ENT: In a Mirror, Darkly, Part II

         Much like the first episode in this mini-arc this one lacked focus, but was still a hell of a lot of fun to watch. The idea of this Archer being driven mad by the idea that the other universe version of himself was more successful was an interesting twist. The constant backstabbing that goes on is the reason I kinda doubt the Terran Empire would have lasted long no matter what, but it does seem to generally fit with the rest of the Mirror Universe. It is super fun to see the crew of Enterprise working on the original Enterprise sets, although I suspect many of them were recreations. From the little background reading I have done it does appear that the idea of having Archer on a Constitution Class ship was the plan before there was a plot, and unfortunately it shows a bit. 
         We open with Archer using the superior firepower on the Defiant to stop the Tholian threat in about a minute. They get out of there but there is some problem with the warp drive. It turns out to be a Gorn lose on the ship and there is a brief bit where Archer has to fight it, and even has a clever gag were he turns up the grav plating trapping the reptile. Moving on though they rendezvous with a badly outnumbered Starfleet vessel and save the day by destroying the entire opposing fleet. But when the admiral comes on board it is clear he plans to take the glory from Archer so he is killed. T'Pol, Phlox and the Vulcan first officer of the other ship all start plotting to destroy the Defiant. But Archer is suspicious they might be up to something and sends all aliens except Phlox to the other ship. Phlox knocks out power as the other ship attacks but Trip manages to stop him and gets power going just in time for Archer to destroy the NX class vessel. That night he and Hoshi are celebrating, but when she gives him wine he starts choking and dies of poison as she starts making out with Travis. On the bridge she contacts the head of starfleet with the news that she is the new Empress of the Terran Empire.

         Review: Could have used some work on a better story, but fun all around. Glad they got one last crack at the mirror.

6 out of 10