Home

If you've ever done something that was emotionally and physically involving and suffered greatly to achieve an end and succeeded, only to return to your previous life, you can appreciate this episode. There is no way the earth people and the Vulcans can begin to appreciate the gravity of such accomplishments. There are two things at work. First of all, there is the adulation and hero worship from the fickle public. Secondly, there is xenophobia and bigotry, directed at anyone who does not fit the status quo. Archer is reeling from having to be a person he never imagined in order to fulfill his mission. He had to sell out his morality at times. He had to kill. T'Pol loves Trip but Vulcans have their own rules and traditions and he is out of place on their planet. It is here that the realities become so overwhelming. I thought this was a good, necessary episode, even if there was no combat or special effects to dominate the screen.

While "Home" is an interesting episode, it's also a very 'small' one-- where very little actually happens during most of the episode. There are no villains, no explosions, no serious problems---just the crew having some shore leave now that they've saved the Earth. Much of the show illustrates how stupid people are in the 23rd century--both on Earth and on Vulcan. After some partying to celebrate their return, Phlox is treated like crap by some xenophobic jerks. And, on Vulcan, Tripp accompanies T'Pol and T'Pol's mommy makes him feel about as welcome as herpes--at least initially. Again, xenophobia has reared its ugly head in these pre-Federation days. As for the Captain, he's got a lot of self-doubts. The only really important occurrence is at the end...and it happens to T'Pol. Overall, an interesting and mostly uneventful show.