Star Trek: Enterprise (TV Series)

Dear Doctor (2002)

Scott Bakula: Capt. Jonathan Archer

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Quotes 

• Captain Jonathan Archer : Someday... my people are going to come up with some sort of a doctrine, something that tells us what we can and can't do out here, should and shouldn't do. But until somebody tells me that they've drafted that directive... I'm going to have to remind myself every day... that we didn't come out here to play God.

• [Archer realizes that the Valakians don't have the expertise to develop a warp engine on their own] 

  Captain Jonathan Archer : We could... stay and help them.

  Sub-Commander T'Pol : The Vulcans stayed to help Earth ninety years ago. We're still there.

  Captain Jonathan Archer : I never thought I'd say this, but... I'm beginning to understand how the Vulcans must have felt.

• Captain Jonathan Archer : A cure, Doctor? Have you found a cure?

  Dr. Phlox : [after some hesitation]  Even if I could find one, I'm not sure it would be ethical.

  Captain Jonathan Archer : Ethical?

  Dr. Phlox : We'd be interfering with an evolutionary process that has been going on for thousands of years.

  Captain Jonathan Archer : Every time you treat an illness, you're interfering. That's what doctors do.

  Dr. Phlox : You're forgetting about the Menk.

  Captain Jonathan Archer : What about the Menk?

  Dr. Phlox : I've been studying their genome as well, and I have seen evidence of increasing intelligence - motor skills, linguistic abilities. Unlike the Valakians, they appear to be in the process of an evolutionary awakening. It may take millennia; but the Menk have the potential to become the dominant species on this planet.

  Captain Jonathan Archer : And that won't happen as long as the Valakians are around?

  Dr. Phlox : If the Menk are to flourish, they need an opportunity to survive on their own.

  Captain Jonathan Archer : Well, what are you suggesting? We choose... one species over the other?

  Dr. Phlox : All I'm saying is that we let nature make the choice.

  Captain Jonathan Archer : The hell with nature. You're a doctor. You have a moral obligation to help people who are suffering.

  Dr. Phlox : [firmly]  I'm also a scientist; and I'm obligated to consider the larger issues. 35,000 years ago, your species co-existed with other humanoids, isn't that correct?

  Captain Jonathan Archer : [sighs]  Go ahead.

  Dr. Phlox : What if an alien race had interfered and given the Neanderthals an evolutionary advantage? Fortunately for you, they didn't.

  Captain Jonathan Archer : I appreciate your perspective on all of this. But we're talking about something that might happen. *Might* happen thousands of years from now. They've asked for our help. I am not prepared to walk away, based on a theory.

  Dr. Phlox : Evolution is more than a theory. It is a fundamental scientific principle. Forgive me for saying so - but I believe your compassion for these people is affecting your judgment.

  Captain Jonathan Archer : My compassion guides my judgment.

  Dr. Phlox : Captain...

  Captain Jonathan Archer : Can you find a cure?

  [Phlox hesitates] 

  Captain Jonathan Archer : Doctor?

  Dr. Phlox : [after a long pause]  I already have.

• Dr. Phlox : Denobulans require very little rest, unless you count our annual hibernation cycle.

  Captain Jonathan Archer : Am I gonna be without my doctor this winter?

  Dr. Phlox : Only for six days.

  Captain Jonathan Archer : Maybe I'll join you.

• Captain Jonathan Archer : [When the Valakian requests warp capability so they can seek help on their own]  You may not find that everyone you meet wants to help you.