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"The Augments"
Star Trek: Enterprise episode
Episode no.Season 4
Episode 6
Directed byLeVar Burton
Written byMichael Sussman
Featured musicVelton Ray Bunch
Production code406
Original air dateNovember 12, 2004 (2004-11-12)
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
← Previous
"Cold Station 12" 		Next →
"The Forge"
Star Trek: Enterprise season 4
List of episodes

"The Augments" is the sixth episode of the fourth season of the American science fiction television series Star Trek: Enterprise, the eighty-second episode overall. It is the last of a three-story episode arc, preceded by "Borderland", and "Cold Station 12". "The Augments" was directed by LeVar Burton, from a script by Michael Sussman.

The series follows the adventures of the first Starfleet starship Enterprise, Starfleet registration number NX-01. In this episode, "Augments", genetically enhanced humans, and Doctor Arik Soong, their surrogate father, escape Cold Station 12 after stealing frozen Augment embryos from storage. Soong plans to hide out with the Augments and raise the embryos, but Malik, their leader, is tired of hiding and attempts to instigate a war between Starfleet and the Klingons.

The production of the episode reunites fellow Star Trek: The Next Generation alumni Burton as the director and Brent Spiner as Arik Soong. On The Next Generation, Burton previously played Geordi La Forge, while Spiner played Data. Most of the guest cast from the previous two Enterprise episodes in the story arc returned for "The Augments"; Mark Rolston makes an appearance as Klingon Captain Magh. The sets were also reused, but a new one was built for the Klingon escape pod used by Soong. UPN first aired "The Augments" on November 12, 2004, where it was watched by 2.1 percent of the U.S. population. It received mixed reviews from critics, who spoke negatively of Malik's character, but praised the performance of Spiner as Soong and the relationship between T'Pol and Tucker.

Plot

[edit]

At the end of "Cold Station 12", Doctor Arik Soong and the Augments he secretly raised depart the space station, taking with them 1,800 frozen Augment embryos preserved from the time of the Eugenics Wars. Malik also steals pathogen samples from the station and sets the containment fields to fail. In "The Augments", Captain Archer restores stasis around the central compound, and is beamed from space to safety. He takes the Enterprise in pursuit of Soong, Malik, and the Augments in their stolen Bird of Prey.

Soong and the Augments arrive in Klingon space where he shares his plan: Soong intends to hide out in a region (the Briar Patch) where Starfleet would have trouble tracking them down. Malik objects to Soong's plan, noting that Khan Noonien Singh also ran away on the SS Botany Bay.

In pursuit of the Augments Enterprise arrives in Klingon space, having faked a Klingon warp signature. Soong releases a hostage on a Denobulan shuttle into a gas giant, forcing Enterprise to abandon the pursuit and mount a rescue operation. Escaping, Malik proposes a new plan: trigger a war between Starfleet and the Klingons as a distraction by firing a pathogen-filled torpedo at a Klingon colony. He reasons that Starfleet will be too busy fighting the Klingons to hunt down the Augments. Soong will have nothing to do with Malik's genocidal proposal.

On the Enterprise, Commander T'Pol asks Commander Tucker about the distance between them after her recent arranged marriage[2]. He tells her he has come to terms with their new relationship.

Back on the Bird of Prey, Soong works on a way to remove aggressive behavior from the unborn Augment embryos. Malik, concerned by Soong's plan to hide from Starfleet and his tampering with the embryos, leads a mutiny which confines Soong to his quarters. With the help of Persis, Soong leaves the ship in an escape pod. Enterprise, once again in pursuit, detects the pod and brings Soong on board. Heading towards the Klingon colony at high warp in an attempt to stop Malik's plan, the Klingons detect their ship. Enterprise is forced to disable a Klingon cruiser when it tries to board. Malik kills Persis for her betrayal, and continues with his plan to attack the Klingons. Scans of the Qu'vat colony reveal three main population centers; the torpedo is armed with pathogens and prepared for deployment.

The Enterprise arrives at the Qu'vat colony just after Malik fires the torpedo, but Enterprise destroys it, saving the population. Soong helps disable the Klingon ship, hoping to save some of the Augments. However, Malik scuttles the Klingon ship, killing the remaining Augments and the embryos; and transports himself onto Enterprise in an attempt to kill Soong in revenge. Archer manages to kill Malik first, blowing a hole clear through him. The Klingons call off their retaliation against Earth, and Soong is returned to the Starfleet Detention Center. In custody, he begins to doubt the feasibility of genetically engineering humans; and wonders if perfecting artificial life holds better possibilities for the future.

Production

[edit]
From left; Brent Spiner, William Shatner and LeVar Burton

"The Augments" is the final episode in a three-part story which began with "Borderland" and continued in "Cold Station 12". The return of genetically enhanced humans, as seen in the Star Trek: The Original Series episode "Space Seed" and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, links Enterprise to The Original Series.[3]

The episode reunites Brent Spiner and LeVar Burton, two Star Trek: The Next Generation alumni. Spiner played the role of the android Data and Burton played chief engineer Geordi La Forge. Spiner appeared in all instalments of the three-story arc, while Burton only directed "The Augments". Burton directed three episodes of Enterprise in the third season. To celebrate their collaboration, as well as acknowledge the crew members who had remained with the franchise since their series, Burton bought lunch on the final day of shooting for everyone on the set. The episode was written by Mike Sussman, his second of the season after "Home".[4]

Shooting began on September 2 and lasted for seven days, with the production taking time off for Labor Day. The majority of the sets on the episode were created for "Borderland" or "Cold Station 12". The scene depicting a Klingon escape pod required the construction of a new set. Spiner, as well as several other guest stars, resumed their roles from earlier in the story arc, including Alec Newman as Malik, Richard Riehle as Doctor Jeremy Lucas, Abby Brammell as Persis and Adam Grimes as Lokesh. Joining them was Mark Rolston as the Klingon Captain Magh; Rolston previously appeared in The Next Generation as Walter Pierce in the episode "Eye of the Beholder", and also played Kuroda in the Enterprise episode "Canamar".[4]

Reception

[edit]

UPN first broadcast "The Augments" on November 12, 2004. According to overnight Nielsen ratings, 2.1 percent of the population of the United States and four percent of those watching television at the time viewed the episode.[5] "The Augments" received the same ratings as the previous episode, "Cold Station 12".[6] However, it moved up to fourth place in the 8 p.m. timeslot, narrowly beating What I Like About You and Grounded for Life on The WB.[5]

IGN gave the episode 3.5 out of five, and wrote: "The Augments doesn't deliver as strongly as I'd have hoped, it is still an engaging hour of television that clearly shows Enterprise is going in a new direction."[7] Michelle Erica Green of TrekNation, said that Malik had become a "cardboard villain" by the time of "The Augments", but she did not blame Alec Newman for this. She also criticised the use of Persis' death by Malik, saying that he defined her "even in death as a commodity for his use".[8] Green praised the relationship between T'Pol and Tucker and the characterisation of Soong, noting that Spiner's performance was the best of the three-episode arc.[8]

Writing for Jammer's Reviews, Jamahl Epsicokhan gave the episode a rating of two out of four. He criticised Malik, noting that the "crux of the story is reduced to an unremarkable three-character power struggle that is supposed to be a microcosm for the trouble that comes with genetically engineered super-humans, but comes across instead as overly bland and tidy drama."[9] Spiner "delivers a good performance under the circumstances", notes Epsicokhan, as his character has to believe that Malik will not overthrow his leadership of the Augments.[9] Summing up the episode, Epsicokhan writes:[9]

Perhaps this story was simply content to show absolute power corrupting absolutely. Unfortunately, aside from Persis, none of the Augments stop to think about what they're doing or why, and the story of Malik is content to blandly repeat the story of Khan, but without the crucial personal motivator of revenge. I think the writers owed the material more than this.

In a review for Big Shiny Robot, Andy Wilson said that the story represented the "personal journey" of Arik Soong from genetic engineering to cybernetics.[10][n 1] Screen Rant praised casting Brent Spiner as the character Arik Soong.[12]

The Hollywood Reporter interviewed various cast and production crew of the Star Trek franchise to determine the "100 Greatest Episodes" from across the five series, ranking "Borderland"/"Cold Station 12"/"The Augments" as the 96th best episode of all time.[13] Den of Geek writer James Hunt ranked the mini-arc as the sixth best story of Enterprise.[14]

Home media release

[edit]

A home media release of "The Augments" was originally released in the United States on November 1, 2005, as part of the season four DVD box set of Enterprise.[15] The Blu-ray edition was released on April 1, 2014.[16]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Augments

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"The Augments" is the sixth episode of the fourth season of the American television series Star Trek: Enterprise, and the 82nd episode overall. It was the third and final installment of the Augment trilogy, following "Borderland" and "". The episode was written by Michael Sussman from a story by Sussman and André Bormanis, and directed by . It originally aired on the network on November 12, 2004. Set in the 22nd century, the episode continues the storyline involving genetically enhanced humans known as Augments. After escaping with a cache of lethal biological weapons, a group of rogue Augments led by Malik hijacks a Klingon Bird-of-Prey and plots to incite a war between Earth and the Klingon Empire. The crew of the Enterprise NX-01, aided by geneticist Arik Soong (Brent Spiner), pursues them into Klingon territory to prevent catastrophe, leading to intense confrontations and revelations about human genetic engineering. The episode explores themes of genetic superiority, ethical boundaries in science, and interstellar conflict, building on the franchise's lore of Augments from the Eugenics Wars. It received praise for its action sequences and guest performances but mixed reviews for pacing.

Background

Augments in Star Trek Lore

In the Star Trek universe, Augments are genetically engineered humans developed in the late 20th century during the Eugenics Wars, a series of global conflicts spanning 1992 to 1996, intended to enhance human capabilities with superior intelligence, physical strength, and aggressive tendencies. These superhumans, created through clandestine genetic modification programs, rose to prominence as leaders amid the ensuing chaos, with emerging as the most notorious figure, ruling over a quarter of Earth's population from across much of the continent. The wars culminated in the Augments' defeat by conventional forces, leading to widespread dispersal; many survivors, including Khan and approximately 84 followers, fled Earth aboard sleeper ships like the , entering cryogenic suspension to evade capture. The Augments were first introduced in the Star Trek: The Original Series episode "Space Seed," aired in 1967, where the USS Enterprise encounters Khan's derelict ship in the 23rd century, awakening him and revealing the lingering dangers of his kind. This concept was expanded in the 1982 film , which depicts Khan's vengeful return after years in exile on Ceti Alpha V, underscoring the catastrophic potential of genetic augmentation that prompted a 22nd-century ban on such practices across United Earth and later the . The prohibition, codified to prevent the aggression and instability observed in Augments, reflects the 's ethical commitment to natural human evolution and non-interference in genetic enhancement, a principle that echoes in later narratives exploring artificial sentience. This foundational lore influences the broader franchise, with the Augments' legacy reinforcing the Federation's stance against enhancement technologies and informing ethical debates, such as the trial over android rights for in Star Trek: The Next Generation's "The Measure of a Man." While primary development occurs in The Original Series and — the latter providing deeper historical context through the Eugenics Wars' aftermath—Augments receive brief canonical references in , particularly regarding Julian Bashir's enhancements, and , highlighting ongoing societal taboos. In the 22nd century, scientist Arik Soong's controversial attempts to resurrect Augment research further illustrate the persistent tension between scientific ambition and moral restraint.

Episode Development

"The Augments" concluded the three-part Augment trilogy in the fourth season of Star Trek: Enterprise, airing as episode 6 on November 12, 2004, after "Borderland" (episode 4) and "Cold Station 12" (episode 5). This placement allowed the series to transition from the serialized Xindi conflict dominating season 3 toward standalone arcs examining ethical issues in pre-Federation genetic engineering. The episode was written by Michael Sussman, who structured the narrative to portray Arik Soong—played by —as the geneticist ancestor of Noonien Soong, the 24th-century creator of the android , thereby forging a thematic bridge between 22nd-century human augmentation experiments and later debates on and . Sussman's script highlighted Soong's evolving interest in cybernetic enhancements as a pivot from biological Augments, foreshadowing his descendant's android work. Conceived during mid-2004 season 4 production, the trilogy drew from longstanding lore on the Wars and Khan Noonien Singh's backstory, incorporating unproduced concepts to expand on Augment origins while emphasizing Soong's personal redemption against the Augments' . described the arc's development as a collaborative effort in production "rooms" involving executives and , who provided notes to refine the storyline. Key narrative decisions focused on adult Augments, secretly raised over two decades from stolen embryos, to contrast with the cryogenic embryonic specimens encountered earlier and amplify interpersonal and societal conflicts. elements were woven in to underscore interstellar tensions, including the Augments' theft of a Bird-of-Prey and evasion of patrols near the Empire's border, tying into Enterprise's ongoing exploration of alien alliances and threats. Production discussions prioritized balancing explosive action—such as space chases and confrontations—with philosophical moral dilemmas on genetic superiority and its dangers, ensuring seamless continuity with reused sets from "Cold Station 12" and character arcs like Captain Archer's deepened trust issues stemming from the Xindi ordeal. Coto likened Soong to Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant yet dangerous figure whose reluctant alliance with Archer facilitated his redemptive turn, heightening the arc's ethical stakes.

Synopsis

Plot Summary

In the opening scenes, Captain escapes from after thwarting an attempt by the Augments to release a deadly , using the station's transporter after decompresses the central core with phase cannons to cover his retreat. Meanwhile, aboard the hijacked Klingon Bird-of-Prey, the Augments, led by the aggressive , have stolen 1,800 genetically enhanced human embryos from the facility. Arik Soong, the who created the Augments and views them as his children, urges the group to seek refuge in the Briar Patch—a hazardous region of space filled with supernova remnants—to safely gestate and raise the embryos away from conflict. However, rejects this plan, idolizing historical figures like and advocating for open confrontation with the Klingons to establish Augment dominance. Tensions escalate as the Augments enter Klingon territory, prompting the Enterprise NX-01 to pursue them by masking its warp signature as a Klingon vessel. Malik, suspecting disloyalty among his followers—including the Augment Persis—asserts control by executing Persis for perceived betrayal and confining Soong. Soong, increasingly at odds with Malik's belligerent intentions, escapes in an escape pod and secretly contacts Captain Archer via subspace, revealing the Augments' location and pleading for assistance to prevent further violence. Unbeknownst to the crew, Malik's scheme involves weaponizing stolen biotoxins—300 kilograms in 24 canisters—into a torpedo aimed at the Klingon colony of Qu'Vat, intending to provoke a full-scale war between the Klingon Empire and United Earth, thereby creating chaos in which the Augments can thrive. The Enterprise tracks the Bird-of-Prey toward Qu'Vat, where , the Denobulan doctor, works to counter the bioweapon threat based on Soong's warning. As the Augments launch the bioweapon toward the , the Enterprise intercepts and destroys it with a precise strike, then disables the Bird-of-Prey's engines in a tense space chase by targeting its plasma junction. Wounded and defiant, initiates the ship's self-destruct sequence, destroying the Bird-of-Prey, the remaining Augments, and the 1,800 embryos. then transports aboard the Enterprise to the where Soong is held, ambushing and attempting to kill him. Archer intervenes, shooting dead with a phase rifle in the corridor. Soong, having aided in stopping the plot, is taken into custody by , reflecting briefly on his past as a disgraced who once stole embryos to create the Augments and now contemplates shifting to cybernetic advancements. The High Council, informed of the averted attack, calls off any retaliatory action against , averting interstellar war.

Themes

The "The Augments" centrally explores the of , drawing parallels to real-world debates on and designer babies by critiquing the dangers of unchecked genetic modifications that prioritize superiority over stability. Through Dr. Arik Soong's creation of enhanced humans, the narrative highlights the tension between therapeutic applications, such as curing genetic diseases like Sharat Syndrome, and the risks of producing individuals with heightened aggression and ambition, as evidenced by the Augments' inherent instability leading to violent outcomes. This is exemplified in the ideological clash between leader Malik's pursuit of supremacy—viewing unmodified humans as inferior and justifying domination—and Soong's paternalistic approach, where he attempts to mitigate flaws by altering embryos to reduce aggression, underscoring the moral dilemma of a creator imposing "corrections" on his progeny. A key motif is the inherent in the creator-creation relationship, portraying Soong as a god-like figure whose overreach results in rebellion and loss of control, echoing broader examinations of artificial enhancements undermining core human qualities like and restraint. The Augments' rejection of Soong's guidance illustrates this dynamic, as their amplified traits foster entitlement and sociopathy rather than harmony, reinforcing the episode's caution against tampering with natural evolution in favor of engineered perfection. This ties into recurring Trek themes of and augmentation, such as those involving , by questioning whether such interventions erode the humanity they seek to exalt. The storyline also addresses war and prejudice, using the Augments' scheme to incite a Human-Klingon conflict as a lens for examining cycles of and the perils of perceived superiority. Malik's plan to unleash a on a Klingon colony embodies how enhanced beings' aggressive instincts can escalate interstellar tensions, justifying the Federation's stringent ban on born from historical traumas like the Eugenics Wars. This prejudice manifests in the systemic exclusion of Augments, treated as inherent threats despite individual variations, highlighting Star Trek's advocacy for ideals of diplomacy and equality over dominance. Finally, themes of redemption and legacy emerge through Soong's arc, where his partial heroism in thwarting the Augments' signals a turning point, abandoning genetic pursuits for cybernetic innovations that foreshadow positive contributions from his descendants, such as the creation of androids like . This suggests that flawed origins can evolve into constructive advancements, aligning with Trek's optimistic view of when guided by ethical reflection rather than ambition. Subtle motifs, such as the Briar Patch nebula representing concealed perils and the stolen embryos symbolizing untapped potential shadowed by doom, reinforce the narrative's cautionary undertones without overt exposition.

Production

Writing and Direction

The episode "The Augments" was written solely by Michael Sussman, who had previously penned the preceding installments of the Augment trilogy, "Borderland" and "," allowing for a cohesive arc centered on genetically enhanced humans. Sussman's work on season 4 aligned with showrunner Manny Coto's emphasis on connecting to The Original Series era, amplifying thematic ties to broader lore. Key elements included the development of the rivalry between Dr. Arik Soong and the Augment leader through contrasting monologues that deepened character exposition and highlighted ideological conflicts over genetic superiority. The script incorporated callbacks to classic Trek, such as references to from the The Original Series episode "," reinforcing the Augments' historical roots in the Eugenics Wars while building tension toward the trilogy's climax. Dialogue-heavy confrontations drove much of the storytelling, particularly in scenes aboard the Augment vessel, where verbal clashes underscored themes of and , culminating in the finale's release and interstellar pursuit. LeVar Burton directed "The Augments," drawing on his extensive experience as an actor—most notably as on The Next Generation—to inform his approach to character-driven visuals. Burton's direction focused on tight pacing and editing in action sequences, such as the Enterprise's pursuit and boarding of the Augment ship, creating a of urgency that echoed high-stakes Trek narratives like the climax of The Wrath of Khan. He emphasized close-ups to convey emotional stakes, particularly during Soong and Malik's confrontations and Archer's moral dilemmas, enhancing the intimacy of the rivalry amid escalating threats. Visually, Burton collaborated with the cinematography team to employ darker lighting in the Augment ship's interiors, evoking a tone of menace and isolation that contrasted with the Enterprise's brighter, more ordered environments. Practical effects were used for certain sequences in the episode. The score, composed by Velton Ray Bunch, reinforced these themes with rhythmic percussion and synth elements that built suspense during confrontations and chases, providing a propulsive to the narrative's fatalistic trajectory.

Casting and Filming

was cast in the role of Dr. Arik Soong, drawing on his established legacy from portraying the android in Star Trek: The Next Generation, which allowed him to infuse the character with a layered portrayal of intellectual brilliance and emotional vulnerability. reprised his role as the Augment leader , focusing on a performance that conveyed simmering, controlled rage beneath a veneer of strategic calm. The episode featured returning principal cast members from , including as Captain and as Dr. , whose established dynamics with the guest characters added continuity to the . Supporting roles included new actors portraying Klingons in the colony attack scenes, chosen for their imposing physical presence to heighten the tension of the confrontations. Filming for "The Augments" took place primarily at Paramount Studios in , , utilizing reused sets from the preceding episode "" to streamline production efficiency while constructing a single new set for the sequence. Production faced logistical hurdles, including aligning Brent Spiner's availability around his commitments to conventions, such as his appearance at Trek Expo in June 2004. The action sequences involving Augment-Klingon fights required extensive stunt coordination, incorporating wirework for dynamic combat maneuvers and practical explosions for the colony destruction effects. Behind the scenes, the episode was supported by a crew of approximately 150 members, with budget resources directed toward CGI enhancements for the exterior shots of the Klingon Bird-of-Prey and Enterprise in pursuit. Post-production included pickup shots to refine dialogue intelligibility amid the ambient noise on the bustling stage environments.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Response

"The Augments" premiered on UPN on November 12, 2004, achieving a 2.1 household Nielsen rating and approximately 3.4 million viewers, marking a decline from the previous episode's performance but remaining consistent with season 4 averages. Contemporary critical reception was mixed, with reviewers praising Brent Spiner's portrayal of Dr. Arik Soong while critiquing the portrayal of the Augments as underdeveloped and illogical. Jammer's Reviews awarded the episode 2 out of 4 stars, commending Spiner's reliable performance and effective cross-references to Trek lore, such as Malik's emergence echoing Khan's in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, but faulting the Augments for appearing "not very bright" and the drama as "overly bland and tidy." IGN described it as an "engaging hour of television" that demonstrated Enterprise's return to form through its connections to franchise continuity, though it fell short of the trilogy's earlier installments in intensity. In retrospective evaluations, the episode has been recognized for its role in expanding Star Trek lore on genetic engineering and its ties to Khan Noonien Singh. The three-part Augments arc, encompassing "Borderland," "Cold Station 12," and "The Augments," was included in The Hollywood Reporter's 2016 list of the 100 greatest Star Trek episodes across all series. Critics have highlighted strong visual effects and narrative continuity as strengths, with IGN retrospectively noting a 3.5 out of 5 rating for its action sequences and effects work. However, ongoing criticisms focus on the Augments' limited characterization beyond leader Malik, rendering them as generic antagonists lacking depth. Aggregate user scores reflect solid but not exceptional reception, with the episode holding a 7.8 out of 10 rating on based on over 1,800 votes as of 2025. It received no major awards or nominations, though the season as a whole earned recognition in categories like for other episodes.

Fan and Cultural Impact

Fans have engaged extensively with "The Augments" through online discussions, often debating the fate of the Augments following the Wars and their implications for Star Trek's broader timeline. These conversations highlight the episode's role in bridging prequel elements to the Original Series, with enthusiasts appreciating how it resolves the Augment trilogy while teasing connections to . The episode has been praised in fan podcasts for providing satisfying closure to the Augment storyline, emphasizing its action-oriented narrative and ties to iconic Trek lore. For instance, the Trek in Time podcast's 2023 episode dedicated to "The Augments" lauds the conclusion's excitement and its integration of elements like the Soong family and early references, underscoring its appeal as a high-stakes finale to the arc. In terms of cultural legacy, "The Augments" contributes to Star Trek's ongoing discourse on and genetic enhancement, influencing real-world conversations about . The episode's portrayal of genetically engineered humans as both superior and dangerously unstable has been referenced in discussions around technologies like , serving as a against unchecked genetic modification. It also reinforces narrative links between Enterprise and the Original Series by exploring the origins of the Augments encountered in "Space Seed," enhancing the franchise's interconnected mythology. Within Star Trek communities, the episode features prominently in fan analyses at conventions, where panels often dissect its themes of genetic superiority and moral ambiguity. It has inspired numerous works of fan fiction focusing on Augment descendants and their potential roles in alternate Trek histories, expanding on the episode's unresolved elements. Retrospectives on platforms like YouTube, such as the 2022 Opinionated Enterprise Guide video on "The Augments," highlight its effective Khan teases and character dynamics, further cementing its status among fans. The episode's broader impact includes showcasing Brent Spiner's range within the franchise, as his portrayal of Arik Soong demonstrates versatility beyond his iconic role, blending scientific curiosity with paternal conflict. Its plot of Augment-led incitement toward interstellar war echoes in later series like Discovery, where genetic themes—such as Illyrian modifications and the lingering stigma of Augments—explore similar ethical dilemmas in a post-Eugenics Wars context. As of 2025, "The Augments" remains relevant amid Paramount+ revivals and fan campaigns for Enterprise continuations, with audiences valuing its depth in fleshing out 22nd-century lore despite the series' abrupt cancellation. Discussions often position it as a highlight of Enterprise's final season, appreciating how it enriches the franchise's exploration of humanity's genetic past.

Release and Distribution

Broadcast

"The Augments" premiered on the on November 12, 2004, as the sixth of the fourth , with production number 402 and a runtime of 42 minutes. The aired in UPN's Friday night lineup from 8:00 to 9:00 PM ET, immediately following the previous installment "," forming the conclusion of the three-part Augment storyline. Promotional efforts highlighted the trilogy's finale, featuring trailers that emphasized Brent Spiner's portrayal of Dr. Arik Soong to draw viewers. According to Nielsen ratings, the episode achieved a 2.1 household rating. Internationally, the episode aired on in the in December 2004, while in , it was syndicated through the Space Channel shortly after the U.S. broadcast. Later syndication included reruns on from 2008 to 2010 and on Spike TV in 2011, though no significant remastered versions were broadcast on television.

Home Media and Streaming

"The Augments" episode from was first made available on home media as part of the Season 4 DVD set, released by Paramount Home Video on November 1, 2005. This six-disc collection included all 22 episodes of the season in standard definition with 5.1 audio, along with bonus features such as deleted scenes and featurettes, though no specific was recorded for this episode. In 2014, the episode received an upgraded release within the : The Complete Series Blu-ray collection, issued on April 29 by . The set featured newly remastered transfers derived from original film elements, enhancing visual clarity over the DVD version, paired with lossless . The Season 4 Blu-ray was released separately on April 29, 2014, with individual seasons becoming available starting in 2013. Digitally, "The Augments" became accessible for streaming on Paramount+ upon the service's U.S. launch on March 4, 2021, available in both the ad-supported Essential tier and the ad-free Premium tier. As of 2025, it remains streamable on Paramount+ and through its add-on channels on Apple TV and , offering on-demand access with options for offline downloads on supported devices. Video-on-demand purchase and rental have been offered via (now ) since the platform's expansion to full TV seasons around 2010, with episodes priced individually or bundled by season. Special editions of the episode appeared in limited bundles, such as the multi-season compilations, but no dedicated "Augment Crisis" trilogy DVD set was officially released, and the episode has never received a standalone home media edition. Accessibility features across formats include closed captions and in English, French, and Spanish for the primary Region 1 releases, with additional language options varying by international edition. As of November 2025, official 4K UHD remastering or upscaling for Enterprise remains unannounced and unconfirmed by Paramount, though fan-created AI upscales circulate online.

References

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  34. https://www.slashfilm.com/1830822/brent-spiner-star-trek-characters-explained/
  35. https://trekmovie.com/2025/11/05/scott-bakula-would-love-to-play-archer-again-talks-up-fan-reaction-to-star-trek-united-pitch/
  36. https://forums.sf-fandom.com/thread-13754-page-5.html
  37. https://tvdatabase.fandom.com/wiki/Star_Trek:_Enterprise:_The_Complete_Fourth_Season
  38. http://www.dvdmg.com/enterpriseseason4.shtml
  39. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Star-Trek-Enterprise-The-Complete-Series-Blu-ray/93126/
  40. https://bluray.highdefdigest.com/41492/enterprise_complete2.html
  41. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Star-Trek-Enterprise-Season-Four-Blu-ray/92719/
  42. https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/enterprise/
  43. https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/star-trek-enterprise/season-4
  44. https://tv.apple.com/us/episode/the-augments/umc.cmc.7j8rohto6vh5dtca9pspechiz?showId=umc.cmc.10fdo1qpaj8u46zk0bo082gc7
  45. https://www.amazon.com/Star-Trek-Enterprise-Complete-Blu-ray/dp/B01N9BJHPI
  46. https://www.reddit.com/r/startrek/comments/1nc15fu/everything_announced_on_star_trek_day_2025/
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