Cogenitor (Star Trek: Enterprise, S2 E22) was recommended by Adrian AY-dree-uhn (He/Him), who said:

When I watched Enterprise during Covid, I was pleasantly surprised to find it was not as bad as I'd been led to believe. It can, however, be cringe worthy at times. (*ahem worst theme song ever ahem*)

For me, 'Cogenitor' fell into the cringe category until a recent re-watch. I thought it was meant to be a poorly executed commentary on gender identity, which was something that Next Gen had already done more gracefully in the episode 'the Outcast'.

While it does echo of that episode, 'Cogenitor' is really about the prime directive. The concept of a noninterference policy has always resonated deeply with me because it's such an elemental part of human existence. When is it right or wrong to interfere? To judge? To take action that may drastically influence the future? Most importantly, can I live with the consequences? Do I even understand what the consequences could be?

In this episode, as usual, Trip acts from the heart, and it spells disaster. He doesn't ask himself those questions, and that way lies heartbreak. Were his actions right or wrong? Well, that's what makes this episode so good, it's a hard question to answer and I'd love to hear your take.

Connor Trinneer, Scott Bakula and the guest stars all knock it out of the park in this episode. It has it's fun moments with two entertaining b-plots, and then finishes with a scene between Archer and Trip that is one of the most crushing I've seen in any Trek.

Thanks for taking the time to make a great show, and I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do!

Cogenitor first aired on April 30, 2003, written by Rick Berman & Brannon Braga, and directed by LeVar Burton

Enterprise encounters the Vissians and Commander Tucker finds himself troubled by the fact the Vissians are a three-sexed species.

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