This episode attempts to be a very classic example of what makes Star Trek rather unique -- on one level a straight forward science fiction show, but on a second level a program that addresses some very real and very interesting philosophical dilemmas that humanity either currently face, or might face, given certain conditions that our science and technology might someday present. This formula only works, however, when the writers of the episode understand the topic they are attempting to address. This story idea was really good and, as the current rating reflects (currently at 8.0), it is still, if only superficially, a pretty well produced episode. But, for many viewers who are knowledgeable of evolution and/or ethics, the fact that the writers really messed up both the science and the ethical philosophy that underlies the actions taken by Phlox and Archer, it makes this story rather contrived and hollow, and the conclusion rather ludicrous (e.g. since Phlox doesn't have a sound understanding of evolution and both characters reach a rather naive and unethical decision in the finale...under the misguided claim that they are making a hard, but ethical, decision). These problems don't kill the episode for many, but it certainly did for me.