[ENT] MJC's 2-cents Review: Dear Doctor
Mean Joe Cool
Synopsis: Archer must make a difficult ethical decision.
MJC Review:
The Drama -
Finally! A Phlox episode. At last, we get to see what
makes him "tic" or for at least some very good character
development for him which has been long overdue. This
episode focuses on humanities space adventures from
Phlox's perspective. One gets an understanding of his
thoughts and comments not by his personal logs or
indirect dialogs with an imaginary friend (or exotic pet),
but by his letter that he has been writing to a colleague. As
it turns out, Phlox has a unique keen interest in humans,
particularly in entertainment, food, and social interactions
(a.k.a. dating). His interests (and doubts) really peaks up
when Archer and crew face moral and ethical dilemmas in
helping out an alien world. This alien world actually consist
of two humanoid species, one evolved and one not so
evolved, yet both live in harmony. If Archer saves the
evolved race, nothing changes. However, if Archer lets
the evolved race die out, then the other race has the
potential to grow even greater than their predecessors. Of
course, Phlox points out that the genetic illness threatening
the evolved race has been natural and suggested that
nature should take its course. However, Archer, being the
one who wants to save the universe, has strong feelings
that he should help those in need, regardless of what
nature has been or will be doing. While watching the
events unfold, one can actually really "feel" the dilemmas
and decisions that face both Phlox and Archer - and one
gets all this without a holodeck, just the TV! In the end,
Archer helps the dying race, but just enough to ease the
pain and suffering. Looks like they are going to have to
solve their own problems. After all, "we're not here to
play God". This episode was a good example of the
ethical sci-fi drama Star Trek has been famous for. A fine
job.
Tid Bits -
So the Denobulan marriage consist of three spouses for
each spouse, and each of those spouses have three
spouses and so forth and so on. Hmmm...kind of adds a
new twist to menage a tois. I still think that Doctor Phlox
looks like a mix between a Talaxian and a Cardassian.
What it all means -
"The greatest harm can result from the best intentions."
4 cool peace signs
MJC 200201.25
Review archives:
http://www.meanjoecool.com
--
Moderated by Stijn Derudder
Article submissions: trek-r...@pandora.be
Moderator contact: trek-revie...@pandora.be