In a Mirror, Darkly is an astounding mix of tropes from The Original Series all viewed through the other side of the looking glass. It's as if the writers/producers had a check list of all the stuff from TOS they hadn't got around to doing and just did it.
The episode is a prequel to Mirror, Mirror but a sequel to The Tholian Web. Thanks to the crew having worn their EV suits over to the Defiant, they all get change into the absolutely fabulous TOS-era uniforms. The old style phasers have a glorious kill setting that straight-up dissolves a guy. There's a dead red shirt on the bridge (exactly where he was in Tholian Web--a nice touch.) Everyone's drinking Romulan Ale and eating Play Dough cubes. Soval has a goatee.
And, oh yeah, a GORN shows up.
Not to mention the totally bitchin' opening sequence:
This is an absolutely beautiful, amazing two-parter. It's chock full of lines and bits that refer to The Original Series and beyond. It is more than worth the watch. It's essential. And, it is the very last romp for My Year Of Star Trek.
Sadly, it was in the shooting of this episode that Enterprise was officially cancelled. At the time that most of this stuff was being filmed, they were still hoping for more. I was still hoping for more. During this viewing, after being reminded of what wonderful, creative things this show was capable of, it just depresses me that Enterprise didn't get a better shot.
I haven't seen this yet- still in catch-up mode with season 3 essentials- but the redo of the opening sequence was genius! I can't wait to see this episode! (Maybe by tomorrow, if I do a bit of binge-watching...)
ReplyDeleteDecember 30th... are you still on-schedule??? (excitement!!!)
ReplyDeleteI loved "In a Mirror Darkly". It (the two-parter) is one of the most lovingly created Trek episode(s) ever made. It's lush, and riveting and action-packed and it's deliciously contrary to the humanity we're accustomed to seeing on Enterprise. And I know some people hated the reveal of "Empress Sato", but I effin' loved it! Linda Park really got to show her chops all year and she didn't hold back a bit in something soooo uncharacteristic of Hoshi! And let's face it; that self-serving, wimpy-ass-bastard version of Jonathan Archer HAD to be put out of his misery. x-)
Season 4 (of Enterprise) is the best season of all Star Trek series. What a high-note to end your year-long quest on!!! Congratulations AshleyRose! And thank you for this blog and taking all of us along for the ride! I really, really hope you keep going into 2014. I'll keep coming back - this much is certain!!
**Hugs**
This one was quite possibly my favorite arc too. I haven't seen them in a few years, so it's hard to remember them all to judge. Loved the revised opening!
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