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Enterprise is now a fully serialized television show! “Dead Stop” is definitely the start of a new era for the show: one with interlocking stories, fleshed out character development, decisions that have ramifications that extend beyond one episode, the possibilities are endless! Ok… maybe not. But the events of “Minefield” carry over into this episode as the damage the Enterprise sustained in that previous episode leaves the crew stranded and desperate for assistance. When the crew hears of an automated repair station only a short distance away, they decide they have no choice but to interface with some strange new technology.
The Wikipedia plot summary for “Dead Stop”:
Four days after the events of the previous episode, Minefield, Captain Archer and Commander Tucker inspect the damage to the ship with an inspection pod. Given the amount of damage, and the travel time to Jupiter Station, Archer decides that it is time for someone to help them out for once, and orders Ensign Sato to send a general distress call. A passing Tellarite freighter soon responds, and sends a barely understandable message directing them to an automated repair facility, three days away at Warp 2.
Upon arriving at the facility, the ship is scanned and the station reconfigures itself to suit the crew’s needs. Enterprise then docks, and the station sets the full repair price at 200 liters of warp plasma. By using its advanced replication technology, the station can complete all repairs in just 34.2 hours. Archer, left without any other option, agrees, although later he has a gut feeling that not everything is as it appears. On board, intrigued by the station’s technology, Tucker convinces Reed to locate the station’s computer, but their attempt to enter is detected, and they are beamed back to the bridge.
Meanwhile, a false comm message, ostensibly from Archer, directs Ensign Mayweather to an area currently being repaired. He is found dead soon after, an apparent victim of an electrical shock. When Doctor Phlox discovers that the dead Mayweather is a well-replicated duplicate, Archer resolves to search the station for him. Tucker then ‘distracts’ the computer, and Reed again trips the alarm, giving Sub-Commander T’Pol and Archer time to enter a computer room filled with bodies — among which are a Klingon, a Vulcan, and a Cardassian — apparently the station’s method of augmenting its own processing power. Mayweather is rescued just as the station starts attacking Enterprise in retaliation. Archer then detonates the warp-plasma payment to blow up the station and escape. As the ship warps away the few active components of the station begin repairing the damage.
In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss Enterprise switching up its “mystery” formula! Plus, the guys talk about the characterization of Malcolm Reed, Mayweather’s twelve-pack, and trying to delay an automated phone service!