Precious Cargo (possible spoilers)

[Skywalker]

So, I finally saw this episode for the first time today on Syfy. Precious Cargo has developed quite a notorious reputation around here, and it seems like nearly everyone has something to say about "Princess Fishstick." This was also a popular candidate for the "Worst ENT episode" in that thread we did a while back, IIRC.

But to be honest, now that I've seen it, I really don't think it was all that bad. Don't get me wrong, I don't think it was particularly great, either, but Kaitaama didn't annoy me nearly as much as I was expecting her to. For me, Precious Cargo is just another bland episode typical of early ENT.

I'm actually kind of disappointed. I was expecting something horrible on the level of A Night in Sickbay.

 

[ChristopherPike]

Actually I think Archer loses far more dignity in this episode than "A Night in Sickbay". Stubborness over taking responsibility for his dog is something I've noticed with practically every pet owner I've ever had the misfortune to get into a confrontation with. Oh, it's not uncommon in Star Trek for the Captain's authority to be undermined in a comedy situation... but all that sub-serviant stuff to T'Pol was unbearable, especially as a contrast to the B-plot involving Trip and his misplaced chivalry. Much worse than being mistaken for the ship's steward or having to take your shirt off and chainsaw a log to appease alien dignitaries.

Maybe that's just me. Throughout TNG I squirmed everytime Lwaxana visited and homed straight on Picard to make him look ridiculous. ENT's attempts to make light of Archer frequently fell flat quicker... whereas Scott on QL managed to come out of it smelling of roses everytime. Just the writing I guess. A less professional actor would've looked at the scripts and demanded massive changes.

 

[Pemmer Harge]

Not a very original episode, was it?

 

[SFRabid]

I think I liked it better than most people here. The actress does not bother me that much and I enjoyed the banter.

 

[Hopeful Romantic]

Stubborness over taking responsibility for his dog is something I've noticed with practically every pet owner I've ever had the misfortune to get into a confrontation with.

Hey!

[/pet owner]

As for "Precious Cargo"... I didn't think it was all that bad. Or the actress who played Kaitaama, either. I've seen far worse TV than this one.