Desert Crossing
- FIRST SHOWN (US)
- 8 May 2002
- ON
- UPN
- STARDATE
- None given
- DIRECTED BY
- David Straiton
- PRODUCTION NO.
- 024
WRITTEN BYTeleplay by André Bormanis; story by Rick Berman & Brannon Braga and André Bormanis
A grateful alien invites Archer and Trip to a feast on his desert world, but their host wants more from the captain than friendship.
Red alert: the full plot, ending included. Haven't watched yet?REVEAL SYNOPSIS
Enterprise helps a stranded alien, Zobral, who repays the favour by inviting Archer and Tucker to a celebration on his desert planet. The pair enjoy the hospitality and are drawn into a lively ball game. On the ship, T'Pol is contacted by the Torothan government, which warns that Zobral leads terrorists. Zobral tells Archer a different story: his people are oppressed, and he has heard tales of Archer freeing Suliban prisoners and hopes he will help their struggle. When Archer refuses, government forces bombard the camp, and he and Tucker flee into the desert on foot. Jammed communications and a dispersion field stop Enterprise from finding them. With Zobral's help, T'Pol and Reed get a shuttlepod through the defences and rescue the pair under fire. Back aboard, Archer holds that Starfleet is there to explore, not take sides, though he suspects Zobral's cause may be just.
- 01Filmed on location in Southern California. A sandstorm halted production on the second day, and much sand had to be cleaned up in post-production.
- 02VFX producer Dan Curry, a former lacrosse player, supplied equipment for the game sequence. The glowing ball was added later by computer.
- 03David Straiton's first Enterprise episode as director. He became one of the series' regular directors.