Similitude (Star Trek: Enterprise)

Connor Trinneer

10th episode of the 3rd season of Star Trek: Enterprise

{{Infobox | templatestyles = Infobox television episode/styles.css | bodyclass = ib-tv-episode vevent

| aboveclass = summary | above = "Similitude"

| headerclass = summary | autoheaders = yes

| subheaderclass = nowrap | subheader = Star Trek: Enterprise episode

| image = {{#if:|[[File:{{{image}}}|image=|size=|sizedefault=frameless|upright=1|alt=}} | caption =

| labelstyle = white-space: nowrap;

| label1 = Episode no. | data1 = Season 3
Episode 10

| class2 = plainlist | label2 = Directed by | data2 = LeVar Burton

| class3 = plainlist | label3 = Written by | data3 = Manny Coto

| class4 = plainlist | label4 = Story by | data4 =

| class5 = plainlist | label5 = Teleplay by | data5 =

| label6 = Based on | data6 =

| class7 = plainlist | label7 = Narrated by | data7 =

| class8 = plainlist | label8 = Presented by | data8 =

| class9 = plainlist | label9 = Featured music | data9 = Velton Ray Bunch

| class10 = plainlist | label10 = Cinematography by | data10 =

| class11 = plainlist | label11 = Editing by | data11 =

| class12 = plainlist | label12 = Production code | data12 = 310

| class13 = plainlist | label13 = Original air date | data13 =

| label14 = Running time | data14 =

| header15 = Guest appearance

| class16 = ib-tv-episode-guests | data16 =

| header17 = _BLANK_

| data18 =

| class30 = noprint | header30 = Episode chronology

| rowclass31 = noprint | data31 =

style="width: 100%; display: inline-table;"

← Previous "North Star"

Next → "Carpenter Street"

| rowclass32 = noprint | data32 =

| belowclass = noprint | below = List of Star Trek: Enterprise episodes

}}

"Similitude" is the tenth episode of the third season of the American science fiction television series Star Trek: Enterprise. The episode originally aired on November 19, 2003, on the UPN network. It was written by Manny Coto and directed by LeVar Burton.

Plot

In this episode, the crew of the starship Enterprise faces a critical situation when Commander Trip Tucker is severely injured and falls into a coma. Captain Jonathan Archer is faced with a moral dilemma when Dr. Phlox suggests creating a clone of Trip to harvest neural tissue necessary to save his life.

The clone, named Sim, rapidly ages and develops memories and emotions similar to Trip's. As Sim grows, he forms bonds with the crew, particularly with Sub-commander T'Pol. However, Sim is aware that his life is temporary and that he was created solely to save Trip. The ethical implications of Sim's existence and the decision to sacrifice him for Trip's survival are central themes of the episode.

Production

"Similitude" was directed by LeVar Burton, who is well-known for his role as Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation. The episode was written by Manny Coto, who joined the writing staff of Star Trek: Enterprise in its third season.

Reception

"Similitude" received positive reviews from critics and fans alike. It was praised for its emotional depth and the ethical questions it raised. The performances of the cast, particularly Connor Trinneer as Trip/Sim, were also highlighted.

Themes

The episode explores themes of ethics, identity, and the value of life. It raises questions about the morality of creating life for the purpose of saving another and the rights of a being created under such circumstances.

See also

• Star Trek: Enterprise (season 3)
• List of Star Trek: Enterprise episodes
• Star Trek: Enterprise