Summary
After decades ofStar Trekcontent, the spin-offEnterpriseremains the most divisive, even for T’Pol actor Jolene Blalock.
Unlike most of the shows inStar Trekcanon,Enterprisewanted to do something different. Set in the 22nd century in theearly days of the Federation,Enterpriseexplored the tenuous relationship between Vulcans and humans before holodecks and beaming were common. What could have been an admirable show in canon faltered for issues in execution, including the characterization of the Vulcan, T’Pol.
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In the oral history ofStar Trek: Enterprise,/Filmreported Blalock disapproved of her character’s plotlines. “The concept with the shows aren’t the problem. The concepts are amazing. The issue is the dialogue,” Blalock said. “I personally believed that T’Pol should have more of her Vulcan culture. I don’t believe she should be so desperate like everyone else.”
As the series continued, the actor noted that inconsistencies with T’Pol’s character mounted. Blalock was an avid fan of the original series and an expert on how or how not Vulcans would react. T’Pol would reference American and Earth culture, which clashed with the Vulcan culture. The actor also noted there were obvious mistakes, such as having T’Pol eat with her hands, which anyStar Trekfan goes against the social etiquette of the Vulcans. But more offensive than anything was the constant sexualization of the character.
Having learned nothing from Jeri Ryan’s experience onStar Trek: Voyageras Seven of Nine, the creatives behindEnterpriseused Blalock as an unabashed sex symbol. Her uniform would inexplicably always be different from everyone else’s to heighten her sexuality. Blalock also criticized the plot lines where T’Pol gets addicted to drugs. Co-creator Brannon Braga admitted that the actor disagreed with the character’s direction, and the conflict was never resolved.
Blalock’s concern about her characterization was a small part of whyEnterprisefailed to get off the ground, even if there were a handful of underrated episodes. It lasted 4 seasons, but never reached the heights of its predecessors. T’Pol was one character who had plot lines dropped and Vulcan attributes disregarded. It is unfortunate for a series that, for the first time, was trying to be unique.Enterprisestill had the foundational elements like an admirable captain surrounded by a supportive crew. However, in their attempt to be more character-driven, many parts of the show fell by the wayside.Enterprisedid not prove to have the longevity of other series or reach its iconic levels. Characters have been largely forgotten, and after the show ended, it was only a few short years beforetheStar Trekfeature films were rebootedentirely.
Star Trek: Enterpriseseasons 1-4 are streaming on Paramount Plus.
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Source:The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years: From The Next Generation to J. J. Abrams(via/Film)
