Reports indicate that the NX-01 will interact with a strange sentient lifeform, which communicates via the language of music. The non-corporeal entity will borrow a staple of the STAR TREK plot barrel and travel from crewmember to crewmember, bringing song and dance to each character in an effort to make communication. While the musical genre is traditionally characterized by song routines that seem a natural part of the narrative universe, ENTERPRISE will attempt to push the envelope by having the alien influence provide the impetus for choreographed numbers all over the ship, and the characters very much aware of the phenomenon.

Reached for comment, co-creator and executive producer Brannon Braga told TrekWeb that the episode is being penned by himself and co-creator Rick Berman over the show's normal writing hiatus, to allow for an early summer shoot and the necessary post-production.

"Well, Rick and I are working on, literally, a radical departure for STAR TREK," Braga said. "We're sticking around while the rest of the staff takes a few weeks off to pen a special episode that will brilliantly characterize our new direction for season three. We're going to open the year with a STAR TREK musical, which will be a ground-breaking blend of the sci-fi and musical genres that we think will be a first in television history."

Braga says it worked for BUFFY, why not TREK?

"You know, I've never understood why so many people like BUFFY, but we figure at this point we can't lose," he admitted in a somber tone. "They had a good thing with their musical episode and if that's what it takes for ENTERPRISE to get the critical notice it deserves, then we're willing to take that plunge."

Berman agrees, saying a deal with the devil over whether STAR TREK NEMESIS would break box office records didn't pan out, so unfortunately the franchise has to own up with this musical installment.

"It's very difficult to understand exactly what happened with NEMESIS, honestly," Rick explained while sipping a Mai Tai from his office at Paramount Studios. "We thought the Devil was way off base, betting against the feature, but then it's unpredictable when dealing with Satan. We never thought we'd have to do this episode, but the Devil is hard to argue with and a deal is a deal. Besides, I think Gene Roddenberry would be pleased with what we're doing, it's truly going to reduce the barriers between sci-fi and Broadway in ways Gene couldn't possibly have imagined."

A high point for the episode is expected to be star Scott Bakula, a seasoned stage musical performer, singing a duet with Jolene Blalock about the sexual tension that's been present ever since 2002's "A Night in Sickbay."

Says Braga, "We're going to get into sensual territory that you just can't touch in the normal format. When you see these two characters--one whose emotions are utterly repressed--singing this romantic piece you'll really get to the heart of their feelings."

That sensuality will also stretch into another corner of TREKdom, which many fans have clamored for over the years.

"'Stigma' was supposed to be our gay episode, but we sort of copped out," Berman says. "So we're taking this opportunity to let feelings amongst our characters out into the open in a way that wouldn't be possible normally. When you see the chemistry that Connor Trinneer and Dominic Keating have together during an intimate tap dance number, you'll be amazed."

The producers really wanted to delve into alien musical traditions in the episode, but Braga told us that continuity prevented a foray into Klingon opera.

"We so much wanted to have someone singing Klingon opera, but then we figured at this time in STAR TREK history our relations with the Klingons aren't very solid and our knowledge of their culture is too limited to allow someone to know Klingon opera," he reasons. "So instead, we've taken the opportunity to right a wrong that's long been a part of TREK--the lack of rock 'n roll. We want to elevate rock 'n roll to to its rightful place in history, as a major cultural influence on human society. So we're trying to license a Van Halen song to have Phlox sing in his segment--Phlox is the natural person to have become an aficiando on 80's metal. I think it'll be pretty funny to have him singing 'Somebody Get Me a Doctor', and as an added bonus, we're getting David Lee Roth to guest as the alien at the end of the show; we figure he can just show up and the make-up and costume departments can take the day off."

Berman says he believes Braga knows what he's doing.

"I thought I was in tune with pop culture in the 80's, I mean, I was in my thirties, but I don't know who this 'Van Halen' is. Brannon assures me they were a pretty big rock group. I suggested getting Elvis, but apparently he's dead, so obviously that wouldn't work."

According to Braga, the episode isn't named yet but several possibilities abound.

"We're throwing around ideas, yeah," the exec says. "We've thought of 'Deus Ex Melody'--that's latin, you know, for God from music, which sort of plays into this whole notion of spontaneous song and dance routines caused by an alien force. Another idea is 'New Chicago', which we think might be a cool continuity nod to an Earth colony while tying in with the Oscar-winning film."

TrekWeb wishes all our readers, even the much-maligned Rick and Brannon, a festive April Fool's Day!