A group of Ferengi knock out the Enterprise crew and start to strip the ship of everything valuable. It's up to Trip, Archer and T'Pol to reclaim the vessel.

I was dubious about the introduction of the Ferengi into the Trek universe quite this early, but this seems to work quite well as a change of pace. Okay, so the Ferengi are still as thick as two short planks and can be easily turned against each other, but it's fun to watch the Enterprise crew trick their way out of trouble even if you never really feel there's much danger to anyone.

It's hardly a classic, but it does what it wants to do pretty well, the actors playing the Ferengi doing their job well and creating some fun characters that it would be quite nice to see again (although going by what we know of the future, it's unlikely they'll pop by for an encore). It's also good to see the regular cast looking that bit more comfortable in their roles (well, the ones who are conscious anyway). Bakula seems to be developing some very Kirk-like characteristics, and even T'Pol is coming closer to Spock, especially in the way she interacts with Archer towards the end of the episode.

There are a few things that aren't entirely clear. The Ferengi ship is tiny yet they seem to be stripping almost everything from the Enterprise, including fixtures and fittings like chairs. Where are they putting it all? I also don't quite understand what the fight between Trip and Archer is meant to do, as Trip could easily offer to take the Ferengi to the ship's imaginary vault without having to fight his captain first. I thought they were passing something or making a plan, but if so it's not noticeable. Still, a couple of minor points in an enjoyable episode isn't bad.

****

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