The Good: Good plot, Moments of performance, Special effects
The Bad: Comparatively light on character development.
The Basics: The Dominion War comes to its biggest battle as the Dominion tries to bring down the minefield and the Federation moves to stop them!
One of the aspects of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine that I absolutely love is how the story continues to build and build and build and the payoff is never bad. No, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine is one of those shows that almost constantly gets better and better and better right through the end of the series. Even so, the show has peaks and valleys in the episode quality, but one of the last overwhelming peaks comes at the end of the first Dominion War arc. That peak is a perfect episode entitled “Sacrifice Of Angels.” “Sacrifice Of Angels” would not be possible – it would not reach perfection – were it not for the set-up episode, “Favor The Bold.”
“Favor The Bold” is a nice set-up episode and it creates a strong dramatic tension that makes it virtually impossible to not watch “Sacrifice Of Angels.” Moreover, it sets the climax of the Dominion War story up beautifully, in a way that gets much of the pesky plot exposition out of the way to leave the next episode uncluttered for viewers. On its own, “Favor The Bold” is an impressive transition piece and it leaves the viewer with the very real feeling that something bad is about to happen.
With the Dominion forces aboard Terok Nor working desperately to take down the minefield that is guarding the Wormhole and Rom imprisoned for attempting to stop them, things look bleak aboard the space station. When Jake is able to use Morn to get the information of the impending collapse of the Alpha Quadrant’s best defense to his father, Sisko and Admiral Ross make their case to StarFleet brass. With Worf and Martok dispatched to get Klingon forces to commit to retaking Deep Space Nine, the Federation prepares for an assault that could determine the outcome of the war.
But aboard Terok Nor, Weyoun is cautious, denying Kira’s appeal to have Rom’s execution prevented. As Kira works to save Rom’s life and prevent the minefield from coming down, she is frustrated to realize that Odo has given up, devoting his time and attention to the Female Shapeshifter instead.
“Favor The Bold” is engaging and it finally puts Sisko in a powerful leadership role as an engaged captain in the Star Trek universe. For sure, he has had impressive missions and plenty of character long before “Favor The Bold.” But in this episode, he becomes a leader who is able to fearlessly command and his presence just gets bigger and bigger as the episode goes on. Sisko moves from administrator to warrior over the course of the series and in “Favor The Bold,” there is something of a recap as he negotiates with Admirals and then takes the lead. The introduction of his plan is entertaining and “Favor The Bold” opens well. Despite Sisko taking charge, there are great moments where he and Dax interact to remind the viewer that they have a fun relationship, even in the midst of this horrible war.
The nice thing about “Favor The Bold” is that it plays off the whole richness of the Deep Space Nine corner of the Star Trek universe. As Sisko assembles his fleet and takes control of the Defiant, Kira works to stop the Dominion from aboard the station. Odo is off doing his own thing and Rom is in the most dire situation we have seen him in yet. Nog even gets a promotion, which is pretty cool and the sense that everyone has something going on makes the episode feel very real.
Moreover, “Favor The Bold” takes the time to flesh out the villains exceptionally well. Seen entirely at odds with one another, Dukat and Weyoun plan for the assault upon the station by sending a massive fleet to intercept Sisko’s. Designed to prevent the fighting from ever getting to Terok Nor, Dukat is presented as a smart tactician worthy of leading the Cardassians. There is no hint of Dukat as comic relief and when he interacts with Damar, Dukat has real depth to him.
Ultimately, though, “Favor The Bold” is a transition episode and it captures the crews moving toward an incredible event. The episode only suffers in that it ends right at the moment the much-anticipated conflict actually begins!
[Knowing that VHS is essentially a dead medium, it's worth looking into Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - The Complete Sixth Season on DVD, which is also a better economical choice than buying the VHS. Read my review of the penultimate season by clicking here!
Thanks!]
9/10
For other Star Trek episodes, please be sure to visit my index page on the subject by clicking here!
© 2012 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.
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