I totally loved Star Trek: Enterprise, but Archer’s crew needed a fix (& Season 5 would have done that)

Among the sci-fi shows that take us back in time is Star Trek: Enterprise, which explores humanity’s first serious steps into deep space. Like every Star Trek show, this one also had an iconic starship named Enterprise NX-01.

It serves as the prequel and takes place about a hundred years before the original series featuring Captain Kirk. Star Trek: Enterprise was created by Rick Berman and Brannon Braga and aired from 2001 to 2005, spanning four seasons.

The protagonist here is Captain Jonathan Archer, who leads this first mission into space. In this timeline, Earth is still very inexperienced when it comes to space travel and is being strongly influenced by the Vulcans.

Watching how the events unfold, I loved Captain Archer’s journey, but also couldn’t ignore the fact that his crew didn’t feel as balanced as it should have. And, surprisingly, Star Trek: Enterprise Season 5 (which never happened) would have been the one to fix that problem once and for all.

Keep reading to explore how a fifth chapter could have solved this issue.

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A Star Trek: Enterprise Season 5 could have given Archer's crew the balance they needed

When Star Trek: Enterprise Season 1 came out, it introduced viewers to all seven members, including Captain Jonathan Archer, Commander Charles "Trip" Tucker III, Commander T’Pol, and others. However, despite being regular, some main crew members were left in the background.

Season 5 was meant to change that by expanding storylines and characters. Plots for a fifth season of Enterprise sought to redress this imbalance by bringing in new storylines that would engage the entire crew more comprehensively.

A major development was the planned addition of Commander Shran. The Andorian commander played by Jeffrey Combs as a permanent member of the Enterprise crew.

Shran's addition was seen as a way of giving an Andorian viewpoint among the crew, enabling greater interspecies cooperation and providing new dynamics that might have injected the benched characters into higher positions.

Furthermore, Star Trek: Enterprise Season 5 would have had the mission of developing the history behind the Romulan War, one of the most important wars in the Star Trek universe. Such a narrative would have demanded that the crew of Enterprise come together and use every member, such as Reed, Sato, and Mayweather.

By incorporating these characters in important missions and diplomatic activities, the series could have enriched their backstories and built their personalities, making the ensemble more comprehensive and giving a balanced image of the abilities and dynamics of Archer's crew.

Also Read: I'm convinced that Star Trek: Discovery's ending was quite underappreciated (despite a visionary approach to extend the franchise)

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Star Trek: Enterprise co-creator Brannon Braga believed the franchise needed a break

Co-creator Brannon Braga had some key comments on the show. He believed the series required a break once it was canceled because the Star Trek franchise as a whole required time off to make fans eager for more.

Braga explained that while Star Trek: Enterprise was not the series that generated that excitement immediately, there was potential, particularly in the show's fourth season. Per Trekmovie.com, the co-creator said:

"I thought it was time, ['Star Trek'] needed a break, it needed some time for people to want another show."

Not only this, but Braga also acknowledged Season 4 as the best part of the series and commended the showrunner, Manny Coto. He said:

"I think Manny had finally found voice of the show, and season 4 should’ve been season 1, and I think that the show should have continued."

Brannon Braga felt that Enterprise should have continued beyond season 4, and he even "hoped it’d go seven seasons." He had planned a Season 5 with Coto, but then they dinlt get the chance to make it.

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Also Read: Why did Star Trek: The Next Generation end after Season 7? Details explored

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