A Viewing Guide for Star Trek: Enterprise

Back in September, I did a ranking of every episode of every Star Trek series.

But what if you haven’s seen all of the Star Trek series? And what if you’re all ready to binge-watch another series this year?

If you haven’t seen Enterprise, the Trek franchise’s first prequel series, you’re probably not alone. While I have found several people who consider it their favorite, anecdotally, it appears to be the least watched series outside of the original animated one.

And I understand. The first two seasons are tough going a lot of the time. The theme song never gets better (except for briefly in season 4). However, as with all Trek, Enterprise –by and large– ages pretty darn well and scratches some itches you didn’t know you have about Andorians, Vulcans, and the founding of the United Federation of Planets.

The following list cuts 44 of the 98 episodes out of the mix, giving you enough grounding with the characters in the first two seasons to better enjoy the increased continuity and worldbuilding of the final two seasons.

If you find you really are enjoying the series, you can always catch up on those missing episodes in the inevitable rewatch for completeness (I’m cutting some episodes I really like, but –if I’m being honest– aren’t necessary for a first watch).

Also, after hearing the opening theme song, feel free to turn down the volume or skip the intro entirely except for “In a Mirror, Darkly” in the fourth season (I love the visuals, I’ve tried and the song doesn’t work for me).

Season One

Skip most of it except:

• “Broken Bow” (Eps 1 & 2)
• “The Andorian Incident” (Ep 7)
• “Silent Enemy” (Ep 12)
• “Dear Doctor” (Ep 13)
• “Vox Sola” (Ep 22)
• “Shockwave, Pt. 1” (Ep 26)

Season Two

Skip most of it except:

• “Shockwave, Pt. 2” (Ep 1)
• “Carbon Creek” (Ep 2)
• “Minefield” (Ep 3)
• “Vanishing Point” (Ep 10)
• “The Breach” (Ep 21)
• “Cogenitor” (Ep 22)
• “The Expanse” (Ep 26)

Season Three

Watch most of it, except:

• “Extinction” (Ep 3)
• “Exile” (Ep 6)
• “Similitude” (Ep 10)
• “Doctor’s Orders” (Ep 16)

Season Four

Watch most of it, except:

• “Daedalus” (Ep 10)
• “These Are the Voyages…” (Ep 22)

As per the showrunner, the true series finale is “Terra Prime,” episode 21.

There you go! A Star Trek binge-fest that can easily fit into the rest of the year.

(Note: I did this one as a favor to someone who had meant to watch the series, but couldn’t get into it and have since been told by several people that they were in the same boat (or NX-class starship?). If people think I should do viewing guides for other series, let me know!)