This latest installment of the Star Trek franchise is a prequel to Kirk and company by 150 years; an exciting premise that had the makings of another hit for Paramount. Scott Bakula is Captain Jonathan Archer, the first captain of the Starship Enterprise, on its maiden voyage outside known space in the 22nd century. The supporting cast includes a southern engineer (have to have an accent I guess), a mild mannered alien doctor, a sexy Vulcan science officerand sub-commander, a British security officer and other multicultural crew members consisting of a black navigator and Japanese communication officer. These are mentioned here because they are a basic rule in the Star Trek storyline. Humanity now gets along.

The 7 disc set has all 22 first season episodes and extras from the first season. The original pilot, "Broken Bow" is a two hour episode and there are also some two part episodes later on in the season. It takes the crew a few epsiodes to get into their characters but all are a featured player in some episode this first season. Bakula, best known for his work in "Quantum Leap" is a bit stiff as Archer at first, except with his Beagle pup on board. He doesn't seem to have the leadership qualities of a Kirk or Picard and learns these skills on the job as the series progresses. The character that gets the most attention is the pouty lipped female Vulcan, played by Jolene Blalock as T'Pol. Being the first season, many epsiodes are devoted to the introduction of characters and most cast members are featured centering around their uniqueness. The series deals with the fragile relationship of humanity with its Vulcan comrades; a lot of political tension is featured, and we are also introduced to Klingons and Andorians, who hate the Vulcans. Comedy episodes include an episode where chief engineer Tripper (Connor Trineer) pregnant, a first encounter with Ferengis, played by Ethan Phillips (from ST Voyager) and Clint Howard)and Dr.Phlox awaking from his annual hibernation to work on an injured officer. The reoccuring storyline that runs throughout the episodes involves the dropping in of time travelers who are fighting a temporal cold war, using time travel as a way of changing the future. This eventually leads to the series season one cliffhanger, in which Archer is sent to a future of total devastation with no way of returning.

Finally, a star trek series shot in widescreen and it looks terrific. The computer generated graphics have never been better and the new or old Enterprise models show incredible detail. Sets have a believable "retro" look down to the "phase pistols" and the transporter, that is so scary no one uses it unless there is absolutely no alternative. Sound is offered in Dolby 5.1, which is always fantastic for a series like this.

The extras include a nice plastic outer clamshell packaging case like the other ST series. Easter eggs are provided on the menus so look for them. The extras on disk contain some interesting features; commentrary is provided for the first episode by Rick Berman and Brannon Braga. There is also features on Scott Baukula and his casting as Captain, set design for the Enterprise, some hilarious outtakes and bloopers, and cast reflections on year one. It is a healthy package of extras that gives added value to the series set.

As with the other ST sets , Paramount has done a good job in packaging this latest and for now, last Star Trek series into an entertaining package that will keep you glued to your home theater for quite a while. The good, likable cast grows on you as the season progresses, the picture is in widescreen and Dolby digital 5.1 sound and the disc set contains many extras and even some commentaries. I look forward to future sets of this series.