A sequel film to Star Trek: Enterprise is the best way to pay respects

When it comes to the series that took the most heat from the audience, yet deserved the least, it's arguably Star Trek: Enterprise. The series was, at the time, the first story ever told in the Star Trek timeline. Set hundreds of years before Jean-Luc Picard, Enterprise follows Jonathan Archer and the crew of the NX-01 Enterprise. The first Warp 5 capable ship in Starfleet history.

Throughout the series run, we explored the war between the Andorians and Vulcans, as well as the mysterious Xindii who harbored issues with the burgeoning Federation. All while a mysterious presence from the future raged a time-war with Archer and his alies.

It was a riveting show and one that had so much potential. Yet, right when the series was about to explore the Federation and Romulan war, and a potential William Shatner return to the franchise, the series was canceled. A potential season, which was filled with promise and potential, never saw the light of day.

In fact, the series is arguably the one with the worst finale of all time too. Instead of telling one final grand story, William Riker and Deanna Troi explored the events of the era through a holo-deck program. Taking away any agency and intrigue the characters had left.

It was a dower note for such a marvelous and under-loved show. Yet, hope rings anew with the way of classic Star Trek stories and ideas are being revisited within the Nu Trek Era of the series. Jean-Luc Picard was brought back for one final story, while the lost captain that was Captain Christopher Pike, now has his own show with Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Kathryne Janeway returned to the series, while Star Trek: Discovery tried to bridge the gab between Enterprise and the show that would spin off to begin Strange New Worlds. Now, a film is further exploring that timeline with the upcoming Paramount+ exclusive film, Section 31.

With all of this revisiting and further exploring of established lore, why not give Star Trek: Enterprise but in a film form? ScreenRant recently gave credit to Star Trek: Strange New Worlds for making the Enterprise series more "important" but that show can only give so much extra credence to the 20+-year-old series.

Instead of trying to shoehorn in callbacks and cameos, why not just make a follow-up film set 20 years after the events of Enterprise? You could have Jonathan "Tripp" Tucker be revealed as alive and a spy for (or against) the Federation. Faking his death to fulfill his mission. Now, 20 years later, he's returned to confront Jonathan Archer for better or for worse.

It could be the two reliving the past 20 years through flashbacks, revealing to one another how things played out when the other wasn't around. It's a solid idea, but it may not be the only one that works. There are probably dozens if not hundreds of ideas. With such a wealth of potential, why not give fans what they want and close out Enterprise's story on a high note while you still can?