Thoughts on Enterprise, and its cancellation.

By now, all Star Trek fans worth their salt know that the latest series in the Star Trek franchise, ‘Enterprise’, has been cancelled by UPN. Now, let me say this right away: Enterprise was not one of my favorites in the Star Trek realm, and I speak as one who was ‘beamed aboard’, on September 8th, 1966. (That’s when the first episode of the original series, entitled ‘The Man Trap’, aired at 8 PM, on NBC) While the show had a good cast, and high-quality production values, it was lacking in a lot of areas. Last season’s long story arc just didn’t hold my interest, and I only tuned in for an occasional episode. If I missed a week, it was of no concern. When the season finally ended with yet another ‘back in time and messing up the time line’ bit, I rolled my eyes. (Sorry, but I did.) Time travel has always been a staple of good science fiction, but there comes a point when you play it to death.

So, now what? Well like many, I have sent along my ‘suggestions’ to the powers that be. You can find the contact information at Digital Bits.com, and other fan sites. I do feel the series deserves one more season. This season’s episodes have been very good, with great, action-oriented tales, and a good dose of early Star Trek history. (In earlier times, some Vulcans were as back-stabbing and corrupt as any Massachusetts politician. Who would have guessed?) The two-part episode that is scheduled to air on April 15th looks like it has the makings of a great episode, one that will be talked about in Trek circles years from now. (Are we finally going to get to see what a Tholian really looks like?) By the way, if you choose to contact UPN, or Paramount, or any other entity regarding the cancellation of Enterprise, please, be respectful! I know, I know, it’s difficult at times. But, sending flame mail, or faxes laced with dirty words and insults about UPN executives’ parentage will not accomplish anything. They’re in charge, like it or not. It is possible that Enterprise will be picked up for another season, or be ‘bought’ by one of the cable networks. Remember, the original series run was going to be cancelled at the end of the second season, but a letter-writing campaign by fans resulted in season three. (Never mind that it was moved to Friday nights at 10 PM, was frequently pre-empted, and had some episodes that were just laughable. Fans know which episodes I speak of.)

And this brings me to the end of this blog. The friendly folks over at Digital Bits feel as I do: A bad episode of any Star Trek show is far better than most of the other garbage on the airwaves today. (Attention, sponsors of TV shows: you want to listen to this, because this concerns you!) Let me put it this way: I’m a single guy, with what marketing people refer to as ‘disposable income’. I buy such things as clothes, electronic gadgets, DVDs, and yes, computer stuff. I buy gasoline for my car, (premium, for my WRX) and bicycle stuff galore. Understand the situation now? Sponsors, you are not going to reach me at all with programming such as ‘The Apprentice’, ‘The biggest Loser’, ‘Fear Factor’, or any one of those half-hour situation comedies. I do not watch that show about the housewives, whatever it’s called. Want to reach me, and people like me? Give us good, intelligent programming. Give us Enterprise for another season, then we’ll talk. Now, do you get it?