Mr. Goodman, thank you for participating in this open forum. I have been a Trek fan as long as I can remember, and have watched all of the series. I haven't yet missed an episode of "Enterprise," and frankly it is only my loyalty to the franchise as a whole that has kept me watching it regularly. I must admit to being less that impressed with this show. I can't offer any specific advice (as if though you would take any from some unknown person via the internet), however I believe that there are enough general comments posted above so that you probably get the gist of where the complaining is coming from. The characters on Enterprise are fine, the ship and technology is fine, the production values are excellent, but ironically whats missing is that very element that the show's opening theme song is supposed to be about: heart. "Enterprise" lacks a direction, it has not really taken any serious risks or consistantly tackled serious social issues. The show needs to take better advantage of its timeframe and of the overarching element of the temporal cold war. As an audience, we should feel that "Enterprise" is leading us into the formation of the Federation via a twisted and rocky road. Instead, I fear, what we seem to be getting is something quite different. I applaud the writers for making an effort to be far more dilident about continuity from one show to another (a problem that Voyager had on a consistant basis), and I also applaud the writers for maintaining a decent level of continuity as regards the "future history" of Star Trek (TOS, TNG, etc.) I hope that at your next meeting with Rick Berman and Brannon Braga that you let them know that there are some fans out there with valid and appropriate criticism, all in an effort not to condemn or slam them, but to let them know that they can do better and that in so doing they will only help themselves. Mr. Berman and Mr. Braga should allow the writers more leeway and more creative license. Above all -- take some risks with the stories you tell. Don't be afraid to upset people, it o.k., discussion and debate is a good thing -- it gets people talking. The world of the 1960s gave birth to many a good TOS story -- the late 1990s and early 21st century should be no different. You need only look to the news headlines in order to find some inspiration. Political intrigue, diplomacy, racism, prejudice, sexism, hatred, exploration, understanding, morality philosophy, history -- this and much more should be the pervue of your stories -- the producers need not go back and rehash or retell old stories, there really should be little need for it, as the galaxy itself is your plaything and there are limitless stories and adventures to be told. I have faith that "Enterprise" will yet become a grand show, if only all involved could take a breath and re-examine the current state of affairs and what has led to it. People tire of the same old thing, but no one tires of well crafted and told stories.
One final note: Please let Mr. Berman know that one thing that would immediately produce a better show would be to allow the composers free reign on the show's incidental music. I, and many others, greatly dislike the bland music that has become the norm for the show. Go back and watch an episode of TNG from the first 3 or 4 seasons, especially ones that featured scores by Ron Jones, and you'll see exactly what I mean. A dramatic and involving score would help more than it would hurt... And Thanks for listening.
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Life on Earth is expensive, but at least you get a free trip around the sun.
One final note: Please let Mr. Berman know that one thing that would immediately produce a better show would be to allow the composers free reign on the show's incidental music. I, and many others, greatly dislike the bland music that has become the norm for the show. Go back and watch an episode of TNG from the first 3 or 4 seasons, especially ones that featured scores by Ron Jones, and you'll see exactly what I mean. A dramatic and involving score would help more than it would hurt... And Thanks for listening.
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Life on Earth is expensive, but at least you get a free trip around the sun.
