Brannon Braga thinks Star Trek: Enterprise could have been more violent

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As a dedicated Star Trek enthusiast who has traversed the vast expanse of the Star Trek universe for over two decades, I must say that Star Trek: Enterprise holds a special place in my heart. It was a series that dared to venture into uncharted territory while still honoring the ethos of the franchise.

Star Trek: Enterprise debuted subsequent to the initial four series, with well-established lore already in place. Initially, it faced difficulty attracting viewers; however, its availability on streaming platforms has led to a significant increase in fans. Following the release of the series on Blu-Ray and DVD, the cast members have been more open about the goings-on behind the scenes and their desires for what could have transpired differently.

According to Brannon Braga, one idea he had for the bonus feature on the Season 2 Blu-Ray disc was that the show could have been more gritty and violent. He felt it needed a rawer edge. However, during its debut in 2001 on UPN, there were network restrictions to adhere to. Nonetheless, Star Trek: Enterprise did contain some level of violence. Compared to modern Star Trek series, the violence was less intense, but it’s important to remember that Star Trek isn’t primarily about violence.

The company significantly increased its influence through powerful episodes such as the fourth season’s “Terra Prime,” where T’Pol and Trip Tucker discover their daughter is gravely ill, and we can’t help but remember “Dear Doctor,” a memorable episode from the series. It didn’t rely on violence to make an impression.

Star Trek: Enterprise distinguished itself by delving deeper into moral complexity throughout its four seasons, featuring compelling episodes such as Carbon Creek, where Vulcans are depicted visiting Earth before First Contact. While some viewers criticized the show for deviating from established canon, it didn’t alter the overall narrative in any significant way. Instead, it offered an intriguing “what if” perspective that made for engaging viewing.

A specific episode that provoked Star Trek enthusiasts was titled “Damages.” Captain Archer found himself in a predicament where he had to leave some helpful strangers behind, having removed essential components the Enterprise required for its mission. This incident served as an Archer-equivalent of the Tuvix dilemma and left a lasting imprint on viewers without resorting to violence. Occasionally, minimal action can be just as powerful as space battles.

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2024-09-13 03:23