EDIT: I'm late, but R.I.P. Dean Stockwell. (I posted this thread a couple months or so before his passing.)
It's an old fan theory, that the Johnathan Archer seen onscreen is really just Sam Beckett in another Leap, thus explaining why he doesn't always act very captain-like (especially in the first two seasons). But allow me to take this one step further, and point out a major contributing factor to Dr. Beckett's failure to properly fill the legendary Johnathan Archer's shoes.
Sam almost always needs major advice and help, on every Leap, from his trusty hologram friend Al. And Q knows, a navy admiral like Al would be damn helpful for Sam, in guiding him on how to act as captain of the very first Enterprise. And indeed, in Archer's better moments, we can presume that Al was there, giving him good tips on how to be authoritative. But there seem to be so, so many times when Al just wasn't there, when Sam needed his guidance the most! Where was he? What could possibly keep Al from Sam, when his friend needs him desperately?
The Decontamination Chamber, that's what.
It stated like any other Leap. But as soon as Al discovered that Decontamination Chamber, the charming perv was a lost cause. Poor Sam Beckett flounders for years, trying to play a part he has no idea how to play, while his navy admiral guide floats in the Decon Chamber, mesmerized.
On the rare occasion that Sam can get Al out of the Decon Chamber, the poor perverted hologram is still distracted if T'Pol is in the room.
T'Pol's more practical outfits in the latter seasons may corollate with Al's ability to be a more attentive guide to Sam. (Note: this is in no way blaming T'Pol for her fashion choices, Al is responsible for his own lustfulness. This is merely an explanation, not an excuse.)
But even when everything is going right as usual, typical miscommunication still causes some mishaps.
It's an old fan theory, that the Johnathan Archer seen onscreen is really just Sam Beckett in another Leap, thus explaining why he doesn't always act very captain-like (especially in the first two seasons). But allow me to take this one step further, and point out a major contributing factor to Dr. Beckett's failure to properly fill the legendary Johnathan Archer's shoes.
Sam almost always needs major advice and help, on every Leap, from his trusty hologram friend Al. And Q knows, a navy admiral like Al would be damn helpful for Sam, in guiding him on how to act as captain of the very first Enterprise. And indeed, in Archer's better moments, we can presume that Al was there, giving him good tips on how to be authoritative. But there seem to be so, so many times when Al just wasn't there, when Sam needed his guidance the most! Where was he? What could possibly keep Al from Sam, when his friend needs him desperately?
The Decontamination Chamber, that's what.
It stated like any other Leap. But as soon as Al discovered that Decontamination Chamber, the charming perv was a lost cause. Poor Sam Beckett flounders for years, trying to play a part he has no idea how to play, while his navy admiral guide floats in the Decon Chamber, mesmerized.
On the rare occasion that Sam can get Al out of the Decon Chamber, the poor perverted hologram is still distracted if T'Pol is in the room.
AL: "Uh...just tell her you're uh...doing the breast you can..."
SAM: "I'm doing the breast I--" Stops and glares at Al, who no one else can see. "--the BEST that I can."
SAM: "I'm doing the breast I--" Stops and glares at Al, who no one else can see. "--the BEST that I can."
T'Pol's more practical outfits in the latter seasons may corollate with Al's ability to be a more attentive guide to Sam. (Note: this is in no way blaming T'Pol for her fashion choices, Al is responsible for his own lustfulness. This is merely an explanation, not an excuse.)
But even when everything is going right as usual, typical miscommunication still causes some mishaps.
AL: "Go on, tell him!"
SAM: "...um, and someday, there will be a Directive..."
AL: "A Prime Directive!"
SAM: "...that is Prime..."
AL: (Facepalms)
Sometimes, Sam just takes Al too literally.SAM: "...um, and someday, there will be a Directive..."
AL: "A Prime Directive!"
SAM: "...that is Prime..."
AL: (Facepalms)
AL: "....and that if anything happens to the dog, you'll be the one watering their sacred trees!"
And there you have it, an explanation for every outrageous thing Captain Johnathan Archer has ever said or done.
SAM: "If anything happens to Porthos...!"
AL: "Wha--NO! Sam, I was joking!...Oh boy..."
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