"Borderland," "Cold Station 12" and "The Augments"

This is the first attempt by Manny and his staff of writers (Ken Lazebnik, Mike Sussmann and Michael Bryant) to link to TOS. These episodes have Brent Spiner playing Arik Soong, the great-grandfather of Data's creator, Dr. Noonian Soong. Soong has created a group of "genetic augments;" humans based on the genetic code of the supermen from the Eugenics Wars of the 1990's. These augments have killed the crew of a Klingon bird-of-prey and now the Klingons are looking to get a little payback. Along the way we get to meet the Orion syndicate and their beautiful green skinned slave women. Great episodes.

"The Forge," "Awakening" and "Kir'Shara"

Earth's Embassy on Vulcan is bombed, and this sends Enterprise to that planet to investigate. These episodes attempt (successfully) to explain some of the continuity gaffes about Vulcans in the first three seasons of the show. We also get to meet T'Pau (really) and Surak (sort of)

"Babel One," "United" and "The Aener"

The Enterprise assists the Andorians and the Tellarites to negotiate a trade agreement, but apparently the Romulans have other ideas. This series of episodes clears the way for Trip Tucker and T'Pol to get busy as T'Pol's marriage is annulled.

"Affliction" and "Divergence"

Or, "How the Klingons Lost Their Head Ridges," with a little help from Phlox and human augment DNA. John Schuck appears as the Klingon doctor. Great episodes and a great performance by John Billingsley as Phlox.

"Bound"

In which we find out who the "real" slaves are. Also, more Trip and T'Pol.

"In a Mirror Darkly, Parts 1 & 2"

Ever wonder where the starship Defiant went after "The Tholian Web?" Apparently, back in time and straight to the mirror universe, where the I.S.S. Enterprise under command of Captain Forrest and his ruthless exec, Commander Jonathan Archer, discover the Defiant in the hands of the Tholians. Forrest sees no real value in the find, but Archer does and stages a mutiny against Forrest, then it gets weird.

One of the best Star Trek episodes ever made.

"Demons" and "Terra Prime"

The "official" coda to Enterprise as far as I am concerned (I can't stand the "real" final episode "These are the Voyages..." by Berman and Braga). A group called Terra Prime wants to sabotage talks between Earth and her allies so that they might start a coalition of planets, a "federation" of sorts. Peter Weller ("Robocop") gives a fine performance as the head of Terra Prime. Nathan Samuels (late of "Buffy") delivers a stirring speech at the end, and something happens that will change Trip and T'Pol's relationship forever.

That's it. If you are trying to decide to take the plunge into Enterprise, please at least rent the fourth season. All the episodes are strong, but these I have just mentioned are the best in terms of melding with canon, entertainment value and sheer watchability. I highly recommend them. --Steve Smyth