The Good: Character, Acting, Humor
The Bad: Plot is somewhat thin
The Basics: In a strangely important episode in the overall series, Rom leads a worker's revolt at Quark's Bar, inspiring the Ferengi Commerce Authority to send in Brunt.
One of the characterizations in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine that took a little while to become complete was Quark. He begins the series as a shifty character that is an adversary to Odo and it seems his only purpose is to make money and try to outwit the station's security chief. By this point in the series, late season four, it becomes clear that Quark is more than that. He is the embodiment of Ferengi society and capitalism. As a result, he is socially and economically conservative in some ways and his exploitative Ferengi instincts are revealed to be pretty much the peak of the culture he is a product of.
In "Bar Association," Quark's social conservatism comes into conflict with his Ferengi and non-Ferengi workers who decide to unionize. Rom, suffering from an ear disorder that could have been fatal if left untreated longer, decides to lead a rebellion against Quark's tyrannical business policies. Guided by Chief O'Brien and encouraged by Leeta, Rom stands firm against the business practices which exploit the workers of Quark's Bar. And he appears near victory when Brunt, the FCA liquidator, returns to aid Quark . . .
"Bar Association" is a strange little episode that crosses the lines of being part of the main b-plot of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine to be an essential episode. The events of this episode set up the penultimate episode of season four, they change Rom's status on the station and they form an important relationship between Rom and Leeta which will have lasting effects. It's surprising how such a seemingly small and singularly focused episode could branch out in so many important ways.
The downsides of this episode are twofold. The first is that the plot is stretched a little bit thin. The idea of a union is not an old one and several places do a great take on the story of the starting of unions and how they evolved (Cradle Will Rock stands out in my mind). So, "Bar Association" feels a little forced trying to keep the plot tight, with O'Brien and Worf getting in on the a-plot and that seems somewhat awkward. It has the feeling of taking a somewhat minor issue and blowing it up for an hour into something larger than it truly is.
This is somewhat deceptive, though and it leads to the second problem. With the plot feeling it's stretched so thin and primarily dealing with an issue of waning importance when applied to our lives now, "Bar Association" has the feeling of being a rather unimportant episode, when that is not the case. This feels like an occasionally silly, somewhat pompous and ethically obvious episode that it seems almost like a distraction from the main plots. Instead, it is progressively moving things forward in a way that does not feel like it has the magnitude that it actually does. But Rom's character here becomes increasingly more vital and the sacrifices Quark makes will have repercussions for seasons to come.
In contrast to the feeling of unimportance of the plot and issue, the character development in "Bar Association" is right on. Rom has been steadily developing from an idiot and simpleton into a technical genius who is simply lacking in confidence and self-expression. So here, Rom is coming into his own and this is a piece that makes him feel vital and important and it sets up the believability of future developments with the character, especially in his new field and with the potential for a relationship with Leeta.
As well, the characters of Quark and O'Brien have a chance to expand. O'Brien, who has been Deep Space Nine's working stiff since day one, illustrates his profound appreciation for that role by exploring his heritage of unionism in his family. In contrast, Quark becomes the symbol of capitalism and Ferengi society, delving even deeper into the psyche of a character who not only believes in free enterprise, but the deepest portions of strict capitalism and the enforcement of those principles through the codified Rules of Acquisition. Here Quark is not simply some ridiculous villain, but rather an embodiment of capitalist culture and ideology, without becoming a caricature or losing his actual characterization.
And that's a tough bit to balance, but actor Armin Shimerman once again illustrates his prowess and earns his paycheck. Shimerman manages to be intelligent, funny and create a real set of principles for Quark without ever seeming at all to be a parody or step out of the role. He's quite talented and "Bar Association" does a great job showing off his range. In "Bar Association," Shimerman deadpans, acts surprised, convinces us he is nearly critically wounded and always portrays a sense of thought behind Quark's eyes.
But Shimerman is not the only one to illustrate the quality of his acting. Jeffery Combs, who reappears as Brunt from "Family Business" (reviewed here!) comes through with a great portrayal full of menace and loathing. Chase Masterson's return to the series is similarly pleasant. But the one who steals the scenes is Max Grodenchik. Grodenchik has the opportunity to expand Rom and here he plays him with a courage that has not been evident in the past and he makes it work. Here he rises to the occasion of moving the episode well.
This is an episode that is easy to recommend to anyone interested in the plight of workers or unions and it has a good deal of both humor and menace that makes it enjoyable to watch. Part of the essential Star Trek: Deep Space Nine for its character development and certain elements of the plot, this is ultimately worthwhile.
[Knowing that VHS is essentially a dead medium, it's worth looking into Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - The Complete Fourth Season on DVD, which is also a better economical choice than buying the VHS. Read my review of the turnaround season by clicking here!
Thanks!]
6/10
For other Star Trek episode reviews, in order from best to worst, please be sure to visit my index page on the subject by clicking here!
© 2012, 2007, 2003 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.
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