Top 10 Episodes of Star Trek: Enterprise

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Okay, here we go, boldly going back to the early days of Starfleet with Star Trek: Enterprise! This prequel series had a rocky run, but it also produced some excellent episodes that explored the origins of the Federation and the challenges of early interstellar exploration. Here’s my take on the Top 10 Episodes of Star Trek: Enterprise:

Top 10 Episodes of Star Trek: Enterprise

1. “Carbon Creek” (Season 2, Episode 2): This is a unique and charming episode that tells the story of a group of Vulcans who crash-landed in a small Pennsylvania town in the 1950s. It’s a heartwarming and often humorous tale about cultural exchange and the importance of understanding different perspectives. The episode also provides a fun and interesting perspective on Vulcan-human relations before the founding of the Federation.
2. “Twilight” (Season 3, Episode 8): This episode is a powerful and emotional story that explores an alternate timeline where Archer is afflicted with a condition that prevents him from forming new long-term memories. With the Xindi threat still looming, T’Pol must make a difficult decision about the future. It’s a well-written and beautifully acted episode that showcases the strength of the bond between Archer and T’Pol. It also features some great character moments for Phlox as well.
3. “Similitude” (Season 3, Episode 10): This episode tackles a classic Star Trek ethical dilemma when Phlox creates a fast-aging clone of Trip to save his life after a catastrophic accident. The episode raises complex questions about identity, sacrifice, and the value of a life. It’s a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant story with a strong performance from Connor Trinneer.
4. “Azati Prime” (Season 3, Episode 18): This episode is a turning point in the Xindi arc, featuring a daring and desperate attack on a Xindi superweapon. It’s an action-packed and suspenseful hour of television with major consequences for the crew of the Enterprise. The episode also features some of the darkest and most morally ambiguous moments of the series, as Archer is forced to make difficult choices in the face of an existential threat.
5. “Damage” (Season 3, Episode 19): This episode deals with the aftermath of the attack on the Xindi superweapon, and features Archer making a morally questionable decision to steal a crucial piece of technology from another ship. It’s a powerful exploration of the compromises and sacrifices that are often required during wartime, and it showcases the toll that the Xindi mission has taken on Archer and his crew. It’s another major turning point in season 3, and Archer’s continuing descent into darkness.
6. “The Forge” (Season 4, Episode 7): This is the first episode of a three-part arc that explores the state of Vulcan society and the origins of the Vulcan-Romulan split. It’s a fascinating and complex story that delves into Vulcan culture and philosophy, and it features some great performances from the guest cast, particularly Gary Graham as Soval. It marks a major shift in the series, and the beginning of the course correction of season 4.
7. “Kir’Shara” (Season 4, Episode 9): This is the conclusion of the Vulcan arc, and it features a satisfying resolution to the mystery surrounding the Syrrannites and the future of Vulcan. It’s a well-written and engaging story that ties together various plot threads and sets the stage for a more unified Vulcan society. It’s also a great example of how Enterprise was able to expand upon established Star Trek lore in a meaningful way.
8. “Affliction” & “Divergence” (Season 4, Episodes 15 & 16): This two-parter explains the change in the appearance of the Klingons between Enterprise and the later Star Trek series. It’s a fun and action-packed story that also features the return of Section 31 and some intriguing connections to Star Trek: The Original Series. It provides a satisfactory, if a bit convoluted, explanation for a long-standing question within the fandom.
9. “Demons” & “Terra Prime” (Season 4, Episodes 20 & 21): This two-part episode features a xenophobic human terrorist group that threatens to derail the formation of the Coalition of Planets, the precursor to the Federation. It’s a powerful and timely story that explores themes of fear, prejudice, and the importance of unity in the face of division. It also features a heartbreaking moment for Trip and T’Pol, and a hopeful look towards the future.
10. “In a Mirror, Darkly, Parts 1 & 2” (Season 4, Episodes 18 & 19): Enterprise finally gets its own Mirror Universe episode, and it’s a wild and entertaining ride. The two-parter features the NX-class Enterprise crew in the Mirror Universe, and it’s full of action, intrigue, and dark humor. It also features the USS Defiant from the TOS episode “The Tholian Web,” providing an in-universe explanation for its appearance in the Mirror Universe.

Honorable Mentions: “Broken Bow,” “The Expanse,” “Regeneration,” “Cogenitor,” “Babel One,” “United,” “Awakening,” “These Are the Voyages…” (despite its flaws, it does have some redeeming qualities).

Star Trek: Enterprise had a troubled run, and it’s often criticized for its uneven writing and controversial creative choices. However, the series also produced some truly excellent episodes that explored the challenges of early space exploration, the origins of the Federation, and the complexities of human nature. The Xindi arc in Season 3 is a particular highlight, showcasing a darker and more serialized style of storytelling. Season 4 is widely considered to be the best of the series, with multiple 2 and 3 episode arcs that are among the best in all of Star Trek. While it may not have reached the heights of some of its predecessors, Enterprise is a worthy entry in the Star Trek franchise, and it’s worth revisiting for its unique perspective on the Star Trek universe.

Last update on 2025-12-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API