Introduction

“Borderland” is the fourth episode of the fourth season of the science fiction television series Star Trek: Enterprise.

The episode featured the first appearance of Star Trek: The Next Generation actor Brent Spiner in Enterprise, and the last appearance of J. G. Hertzler in the Star Trek franchise. It also featured guest appearances by Bobbi Sue Luther and WWE wrestler Big Show.

In this episode, genetically engineered humans called “Augments” capture a Klingon vessel, and the Enterprise is sent to find them. They retrieve the Augments’ creator, Doctor Arik Soong (Brent Spiner), and head in pursuit. After being attacked by Orions and rescuing their crew members, the ship is attacked by Augments who retrieve their creator. The episode is the first of a three episode arc, followed by “Cold Station 12” (S04E05), and “The Augments” (S04E06).

It also featured the first appearance of male members of the Orion species, with female Orions having first appeared in the first pilot of The Original Series. The reception from critics was mixed, with Spiner’s performance generally praised. The episode was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Stunt Coordination.

Outline

In May 2154, a pair of genetically enhanced humans, referred to as “Augments”, leave their home planet and take control of a Klingon Bird-of-Prey warship after killing the crew. Amid threats and protests by the Klingons, Starfleet tasks the newly refurbished Enterprise to stop the culprits. Captain Archer visits disgraced scientist Doctor Arik Soong, imprisoned for stealing augmented embryos, and transfers him from a holding facility. On board, Soong soon recognises his augments are responsible for the actions on board the Klingon vessel, but does not know why. He convinces Archer that he will be able to order his “children” to stand down without a fight.

Enterprise enters an area of space known as the “Borderland” between the territories of the Klingons and Orions. They are attacked by two Orion vessels and several crew members are captured, including T’Pol (newly granted the Starfleet rank of Commander). They are taken to a slave market and Archer is forced to ask for Soong’s assistance to rescue his crew. After entering the market, the ship is able to beam most of the crew back, but when they try to release T’Pol’s restraints, all of the prisoners in the slave market are released and chaos breaks out. Soong also attempts to escape, but Archer quickly returns him to Enterprise, where he demands that Soong take him immediately to the Augments. Soong refuses.

On board the Klingon vessel, it is clear that the Augments consider Soong to be their “father”. In a power-play, the Augment leader, Raakin, is tricked by Persis (who had been pretending to be devoted to him) and killed by his “brother” Malik. The Bird-of-Prey approaches Enterprise, saving them from a second Orion attack. The ships dock, and Malik requests the release of Soong from the brig – Archer refuses, but Malik forces him to comply. With Enterprise disabled, Soong announces that they now need to go and retrieve the remaining thousands of Augment embryos.

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Production & Filming Details

• Director(s): avid Livingston.
• Writer(s): Ken LaZebnik.
• Release Date: 29 October 2004.
• Running Time: 45 minutes.
• Country: US.
• Language: English.