Loved this episode. I found the readiness that people wanted sim to sacrifice himself in order to save trip was quite out of line though. They grow a fully sentient being just to harvest his brain ? A bit macabre, if you ask me, and not at all the kind of solution I'd hope that Archer would come up with. While I really enjoyed it, I felt like enterprise really compromised their morals on this one. I hope in our future we don't start growing sentient clones just to harvest their organs, because it's just wrong. If you can grow a specific organ in a test tube, great, but murdering somebody for their organs ? Disgusting. It was also strange to see T'Pal get involved with a clone who would only be around for a few days.
41 Reviews
One Way or Another It's Tear Jerking
Hitchcoc24 March 2017
Once we accept what Phlox is able to do, we now have moral issues that are quite extensive. Do we have the right to kill a sentient being because he can provide us with a means to save a friend? It would be like killing a man because someone you know needs a heart transplant. To simplify this, the clone that is created will only live 15 days anyway, which makes the decision a little less ghoulish. The problem is that Simm, the clone, has feelings and memories, and begins to enjoy his life, short as it may be. Archer is torn but diligent in his belief that this transplant must go on. The mission is the thing and the lives of billions at stake.
Strong episode with some holes
vid820 January 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Manny Coto certainly wrote a thought-provoking episode in 'Similtude', but there were a couple of holes, or at least potential problems, that I identified.
Trip, after an accident with the engine, enters a coma, and the only way to save him is to essentially grow a clone of Trip using one of Phlox's biological specimens. This clone will only live for about 15 days, so his growth will be accelerated.
Archer agrees to this procedure being conducted, as, according to him, Trip is important to Enterprise and Enterprise is important to Earth. Some may question why any crew member - even the Chief Engineer - is this important to Enterprise: surely Enterprise would still function without him/her? Yes, Enterprise probably could continue to function, but the probability that it will function to a better degree is high, and therefore the probability that Enterprise will be able to save Earth is higher, even if not by that much.
A twist comes in when Phlox reveals that the operation will actually kill Trip's clone and that there is a potential enzyme that would allow Trip's clone to live out a full life, but there's very little evidence that this would work. To some viewers, this may complicate the moral dilemma: after all, Trip's clone is able to help Enterprise just as much as Trip himself, as demonstrated by the fact that he got them out of a cloud of particles that was engulfing the ship. Once again, however, probabilities are the key: the probability that taking the part of the brain from the clone required to save Trip will actually achieve the goal of saving Trip is higher than the probability that the aforementioned enzyme will save Trip's clone. So, once again, Archer makes the right decision.
My problem with Archer in this episode, though, is his mood swings: one minute, he's telling Sim (Trip's clone) how he has rights and how valuable he is; in another scene, he's angry with Sim for even considering that he's Trip or as important as Trip (even though he has exactly the same memories.)
Overall, though, a good episode doing what Star Trek often does best - explore ethical dilemmas, especially those similar to those we face in society today.
Trip, after an accident with the engine, enters a coma, and the only way to save him is to essentially grow a clone of Trip using one of Phlox's biological specimens. This clone will only live for about 15 days, so his growth will be accelerated.
Archer agrees to this procedure being conducted, as, according to him, Trip is important to Enterprise and Enterprise is important to Earth. Some may question why any crew member - even the Chief Engineer - is this important to Enterprise: surely Enterprise would still function without him/her? Yes, Enterprise probably could continue to function, but the probability that it will function to a better degree is high, and therefore the probability that Enterprise will be able to save Earth is higher, even if not by that much.
A twist comes in when Phlox reveals that the operation will actually kill Trip's clone and that there is a potential enzyme that would allow Trip's clone to live out a full life, but there's very little evidence that this would work. To some viewers, this may complicate the moral dilemma: after all, Trip's clone is able to help Enterprise just as much as Trip himself, as demonstrated by the fact that he got them out of a cloud of particles that was engulfing the ship. Once again, however, probabilities are the key: the probability that taking the part of the brain from the clone required to save Trip will actually achieve the goal of saving Trip is higher than the probability that the aforementioned enzyme will save Trip's clone. So, once again, Archer makes the right decision.
My problem with Archer in this episode, though, is his mood swings: one minute, he's telling Sim (Trip's clone) how he has rights and how valuable he is; in another scene, he's angry with Sim for even considering that he's Trip or as important as Trip (even though he has exactly the same memories.)
Overall, though, a good episode doing what Star Trek often does best - explore ethical dilemmas, especially those similar to those we face in society today.
Justifies the entire series
kronomorte10 August 2011
I doubt I'll be awarding many 10s on a 1-10 scale for anything ever.
There was absolutely no flaw in this episode, but that's not enough, it actually went way beyond what could have been a 'good' story and hit the peak with everything working towards a compelling experience with no preaching or lameness, yet demanding consideration.
Enterprise is a sci-fi series. It's also part of the Star Trek universe, obviously. Enterprise is also a story of human exploration, dilemmas, and triumphs.
This particular episode hits every one of those right on the head, it's a true sci-fi story - but not beyond enjoyment by those who might be hesitant to watch hard sci-fi. It's a wonderful addition to the Trek universe, dealing with real issues with the Trek storyline as backdrop, yet accessible even to those who don't follow the various series. And the human element is abundant, every bit of it.
The acting by everyone involved was superb, and the plot excellent. The directing had the perfect balance between the harshness demanded by the story and the subtlety required to cover the intricacies involved.
I wanted to point out some specific scenes, but there were several and I can do this without any spoilers. Suffice it to say the dialog and character interaction varies from chilling to heart-rending - with plenty of subtleties along the way.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this episode to anyone, and if anyone involved ever sees this, congratulations on taking the allotted 40 something minutes and delivering something profound that all by itself justifies the entire Enterprise series and does the genre proud.
There was absolutely no flaw in this episode, but that's not enough, it actually went way beyond what could have been a 'good' story and hit the peak with everything working towards a compelling experience with no preaching or lameness, yet demanding consideration.
Enterprise is a sci-fi series. It's also part of the Star Trek universe, obviously. Enterprise is also a story of human exploration, dilemmas, and triumphs.
This particular episode hits every one of those right on the head, it's a true sci-fi story - but not beyond enjoyment by those who might be hesitant to watch hard sci-fi. It's a wonderful addition to the Trek universe, dealing with real issues with the Trek storyline as backdrop, yet accessible even to those who don't follow the various series. And the human element is abundant, every bit of it.
The acting by everyone involved was superb, and the plot excellent. The directing had the perfect balance between the harshness demanded by the story and the subtlety required to cover the intricacies involved.
I wanted to point out some specific scenes, but there were several and I can do this without any spoilers. Suffice it to say the dialog and character interaction varies from chilling to heart-rending - with plenty of subtleties along the way.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this episode to anyone, and if anyone involved ever sees this, congratulations on taking the allotted 40 something minutes and delivering something profound that all by itself justifies the entire Enterprise series and does the genre proud.
Death of a Hero
mstomaso16 October 2007
In the first scene, we see the Enterprise crew attending a funeral for a fallen crew-member, and Archer is giving him a powerful eulogy. As the camera pans, the identity of that crew member is revealed, and it is a real shocker. To avoid a spoiler, I will say no more about the story.
Although the plot becomes somewhat predictable after a short while, what matters is not where it goes, but how it gets there. Once again, Levar Burton's directing talent takes a good script and makes it better. Bakula, Billingsly, Trinnear and Blalock all perform memorably in this ethical exploration and character study. One of Enterprise's best serious sci fi episodes.
Although the plot becomes somewhat predictable after a short while, what matters is not where it goes, but how it gets there. Once again, Levar Burton's directing talent takes a good script and makes it better. Bakula, Billingsly, Trinnear and Blalock all perform memorably in this ethical exploration and character study. One of Enterprise's best serious sci fi episodes.
The best episode of Enterprise
bluepigeon26 May 2008
It truly seems a shame that Enterprise only had four seasons-- there were still many stories left to tell and the actors had very much grown into their characters. Yes, every series has its ups and downs, filler episodes, etc. and STE had its share. However, Similitude is a clear example of true character depth and development by the writers/directors/producers and of the cohesiveness and combined energy of the ensemble cast.
It was easily the best episode of Enterprise and yes, possibly the best of any Star Trek ever. The script and directing were excellent, and the acting incredible-- possibly the best performances of the entire series by John Billingsley, Connor Trineer, Jolene Blaylock and Scott Bakula. I was deeply moved from beginning to end.
It was easily the best episode of Enterprise and yes, possibly the best of any Star Trek ever. The script and directing were excellent, and the acting incredible-- possibly the best performances of the entire series by John Billingsley, Connor Trineer, Jolene Blaylock and Scott Bakula. I was deeply moved from beginning to end.
Great
nak7730 September 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Maybe it's just me, but I thought this was the best episode of any Star Trek series ever. Very well written and well acted. The actor who played Trip (I think Conner Trinner or something) gave the performance of his career and the rest of the cast gave decent performances as well. There was one scene I thought was done especially well. I actually cried when I saw it the first time, and almost cried when I saw a rerun of it again less than a year later. It is an obvious allusion to stem cell research and makes for great drama. This could even be adapted into a movie - maybe not a Star Trek movie but a space drama or a sci-fi movie with the plot centering around a human rights debate. Who know? Maybe no one else liked it. Star Trek has always dealt with current issues but I think this episode was subtle but also sent a message.
I concur: makes Enterprise worth it
tidusbautista7 February 2014
This episode wouldn't have worked sooner in the run than it was. At this point, we've been through quite a bit with the crew, and the chemistry in this episode shows how much we care about them. Stellar performances from the cast and superb directing from LeVar Burton. Loved it. My only gripe was the beginning, but once it got going it just kept getting better. A few curve balls were thrown in but the ending was pretty predictable. Like someone else said though, it isn't always where you end up but how you get there, perfectly describes the flow of the story in this episode. Even the kids performances were great. Levar Burton should have won an award for his directing on this.
An Ethical Issue
claudio_carvalho10 February 2008
Warning: Spoilers
While trying to stabilize the warp engine for longer voyages in warp 5.0, Trip has an accident and enters in coma. Dr. Phlox convinces Captain Archer that the only way to save Trip is developing a symbiotic using a Lyssarian worm and then transplanting a brain nervous system. Archer authorizes the procedure but he has troubles with the fast-growing clone that has Trip memories and his own personality together. Meanwhile the Enterprise is trapped without propulsion in a dangerous particles field.
"Similitude" is a good episode where the ethical issue of using clone to replace parts is exposed. I immediately recalled "The Island", proving that the cloning process shall be discussed by the society and controlled through well-studied laws. Unfortunately the plot is disclosed in the very beginning, but the ambiguous feeling of Sim (or Trip?) for T'Pol is rewarded with her farewell kiss. My vote is nine.
Title (Brazil): "Semelhança" ("Resemblance")
"Similitude" is a good episode where the ethical issue of using clone to replace parts is exposed. I immediately recalled "The Island", proving that the cloning process shall be discussed by the society and controlled through well-studied laws. Unfortunately the plot is disclosed in the very beginning, but the ambiguous feeling of Sim (or Trip?) for T'Pol is rewarded with her farewell kiss. My vote is nine.
Title (Brazil): "Semelhança" ("Resemblance")
Absolutely perfect episode
chaswii13 August 2016
This episode of Enterprise is absolutely flawless. I've always been a purist when it comes to Star Trek offerings, and have enjoyed every television series except Deep Space Nine, which was more of a sci-fi soap opera. While Enterprise is also a continuing series, being a "prequel" further expounds on the early history of Star Fleet, etc, much to the delight of us Trekkies. The characters are memorable, albeit the series does become rather lackluster at times. This particular episode however, was extraordinary in every way. The writing/story line was well-conceived, and the acting and direction was superb. The continuity of the story was perfect, and the editing was impeccable. I've not seen all the episodes yet (I'm only in the 3rd season) but I doubt I'll see a better one. It is absolutely perfect, and i cannot recommend it enough.
Good episode although a bit too sentimental for me
snoozejonc20 October 2020
Trip Tucker is badly hurt in an engineering accident and Dr Phlox has an idea how to resolve serious problem.
This episode starts off with a funeral service and the premise of how we get to that point. I have to admit I had reservations thinking the story was going to go a certain way, but to its credit it doesn't go the way I thought.
There's little I can further say without spoiling the plot, but I'll say it works well for me until the final act which gets a bit overly sentimental for a cold hearted cynic such as myself.
Themes like sentience and sacrifice that have been done to death in Star Trek are explored in quite a good way here. We also see more of the type of hard decision making where morals are compromised and the complex side of leadership is explored.
Pretty decent performances all round, particularly Scott Bakula, John Billingsley and Conner Trinneer.
This episode starts off with a funeral service and the premise of how we get to that point. I have to admit I had reservations thinking the story was going to go a certain way, but to its credit it doesn't go the way I thought.
There's little I can further say without spoiling the plot, but I'll say it works well for me until the final act which gets a bit overly sentimental for a cold hearted cynic such as myself.
Themes like sentience and sacrifice that have been done to death in Star Trek are explored in quite a good way here. We also see more of the type of hard decision making where morals are compromised and the complex side of leadership is explored.
Pretty decent performances all round, particularly Scott Bakula, John Billingsley and Conner Trinneer.
The Ethics of Cloning & Harvesting
Samuel-Shovel24 January 2018
Warning: Spoilers
After Trip is involved with an accident that leaves him in a coma and in jeopardy of dying, Dr. Phlox creates a clone of him to use a portion of the clone's brain to do surgery on Trip before it's too later. Meanwhile the Enterprise is stuck in a electromagnetic cloud; the outer hull is gathering magnetic particles, endangering the ship and its inhabitants.
Wow! Back to back really good ST:E episodes, I don't think that's ever happened before. The ethical dilemmas in this episode are interesting to think about and the performance by Connor Trinneer is top notch. The last half of this episode really is quite touching. It also further hints at the budding relationship between Trip & T'Pol.
For those arguing that there is no tension in this episode because we know a main cast member like Trip won't die in a random mid-season episode, you're missing the point. This episode is meant to ponder the ethical dilemmas of life and death, not give us shock value at a character's passing. There's still plenty of emotion in it as we watch Sim, a character we feel we know and identify with, sacrifice himself for the crew and the ship.
This is a great standalone episode to show someone of this series. It's interesting, well-directed by LeVar Burton, and one of the best episodes up to this point.
Side Note: I'm sorry; I don't like Captain Archer. He's a bit of a prick who thinks he can solve everything with sternness and stubbornness; have a little tact.
Wow! Back to back really good ST:E episodes, I don't think that's ever happened before. The ethical dilemmas in this episode are interesting to think about and the performance by Connor Trinneer is top notch. The last half of this episode really is quite touching. It also further hints at the budding relationship between Trip & T'Pol.
For those arguing that there is no tension in this episode because we know a main cast member like Trip won't die in a random mid-season episode, you're missing the point. This episode is meant to ponder the ethical dilemmas of life and death, not give us shock value at a character's passing. There's still plenty of emotion in it as we watch Sim, a character we feel we know and identify with, sacrifice himself for the crew and the ship.
This is a great standalone episode to show someone of this series. It's interesting, well-directed by LeVar Burton, and one of the best episodes up to this point.
Side Note: I'm sorry; I don't like Captain Archer. He's a bit of a prick who thinks he can solve everything with sternness and stubbornness; have a little tact.
I am sorry but I thought it was weak
rusafetlknme22 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
After the disaster called star trek discovery I started rewatching Enterprise, which I had no memory of. What a breath of fresh air.
About the episode though, this season so far entered with a bang with the Xindi plot, this episode for me is basically the Tuvix episode from Voyager but worse.
The captain got in a situation where he created a clone of Tucker so that he could cure him, the doctor had 2 fouls here, he did not know that the clone would also have Tuckers memories and that the operation would actually kill the clone although at first he didn't think so.
The clone itself only has a limited lifespan of couple of weeks so its whatever... Now the clone, Sim , who now is literally Tucker also says their is a way for him to lead a full life.
Let me stop right there, the episode of Tuvix in voyager, as discomforting as it may be seeing someone basically executed, in the end is about restoring two unique individuals that where merged to this new lifeform without wanting too.
Lt. Tucker was the victim of a work related accident that caused him to fall in a coma, Sim was Lt.Tucker being told that he is a clone who was born to die so that the real one can live and that for all intents and purposes we dont't care what he wants to do with his life.
In the end hoped they had the balls to do what I thought they would, and kill Tucker and now Tucker is the clone that will live a full life. Wrap your head around that.
If want original Tucker alive, have everything up to saying the operation will kill the clone and also the clones life can for sure be extended but they need to synthesize it, dont have the line that they can only harvest him (nice) in a specific window of time before he gets old. Have Archer realize this is a lifeform and has every right to live even if it is 2 weeks (monologue time?), in the end the Clone is near his life, the Captain and Doctor have genuinely done everything they could to save him. Sim decides to sacrifice himself for Tucker.
About the episode though, this season so far entered with a bang with the Xindi plot, this episode for me is basically the Tuvix episode from Voyager but worse.
The captain got in a situation where he created a clone of Tucker so that he could cure him, the doctor had 2 fouls here, he did not know that the clone would also have Tuckers memories and that the operation would actually kill the clone although at first he didn't think so.
The clone itself only has a limited lifespan of couple of weeks so its whatever... Now the clone, Sim , who now is literally Tucker also says their is a way for him to lead a full life.
Let me stop right there, the episode of Tuvix in voyager, as discomforting as it may be seeing someone basically executed, in the end is about restoring two unique individuals that where merged to this new lifeform without wanting too.
Lt. Tucker was the victim of a work related accident that caused him to fall in a coma, Sim was Lt.Tucker being told that he is a clone who was born to die so that the real one can live and that for all intents and purposes we dont't care what he wants to do with his life.
In the end hoped they had the balls to do what I thought they would, and kill Tucker and now Tucker is the clone that will live a full life. Wrap your head around that.
If want original Tucker alive, have everything up to saying the operation will kill the clone and also the clones life can for sure be extended but they need to synthesize it, dont have the line that they can only harvest him (nice) in a specific window of time before he gets old. Have Archer realize this is a lifeform and has every right to live even if it is 2 weeks (monologue time?), in the end the Clone is near his life, the Captain and Doctor have genuinely done everything they could to save him. Sim decides to sacrifice himself for Tucker.
This episode goes against Star Trek philosophy.
stontu-845-45947525 July 2015
Warning: Spoilers
This episode goes against Star Trek philosophy.
Captain Archer influences Sim (a life form that lives just about two weeks) to give his short life to save Trip, ergo to save the ship and the Earth and so forth.
I cannot agree with this reasoning because he is asking a man to give his life for other life on the logic that Trip life is more important to the ship. How can that reasoning make the crew more human? All the opposite, the star trek thing to do would be for the crew to try the impossible in order to save even that one life.
At the end the only one who really learns to be a better human being is Sim, the symbiotic that decides to sacrifice himself, in order to prevent future calamities like Trip's sister death.
Captain Archer influences Sim (a life form that lives just about two weeks) to give his short life to save Trip, ergo to save the ship and the Earth and so forth.
I cannot agree with this reasoning because he is asking a man to give his life for other life on the logic that Trip life is more important to the ship. How can that reasoning make the crew more human? All the opposite, the star trek thing to do would be for the crew to try the impossible in order to save even that one life.
At the end the only one who really learns to be a better human being is Sim, the symbiotic that decides to sacrifice himself, in order to prevent future calamities like Trip's sister death.
The Best Episode of Enterprise
bitomurder11 April 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Do the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few? It is a question answered by Spock in "The Wrath Of Kahn" and it is a question asked by the best episode of Enterprise, "Similtude". This episode, which stands as the best one in the wonderful third season of Enterprise, gives us a well-crafted tale that discusses how far would you go to save billions of people using the controversial issue of stem cell research and cloning. This one is a double-header that tackles two big heavy handed issues and handles them both with skill and emotion.
Morality issues are a Star Trek staple, but rarely do we get to see two separate issues handled as powerfully as we do here in "Similtude". On one side we have Archer and Sim dealing with the larger implications of the Xindi conflict and the price of a life when it could possibly save everyone on Earth. On the other side we are presented with Sim's story of a clone who is only created to be harvested for "spare parts". Both of these stories are intertwined together quite nicely and the story relies on both of them completely. If one of them did not exist or if it were handled differently the entire story would have come crashing down. Reminiscent of Voyager's "Tuvix", "Similtude" also deals with the complicated issues involved in trying to put a value on one person's life over another. On the surface Archer's decision to kill Sim in order to save Trip's life seems like a cold-hearted and brutal thing to do and his reasoning to save him because he needs Trip on this mission seems like a front. Sim is capable of doing the same job just as well as Trip. Archer more than likely makes his decision based on the fact that Trip is his friend and he has to make the choice that is more likely to end in success. There is a very small possibility that Sim's aging could stop and he can live out the remainder of his life normally, but Trip's life is nearly guaranteed to be saved by the death of Sim. The hard choice Archer makes is based partially on friendship, but when you look at stakes involved in their mission he really had no other choice. If you consider all the factors and elements of this tale and the powerful way in which it was executed, Enterprise's "Similtude" could stand its ground against the best of anything Star Trek has ever done.
Wow... this is just great
jrarichards20 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Continuing with the run of fine (non-Xindi) episodes in the middle of Enterprise's Season 3, "Similtude" from LeVar Burton offers an object lesson in how to temper crowdpleasing wish fulfilment up to the point of near-manipulation (as when not-Tucker finally gets a kiss from T'Pol) with what is otherwise mostly an understated, subtle plotline. In short, there is something for pretty much everyone here, with a "Never Let Me Go"-type moral dilemma explored far more warmly, if of course SOMEWHAT more shallowly, than in Ishiguro's novel. Nevertheless, there's no escaping what happens here, and Archer's tough decisionmaking (part of a trend for the season) hits home. Connor Trinneer rightly takes centre-stage, but yet again Billingsley moves us with his exquisite rendering of Phlox, with both fully aware how thin the moral ice they are skating on really is. Meanwhile, Blalock matches her peak achievements thus far when T'Pol perfectly fuses some kind of faintly motherly kindness/pity/sympathy with genuine romantic need. In the circumstance, the character just could not behave otherwise and be "human" (as it were!), and of course this is what she does, in a real sense poignantly, since this powerfully romantic and touching moment does not even involve the real Trip. Plenty of credit also to the (then) boy actor Adam Taylor Gordon who portrays the as-it-were "8-year-old" Sim.
Hopefully, the touch of spoiling here will only serve to encourage sceptics about "Enterprise" to give this episode a go (along with the previous 3 or 4 in fact, at minimum). For there is real, classy quality of storyline, dialogue and acting to be had here...
Hopefully, the touch of spoiling here will only serve to encourage sceptics about "Enterprise" to give this episode a go (along with the previous 3 or 4 in fact, at minimum). For there is real, classy quality of storyline, dialogue and acting to be had here...
Broke my heart
garciareading10 April 2020
You can disagree with the morals and still give it credit.
JoviAero8 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
During this whole episode, I was in awe at the raw emotions I was feeling. It got me more than any other Enterprise episode so far and even more than Voyager.
But I felt a dilemma. Despite the insanely good acting, writing, and direction, I wasn't sure I agreed with what they did to save Trip. Creating another life just to use him to save another is wild. Especially when you see him explore, feel and live. But that's the point. I don't think you're supposed to agree. Enterprise is in an insanely tough situation facing the Xindi with all of earth at stake. What other choice did they have?
And when you think about the fact their is a possible experiment cure for the rapid aging of the clone, it's another dilemma. Do they save Sim and condem Tripp, or the other way around? Letting Tripp's memories live on in a clone is not the same as saving his life.
Heavy stuff.
But I see a lot of reviews here giving this episode really low grades just because they don't agree with it.
I don't know which side of the argument I fall on, but I kept thinking "this is really making me think and debate myself, man I miss when Star Trek did this more often".
And that's just Star Trek to me. Thought provoking, engaging SciFi with great characters.
This might just be the best Enterprise episode. We'll have to see as I keep watching.
Probably the best episode and there was 0 action
JohnMFDoe30 October 2020
Love this episode so much that it prompt me to come here and leave this review. Season 3 episode 10 left me with a sunken heart and tears in my eyes. I know Captain Archer that the hardest time making this decision but I would have love to see him shed a tear at the end since he always talk about preserving our humanity.
Makes you think.
Kaleko22 June 2013
Warning: Spoilers
This is definitely one of the standout episodes of the series. Note this review will contain spoilers. There are a few reviews already commenting on the high quality of the episode, but I wanted to discuss the ethical/character issues with the episode.
In this episode I feel we saw a darker side of Archer. In particular, the scene where he said he would indeed commit murder to save his crew member. I was a little surprised by his stance here. I feel that this probably contradicts his character somewhere else in the series, but I cannot think of an example right now so perhaps not. Ultimately he saw Sim as less than human, which seems unethical. Though he is clearly torn, as he initially was against the idea.
What throws a wrench in the morality of sacrificing Sim is that there was the possibility of extending his life, which both the doctor and the captain dismissed. The fact that he originally would not have lived long anyways almost justifies his sacrifice, or does it? But the fact that his life could be extended changes things.
Should they have willingly brought the death of a creature to save another? Or should they have saved the life of a creature and tried to extend his life and accepted that they would to try another way to save the crew member? I feel that the latter choice would be the more moral one. They had ruled out all other possibilities of saving Trip. There may have been another they had not thought of.
On a side note, I thought that the whole idea of having a symbiote that could so easily grow a genetic copy of a being was an inconsistency in the Star Trek world. Why wouldn't they have used this in any other series of Star Trek? It could have been incredibly useful in countless other episodes. The doctor reasoned it away as it was a closely guarded secret, but come on. How could it have been such a secret, especially if it was so attainable as Flox kept a spare just hanging around in his lab? Not to mention, this series took place long before the other series. I would think this symbiote would have become more well known over time, especially considering the incredible usefulness of it. Why wouldn't for example the doctor of Voyager, a literal database of all medical knowledge, have knowledge of this symbiote? Anyway, I suppose it is only a TV show, but this point did stand out to me.
Overall, I concur with the viewers that this was one of the better episodes. I feel that one of the strengths of Star Trek has been the way it makes you consider moral and social dilemmas. These types of episodes are my favorite. And I haven't seen a whole lot in Enterprise. So I am pleased to have been able to enjoy this episode. It improved my opinion of Enterprise in general.
In this episode I feel we saw a darker side of Archer. In particular, the scene where he said he would indeed commit murder to save his crew member. I was a little surprised by his stance here. I feel that this probably contradicts his character somewhere else in the series, but I cannot think of an example right now so perhaps not. Ultimately he saw Sim as less than human, which seems unethical. Though he is clearly torn, as he initially was against the idea.
What throws a wrench in the morality of sacrificing Sim is that there was the possibility of extending his life, which both the doctor and the captain dismissed. The fact that he originally would not have lived long anyways almost justifies his sacrifice, or does it? But the fact that his life could be extended changes things.
Should they have willingly brought the death of a creature to save another? Or should they have saved the life of a creature and tried to extend his life and accepted that they would to try another way to save the crew member? I feel that the latter choice would be the more moral one. They had ruled out all other possibilities of saving Trip. There may have been another they had not thought of.
On a side note, I thought that the whole idea of having a symbiote that could so easily grow a genetic copy of a being was an inconsistency in the Star Trek world. Why wouldn't they have used this in any other series of Star Trek? It could have been incredibly useful in countless other episodes. The doctor reasoned it away as it was a closely guarded secret, but come on. How could it have been such a secret, especially if it was so attainable as Flox kept a spare just hanging around in his lab? Not to mention, this series took place long before the other series. I would think this symbiote would have become more well known over time, especially considering the incredible usefulness of it. Why wouldn't for example the doctor of Voyager, a literal database of all medical knowledge, have knowledge of this symbiote? Anyway, I suppose it is only a TV show, but this point did stand out to me.
Overall, I concur with the viewers that this was one of the better episodes. I feel that one of the strengths of Star Trek has been the way it makes you consider moral and social dilemmas. These types of episodes are my favorite. And I haven't seen a whole lot in Enterprise. So I am pleased to have been able to enjoy this episode. It improved my opinion of Enterprise in general.
It is definite: ST doesn't know at all how DNA works!
dancunha-134512 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
In the ST Universe, DNA seems to work like magic! It can be reversed, it carries memories, it even creates bizarre lizard like superevolved creatures when exposed to warp 10 (don't believe me? Just watch Voyager Threshold).
This is one of these science aberrant episodes: a clone, that is supposed to be just like a twin brother, suddenly start having memories of the cloned one! My, my, just stopped watching it. Maybe it was just lazy science just to get the moral dilemma more appealing to the viewer.
P.s this isn't the first time with ridiculous science in Enterprise. There is some ep in season 1 that the gang "falls" in an asteroid that should have close to zero gravity force. How is it called, anyway? Super mega suspension of disbelief??
P.s this isn't the first time with ridiculous science in Enterprise. There is some ep in season 1 that the gang "falls" in an asteroid that should have close to zero gravity force. How is it called, anyway? Super mega suspension of disbelief??
There Actually Aren't That Many Ethical Questions Around Stem Cell Research
Vvardenfell_Man21 April 2024
This is an emotionally manipulative and stupid episode. I am not a fan of Trip as a character. This episode loses me there, but goes a step further with it's ham-fisted metaphor. Like the previous 2 episodes, it's been done before--and better. Unlike those, though, this chooses to rip off Gattaca and My Sister's Keeper. The muddled metaphor combines the medical emancipation plot of My Sister's Keeper with the genetic engineering element of Gattaca.
Watching this episode, one is reminded of the classic Family Guy bit in which Peter Griffin, after suffering the debilitating aftereffects of a stroke, stumbles into a stem cell research facility where all of his ills are cured on the spot. He immediately asks, "Why aren't we funding this?!?" Yeah. Good question. This episode might also be asking it. It's hard to tell, though. The emotions are running too hot the whole time for any real meaningful commentary to shine through. As a result it ends up feeling like a lecture on the importance of respecting the opinions of people don't like science. Why couldn't they just clone the relevant parts of Trip? Because human beings don't like science and have to depend on Denobulan medicine. Muddled. I blame Rick Berman.
Watching this episode, one is reminded of the classic Family Guy bit in which Peter Griffin, after suffering the debilitating aftereffects of a stroke, stumbles into a stem cell research facility where all of his ills are cured on the spot. He immediately asks, "Why aren't we funding this?!?" Yeah. Good question. This episode might also be asking it. It's hard to tell, though. The emotions are running too hot the whole time for any real meaningful commentary to shine through. As a result it ends up feeling like a lecture on the importance of respecting the opinions of people don't like science. Why couldn't they just clone the relevant parts of Trip? Because human beings don't like science and have to depend on Denobulan medicine. Muddled. I blame Rick Berman.
Probable plot hole
sigelm28 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Wouldn't the part of the brain that was transplanted from Sim to Trip decay in 15 days within Trip's body just like the rest of Sim's body? Wouldn't the tissue grow older faster than the rest of Trip's brain and die out, which would put Trip in coma again?
Morally Revolting
EmberGrace22 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I get that this won't be a popular reaction to this episode, but I was absolutely disgusted by the way this was handled. I understand how the crew got into the mess to begin with -- the whole idea of creating a short lived sentient being merely to harvest organs is awful, but I get that they were desperate and expected a "creature", not a human being with memories of an entire life. (They probably planned on something more like "Fran" from Stargate: Atlantis.) They also expected the "creature" to survive the operation and live out its "natural" life span. All of that I understand. But that's not what happened, and when the captain starts demanding that one sentient being sacrifice the time left to him, not to mention his only chance at more time, to save another -- well, that's another story altogether. At that point, the only morality the humans on this ship have left is "the end justifies the means", and in that case, maybe the galaxy would be better off without humans in it. Gonna be hard to argue with the Xindi point of view going forward. Apparently humans are indeed a ruthless race without mercy or conscience. And no, giving someone you coerced into sacrificing himself a hero's funeral doesn't make it any better. Shame on everyone connected with this!
One of the best episodes of any Trek
info-591826 June 2023
While Enterprise is controversial among the Treks, it definitely has its high points and endearing characters.
This ep is one of the better ones - it concerns a unique ethical dilemna, with Arcehr faces the choice between saving earth, and saving his crew member.
However, things change and what is a straight forward ethical decision becomes less straight forward.
Phlox, as always, provides a technical viewpoint, and provides ethical advice and commentary ont he situation.... whicle the ep also expands on Trips budding relationship with T'pol. Its a rare show of emotion for her, and she deals with her feelings.
But mostly we feel for Sim, as a live organ donor.
Its science fiction, touching on the human experience, at its best. Great episode, and some nice acting by Connor Trineer.
This ep is one of the better ones - it concerns a unique ethical dilemna, with Arcehr faces the choice between saving earth, and saving his crew member.
However, things change and what is a straight forward ethical decision becomes less straight forward.
Phlox, as always, provides a technical viewpoint, and provides ethical advice and commentary ont he situation.... whicle the ep also expands on Trips budding relationship with T'pol. Its a rare show of emotion for her, and she deals with her feelings.
But mostly we feel for Sim, as a live organ donor.
Its science fiction, touching on the human experience, at its best. Great episode, and some nice acting by Connor Trineer.
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