30:12) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:32:22) Closing (00:35:45) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Jul 9, 202340 min

Ep 248248: Bad Blood

"The Breach" 20th-anniversary reflections When the new xenophobic government of planet Xantoras orders all off-worlders to leave, the Enterprise is called upon to rescue Denobulan geologists trapped in a cave. While Trip, Malcolm, and Travis goes spelunking for scientists, the crew bring aboard some injured Antarans from an alien ship suffering a reactor leak. It turns out that the Antarans are enemies of the Denobulans and one of them, a xenomythology teacher named Hudak, refuses treatment by Dr. Phlox, who must confront centuries-old prejudices and strive to mend the wounds of the past. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 2 with "The Breach" as we explore caves and discuss lingering animosity, overcoming preconceived notions, Archer as the voice of reason, adding depth to Denobulans, and that very special guest star. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Spelunking for Scientists (00:02:17) Bad Blood (00:09:08) Making Myths (00:16:00) The Voice of Reason (00:20:06) Developing Denobulans (00:24:16) (Almost) No Tribble at All (00:28:32) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:30:19) Closing (00:32:11) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Apr 15, 202336 min

Ep 247247: The Other Side of Life

"Horizon" 20th-anniversary reflections A change of course for the Enterprise takes the ship close to the ECS Horizon, the cargo vessel on which Travis Mayweather grew up—and that means family reunion time. But it's a sad homecoming for Travis when he learns that his father passed away, and resentment bubbles to the surface between Travis and his brother, Paul, now captain of the ship. When aliens attack, the brothers must put their differences aside to survive. Meanwhile, aboard the NX-01, T'Pol must put her fear of movie night aside as she learns to better fraternize with her crewmates. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 2 with "Horizon" as we discuss family dynamics, what could have been for Travis, Archer's leadership, T'Pol's book club, and the unexpected connection between the Mayweather and Janeway families. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Cargo Runners and Family Dynamics (00:03:28) Previewing the Galaxy Class (00:10:52) Distances and Relationships (00:15:00) Archer's Found Family (00:19:39) Realistic Conflict (00:23:29) T'Pol and Movie Night (00:29:35) Frankenstein Insights (00:34:25) The Janeway-Mayweather Connection (00:37:21) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:38:56) Closing (00:41:49) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Mar 18, 202345 min

Ep 246246: Challenging the Empire

"Judgment" 20th-anniversary reflections Captain Jonathan Archer of the battle cruiser Enterprise stands before a Klingon magistrate to face the music for aiding and abetting fugitives from the Empire. At least that's the Klingon side of the story. Archer, actually captain of the Earth starship Enterprise, tells a different story and attempts to prove his innocence with the help of a Klingon advocate who has become disillusioned with Klingon society and has all but given up fighting for change. Challenged by Archer as lacking honor, he takes the fight to the prosecutor and, while still losing by winning, finds a new path for himself. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 2 with "Judgment" as we discuss how the story revisits The Undiscovered Country, works to maintain continuity, and challenges the concept of Klingon society. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Revisiting The Undiscovered Country (00:02:25) In Need of Two Parts? (00:06:53) Attention to Detail and Continuity (00:11:09) Challenging the Empire (00:16:14) Diversity of Thought Matters (00:26:41) The Fate of Kolos (00:30:00) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:34:51) Closing (00:37:26) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Mar 10, 202341 min

Ep 245245: A Slice of White Bread

"The Crossing" 20th-anniversary reflections When the Enterprise is swallowed by a giant whale-like ship, Archer and the crew find themselves in the belly of a beast—a beast filled with wispy critters who want to experience life in real bodies … and eat bread. Soon, an opportunity for seeking out new life turns into an invasion of the body snatchers and only the successful completion of a very complex panel removal sequence can save the crew. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 2 with "The Crossing" as we discuss the story's promising start, the Wisps, Archer's actions, and missed opportunities to really explore the heart of Star Trek. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) A Promising Start (00:02:39) What Do Wisps Need with a Starship? (00:09:35) Archer's Reaction (00:13:31) Dude, That's Not Trip! (00:18:22) Battle Bridge Genesis (00:21:58) A Convenient Alloy (00:24:56) Phlox Needs Leverage! (00:28:17) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:35:40) Closing (00:41:52) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Feb 27, 202345 min

Ep 244244: 'Tis a Scary Place

"Canamar" 20th-anniversary reflections When the Enterprise rendezvous with Shuttlepod One to meet Captain Archer and Commander Tucker, who had been on a mission to make first contact with unknown aliens, they find the shuttle dead in space. After reviewing the logs, they believe Archer and Trip were abducted, and they begin a search with the help of the alien authorities. Meanwhile, the captain and commander fight for their lives aboard a prison vessel transporting them to a penal colony called Canamar, and Trip gets stuck next to the chatty passenger. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 2 with "Canamar," the frightening encounters humans have with aliens during these early days of deep space exploration, how the story came to be, and what it has to say about attempts to control people and curb crime in real world societies. We also ask if it is filler to flesh out a 26-episode season. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) The Chatty Passenger (00:02:17) Humanity's First Tests (00:04:34) Archer's Adaptations (00:10:52) False Imprisonment (00:16:54) Story Origins (00:21:49) Fit, Slimmer Pakleds (00:26:45) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:28:43) Closing (00:34:06) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Feb 18, 202338 min

Ep 243243: Stop Messing with Time!

"Future Tense" 20th-anniversary reflections A mysterious ship leads the crew of the Enterprise into the mysteries of time—and DNA—as they find themselves once again mixed up with the Suliban and the Temporal Cold War. When the Tholians show up, things get really messy and the crew must race against time to save the ship and unravel … When the Tholians show up, things get really messy and the crew must race against time to save the ship and unravel … When the Tholians show up … In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 2 with "Future Tense" as we discuss how the story reminds viewers that the Temporal Cold War storyline still exists while saving itself from filler status by delivering important chartacter growth for T'Pol, plus some fun with time along the way. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Jan 28, 202336 min

Ep 242242: Toward the Federation

"Cease Fire" 20th-anniversary reflections When a decades-old territorial conflict between the Vulcans and Andorians resurfaces, Captain Archer is called upon to mediate. But by whom? As Archer unravels the details, he finds conflict and deception not only between the two sides but within them. Seeing the situation as an opportunity to prove that humans are ready to join a much larger community, Archer brings together Vulcans and Andorians and takes one more step towards the eventual founding of the Federation—whether the Vulcans like it or not. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 2 with "Cease Fire" as we discuss how the story brings the Federation's founding worlds closer together through a growing relationship and trust among unlikely players. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Setting Up the Federation (00:02:28) Developing Soval (00:12:23) Mirroring Star Trek VI (00:17:14) Evolving Trip (00:23:00) The Ever Changing Suzie Plakson (00:30:06) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:34:00) Closing (00:36:36) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Jan 16, 202341 min

Ep 241241: An Element of Ignorance

"Stigma" 20th-anniversary reflections After the encounter with V'tosh ka'tur, or Vulcans without logic, in Season 1's "Fusion," T'Pol has contracted Pa'nar Syndrome, a disease spread by the practice of mind-melding. When Doctor Phlox sees an opportunity to help her during the Interspecies Medical Exchange, T'Pol's career comes into jeopardy when she is identified as part of an undesirable element of Vulcan society. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 2 with "Stigma," an episode that aired during Viacom's HIV awareness campaign in 2003. We discuss how the story ties into this with a story that advances the development of Vulcan society while deftly balancing serious and comedic stories to make a strong statement about cultural differences and unfounded prejudice. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Nov 4, 202242 min

Ep 240240: Darmok Lite?

"Dawn" 20th-anniversary reflections A shuttlepod test gone wrong flings Trip Tucker onto a desolate moon along with his alien attacker, an Arkonian named Zho'Kaan. As the rising sun—and temperatures—threaten the two marooned adversaries, they must learn to work together while the Enterprise for a way to rescue them. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 2 with "Dawn" as we ask whether this story is just an attempt to recreate the magic of "Darmok," a clone of the film Enemy Mine, or something much more. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Oct 20, 202237 min

Ep 239239: Deep-Fried Crew

"The Catwalk" 20th-anniversary reflections What looks to be an exciting field trip to a life-filled planet is cut short before it begins when the Enterprise encounters a ship carrying three aliens with an urgent request. A neutronic storm is about to sweep through the system and they'll die if they don't get out of the area right immediately. Or so they say. Escape means going to Warp 7, but the Enterprise tops out at Warp 5. What to do? Bunk up in the warp nacelles, of course! The shielding should be enough to keep everyone safe from the radiation for eight days, Phlox agrees. Plus, it's a great place for a BBQ. But as mother always said, don't leave the front door unlocked and don't leave your starship unattended—because you never know who might come in while you're away. The Enterprise gets surprise visitors amid a terrible storm and a race ensues to take back the ship before the crew gets fried. And it all happens in spacesuits. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 2 with "The Catwalk" as we discuss how a bag of Star Trek tropes is reassembled into a story which only this series could tell, and how the situation brings the whole crew together for the better. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Oct 8, 202242 min

Ep 238238: It Happened One Night

"Precious Cargo" 20th-anniversary reflections A distress call leads to one of the most troubling events one can imagine: the interruption of Trip Tucker's harmonica time. But what he finds aboard the Retellian freighter sets him on a path of adventure that more than makes up for the musical malady. Scraping the frost off a statis pod reveals a woman—the First Monarch of the Sovereign Dynasty of Krios Prime, in fact—and she's been kidnapped. Can Trip save the day? You bet he can. But it might require a good roll in the mud. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 2 with "Precious Cargo" as we discuss why the story is perfect for Trip's character, try to explain away Padma Lakshmi's cardboard delivery, revel in bad cop T'Pol, and consider why the creators themselves see this as one of the worst episodes they ever produced. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Aug 28, 202242 min

Ep 237237: Eight Seconds of Insanity

"Vanishing Point" 20th-anniversary reflections Forced to use the transporter to escape a diamagnetic storm on the surface of an uninhabited planet, Hoshi Sato returns to the Enterprise not quite feeling herself. In fact, she's slowly fading away, leaving her crew in danger and her dad confused. Unless she can find a way to get someone's attention, the ship will be destroyed and, even worse, she'll wind up just like Cyrus Ramsey. "Cyrus who?" you ask. Yeah, you're not alone. Trip and Malcolm haven't heard of him either. It's all a trick of the mind—eight seconds of insanity, if you will—but it does give new meaning to the verb "to beam." In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 2 with "Vanishing Point" as we discuss how the mind plays tricks on us, boogeymen in the transport beam, and how the story's mystery unfolds. We also debate what Mr. Sato's confusion over physics and family says about how Hoshi views her dad. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Aug 20, 202242 min

Ep 236236: This Old Chair

"Singularity" 20th-anniversary reflections When the crew of the NX-01 discovers a class-four black hole, they decide to investigate. But the closer they get, the more they lose grip on reality. As they approach the black hole, they each become obsessed with trivial matters. Reed searches for the perfect alarm to get everyone's attention, Hoshi seeks to make the perfect dish, Phlox turns into Dr. Frankenstein, and Trip prepares to pitch his new HGTV series, This Old Chair. Thankfully, Vulcan physiology is unaffected by the phenomenon and T'Pol is able to pull everyone out of danger at the last second. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 2 with "Singularity" as we discuss a story that's been told many times before and ask how well it works this time around. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Aug 10, 202246 min

Ep 235235: Peel-Off Prosthetics

"The Communicator" 20th-anniversary reflections After a, let's admit, questionable mission to mingle with a pre-warp culture while wearing peel-off prosthetics, the crew of the Enterprise NX-01 returns from an alien planet where they had a great time. But, oops, Malcolm's communicator slipped out of his pocket in a tavern—an event that leads to the almost-death of himself and Captain Archer. The only thing that saves them is the invisible hand of Trip Tucker and a stolen Suliban ship. And, in the end, what seems like a win to Archer turns out to be a lesson in the Prime Directive as one side in this planetary conflict may soon want a piece of the other side's action. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 2 with "The Communicator" as we discuss how it takes a throwaway ending to an Original Series episode and addresses the real-world repurcussions of leaving technology behind on a less-advanced planet. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Aug 2, 202245 min

Ep 234234: Secret Agent Pants

"The Seventh" 20th-anniversary reflections. When T'Pol receives a call from the Vulcan High Command, memories of her past life as a security operative begin to resurface. She is sent on a mission to apprehend a surgically altered man named Menos, the last of six rogue operatives she was sent after 17 years earlier. Or at least she remembered there being six. Actually there were seven, and she killed Menos's partner Jossen—a fact that is only beginning to come back to her. Just after the incident, she underwent a Vulcan procedure to purge the memory. She convinces Archer to go with her on the mission, because she needs someone with her whom she trusts, and together with him and Travis they capture Menos; but not without leaving a lot of property and emotional damage in their wake. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 2 with "The Seventh" as we discuss what it has to say about Vulcan society, how it connects to the world 20 years after it was written, what is does for the Archer–T'Pol relationship, and more. We also point out why this often-overlooked episode is worth a careful rewatch. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Jul 24, 202247 min

Ep 233233: Seven Samurai

"Marauders" 20th-anniversary reflections. Archer continues setting the stage for centuries of conflict between the Federation and the Klingon Empire when he stands up for the inhabitants of a mining colony. But, to be fair, how hard is it to come into conflict with Klingons? Deuterium aside, the captain doesn't like bullies, not on Earth and not here—on whatever planet this is. The crew of the Enterprise puts Klingon Commander Korok—not nearly as cute as his Zelda namesake—in his place when they teach the colonists how to defend themselves. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 2 with "Marauders" as we discuss how it mirrors its Akira Kurosawa inspiration, Seven Samurai, grows the relationship between Archer and T'Pol, and gets the full crew involved. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Jul 19, 202233 min

Ep 232232: T'Ponathan

"A Night in Sickbay" 20th-anniversary reflections When Porthos takes a leak on a sacred tree, it's strike two for the Enterprise crew with Kreetassans. But that relief doesn't last the beloved pooch as a pathogen in the Kreetassan air leaves him sick. Archer then spends a night in sickbay where, when he isn't dreaming about T'Pol, he helps Phlox try to save Porthos. But don't worry, eventually all is well and Archer even gets to play lumberjack. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 2 with "A Night in Sickbay" as we take a look inside the heads of Archer and Phlox, chase bats, and explore sexy canines and shipping. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Jul 11, 202243 min

Ep 231231: The Haunted House of Catfish

"Dead Stop" 20th-anniversary reflections. Having suffered serious damage in the Romulan minefield, the Enterprise sends out a distress call and is directed by Tellarites to a mysterious space station apparently built as part of a cross-promotional campaign with Arthur C. Clarke. Aboard the station, Archer learns that the Enterprise can be repaired in just 34.2 hours for a price so low he can't refuse. Only that price turns out to be much higher as Travis goes missing and more and more inquiries are not recognized. It's time to enter the Haunted House of Catfish. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 2 with "Dead Stop" as we enter a pristine house of horrors with offers that seem too good to be true—one that puts humanity in its place and proves that Roxann Dawson knows how to do eerie. Anyone up for a side of cornbread? Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Jun 17, 202243 min

Ep 230230: Dancing around Romulans

"Minefield" 20th-anniversary reflections The Enterprise finds itself in the middle of a minefield and there's one big problem: the mines are cloaked. There's also a second big problem: some aliens calling themselves the Romalin [sic] Star Empire don't want them messing around with their invisible bombs. When a mine attaches itself to the hull, Lieutenant Reed heads out to detach it, only he becomes attached himself and it looks like the end of the road for him. But this very bad, terrible, horrible day started much more simply. It started with breakfast. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 2 with "Minefield" as we get inside the heads of Reed and Captain Archer to explore why their relationship is what it is, why it differs from Archer's relationship with Trip Tucker, and why it's important to think outside the box. We also discuss the value of simplicity in storytelling and, of course, the challenge of bringing the Romulans into the series years before their conflict with Earth and that famous viewscreen moment. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Jun 10, 202243 min

Ep 229229: I Love Lucy (And So Do You)

"Carbon Creek" 20th-anniversary reflections To mark the one-year anniversary of T'Pol's official commission as a member of the Enterprise crew, Captain Archer invites her to dinner, along with Trip. It is a special occasion indeed as the previous record for a Vulcan serving with a human crew was a mere 10 days. When Archer asks her about a trip she once made to a small mining town called Carbon Creek, she agrees to tell them a story. She recounts the experiences of her second foremother, T'Mir, after the Vulcan survey mission of which she was a part crash landed in Pennsylvania. It's a tale of Velcro, higher education, and I Love Lucy; but did it really happen? In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we continue Season 2 with "Carbon Creek" as we explore the rewriting of history, diversity in Vulcan views of humans, how the writers turned a grab bag of Star Trek's greatest time travel hits into a delightful chance to decompress after the chaos of "Shockwave," and the franchise's tribute to Lucille Ball. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Jun 3, 202244 min

Ep 228228: I Have a Son and He Will Go to Saturn

"Shockwave, Part II" 20th-anniversary reflections. Trapped in the 31st century, in a future where the Federation never existed, Captain Archer must work with Crewman Daniels to stop history from being changed. Meanwhile, the Suliban, led by Silik, commandeer the Enterprise and take the crew hostage. Using some nifty techniques he learned in high school and Archer's scavenging skills, Daniels creates a way for the captain to communicate backwards in time with his crew, warning them that they must stop Silik to keep the future on track. With the day once again saved, a final confrontation with Ambassador Soval and the Vulcans threatens to put the Warp Five program on hold. And T'Pol still doesn't believe in time travel. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we kick off Season 2 with "Shockwave, Part II" as we explore a future in jeopardy, how portrayal of the future has changed over 20 years, the transformation of T'Pol, and how Jonathan Archer is so pivotal to the future of the Federation. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

May 22, 202251 min

Ep 227227: Let No Good Crisis Go to Waste

"Shockwave" 20th-anniversary reflections. When the Enterprise drops by Paraagan II to check on colonists, they accidentally ignite the atmosphere and destroy the settlement. Or so it seems. As the investigation unfolds, Archer gets assistance from Crewman Daniels—back from the dead—and learns that the Temporal Cold War is heating up and that it is the Suliban, not the Enterprise crew, who are to blame for the accident. And there's more than just the lives of 3,600 colonists at stake; Earth itself may be destroyed. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we explore "Shockwave" and how it moves the Temporal Cold War toward a hot one. We also discuss Archer's guilt, the use of time travel, and the repercussions of the efforts of the Suliban and Future Guy to change history. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Mar 31, 202254 min

Ep 226226: Intergalactic Florida

"Two Days and Two Nights" 20th-anniversary reflections. After several detours, the NX-01 reaches its relaxation destination: Risa. Plans for two days and two nights in paradise take an unexpected turn for everyone involved—including Porthos. Hoshi learns Risan in a day plus several conjugations in one of the most challenging languages she's ever encountered. Trip and Malcolm find out the hard way that flirting can be dangerous, Travis tumbles down a rock face, and Archer is once again confronted with the mysteries of the Suliban. Meanwhile aboard the ship, Phlox hibernates. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we explore "Two Days and Two Nights," and how the fun shore leave story also brings some serious commentary. We contrast Hoshi's experience with that of Trip and Malcolm, discuss what the portrayal of language learning says about technology and how it is impacting our society, and talk about the ongoing Suliban story and how Archer has grown since leaving Earth. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Mar 21, 202250 min

Ep 225225: Let's Play Some Sand Polo!

"Desert Crossing" 20th-anniversary reflections. After their encounter with Vulcan Ambassador V'Lar, the crew of the NX-01 are back on course for Risa. But they'll have to wait a bit longer for rest and relaxation by the pool thanks to a distress call. They assist the pilot of a small craft and then accept his invitation to visit his home in the desert. But what at first appears to be just an invitation to dinner (which Trip hopes will be free of snake meat) turns out to be a plea for assistance in a fight against the government. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we explore "Desert Crossing" and how it serves as a proto-Prime Directive story. We also discuss Archer's reputation, the shades of gray in which Zabol's struggle against the government is presented, and how the story could have benefited from more information and the mini-arc format found in Season 4. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Mar 14, 202251 min

Ep 224224: So Much Unexpected Behavior

"Fallen Hero" 20th-anniversary reflections. T'Pol's plans to help her human crewmates relieve stress are interrupted when the Enterprise is ordered to pick up Vulcan Ambassador V'Lar from the planet Mazar (a convenient rhyme) after she is accused of criminal misconduct. Once aboard the NX-01, V'Lar surprises everyone—particularly T'Pol—with her friendly behavior and finds an unexpected ally in Captain Archer. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we explore "Fallen Hero" and how the story brings us an unexpected take on Vulcans and an ambassador who we wish we'd seen more of. We also discuss the realities of life in deep space, the evolving nature of T'Pol's character, and why picking the right Hawaiian shirt is a must if you want to make the most of your time on Risa. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Mar 8, 202236 min

Ep 223223: It's All About Communication

"Vox Sola" 20th-anniversary reflections. After Archer and his crew completely blow a first contact by eating in public, an unusual alien life-form is left behind aboard the Enterprise and sets up home in the cargo bay. When it begins wrapping crewmembers in its silky white web, Reed and Hoshi begin racing in different directions for a solution and movie night gets completely spoiled. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we explore "Vox Sola" and how the story approaches the importance of communication, the nuance of language, and cross-cultural misunderstanding from many angles. We also discuss the attempt to bring a truly alien alien to the franchise whose stated goal is to seek out new life and new civilizations. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Feb 28, 202244 min

Ep 222222: Timeless Allegory

"Detained" 20th-anniversary reflections. After the Enterprise accidentally enters a military zone around the second moon of Tandara Prime, Captain Archer and Ensign Mayweather are captured and find themselves in Detention Complex 26, a facility that is home to 89 Suliban prisoners. The events and interaction that follow shed light on the Suliban in unexpected ways and also introduces links to the Temporal Cold War though a story that is classic Star Trek allegory. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we explore "Detained" and how this story meant as commentary on the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II has a much more timeless message about wrongs repeated throughout history. We also discuss how the story connects with the modern-day tendency to pass judgment in the court of public opinion and why it is vital that we listen to one another. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Feb 20, 202247 min

Ep 221221: Vanilla Revelation

"Oasis" 20th-anniversary reflections. In need of supplies, Captain Archer follows a tip from an alien and finds an abandoned ship that appears to have crashed on the surface of a planet. Rumor is the ship is haunted—and the Enterprise crew soon finds out why. When more and more things don't add up, suspicions grow over how the chief engineer, Ezral, his daughter, Liana, and their crew have stayed alive on a derelict ship for three year. Only it has really been 22, and all but father and daughter are made of light. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we explore "Oasis," a story often remembered only for its familiarity. But as we discuss, despite the similarities to Deep Space Nine's "Shadowplay," this outing has a lot to say about judgment and choices, detachment from reality, and cross-cultural understanding. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Feb 15, 202240 min

Ep 220220: Throwing Pie in a Bag

"Acquisition" 20th-anniversary reflections. When a group space bandits find the Enterprise adrift in space and board the ship, one thing is immediately noticeable: they have huge ears. That's right, they are Ferengi … and the year is 2151, some 213 years before first contact with humans as seen in "The Last Outpost." With the crew unconscious, the aliens begin looting the ship. Once they wake Archer, they find themselves in a battle of wits as the captain, Trip, and T'Pol work to free the ship of Ferengi greed. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we explore "Acquisition" to find out who has the lobes to win control of the ship in a story that raises many questions. We discuss continuity, the creative challenges faced by writers in a massive franchise such as Star Trek, and what makes the use of one alien species early in the timeline succeed while another use falls short. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Feb 6, 202241 min

Ep 219219: Unproduced Chakotay Story

"Rogue Planet" 20th-anniversary reflections. A camping trip turns mysterious—and potentially deadly—when giant snails get into Captain Archer's head. Actually, they enter through telepathy, not the ear canal, and they're being hunted by an alien race who visits this dark, rogue planet from time to time for sport. Hunting these snails, which they call wraiths, is a challenge for them. Archer and the crew of the Enterprise also face a challenge as they attempt to unravel the mystery of the beautiful woman in a blue dress with apple blossoms in her hair. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we explore "Rogue Planet" and ask just what the snail is going on in this story that feels like it could belong to any Star Trek series. We discuss the evolving character of Malcolm Reed, Archer's desire to help the aliens who are being hunted, similarities to DS9's Changelings, authorial intent, and more. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Jan 31, 202242 min

Ep 218218: Against Cultural Norms

"Fusion" 20th-anniversary reflections. When a Vulcan ship shows up, Archer is ready for more of the charming conversation made famous by Captain Vanik. What he gets is something altogether different. The captain of this ship, Tavin, says he and his crew are on a mission of exploration. But what they are exploring isn't space but rather emotions. Sound crazy? Well, not all Vulcans are in love with logic, and this group, known as the V'tosh ka'tur, would not be welcome at the High Command. Once aboard the Enterprise, an engineer named Kov gets a chance to dispel the rumors he's heard about people of Earth, while his crewmate Tolaris takes far more sinister actions towards a fellow Vulcan, T'Pol. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we explore "Fusion" and the difficult but important subjects it covers. We discuss the different approach the series took with Vulcans, the predatory nature of Tolaris, and how the interaction between Trip and Kov—being open to honestly talking to those who are different from you—could make a difference in today's divisive and reactionary world. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Jan 24, 202247 min

Ep 217217: Dude, Where's My Ride?

"Shuttlepod One" 20th-anniversary reflections. While on a mission to survey an asteroid field, Trip and Malcolm come across some debris from Enterprise, part of a launch bay door that was damaged during a rescue mission. Assuming that the Enterprise has been destroyed and that they are now stranded in deep space, the two begin working on plan to get to safety but begin to spiral into despair and doubt as air runs low. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we explore "Shuttlepod One" and how great things happen when writers put two characters on screen and let them talk at length. We also discuss how a limited budget can drive creativity, why fans love learning more about characters (and its importance to good storytelling), and what we learn when circumstances peel away the layers of Malcolm Reed. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Jan 17, 202241 min

Ep 216216: Reject the Evidence of Your Eyes and Ears

"Shadows of P'Jem" 20th-anniversary reflections. Six months after the Klingon crash landing in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, tensions run high between the Vulcans and Starfleet after Andorian commandos destroy the monastery at P'Jem. The rift leads to potentially earth-shattering changes when the Vulcans suspend joint fleet operations and recall T'Pol. But an excursion to the planet Coridan offers an opportunity—albeit an unpleasant one—to bridge the chasm. In this episode of Warp Five, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 20th-anniversary retrospective that takes you through all of Star Trek: Enterprise, one episode at a time. In this installment, we explore "Shadows of P'Jem" and how tensions with the Vulcans and burgeoning relations with the Andorians help build the trinity that will lead to the Federation. We also discuss the return of Shran and his importance to the series, and ask whether or not Archer was the right choice of captain for the first warp-five ship. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer)

Jan 10, 202242 min