The Unlikely Underdog: A Deep Dive into Star Trek Enterprise's 'Rotten' Rating

Introduction: The Rodney Dangerfield of Star Trek

Among the treasure trove of the Star Trek series, only one has been crowned with the unfortunate “rotten” rating on Rotten Tomatoes—Star Trek: Enterprise. This distinction makes it seem like the Rodney Dangerfield of the Star Trek universe, notorious for getting no respect. But does it deserve this spot on the dishonorable list?

According to Rotten Tomatoes, Enterprise falls short at a 56% Tomatometer score, well behind other series in the franchise.

The Rankings Dilemma

For a quick glance: Voyager scored 77%, Discovery 84%, Picard 89%, DS9 91%, and so on. While rankings are subjective, Enterprise’s standing raises eyebrows. Where’s the recognition for its groundbreaking pilot, “Broken Bow,” and its engaging arcs like “In a Mirror, Darkly”?

Memorable Moments: Not Just a Prelude

Enterprise dared to foray into interesting narratives with episodes like, “Demons,” steering the Star Trek ship through pre-federation waters with bravery. It crafted a vivid pre-sequel landscape, setting the stage for the Federation while echoing the bold risk-taking mirrored in a post ⁹⁄₁₁ world.

Pitfalls: Missteps & Unfulfilled Promises

Nonetheless, Enterprise was not devoid of flaws. Its infamous finale, “These Are the Voyages…”, sticks out for its clumsy attempts at a crossover with The Next Generation, leaving Enterprise fans yearning for deserving closure. Underwritten characters and polarizing narrative choices further led to its struggle balancing between innovation and homage.

The Redemption Arc: Shedding Light on Overlooked Value

For newcomers and veterans alike, here lies a beckoning suggestion: watch all of Enterprise except the controversial finale. Only afterward, with a time-lapsed perspective, venture into the closing chapter. As stated in Redshirts Always Die, this might just unveil an appreciation untapped.

Final Thoughts: A Series Worth the Voyage

While Enterprise will not be hailed a masterpiece overnight, it remains a significant chapter within the Star Trek saga worthy of revisiting. Its “rotten” tag may not symbolize its entirety, inviting critics and fans alike to engage once more with what made this series an ambitious narrative in a storied franchise.