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"The Aenar"
Star Trek: Enterprise episode
Episode no.Season 4
Episode 14
Directed byMike Vejar
Story byManny Coto
Teleplay byAndré Bormanis
Production code414
Original air dateFebruary 11, 2005 (2005-02-11)
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
← Previous
"United"
Next →
"Affliction"
Star Trek: Enterprise season 4
List of episodes

"The Aenar" is the fourteenth episode of the fourth season of the American science fiction television series Star Trek: Enterprise, and originally aired on UPN on February 11, 2005. It was written by André Bormanis from a story by Manny Coto, and was directed by Mike Vejar. "The Aenar" was the third installment of a three-part story which concluded the events of episodes "Babel One" and "United".

Set in the 22nd century, the series follows the adventures of the first Starfleet starship Enterprise. In this episode, Captain Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula) and Commander Shran (Jeffrey Combs) travel to Andoria, a moon, seeking the help of the Aenar—an offshoot race of the Andorians—one of whom has been taken by the Romulans to pilot a drone vessel (first seen in the previous episode).

The episode showed the home world of the Andorians for the first time, with the sets for the planet's ice tunnels being created on a sound stage. Alexandra Lydon and Alicia Adams made their first Star Trek appearances in "The Aenar". Reviews were mostly negative, with critics citing issues with plot holes and unanswered questions from the story arc. About 3.17 million households watched its first airing.

Plot

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Senator Vrax (Geno Silva), fresh from the Romulan Senate, is disappointed that Admiral Valdore (Brian Thompson) and scientist Nijil's (J. Michael Flynn) drone program has failed to provoke a rift between Human, Andorian, Vulcan and Tellarite races as they had hoped (seen in "Babel One" and "United"). In fact, the opposite has happened – political discord throughout the Alpha and Beta Quadrants has declined. Now that a second drone vessel is ready to be launched, Valdore suggests a mission against the Enterprise in order to impress the Senate. Nijil argues that the pilot requires time to recover from his previous exertions, but Valdore insists and prioritizes the mission.

On Enterprise, analysis of data gathered in the previous encounter with the Romulan ship reveals that the ship is being piloted telepathically by an Andorian. Commander Shran (Jeffrey Combs) explains that the data indicates that the pilot is probably a member of the Aenar, a white-skinned and blind Andorian sub-race. This seems unlikely, since the Aenar are few in number, reclusive pacifists, and inhabitants of the isolated extreme northern polar region of their moon. Shran and Captain Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula) then beam down to contact the Aenar. The Aenar's spokesperson, Lissan (Alicia Adams), initially declines to assist as the Aenar do not want to get involved in a war. A young Aenar named Jhamel (Alexandra Lydon) decides to help, since doing so may help locate Gareb (Scott Allen Rinker), her missing brother.

Meanwhile, Doctor Phlox (John Billingsley), Commander T'Pol (Jolene Blalock), and Commander Charles "Trip" Tucker III (Connor Trinneer) work in Sickbay on their own "telepresence" unit to help counter the drone ship. T'Pol volunteers to test it, and a concerned Tucker finds it increasingly difficult to balance his duties and emotions. Jhamel then tests the unit, with better results. Later, when the drone ships reappear and attack, she is able to contact the drone pilot, and it is indeed her long-lost brother, who was tricked into working with the Romulans. Learning the deception of his "helpers", he turns the drones on each other and both are soon destroyed, and Valdore angrily kills him in retribution. With the threat resolved, the Andorians depart Enterprise. Tucker requests a transfer to the Columbia, which Archer reluctantly grants.

Production

[edit]

"The Aenar" was the third and final part in the Romulan story arc, comprising "Babel One", "United" and "The Aenar". It was written by André Bormanis from a story by show runner Manny Coto. Bormanis had also written "Babel One", and earlier in the season the episode "Awakening", which formed part of the Vulcan story arc. "The Aenar" was directed by Mike Vejar, his third episode of the season.[1]

This episode was the first time the homeworld of the Andorian race was represented on screen.[1] The race had been introduced in the Star Trek: The Original Series second-season episode "Journey to Babel".[2] The interior of a sound stage was fitted out to appear like caverns on the ice world as it was theorized that this was the environment in which a race such as the Andorians, including the Aenar sub-species, could have evolved. These sets were enhanced in post-production using computer-generated imagery.[1]

Filming began on November 22, 2004, and was completed on December 2, with the production being halted for two days due to Thanksgiving. The majority of the guest stars from earlier installments of the trilogy returned for "The Aenar", and they were joined by Alexandra Lydon and Alicia Adams, who were both making their first appearances in a Star Trek series. Kim Koski was the stunt double for Jeffrey Combs during a scene in which Shran was impaled through the leg by a stalagmite.[1]

Reception

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"The Aenar" was first aired in the United States on UPN on February 11, 2005.[3] It was watched by 3.17 million viewers,[4] which was an increase on the 2.81 million viewers who watched the previous episode.[5] The following episode, "Affliction", received around the same number of viewers as "The Aenar".[6]

Michelle Erica Green, while writing for the website TrekNation, thought that the episode had strong character development despite the other flaws present. She felt that it opened up a number of questions about the abilities of the Andorians due to their similarity to the Aenar, and enjoyed the issues present in the Tucker/T'Pol relationship. Although she said that it was the "weakest" of the story arc,[7] it was also the most "gripping".[7] Jamahl Epsicokhan, at his website Jammer's Reviews, gave the episode two out of four, adding that "The Aenar" was "aimless" since the majority of the storyline ended in the previous episode. He found fault with the plot, as the Romulan threat was unspecific, and because of several plot holes which the episode failed to explain.[8]

Home media release

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"The Aenar" was released on home media in the United States on November 1, 2005, as part of the season four DVD box set of Enterprise.[9] The Blu-ray edition was released on April 1, 2014.[10]

Notes

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Aenar are a reclusive, telepathic of the , a humanoid species native to the icy planet Andoria in the universe. Characterized by their lack of pigmentation, resulting in white skin and hair, the Aenar are mostly blind but possess enhanced telepathic senses and limited precognitive abilities that compensate for their . They adhere strictly to pacifist principles, avoiding mind-reading without consent and maintaining isolation from broader Andorian society in the frozen Northern Wastes of Andoria, where their small population resides in underground communities. First introduced in the episode "The Aenar" (2005), the species gained prominence when a group of Aenar were targeted by seeking to exploit their telepathic skills for piloting drone ships during the Earth-Romulan War. In this storyline, an Aenar named Gareb was kidnapped and mind-controlled to operate a marauder vessel, but his resistance and eventual death helped expose the Romulan plot, highlighting the Aenar's vulnerability to external manipulation despite their natural resistance to certain forms of mind control. This event marked one of the few instances of Aenar involvement in interstellar conflicts, underscoring their preference for neutrality and non-interference. Culturally, the Aenar emphasize ethical and communal harmony, viewing death as a natural transition rather than an end, which influences their serene and introspective worldview. Discovered approximately 50 years before the events of Enterprise, they established limited diplomatic ties with the government but remain largely autonomous. A notable exception to their isolation is Lieutenant Hemmer, the first known Aenar to join , serving as aboard the USS Enterprise in : Strange New Worlds (2022), where his skills and pacifist ethos played key roles in episodes like "Children of the Comet." Through such portrayals, the Aenar represent themes of , resilience, and the ethical use of abilities within the broader and context.

Overview

Episode summary

In the aftermath of the Romulan drone ship attacks detailed in the previous episode "United," Captain and Commander Thy'lek Shran of the Andorian Imperial Guard travel to the frozen planetoid Andoria to seek assistance from the reclusive Aenar, a telepathic of Andorians suspected of involvement in piloting the drones. Their shuttle is damaged en route, forcing a hazardous trek through ice caverns where Shran falls through the ice and impales his leg on an , and they encounter ice-bores but Archer guides them to the hidden Aenar caves. Upon arrival, the Aenar elders, led by Speaker Lissan, initially refuse due to their pacifist principles, but Archer persuades them by emphasizing the threat to interstellar peace. Jhamel, a young Aenar and sister to the missing Gareb—who reveals was abducted by a year earlier to serve as the drone pilot—volunteers to help despite the ethical risks of using her in conflict. Aboard the Enterprise, which has arrived in orbit, and construct a unit to amplify Jhamel's abilities and counter the Romulan control signal. Jhamel establishes a telepathic link with Gareb, learning of his coerced role and the Romulan Tal Shiar agents overseeing him, including their handler who terminates Gareb's life when he rebels. Through the link, Jhamel guides Enterprise's crew to the drone ships, enabling them to destroy the vessels in a fierce space battle, though the effort leaves her weakened and grieving her brother's death. Meanwhile, in a subplot, Tucker confides in Archer about his strained relationship with , stemming from unrequited romantic feelings and recent tensions, requesting a transfer to the starship Columbia NX-02, which Archer approves with reluctance. Shran and Jhamel share a moment of mutual understanding over their losses before returning to Andoria, resolving the immediate drone crisis but highlighting the ongoing intrigue.

Context within the series

"The Aenar" functions as the concluding installment of a three-part narrative arc in Star Trek: Enterprise's fourth season, building directly on the events of "Babel One" and "United" while resolving the central mystery of the Tellarite freighter attack and the broader Romulan sabotage plot involving telepathically controlled drone ships. It ties into the season's escalating interspecies tensions by exposing the Romulans' manipulative role in destabilizing alliances among Andorians, Tellarites, Vulcans, and humans. Within the series' overarching narrative, the episode contributes to the expansion of alliances following the resolution of the Xindi crisis in season three, portraying increased cooperation between and Andoria as a foundational step toward the Coalition of Planets. It also foreshadows deeper intrigue that permeates season four, setting the stage for the xenophobic conflicts explored in the "Demons" and "" two-parter, which culminates in themes of interspecies unity essential to the franchise's lore. The storyline reinforces continuity through references to Commander Shran's prior encounters with Captain Archer, including their tense initial meeting in "The Andorian Incident" during season one and their collaborative efforts against Tellarite aggression in "Babel One." Additionally, the episode references the upcoming Columbia NX-02, establishing it as a key narrative bridge to future developments in Starfleet's expanding fleet and exploratory missions. Aired on February 11, 2005, "The Aenar" exemplifies the stronger serialized storytelling of season four under showrunner Manny Coto, who shifted the series toward multi-episode arcs to better integrate pre-Federation history and enhance dramatic cohesion. This approach marked a creative revitalization, allowing the series to more effectively connect its standalone adventures to the broader Star Trek universe.

Production

Writing and development

The episode "The Aenar" originated as the third installment in a serialized arc that began with "Babel One" and continued through "United," designed to intensify the Andorian-Romulan conflict and explore early interspecies diplomacy leading toward the formation of the Federation. The story was credited to Manny Coto, who served as showrunner for season 4, while the teleplay was written by André Bormanis, a longtime science consultant and writer for the series. This collaborative effort aligned with Coto's vision for season 4, which emphasized multi-episode storylines to create more cohesive narratives and better utilize production resources for depicting alien cultures and environments. Developed during late 2004 amid the season's production schedule, the script reflected the production team's strategic pivot toward serialization, a response to prior seasons' standalone episodes and declining viewership, allowing for deeper world-building within the pre-Federation era. Coto, who joined as a writer in season 3 before ascending to showrunner, prioritized arcs that connected directly to Star Trek: The Original Series, fostering a sense of continuity and legacy. The writing process for "The Aenar" thus built on the momentum of the Andorian storyline, incorporating elements that expanded established lore while addressing narrative threads from the preceding episodes. Central to the script's creative decisions was the introduction of the Aenar, a blind, telepathic, and pacifist subspecies of , intended to provide ideological contrast to the aggressive, militaristic portrayed in earlier appearances and to enrich the species' cultural depth. This expansion drew from references to in The Original Series episode "," where they were depicted as participants in a multi-species diplomatic , inspiring the arc's focus on alliance-building amid tension. By presenting the Aenar as a reclusive, mythical offshoot—long rumored but rarely encountered—the writers humanized Andorian society, underscoring themes of diversity within a single species. The teleplay delved into ethical dilemmas surrounding telepathic manipulation, as the exploit an Aenar's abilities to control droneships, raising questions about , , and the moral costs of wartime . Shran's was further developed to reveal vulnerability, portraying him not just as a fierce commander but as a figure grappling with loss and reluctant alliances, particularly through his interactions with the Aenar Jhamel, which added emotional layers to his rivalry with Captain Archer. Complementing this, the script advanced Charles "Trip" Tucker's development by depicting his request for a transfer to the Columbia, a decision rooted in his unresolved romantic tension with , signaling growth amid personal turmoil. These elements collectively reinforced the episode's role in character-driven serialization, balancing action with introspective themes.

Filming and visual effects

The episode was directed by Mike Vejar, with principal photography occurring from November 22 to December 2, 2004, primarily on sound stages at Paramount Studios in . The set design for Andoria marked the franchise's first on-screen depiction of the homeworld, featuring constructed ice tunnels enhanced by blue-screen backdrops for environmental extensions, while portrayed the icy moon orbiting a ringed . Practical effects were employed for elements like ice bores. Visual effects highlights included sequences of the drone ship, created by the production's visual effects team, including Eden FX, and a specialized rig to depict the Aenar mind-link interactions. The score, composed by Dennis McCarthy and , underscored the episode's tension through atmospheric cues recorded on February 2, 2005. Production challenges encompassed coordinating ' return as Commander Shran, involving extensive prosthetics application for antennae and skin texture, alongside the introduction of new performers in Aenar roles such as and .

Lore and continuity

The Aenar species

The Aenar are a rare subspecies of Andorians, characterized by their pale, white skin and hair, which lacks pigmentation unlike their blue-skinned counterparts. They are blind but possess heightened auditory and telepathic senses that allow them to navigate their icy environment and form mind-links over significant distances. This telepathy enables direct mental communication and, in some cases, limited precognition, though they adhere to a strict ethical code prohibiting unauthorized mind-reading. Biologically adapted to Andoria's harsh Northern Wastes, the Aenar number only a few thousand individuals, residing in isolated subterranean ice cities. Culturally, the Aenar maintain a pacifist society, eschewing violence and aggression in favor of seclusion and diplomacy with the broader Andorian population. They govern through a loose collective structure, selecting a temporary Speaker—such as Lissan—only when external matters require representation, reflecting their preference for introspection over intervention. Long considered mythical by other Andorians until their discovery approximately 50 years prior to 2154, the Aenar first appeared in canonical Star Trek lore during that year, when Commander Shran sought their aid amid a crisis. Their isolation underscores a deliberate separation from Andorian militarism, emphasizing harmony and mental connectivity. In the episode "The Aenar," the vulnerability of this reclusive society is highlighted when a Tal Shiar agent named Nijil abducts an Aenar named Gareb, exploiting his telepathic abilities to remotely pilot drone ships in unprovoked attacks on various vessels. Gareb's sister, Jhamel, risks her life by linking minds with him via a device aboard the Enterprise, ultimately compelling him to sabotage the drones and end the threat, though Gareb perishes in the process. This event establishes the Aenar as non-aggressive yet potentially pivotal in interstellar conflicts due to their unique gifts. Subsequent canonical appearances remain limited, with the Aenar portrayed as enigmatic figures in later series; for instance, Lieutenant Hemmer serves as the first Aenar officer in : Strange New Worlds, exemplifying their rare integration into service while upholding pacifist ideals. Their portrayal reinforces their status as a delicate, exploitable minority within society.

Andoria and Andorians

Andoria, the homeworld of the , was first visually depicted in "The Aenar" as a frigid orbiting a massive ringed named in the Andoria system. This portrayal resolved prior ambiguities in lore regarding whether the planet was called Andor or Andoria, establishing the moon as the inhabited world while the gas giant bore the alternative name. The episode's visuals emphasized Andoria's harsh, frozen environment, featuring subsurface ice caves and treacherous ice bores that characters navigate, highlighting the planet's subsurface geothermal structures used for habitation. This icy setting starkly contrasts with the volcanic heat of Vulcan, underscoring the ' renowned resilience and adaptation to extreme cold. Andorian society is characterized by a strong warrior culture that places high value on personal honor, loyalty, and strategic alliances, as exemplified by Thy'lek Shran's evolving role from initial to key ally of humans during interstellar conflicts. In the episode, Shran's interactions reveal the society's internal diversity, particularly through the contrast with the reclusive Aenar, a telepathic offshoot long considered a by mainstream . The journey through Andoria's perilous ice bores and encounters with Aenar elders further illustrate the ' separation from broader Andorian life, rooted in cultural isolation beneath the northern ice caps. This depiction in "The Aenar" provided a basis for Andoria's environment and societal traits in later series.

Cast

Principal cast

Scott Bakula stars as Captain , who commands the Enterprise in pursuit of the Romulan-controlled marauder ship and leads a to Andoria alongside Commander Shran to seek the Aenar's assistance in exposing the telepathic manipulation plot. 's negotiations with the pacifist Aenar highlight the tense alliance with Shran, emphasizing themes of interstellar cooperation amid suspicion. Jolene Blalock plays Sub-Commander , who analyzes sensor data from the marauder to identify its control mechanism and collaborates on constructing a counter-device to disrupt the link, while offering a Vulcan viewpoint on the ethical implications of invasive mind control. Her scientific contributions prove pivotal in tracing the ship's origin and enabling remote intervention. Connor Trinneer portrays Commander Charles "Trip" Tucker III, the chief engineer, who assists T'Pol in engineering the telepresence disruptor amid personal turmoil, culminating in his request for a transfer to the Columbia to address his emotional distractions from recent events. This subplot underscores Tucker's internal conflict and its impact on ship operations. The remaining principal cast members fill supporting shipboard roles: as Lieutenant Malcolm Reed, who coordinates tactical upgrades to the sensors for tracking the marauder; as Ensign Travis Mayweather, who pilots the Enterprise toward Andoria; as Ensign Hoshi Sato, handling communications with minimal featured involvement; and as Dr. , who examines neurological scans related to the telepathic control and advises on the risks of the counter-device.

Guest appearances

In the episode "The Aenar," returned to the role of Commander Thy'lek Shran, the Imperial Guard officer and recurring ally to Archer, who sustains injuries while aiding the mission to the Aenar colony on Andoria. Shran's portrayal marked one of Combs' multiple appearances across the franchise, including roles in Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise. Alexandra Lydon made her debut as Jhamel, an empathetic Aenar female who telepathically links with her brother Gareb to counter the threat. Jhamel's character provides crucial assistance to the Enterprise crew, highlighting the Aenar's pacifist yet capable nature in interactions with principal cast members like Archer and . Scott Allen Rinker portrayed Gareb, the kidnapped Aenar pilot coerced by Romulans to control the marauder ship, serving as a key element in revealing the species' telepathic vulnerabilities. Additional guest roles included Alicia Adams as Lissan, another Aenar who supports Jhamel's efforts. Voice work featured Brian Thompson as Admiral Valdore, the commander overseeing the drone ship project, and as Senator Vrax, a political figure in the Star Empire. J. Michael Flynn provided the uncredited voice for Nijil, the Tal Shiar agent manipulating the Aenar pilot.

Reception

Critical reviews

"The Aenar" received mixed reviews from critics, with praise centered on its expansion of lore and character development, though it was often critiqued for narrative shortcomings in resolving the season's arc. Michelle Erica Green commended the episode's world-building, particularly the depiction of the Andorian homeworld with its ringed planet and multiple moons, as well as innovative details like cave worms providing heat in icy environments, which added depth to the species' culture. She highlighted character work, such as Trip Tucker's subtle emotional struggles and the nuanced friendship between Shran and the Aenar Jhamel, noting how these elements effectively serialized ongoing tensions by advancing interspecies alliances between Andorians and humans. However, Green described the installment as the weakest in the arc, lacking fresh innovation despite its gripping pace and resolution of Romulan threats. In contrast, Jamahl Epsicokhan rated the episode 2 out of 4 stars, criticizing plot holes surrounding the telepathic control mechanism, such as why would rely on an Aenar pilot when simpler remote controls could suffice, and questioning the feasibility of blind telepaths constructing lit facilities. He viewed it as a rushed and aimless to the trilogy begun in "" and "United," failing to deliver emotional depth or meaningful insights into motives, rendering the antagonists as mere placeholders. Fan reception was more positive, with the episode earning an 8.2 out of 10 rating on IMDb based on 1,818 user votes, largely appreciated for Jeffrey Combs' return as Shran and the introduction of the pacifist Aenar subspecies, which enriched Andorian lore.

Viewership and impact

"The Aenar" drew 3.17 million viewers in U.S. households upon its premiere on UPN on February 11, 2005, marking the third-highest rating of Star Trek: Enterprise's fourth season. This performance contributed to a modest uptick in season 4's overall viewership compared to season 3, with averages rising from approximately 1.91 million to 1.94 million viewers per episode, largely due to the serialized storytelling approach implemented by showrunner Manny Coto. The episode's depiction of the Aenar subspecies and Andoria's icy environment established canonical visuals that influenced later Star Trek series, such as the portrayal of Aenar engineer Hemmer in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. It also expanded the Aenar's presence in the franchise's extended media, including references and roles in novels like The Higher Frontier and various IDW Publishing comics. As part of Enterprise's acclaimed final season, "The Aenar" received retrospective praise for its lore-building contributions, though the series earned no major awards for the episode or season. Its above-average ratings relative to the mid-season helped fuel brief hopes for renewal amid the network's cancellation decision.

Release and distribution

Broadcast history

"The Aenar" is the fourteenth episode of the fourth season of the American science fiction television series , originally airing on the in the United States on February 11, 2005, as production number 090. This mid-season broadcast occurred during a period when Enterprise experienced a decline in ratings compared to its third season, averaging a 1.8 household rating across the season. The episode was presented in its standard televised version, without extended or deleted scenes that were later included in home media releases, such as a sequence depicting the arrest of Admiral Valdore for his role in the drone ship operations. Internationally, the episode received distribution shortly after its U.S. premiere, airing on in the in early 2005 as part of the series' ongoing broadcast schedule on the channel. Further airings occurred in the on September 24, 2005, on February 15, 2006, on May 14, 2006, and on April 8, 2007. In later years, following the conclusion of Enterprise's original run, the episode entered syndication in various markets, including through networks affiliated with Paramount and public broadcasters in select regions.

Home media releases

The episode "The Aenar" was first made available on home media as part of the Season 4 complete DVD set released on November 1, 2005, distributed by . This set included all episodes from the season alongside select bonus materials such as deleted scenes from various installments. The set compiled all 22 episodes across six discs in Region 1 format, with enhanced audio in 5.1 and presentation. In 2014, the episode received an upgraded release on Blu-ray as part of the Star Trek: Enterprise Season 4 set, launched on April 1 in select markets and April 29 in by and Paramount Home Media Distribution. This remastered edition featured with newly enhanced , including refined CGI for environments and spacecraft sequences, alongside 5.1 soundtracks. The set preserved original DVD extras while adding new content, such as an on the episode "United" by writers Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens and director David Livingston. Digital availability expanded with the episode's inclusion on Paramount+ starting in 2021, where it streams in HD as part of the full series catalog, complete with episode-specific audio options like English SDH subtitles. It is also accessible via , offering rental or purchase in HD, with integrated extras including select audio commentaries by director Mike Vejar and writers André Bormanis and from the physical releases. Unique extras for "The Aenar" across these formats include deleted scenes depicting arrests aboard a captured vessel and extended dialogues among the Aenar on their ice caves, totaling approximately one minute of footage that expands on the telepathic subplot. Additionally, featurettes in the Season 4 collections explore Andoria's production design, highlighting the practical sets for the subterranean Aenar habitats and blue-skinned prosthetics crafted by , providing insight into the episode's visual realization of the homeworld.

References

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