The Enterprise accidentally heads straight into a cloaked minefield, and when a mine attaches itself to the ship itself, Malcolm attempts to defuse the device. However, when it pins him to the hull, Archer must take over.

I have to admit, I did actually quite enjoy this episode, yet it's not that fantastic and unlikely to hold up to repeat viewings. The main reason for this is that it keeps up the tension extremely well, and even though I swear Archer twists part of the mine clockwise instead of counter-clockwise, you're never quite sure just what will happen to him or Malcolm.

The problems come with the set-up. Firstly, an alien minefield is fine, but why does it have to have been put there by the Romulans? It could be any old faceless aliens, and indeed it is, as seeing the race would wreck continuity with what is to come. They're only really here to make Brannon Braga wet his pants that he's managed to squeeze them in. It's treading dangerously close to messing with the established order of all things Trek and there's simply no need for it.

The second problem is in trying to recreate what worked in Shuttlepod One, and this is almost a second part. The difference is that this time, Malcolm is trapped with Archer. Now, I'm not sure how he got away with it the last time, but this time out Malcolm is simply incredibly dull. He's got no interests, no hobbies, and he's really got a stick up his ass. He's also a pretty poor officer, claiming that Archer's command style could be better but then deciding to commit suicide to force a decision from his captain. The breakfast scene before all the events happen is embarrassing as well, with Archer and Malcolm barely saying a word.

I have continuity problems as well. I don't believe the mine's strut going through Malcolm would fail to compromise his oxygen supply or rupture the suit in some way, plus I'm not convinced that people can stand about outside the ship even when it's moving using only manoeuvring thrusters. It is strangely compelling, and it's a step back in the right direction, but it's hardly flawless.

***

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