# Enterprise Expanse SPOILER thread! It's the season Finale, where's the \<3? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [May 20, 2003, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-expanse-spoiler-thread-its-the-season-finale-wheres-the-3/176383 "2003-05-20T20:40:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Monstre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e274bd/32.png) [@Monstre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monstre)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-expanse-spoiler-thread-its-the-season-finale-wheres-the-3/176383/81 "2003-05-22T17:40:53Z")
> [@](#): > > from _Cervaise_ > In one moment, we have the Vulcan ambassador insisting that the rock-solid research of the Science Directorate makes time travel impossible. In the next moment, he’s tossing off some goofy-ass threat about how “the laws of physics don’t apply” in parts of the Delphic Expanse. Yeah, good call. I noticed that, too, and at the time I was thinking, “Wait, I thought you Vulcans **lived** for the laws of physics…” > [@](#): > > from _Tars_ > And WTF is Quantum dating? Why, it’s a convenient little piece of unlikely technobabble pulled from somebody’s ass, thanks for asking. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![RikWriter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/49beb7/32.png) [@RikWriter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RikWriter)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-expanse-spoiler-thread-its-the-season-finale-wheres-the-3/176383/82 "2003-05-22T18:10:47Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Scruff \* > \*\*A coupel of people have commented on the “reality” of Trip’s reaction, and RikWriter took me to task for using the word “redneck” to describe it. > > Well, I’m a Brit living here in the colonies. Over the years, I’ve talked to friends who have had family members killed in a variety of senseless ways. I’ve had a couple of military friends killed in senseless ways too (including one who suffered a friendly-fire incident in Gulf War I). > > I’ve personally never seen a reaction like Trip’s. It played false to me, and seemed to be stereotypical and simplistic – reminded me of something I might have seen on “The Dukes of Hazzard”. Some of which may have been the accent as well, in that it seemed to come on stronger this week. > > If RikWriter and NoClueBoy tell me that it played well in their experience, well then I am a happier Scruff. I was worried that (in much the same way as the _Suliban_ were inspired by the Taleban) B&B were taking the cheap way to boost their show based on the public outcry and feelings around the “War on Terror” and the recent Iraq conflict. I guess I’m too cynical. > > Didn’t mean to offend anyone. \*\* No offense taken. I based my reaction to the scene on the way I saw the post-9-11 reaction by a friend of mine who had two formerly close friends die in the World Trade Center (he hadn’t seen them for three years, as he had moved to Florida, but he had been close to them when he lived in NY). He was pissed beyond words, with an underlying sadness as well. As a native NYCer he was incensed and wanted to kill someone for weeks afterward. ---
**Author:** ![Tars\_Tarkas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Tars\_Tarkas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tars_Tarkas)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-expanse-spoiler-thread-its-the-season-finale-wheres-the-3/176383/83 "2003-05-22T18:12:01Z")
> [@](#): > > Tars, I assume Quantum dating is some improved version of carbon dating. i figured that, but since Carbon dating works on radioactive decay, then stuff in the future should have a gigantic amount of excess C14 (except it wouldn’t, since it was made at the “now” of that time.) i don’t see how something could have a measurable amount of negative quantum whatevers, especially since nothing is supposed to. So why is that even programmed into the tricorders? There was probably a cooler way to prove they were from the future, this seems like a cop out. ---
**Author:** ![Tars\_Tarkas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Tars\_Tarkas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tars_Tarkas)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-expanse-spoiler-thread-its-the-season-finale-wheres-the-3/176383/84 "2003-05-22T18:13:24Z")
> [@](#): > > he hadn’t seen them for three years, as he had moved to Florida, We just learned that was not the place to move too! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![tracer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tracer/32/20578_2.png) [@tracer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tracer)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-expanse-spoiler-thread-its-the-season-finale-wheres-the-3/176383/85 "2003-05-22T18:26:00Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Jeff Olsen \* > \*\*As for Enterprises’ rescuers, the Enterprise had been expected. A probe equipped with a weapon capable of killing a few million from orbit wasn’t. \*\* That bugged the hell out of me. An unnanounced, unauthorized, unknown probe approaches Earth, and _nobody_ reacts? Where are the orbital defense satellites that deal with threats like this? Where are the ground-based phase cannons and missile launchers to shoot it down? Where are the home-guard Star Fleet vessels that are supposed to protect the human race? ---
**Author:** ![bernse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a9a28c/32.png) [@bernse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bernse)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-expanse-spoiler-thread-its-the-season-finale-wheres-the-3/176383/86 "2003-05-22T18:42:46Z")
BTW I liked the cameo of NX-02. What do you think the chances are of Starfleet speeding up construction and have it featured in the next episode? ---
**Author:** ![RikWriter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/49beb7/32.png) [@RikWriter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RikWriter)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-expanse-spoiler-thread-its-the-season-finale-wheres-the-3/176383/87 "2003-05-22T18:54:59Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Tars Tarkas \* > \*\*We just learned that was not the place to move too! 😉 \*\* Huh? ---
**Author:** ![kasuo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/8c91f0/32.png) [@kasuo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kasuo)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-expanse-spoiler-thread-its-the-season-finale-wheres-the-3/176383/88 "2003-05-22T19:02:32Z")
I wonder why the probe’s pilot didn’t attack the coastal areas of Earth. I mean, you’d figure that the coastal areas have larger cities to destroy, if that’s what the Xindi were intent on doing… ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-expanse-spoiler-thread-its-the-season-finale-wheres-the-3/176383/89 "2003-05-22T19:28:46Z")
The probe effect was neat but, now that I think about it, it was a very stupid thing for the Xindi to do. or as **Tars** would say, “too doo” I mean, why give any notice to Earthlings? Test out the weapon on some remote planetoid or moon. Fill up the plantoid with captured Humans, Klingons, and Vulcanians from the Pelvis Expanse if you need to test real world effectiveness. Need to know whether to compensate for atomsphere? How about a computer simulation? As it stands, the Xindi tipped its hand and now Quantum has an insight to their potential, and not just a word of warning from The Wiz. Whatchyabet Hoo-mahns find out that, while the Xindi may be technologically advanced, they have the foresight of a retarded Collie. Can you imagine the season climax? [Star Trekky stuff going on in the background, foreground, underground…] **Xindi** ; “So, if I give the Earthlings a demonstration of our extreme killing capabilities, they will all commit mass suicide?” **Q** 9being extra naughty): “Yes, but, you must make sure they have the coordinates for your home system, and an ultimatum. That way, your survival is garunteed.” **Xindi** : “Huh! Hoodathunkit?” **Q** (under his breath0: “Egawd… how much longer before Picard is born? _HE_ was/willbe/is fun to mess with.” [/STsgoitb,f,u…] ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-expanse-spoiler-thread-its-the-season-finale-wheres-the-3/176383/90 "2003-05-22T19:31:18Z")
Sometimes… holding down the “Shift” key is just too hard. or as **tars** would say… ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-expanse-spoiler-thread-its-the-season-finale-wheres-the-3/176383/91 "2003-05-22T20:04:26Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by NoClueBoy \* > **The probe effect was neat but, now that I think about it, it was a very stupid thing for the Xindi to do. … I mean, why give any notice to Earthlings?** Maybe when we meet them, they’ll be dressed in skintight leotards with question marks all over them. **Xindi leader:** That’s right, bat-brain! I have a wicked scheme that cannot go wrong, and just to prove it, I shall taunt you with just enough clues for you to thwart my every move! **Archer:** Bat-brain? **Trip:** Eat hot phaser death, you murderous insectoid scum! I will have my revenge for Dizzy! **Archer:** Dizzy? **Trip:** Oops, wrong insectoids. **Xindi leader:** Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! **Archer:** Ha? ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-expanse-spoiler-thread-its-the-season-finale-wheres-the-3/176383/92 "2003-05-22T20:18:43Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by tracer \* > \*\*That bugged the hell out of me. An unnanounced, unauthorized, unknown probe approaches Earth, and _nobody_ reacts? Where are the orbital defense satellites that deal with threats like this? Where are the ground-based phase cannons and missile launchers to shoot it down? Where are the home-guard Star Fleet vessels that are supposed to protect the human race? \*\* It is human nature to ignore a problem until that problem turns into a disaster. Until the probe, there hadn’t really been a need to defend against anything from outside our own atmosphere. The only race that had not essentially been ignoring Earth has been the Vulcans, and even they haven’t been all that helpful. ---
**Author:** ![Tars\_Tarkas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Tars\_Tarkas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tars_Tarkas)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-expanse-spoiler-thread-its-the-season-finale-wheres-the-3/176383/93 "2003-05-22T20:55:24Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by RikWriter \* > \*\*Huh? \*\* (cause of the aliens attacking Florida and all) BTW, who thinks that the Xindi are building a Death Star? ---
**Author:** ![vivalostwages](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/d07c76/32.png) [@vivalostwages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vivalostwages)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-expanse-spoiler-thread-its-the-season-finale-wheres-the-3/176383/94 "2003-05-22T21:10:26Z")
> [@](#): > > _Originally posted by Kn_ckers \* > \*\ ***viva** , you are a superstar! That was some truly brilliant artwork - thank you for a link that made my day. 🙂 🙂 > > Kn(my next post will be on-topic)ckers \*\* * * * Thanks! I sent them an Expanse Trip but it’s not up yet. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-expanse-spoiler-thread-its-the-season-finale-wheres-the-3/176383/95 "2003-05-22T21:18:57Z")
What is between Florida and Venezuela? If the bad guys have time travel, why wasn’t the test probe followed by the real thing in about five seconds? The Klingons couldn’t act. They stood around woodenly reciting their lines. Archer smiles coy about the bad guys who don’t like him and five seconds later is frowning about the seven million dead. Having two adversaries he knows by name is just stupid. One is like Flash Gordon and Ming. Enterprise in space dock is from STTMP, down to the little guys in space suits. Flying through the Klingon ship debris (and why not just blow them away to start with? Might need a lot of those photon torps next year) was from All Good Things. Fighting the Klingons in the nebula is from TWOK. Most of what wasn’t taken from other Trek was stupid. Quantum dating as someone already posted, was dumb. Star charts with future astronomical positions would have been good proof. What is Future Guy is lying? What if the Xindi (sp) are the guys who will help us? There is hope for next season. Angry Trip§ was good. As Ms. Plant said, “They were doing so _well_”. ---
**Author:** ![Saltire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saltire/32/553_2.png) [@Saltire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saltire)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-expanse-spoiler-thread-its-the-season-finale-wheres-the-3/176383/96 "2003-05-22T21:31:47Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Jeff Olsen \* > \*\*It is human nature to ignore a problem until that problem turns into a disaster. Until the probe, there hadn’t really been a need to defend against anything from outside our own atmosphere. The only race that had not essentially been ignoring Earth has been the Vulcans, and even they haven’t been all that helpful. \*\* Not counting the Klingon and Suliban ships that crashed in Oklahoma two years ago… ---
**Author:** ![vivalostwages](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/d07c76/32.png) [@vivalostwages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vivalostwages)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-expanse-spoiler-thread-its-the-season-finale-wheres-the-3/176383/97 "2003-05-22T21:32:39Z")
Is the Expanse going to turn the Panda inside out? :eek: ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-expanse-spoiler-thread-its-the-season-finale-wheres-the-3/176383/98 "2003-05-22T21:33:47Z")
OOOOH! MING THE MERCILESS! [cue Queen soundtrack} Hawkmen! ATTACK! ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-expanse-spoiler-thread-its-the-season-finale-wheres-the-3/176383/99 "2003-05-22T21:49:46Z")
Another question about the Space Marines: Will the show’s producers take advantage of [new directions in combat technology](http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=569&ncid=738&e=1&u=/nm/20030522/tc_nm/arms_mit_dc), or will the combatants be bulked up with conventional armor because that’s what the lowest-common-denominator viewership expect to see? Oh, and re the Klingons, I meant to mention something else: I actually _like_ the continuity they’re tentatively starting to put together. Remember, according to Trek canon, humans and Klingons initially got into a war because of “disastrous first contact.” We haven’t seen exactly that, but we have seen a major misunderstanding leading to tension (the refugee ship Archer rescued in the otherwise dopey Rura Penthe episode). The Klingons hate humans now. This, to my mind, is _good._ It means they haven’t totally abandoned continuity, and they’re perhaps looking for an interesting, unexpected way to set up things for later. Given the ham-handedness of “delaying the Borg invasion until, what, the 24th century,” I don’t have a lot of faith they’ll actually pull it off, but hey, they’re _trying._ That, for me, is the one really bright spot in the last half of this otherwise turgid season. ---
**Author:** ![Tars\_Tarkas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Tars\_Tarkas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tars_Tarkas)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-expanse-spoiler-thread-its-the-season-finale-wheres-the-3/176383/100 "2003-05-22T22:10:52Z")
Why is Earth so freakin’ popular? Why don’t aliens ever attack Vulcan? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-expanse-spoiler-thread-its-the-season-finale-wheres-the-3/176383.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enterprise-expanse-spoiler-thread-its-the-season-finale-wheres-the-3/176383.md?page=6)