Just weeks after the 9/11 attacks, the first “prequel” series for Star Trek debuted. We needed that optimism, badly. Some people rail against the opening theme, but I’m not gonna lie, that raw, positive vibe was exactly what I needed in September 2001.
And for fun, here’s the opening credits done to Archer’s Theme which, I suspect, was the original idea. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hsn2xVmVuGE&list=RDHsn2xVmVuGE&start_radio=1
The original idea was to use “Beautiful Day” by U2.
https://youtu.be/6TaI_cX08gc?si=7ByIh2FQBoOANRCn
They couldn’t secure the rights. The song they actually used is a fine song; I wouldn’t object to hearing it on the radio. I just like orchestral music in my Trek.
That said, Enterprise is better than its reputation. The first season is stronger than the first seasons of TNG and Voyager, and the fourth season is probably the best overall season from Berman’s entire tenure.
Seconded, pretty much through-out your post. The first season is shaky, but whose isn’t?
Enterprise was the fist Trek show where I didn’t make a point about watching every single episode. By the time it came out we’ve had shows like Babylon 5 and Farscape so my standards were significantly higher.