What Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Leaves Behind Is A Perfect Finale With “What You Leave Behind!”

The Good: Engaging acting, Wonderful character work, Great plot, Decent effects
The Bad: Reuse of special effects.
The Basics: Despite some recycled special effects sequences, “What You Leave Behind” finishes the televised saga of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine!


As Star Trek: The Next Generation wanted viewers to know, “all good things come to an end.” With Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, it’s all about “What You Leave Behind!” “What You Leave Behind” is the series finale of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and it is the least self-contained finale in the Star Trek franchise. Every other series of Star Trek, one may easily watch the pilot and finale back to back and have, at the very least, an understanding of what is going on. With Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, which was much more of a serialized television show, that is not the case. “What You Leave Behind” is essentially the tenth part of a single, long story arc.

Actually, “What You Leave Behind” is the culmination of years worth of stories and character development. It is the climax to a war story, a fierce character conflict, a rebellion, everything but the resolution to a diplomatic nightmare. Despite my considering “What You Leave Behind” to be a perfect episode and one of the top ten episodes of Star Trek Deep Space Nine, “What You Leave Behind” has two problems for people who are detail-oriented. The first is that the mission that Sisko had is not achieved; “What You Leave Behind” does not culminate with the Bajorans joining the Federation. Despite having a decent build-up, like Colonel Kira in a StarFleet uniform for several of the episodes that precede “What You Leave Behind,” the final leap is never made. The other niggling problem is that director Allan Kroeker recycles space battle footage from earlier episodes in “What You Leave Behind.” As much as “What You Leave Behind” should have gone out with a bang, there are troublingly reused sequences, most notably from “Sacrifice Of Angels.”

Outside those two things, which are somewhat nitpicky (especially the first one, at least in the context of the episode!), “What You Leave Behind” is damn near perfect. It is easily the best finale of the Star Trek franchise.

The morning of the united Federation, Klingon and Romulan assault on the Dominion forces in the Alpha Quadrant, Dr. Bashir wakes up in bed with Ezri while O’Brien and his family pack. As the war looks to be coming to a conclusion, O’Brien has decided to move his family back to Earth as he takes a teaching position. On Cardassia Prime, Kira, Damar, and Garak continue to lead a civilian uprising against the Dominion forces. When Jem’Hadar forces storm Mila’s house, killing Garak’s remaining family, he is enraged. As the battle along the Dominion Front is joined, things look grim for the allies until the Cardassians turn against the Breen. Meanwhile, on Bajor, Kai Winn and Anjohl Tennan (Gul Dukat as a Bajoran) are reunited, with Tennan’s eyesight restored by the Pah-wraiths. They begin their journey to the firecaves in order to release the pah-wraiths.

With the Cardassians rising up in the street, the Dominion forces start slaughtering Cardassian citizens wholesale as they fortify their position. With the absolute annihilation of an entire city, the Dominion appears desperate. Damar, Garak and Kira storm the Dominion’s central command post as the space fleet advances. At Cardassia Prime, the fleets are locked in a stalemate when Odo proposes a solution to end the war. Beaming down and linking with the Female Shapeshifter, brings an end to hostilities, but it comes with a price.

The Dominion War over, celebrations break out on Deep Space Nine and the crew spends a last night together before Odo, O’Brien and Worf plan to depart the station. But amid the revelries, Sisko is visited by the Prophets and called to the firecaves for a final battle between Dukat, Winn and himself!

The two-hour series finale of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine is interesting in that it takes the opposite form of the series premiere, “Emissary” (reviewed here!). While that episode worked its way out from Commander Sisko into a larger universe, “What You Leave Behind” cuts back the big conflicts until only the battle between Sisko and Dukat remains. The culmination of the Dominion War is a necessary plot change, but the resulting battle between Sisko and Dukat is operatic and character-driven. It also has a somewhat refreshing sense of finality to it, which fits in with the darker themes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

One of the nice things about “What You Leave Behind” is that all of the main characters get their moment. Ezri and Bashir appear ready to start a real relationship, which helps motivate Worf’s decision to join Martok on the Klingon Homeworld. Quark manages to get the last line of the series, Kassidy Yates appears for a decent pregnancy moment and Jake Sisko is vital to the final, heartbreaking image of the series (I swear, I’ve never made it through the finale without crying!). “What You Leave Behind” gives Kira her leadership moments, Odo his heroic and humanistic moment, Damar his chance to lead, and Sisko his chance to make peace with the conflicted aspects of his responsibilities (to StarFleet and to Bajor). Even Nog gets a moment.

One of the most compelling moments of the episode actually comes from Garak. With eight hundred million dead on Cardassia, Garak is in shock and his final scene with Bashir actually hints at the potential that Garak might take his own life in the future (which, based on a convention I once had with actor Andrew Robinson at a convention, is what the actor was actually going for in the scene!). “What You Leave Behind” is chock full of character moments and fans still gush over the scene in Vic’s where they can pick out actors, producers and the like out of make-up in the background!

“What You Leave Behind” finds the actors working at the top of their games. Nana Visitor and Casey Biggs bring their characters of Kira and Damar to the point where they are compelling leaders. Louise Fletcher gets the chance to play Kai Winn as delightfully maniacal and Marc Alaimo pushes Dukat over the line to full-fledged villain once again! The episode is a delight to watch for the quality of all of the performers. Avery Brooks manages to have Sisko’s character seem like a religious icon – like Sisko was supposed to have been all along. And without a word, Nana Visitor and Cirroc Lofton see the series off in a way that creates a beautiful, sad, finite end to the series.

We can ask for nothing more.

[Knowing that the season is a much better investment, it's worth looking into Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - The Complete Seventh Season on DVD, which provides the full story for the conclusion to the series. Read my review of the final season by clicking here!
Thanks!]

10/10

For other Star Trek episode, DVD and season reviews, be sure to visit my Star Trek Index Page for an organized listing of all the Star Trek reviews I have written!

© 2012 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.
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Perfection In The Final Arc Of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Arrives With “The Changing Face Of Evil!”

The Good: Effects, Plot, Character aspects, Acting, Everything!
The Bad: I’m not wild about the reuse of special effects footage, but it doesn’t detract from the episode enough to downrate it.
The Basics: When the Breen make an all-out assault as allies of the Dominion, the Federation and its allies face defeat like never before in “The Changing Face Of Evil!”


It is almost inarguable among fans of the Star Trek franchise that the series that went out on the highest note was Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Building up to its conclusion, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine became a masterful work of great storytelling that led to the end of a vast number of characters. That final arc would not have had the endurance it did if it lacked perfect episodes. The first perfect episode in the nine-part arc is “The Changing Face Of Evil.”

“The Changing Face Of Evil” follows very closely on the heels of “Strange Bedfellows” (reviewed here!) and is the episode where the final sides are drawn for the remainder of the series. It is in “The Changing Face Of Evil” that Damar rises up to save Cardassia, Winn commits to freeing the Pah-wraiths and the Chintoka System falls to the Dominion forces, led by the Breen. More than simply having wonderful plot aspects, “The Changing Face Of Evil” helps define the characters better and set them on arcs that will see them through to their final moments in the series. “The Changing Face Of Evil” has everything a fan could want from an episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine!

With Ezri and Worf back on Deep Space Nine, things are looking for up for the allies against the Dominion. Unfortunately, the station receives word that the Breen have assaulted Earth. With StarFleet Headquarters in flames, the allying of the Breen and the Dominion spreads throughout the galaxy. With Weyoun suspecting that Damar doubted the Dominion, Damar begins to lay the seeds of dissension between the Breen and the Dominion. Damar quietly lays a framework with Gul Rusot to rebel against the Dominion.

On Bajor, Kai Winn and Anjohl Tennan begin their study of the apparently blank Book Of The Kosst Amojan to learn how to release the Pah-wraiths from the Bajoran firecaves. When the Breen retake the Chintoka System, the Federation, Klingons and Romulans take a stand to liberate the one foothold they had within Dominion space. But the attempt to liberate the Chintoka System leads to a devastating loss for the allied forces. As the fate of the Alpha Quadrant looks grim for everyone, an unlikely hero rises up and cuts the Dominion where they hurt!

Recently, my wife noted that when I like something, I am not overly fond of pointing out faults with the work. I objected, but ever since, I have been making an effort to find any fault I could with things I love. “The Changing Face Of Evil” reuses footage from “Tears Of The Prophet” (reviewed here!). The special effects are altered to include Breen ships, but still “The Changing Face Of Evil” does not have completely new special effects sequences. As well, following the disastrous assault on the Chintoka System, the Female Changeling leaves the escape pods intact without destroying them. While the writers of “The Changing Face Of Evil,” Hans Beimler and Ira Steven Behr, explain the change in tactics well-enough, the initial ruthlessness of the Dominion is diminished by the fact that the Dominion has, in the past, instilled fear simply by killing everyone. The change in tactic in “The Changing Face Of Evil” is interesting, if a bit plot-convenient (namely to save every character the viewer cares about).

“The Changing Face Of Evil” is otherwise flawless and I tend to argue that it is a perfect episode. The plot is engaging and “The Changing Face Of Evil” has one of the big surprises in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The battle for the Chintoka System features a gut-wrenching moment for fans of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine that was, nicely, not spoiled prior to the episode’s release. Moreover, the progression with Damar’s character arc makes for compelling viewing.

In fact, it is hard to think of a perfect episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine that has so many things happen, yet manages to develop the characters so well. In “The Changing Face Of Evil,” Damar falls off the fence into action and when he takes a stand finally, it is compelling in a way that he has not been before. Standing as a legitimate leader of Cardassia, Legate Damar is compelling in a way that he never has been before now. Who would ever have guessed that Damar could close an episode the way he does in “The Changing Face Of Evil?!”

The acting in “The Changing Face Of Evil” is universally excellent. As Louise Fletcher redefines Kai Winn, she and Marc Alaimo play off one another very well. “The Changing Face Of Evil” marks the final appearance of James Otis and his brief role in the final arc of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine is memorable and as his character meets his fate, it is his delivery of his lines that makes the viewer feel like the character is compelling.

As for the rest of the cast, by this point in the series, the primary cast knows their roles flawlessly and they execute them that way in “The Changing Face Of Evil.” It all adds up to a perfect episode. “The Changing Face Of Evil” escalates the Dominion War and puts the heroes in their worst position yet and it makes the final arc a series one feels compelled to watch!

[Knowing that the season is a much better investment, it's worth looking into Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - The Complete Seventh Season on DVD, which provides the full story for the conclusion to the series. Read my review of the final season by clicking here!
Thanks!]

10/10

For other Star Trek reviews, be sure to visit my Star Trek Episode Review Page for an organized listing of all the episodes, movies and seasons I have reviewed!

© 2012 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.

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The Final Arc Of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Moves Closer To Perfection With “Strange Bedfellows!”

The Good: Excellent acting, Engaging plot, Good character work, Decent special effects
The Bad: Sisko’s character work.
The Basics: “Strange Bedfellows” is an engaging episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine that rockets the final arc of the series in a fast-paced direction.


As Star Trek: Deep Space Nine entered its final arc, the risk that the writers and producers took with a serialized story was mitigated when the series began to move at a faster pace. With the main plot threads in place from the first two episodes in the arc, “Strange Bedfellows” arrived as a chance for the arc to truly launch and it did. In fact, “Strange Bedfellows” is an almost-perfect episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and it leads into an exceptional episode.

In fact, the only real problem with “Strange Bedfellows” comes with the Sisko character. That issue comes from a strange ignorance of the Sisko character’s history. Sisko, as most viewers know, started the series as a widower. In “Emissary” (reviewed here!), viewers watched as Sisko was forced to leave his dead wife. Sisko was married before and he is married now to Kassidy Yates. Yet, for some strange reason, writer Ronald D. Moore seems to forget that in the interactions Sisko has with Martok. Martok, who has been married the entire series and whose wife we only see once, acts as an expert on marriage and Sisko stumbles along listening to him as if he has never been married before this point.

That doesn’t work.

It is the only thing in “Strange Bedfellows” that does not work.

With Ezri and Worf turned over to the Dominion as a gift by the Breen, the Female Changeling works hard to maintain her form and conclude negotiations with the Breen. As the ship heads back to Cardassia, tensions begin to rise between Damar and Weyoun. Damar, irked at treaty concessions that give the Breen Cardassian territory and the Dominion not reinforcing Cardassian troops besieged on Septimus III, begins to solidify his dislike for the Dominion and its leadership. As Sisko and Kassidy get used to living with one another, Dukat (still disguised as a Bajoran) manipulates Kai Winn and Worf and Dax end up as prisoners on Cardassia.

As the two officers await their scheduled execution, Worf manages to kill Weyoun. When the next incarnation of Weyoun arrives, Damar makes a choice that will change everything. On Bajor, the Pah-wraiths reveal themselves to Kai Winn and Anjohl Tennan and Kai Winn makes her choice as who she will serve.

“Strange Bedfellows” seems like it would not be a great standalone episode, but it truly works. After the exceptional closing moment of “’Til Death Do Us Part” (reviewed here!), “Strange Bedfellows” picks up in a great way. The episode, despite having problems with the characterization of Sisko, is impressive in the way it uses the characters of Worf, Dax, Winn and Damar. Worf, who has the longest character arc in the Star Trek franchise, is forced to wrestle with the idea that his actions with Dax when they were stranded on the planet were not entirely honorable. He wants very much to be heroic, but in “Strange Bedfellows” he has to accept that he has some pretty base needs as well. Dax, for her part, uses her time on Cardassia to differentiate herself from Jadzia. In “Strange Bedfellows,” she comes to accept that she has romantic feelings for Bashir.

As for Kai Winn, in “Strange Bedfellows,” her arc takes the turn that makes her a full-on villain. After years of seemingly doing what she believes is to save Bajor as best she can, Winn here takes her ambitions to the next level. In “Strange Bedfellows” Winn commits to doing the wrong thing, advancing her own career instead of fighting for the soul of Bajor. This will frame her in the rest of the episodes, but in “Strange Bedfellows,” the process of watching her make that choice is very compelling.

On the other side of the episode, Damar’s character growth becomes worthwhile. Damar rejects the idea that Cardassians are somehow less than other Dominion forces. In “Strange Bedfellows,” Rene Auberjonois – who directed the episode – and writer Ron Moore sell what could be one of the most cliché moments of the final arc. Damar makes the leap to take a stand and in that moment, when he sets aside his alcohol, Moore and Auberjonois land what could be a real obvious moment.

It is also Casey Biggs who sell the moment where Damar takes a stand. Casey Biggs has a pretty incredible character arc and as Damar illustrates his real love for Cardassia, Biggs gets the chance to shine as Damar. In “Strange Bedfellows,” he not only proves that Damar is a vital character, he shows that his ability to perform is exceptional. In fact, “Strange Bedfellows” has all of the actors performing at their peaks.

“Strange Bedfellows” also represents the final point in the last arc that one can reasonably jump into the series. From this point, it’s all one story and to understand those episodes, you need this one. This is part of the essential Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

[Knowing that the season is a much better investment, it's worth looking into Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - The Complete Seventh Season on DVD, which provides the full story for the conclusion to the series. Read my review of the final season by clicking here!
Thanks!]

9.5/10

For a complete listing of all the Star Trek episode, movie and season reviews, check out my specialized Index Page!

© 2012 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.

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“‘Til Death Do Us Part” Firmly Establishes The Direction Of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’s Final Arc!

The Good: Decent character work, Good plot development, Decent acting
The Bad: Attempts at humor fall a bit flat
The Basics: With “‘Til Death Do Us Part,” the final arc of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine pushes toward a resolution to the Dominion War and the Bajoran plotline!


As Star Trek: Deep Space Nine wound down, the show illustrated that it was not at all short on ambition in the storytelling department. Instead, the writers and executive producers opted to make the final arc of the series a sweeping story that would rocket to a conclusion that provided resolution for all of the main characters – and most of the supplemental characters – of the series. To accomplish that without simply seeming like they were looking to end the television series, the writers cleverly introduced new elements and brought previously minor elements from the overall series back to the forefront. With “‘Til Death Do Us Part,” the final arc takes on a new, clear direction.

It is virtually impossible to discuss “‘Til Death Do Us Part” without alluding to how “Penumbra” (reviewed here!) ended and from this point on in the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode reviews, there will be no more “spoiler alerts.” The show is headed in a direction and given the heavily-serialized nature of it, it is impossible not to reveal some aspects of the show from prior episodes. “‘Til Death Do Us Part,” in addition to picking up where “Penumbra” left off, utilizes the Breen pretty heavily. While they have been alluded to many, many times, “‘Til Death Do Us Part” marks only the second appearance of multiple Breen, after “Indiscretion” (reviewed here!). While a lone Breen was seen imprisoned with Martok and Bashir in the two-parter in the fifth season, “‘Til Death Do Us Part” represents only the second time the inscrutable race has been seen on screen en masse.

Stunned by the Prophets, specifically his own mother, telling him that he must not marry Kassidy Yates, Benjamin Sisko is dismayed and shares his vision with Jake. At that time, he is visited by Kai Winn, who wants to officiate the wedding and experiences what appears to be her first vision directly from the Prophets. Turning away from the Emissary to achieve a Restoration that the Prophets appear to demand, Winn begins waiting for a guide to reveal himself to her. Meanwhile, Ezri and Worf are tortured by the Breen and they have a difficult conversation after Ezri unconsciously indicates she has feelings for Doctor Bashir.

Elsewhere, Weyoun demands that Damar accompany him on a secret mission as Cardassia’s head of state. Before they depart, though, Damar meets one last time with Dukat, who is now surgically-altered to appear as a Bajoran. As Anjohl Tennan, Dukat arrives on Deep Space Nine and makes his way to an audience with Kai Winn, presenting himself with enough buzzwords to make her believe he is her guide from the Prophets. Throwing caution to the wind, Sisko prepares to marry Kassidy and the Prophets make one last attempt to convince him not to.

“‘Til Death Do Us Part” is a fairly plot-intensive episode and it does a lot of the heavy lifting of the final arc of establishing the major plot threads for the final chapter. It is in “‘Til Death Do Us Part” that Damar is given his final pep talk by Dukat, which inspires the change that viewers will see in subsequent episodes. This episode also connects Winn and Dukat (as Tennan) and it does not insult the viewer when it makes that connection. In fact, only the most dim viewer will not figure out that Kai Winn is being manipulated by the Pah-wraiths. The vision Winn has in “‘Til Death Do Us Part” is one provided by the Pah-wraiths and when Tennan has his audience with Winn, it is so carefully scripted as to be almost insulting. However, it works very nicely to establish the relationship between Winn and Tennan.

“‘Til Death Do Us Part” does not neglect the Dominon War, either and the final moment of the episode is a chilling revelation that, as one character promises, will change everything. With the Dominion somewhat desperate for a decisive victory over the entire Alpha Quadrant, the machinations of the Female Shapeshifter make a great deal of sense. While all of those plot elements indicate the show is going in a very finite direction, the wedding of Benjamin Sisko and Kassidy Yates implies that there will be something for the characters after the final arc is over. The implication of dire consequences to the act of marrying makes “‘Til Death Do Us Part” a rare departure for the Prophets; they are anything but noninterventionist in this episode. When they demand Sisko not marry, it is almost a redefining of the usually opaque entities.

The fact that Sisko does defy the Prophets in “‘Til Death Do Us Part” is an interesting character twist. Sisko has worked very long and very hard to accept his position as Emissary and arguably, he resists the will of the Prophets in this matter because he is still shocked from the revelation in the season premiere that his mother was, indeed, one of the Wormhole Aliens. Sisko’s resistance to Sarah’s demand in “‘Til Death Do Us Part” puts the character, arguably for the first time, in a state of balance. By not simply doing what the Prophets wants, Sisko is not going over-the-top in his acceptance of being the Emissary, which suggests that his sabbatical at the outset of the season actually had its desired effect of helping him clear his head and find the balance that had been lacking in his life.

What also works exceptionally well on the character front in “‘Til Death Do Us Part” are the characters of Kai Winn (whose given name is finally revealed as Adami) and Damar. Winn has previously been characterized as an entirely political religious figure who is out for her own self-interest and is more concerned with power and control than actual spirituality. So, in “‘Til Death Do Us Part” it seems perfectly natural that she and Tennan would hook up. After all, there was an implied relationship between Winn and Minister Jaro back in the second season of the series. So, it makes sense that after being burned by him, she would open up to a similar tactic to a man she believes was brought to her by the Prophets.

Damar in “‘Til Death Do Us Part” has a significant role as well. Now the leader of all Cardassia under an alliance with the Dominion, he has taken to drinking and is little more than a puppet for the Dominion. But his idolization of Dukat hints that he still cares and their brief shared scene in “‘Til Death Do Us Part” makes that very clear. So, “‘Til Death Do Us Part” is actually critical for the Damar character. It is in this episode that Dukat cedes any lasting influence over Damar and Damar starts down the path to actually leading all of Cardassia.

On the acting front, “‘Til Death Do Us Part” is flawless. The strength of the episode’s acting comes from the fact that all of the performers know exactly who their characters are, if not where they are going. The result is the feeling that each performer knows their marks and they hit them consistently. Only Nicole de Boer suffers some on this front in that the writers give her a few lighter lines that do not work as well as others.

Ultimately, “‘Til Death Do Us Part” is an engaging hour of television that works and holds up very well over many, many viewings. As part of the final arc, it is harder to watch as a standalone episode, but because the writers and producers are doing such a great job even at only the second episode of the arc, why would you want to watch “‘Til Death Do Us Part” on its own?!

[Knowing that the season is a much better investment, it's worth looking into Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - The Complete Seventh Season on DVD, which provides the full story for the conclusion to the series. Read my review of the final season by clicking here!
Thanks!]

9/10

Check out where this episode lands in the pantheon of Star Trek episode, movie and season reviews by visiting my specialized Star Trek Review Index Page!

© 2012 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.
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The Final Arc Begins With “Penumbra,” Rocketing Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Toward Its End!

The Good: Decent character work, Good acting, An engaging beginning
The Bad: A little light on plot.
The Basics: When Ezri goes searching for Worf and Sisko proposes to Kassidy Yates, a chain of events begins that will change the fate of the Alpha Quadrant!


I recall the sense of delight and dread with which I approached the final arc of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine when it first aired. I was so excited, because the Dominion War story was so engaging and I was eager to see what would happen to all of my favorite characters. At the same time, I felt like I was losing a constant in my life and I was strangely distraught, a feeling that comes up as I begin the final arc again as I watched “Penumbra” for review.

“Penumbra” is, unabashedly, a first chapter in a nine-part story and, thus, is not intended to stand completely on its own. Even so, the episode has everything it needs to get the viewer engaged and it truly is a reward to the fans who have been watching the series for the prior six and a half years. As a result, those who have not seen the prior episodes in the series are likely to be somewhat lost as there are aspects that can only be truly appreciated by those who know the characters involved. That said, it was with a sense of delight that I sat down to watch (and now review) “Penumbra.”

After Benjamin Sisko buys land on Bajor, he informs Kassidy that he plans to retire to Bajor when he retires and he tells her that he wants her to be with him there, which pushes their relationship forward pretty abruptly. Elsewhere, Kira announces that the ship Worf was commanding has been lost near the Badlands and when the Defiant goes to search for it, Ezri is not invited along. The Dominion forces that initially scare off the Defiant are rerouted by Weyoun and the Vorta orders Damar to get a secure subspace console installed for the Female Shapeshifter, who is suffering now from the Changeling disease. Feeling guilty about Worf being abandoned, Ezri takes off on her own for the Badlands.

Ezri’s instincts at the Badlands are good and she actually finds Worf alive. En route back to the station, where Sisko has proposed to Kassidy, Ezri and Worf are attacked and while they manage to escape to an otherwise empty planet, neither brought an emergency communications terminal and the two realize they are stranded. As the Vorta desperately search for a cure for the Founders and Sisko plans his wedding, Dukat arrives on Cardassia to ask a favor of Damar, setting into motion a series of events that will change the face of the Quadrant!

“Penumbra” puts several important pieces on the storyboard and in some places, it does little more than establish the characters as participants in the final arc. Dukat’s arrival on Cardassia, for example, does little more than put the character in play and have him surgically altered to appear Bajoran. The significance of his action or of his continued influence over Damar does not become apparent until later in the arc.

One of the things that makes “Penumbra” so good is how it takes potentially canned ideas and makes them seem fresh. Ezri, most notably, does not seem like she is stuck in a rut or acting simply as a placeholder for Jadzia in “Penumbra.” When she stands looking at the quarters Jadzia and Worf shared and the voices go through her head, it is a surprisingly powerful scene for motivating the character and it works nicely for exactly that purpose. When Ezri defies Sisko, even in the ridiculous way she does it, it feels like Ezri is coming into her own and trying very hard to live up to her own internal desires and pressures. This makes Worf’s coldness to her when she rescues him all the more hurtful. This, however, works well both within the episode and in the longer arc.

The illness within the Great Link is presented in “Penumbra” as a clear and present danger to the Founders. No longer an abstract or a suspicion, the viewer sees the Female Shapeshifter actually suffering and the seeing her with even a hint of desperation is deeply unnerving. The usually commanding Female Shapeshifter orders the death of a whole generation of Vorta scientists simply to motivate the next generation and that type of wholesale slaughter is uncommon for the usually measured character.

At the same time as all the darkness is descending upon the Star Trek Deep Space Nine universe, there is a ray of light, making “Penumbra” enjoyable. As Sisko and Kassidy move to formalizing their relationship, the viewer is given the hint that the series is coming full circle (Sisko was still a pretty fresh widower when the series began) with Sisko moving toward marriage again. More than most of the episodes that have paired Benjamin and Kassidy, “Penumbra” actually gives Avery Brooks and Penny Johnson the latitude to illustrate some chemistry for their characters and it breathes life into the episode in a way that, for example, the chemistry between Nicole de Boer and Michael Dorn, does not.

“Penumbra,” appropriately, ends with a series of bangs and the rest of the final arc is impossible to discuss without revealing where this episode ends. As a result, if you are a fan of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine who has managed to get this far without the end of the series getting spoiled for you, I highly recommend stopping here. Pick up “Penumbra” and the other eight episodes that complete the series. Don’t read the analysis ahead of time, simply enjoy the experience of immersing yourself in watching this final arc for the first time; you only get to do that once!

[Knowing that the season is a much better investment, it's worth looking into Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - The Complete Seventh Season on DVD, which provides the full story for the conclusion to the series. Read my review of the final season by clicking here!
Thanks!]

8/10

For other Star Trek episodes, please be sure to visit my Star Trek Review Index Page for an organized listing!

© 2012 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.
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The First Climax Of The Dominion War Is The Perfect "Sacrifice Of Angels!"

The Good: Plot, Character, Acting, Special effects, Everything!
The Bad: Nothing! Not a one!
The Basics: The Federation encounters the Dominion in a bloody, dangerous battle in their attempt to reclaim Deep Space Nine while Kira and her friends are imprisoned there.


It is a rare thing when a television show manages to get two perfect episodes proximate to one another when they are not simple cliffhangers. So, when the first big Dominion War arc produced two episodes that made it instantly into my Top Ten Best Episodes Of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, I was pleasantly surprised. The first of those chart-topping episodes was “Rocks And Shoals” (reviewed here!) and it might well be one of the best neglected episodes of the series. A much more obvious episode to make it into the Top Ten is “Sacrifice Of Angels” and it is absolutely perfect!

“Sacrifice Of Angels” is one of the few big episodes that stands truly well on its own, independent of the rest of the pieces it is associated with. For sure, it is a climax, but it is great television from the first frame to the last and it is one of the most intense hours in the Star Trek franchise! While I do not usually gush about special effects, the special effects in “Sacrifice Of Angels” are some of the best ever seen on television. They were so good that when the time came for me to get an HDTV (reviewed here!), I used this episode to help make the decision as to what looked best!

Picking up in the moments that ended “Favor The Bold” (reviewed here!), the Federation attack fleet squares off with a massive Dominion Fleet about an hour away from space station Deep Space Nine. With the attack underway, Sisko and the Defiant crew fight to stay alive and break through the blockade. Aboard Terok Nor, rumors abound about the destruction of the Federation fleet as Kira works to figure out one final plan to keep the last of the mines from being deactivated. When Damar arrests the members of the New Resistance, the fate of the Alpha Quadrant seems sealed with Dukat and Weyoun coordinating their defense of the station.

But when the opportunity to cut through the lines comes, Sisko and his crew take a gambit and place themselves in a position to stop the Dominion reinforcements from overrunning the Alpha Quadrant. Aboard the station, the least likely alliance is formed to rescue Kira, Rom and the others. As all out war comes, Odo is forced to make the most difficult choice of his life.

“Sacrifice Of Angels” is one of those episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine that truly has it all. The episode has high drama – there is a very significant casualty -, a real sense of danger (the sheer number of exploding ships and consoles makes the menacing implication that the Defiant may not survive the attack), moments of ecstasy, and even stray moments of humor. The moment Quark requests Ziyal’s help is very funny, as is Quark’s exchange with a pair of Jem’Hadar guards aboard Terok Nor. And amid the best space battle of the Star Trek franchise (to date), there are some truly great lines and moments of character.

This episode is set up, in many ways, as a strategic match between Captain Sisko and Gul Dukat. Just as chess is as much about evaluating the way your opponent thinks as it is the physical moves each piece may make, “Sacrifice Of Angels” explores the determination of Sisko and the hubris of Dukat. What is so enjoyable about the episode is how evenly matched the two are. Gul Dukat is not a simpleton or solely an egoist. Instead, he has a great tactical mind and he approaches the battle with that mind at its peak. In fact, one of the most impressive character aspects of “Sacrifice Of Angels” is buried as a plot point; Dukat effectively uses his forces to repel Sisko’s forces for most of the battle. It is only when Dukat changes his strategy to attempt to punish Sisko that his strategy slips at all. In other words, on his own, Sisko’s forces and willpower are not enough to overcome Dukat’s armaments and strategic mind. That is why Gul Dukat is arguably the best villain character in the Star Trek franchise!

On the heroic side, the heroes in “Sacrifice Of Angels” are the unlikely ones, as are the villains. The twists at the end are gutwrenching and difficult to watch; they get no easier with subsequent viewings. In fact, part of what makes “Sacrifice Of Angels” so good is how the producers of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine defy expectations. Sure, it’s not really a surprise which side Odo comes down on. But, it is impressive how and when he chooses. Even more impressive is how one of the other characters actually steps up to make a big character leap and that leap is not without consequences within the episode and in subsequent episodes.

As for the acting, “Sacrifice Of Angels” uses the full cast – regular and guest – cast phenomenally well. Actors like Andrew Robinson (Garak) turn their brief appearances in the episode into truly memorable and emotional experiences. Casey Biggs once again pushes the envelope of what Damar is and he makes Damar’s love and admiration of Dukat into something that is troubling to watch. He, like Andrew Robinson, uses his time on screen well and sets up future character arcs beautifully. Biggs has a surprisingly subtle quality at moments that transcends the latex his face is covered with. He emotes strongly with his eyes.

But, because so much of the episode – more than being a big special-effects driven story – is a character study of Sisko and Dukat as foil characters, much of the acting credit hinges on the performances of Marc Alaimo and Avery Brooks. Brooks is cool, commanding and strong. One of the more subtle directors notes about the episode is that after the battle is actively engaged by the Defiant, Sisko does not sit again. Brooks’s performance is best near the end when he has a surreal sequence that he must make sensible and he lands it. More than that, he is able to portray compassion remarkably well at the climax of the episode.

It is Alaimo who makes “Sacrifice Of Angels” utterly gripping to watch, though. In “Sacrifice Of Angels,” Alaimo presents the full emotional range of Gul Dukat and at the end of the episode, moments that could have been hackneyed in a lesser performer’s attempt are deeply moving. Alaimo makes Dukat villain and empathetic all in the course of forty-three minutes, truly giving viewers a performance that only went unnoticed by those who give awards because of their prejudice against genre works.

Ultimately, “Sacrifice Of Angels” is a truly great story and it is well-told with engaging characters. Truly, there is nothing better than that.

[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!]


10/10

For other Star Trek reviews, please be sure to check out my index page with an organized listing of them by clicking here!

© 2012 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.
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"Favor The Bold" Sets Up A Perfect Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Episode Exceptionally Well!

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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Odo In Judgment In “Broken Link!”

The Good: Character development, Idea, Acting, Effects, Tension
The Bad: Ending, while wonderful, feels somewhat tacked on
The Basics: When Odo is held accountable for killing a Changeling the previous year, he must return to the Founders for their particular kind of judgment in “Broken Link.”


Star Trek: Deep Space Nine had a pretty unparalleled way of having characters face the consequences of their actions. There is almost nothing that occurs that a character simply gets away with. And one character, at the end of the fourth season, still had something rather big to account for. This is the episode where he gets what is due to him.

When Odo collapses in Garak's shop, Bashir can find no distinct cause, but he does quickly determine that it will get worse and worse until Odo cannot hold a single shape any longer. Deciding to risk his crew, Sisko takes the Defiant - sans pregnant Kira - into the Gamma Quadrant to find the new Founder homeworld, figuring the Founders can save Odo. No sooner is the Defiant in the Gamma Quadrant than they are surrounded by Jem'Hadar ships and the Female Shapeshifter appears to announce Odo's condition is not random chance; he is to be judged by the Founders for killing another Changeling. And Founder justice is not to be pleasant.

It is, however, fun to watch. "Broken Link," as the episode is called, is a clever episode and a necessary one. Odo's sentencing is quick and severe and it makes a great deal of sense given the Founders and their values. Along the way, we are treated to Garak, who is along for the ride to tell Odo stories to keep his mind off his dying. One of the most frightening moments of the episode is when the Female Changeling and Garak square off, and she reveals that Cardassia has been judged and will be destroyed. It makes Garak's reaction almost understandable.

Character, in all of its forms, is at the forefront in "Broken Link." Kira is disappointed to not be able to accompany the crew, Garak is revealing more possible backstory in telling Odo stories, Bashir is desperately trying to find a cure without going to the Founders and Sisko is sticking his neck out for the officer who has caused him a great deal of friction with StarFleet. And the crew has never been closer than here, at the end of the fourth season. Deep Space Nine has become the place for outcasts and here they find the most comfort and acceptance with one another than they will find anywhere else in the galaxy. It makes for a compelling season finale.

Because of that, the "twist" at the end, which sets up the fifth season premiere, almost feels tacked on. Throughout the episode, Gowron appears to make various threats against the Federation and it comes to a head in the final scene of the season, but it is almost unnecessary. This episode does not need to be a cliffhanger and in the last thirty seconds, when it becomes one, it feels somehow cheapened.

But that's an almost overlookable flaw with "Broken Link" because of so much character and such good acting. And a lot of the quality of this episode does come down to the acting. Salome Jens once again reprises the role of the Female Changeling and she does it quite well, keeping her body language reserved and tone muted for maximum creepy effect. She seems like a saddened and vengeful leader here and it makes a great deal of sense her doing what she does. Similarly, Andrew Robinson once again gives an intriguing and convincing performance as Garak, infusing him with more mystery than ever before, making us believe in his cunning and ruthless nature.

But it is, rather naturally, Rene Auberjonois, who steals the show, which makes sense given that Odo is truly the focus of the episode. Auberjonois creates Odo in pain, which is something he has not had to do often before. Instead, here he is in more of a steady pain than an abrupt stab and Auberjonois plays Odo with a resigned quality that captures well a consistent level of discomfort. In the episode's final scenes, Rene makes Odo a character full of wonder, balancing it well with his depression over his Judgment.

Most series' could not get away with an episode that is so very much for the fans of the show, but Star Trek: Deep Space Nine does it admirably with "Broken Link." It does not try to be accessible to non-fans, it is a story that depends very much on knowledge of the significance of Odo's crime, an understanding of the Founders and their brutal need for order, and an appreciation of Garak and his unique position on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. While it may be appreciable to those who like science fiction, it will only be truly understood and enjoyed to the fullest by those who are fans of this particular Star Trek series.

[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!]


8.5/10

For other Star Trek reviews, please visit my Star Trek Review Index Page!

© 2012, 2007, 2003 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.
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Dynamic Characters Make For A Killer Episode With Deep Space Nine's "Heart Of Stone!"

The Good: Acting, Character development, Plot
The Bad: Some say the special effects
The Basics: When Kira and Odo become trapped on a lonely planet, hidden truths come out in “Heart Of Stone.”


One of the most interesting aspects of the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine is the dynamic characters. They do not simply begin with their characterization and stay that way. More than any other Star Trek series, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine explores how individuals change based on their experiences. "Heart Of Stone" is a crucial episode for two of the most important characters in the series: Security Chief Odo and the Ferengi youth Nog.

The episode opens with Odo and Kira chasing down a Maquis ship to a rogue asteroid planet that is geologically unstable. They chase the Maquis into a series of caves and rather abruptly, Kira gets her foot stuck in a liquid crystal compound which traps her. As Odo attempts to get her out unstuck, the crystal grows and begins to engulf Kira. As Odo and Kira work through their problem, back on Deep Space Nine, Nog reveals to Commander Sisko his desire to join StarFleet, which shocks all of the officers. As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that Nog is serious and both Nog and Odo reveal deeper secrets about their characters to their confessors.

One of the ironies of this episode is is that it is often neglected by the fans of the series and yet it becomes one of the most important. In interviews, actress Nana Visitor often expresses her disappointment over this episode; she was so happy when she read the script over the power of the episode and what happens to her character and with Odo's character and yet was so dismayed by the special effects in the episode. Personally, I think that she's overestimating the importance of the special effect of the crystal that is engulfing her. The truth is, "Heart Of Stone" remains one of the tightest character studies that Star Trek: Deep Space Nine ever does.

Security Chief Odo is forced to admit what many viewers have likely suspected since the second season's brilliant "Necessary Evil" (reviewed here!) and the way it is brought out over the course of this episode makes it quite realistic and entertaining. But equally important is the character journey of Nog. Nog's sudden desire to join StarFleet stems from previously unstated and unexplored actions that make absolute sense. Nog's reaction is a reasonable consequence to the constant abuse of his father, Rom by virtually every other character on the show. What makes it so smart is that "Heart Of Stone" works perfectly in the larger story, deriving from the consequences of previous character actions and resonating through the rest of the series with consequences for Odo and Nog.

Yes, despite how magnificent this episode is, it is remarkably understated and underrated. Most of the episode involves pairs of people - Odo and Kira, Nog and Sisko - simply standing around, talking quietly. But it works!

Nana Visitor's acting is astounding, especially considering that most of the episode she is robbed of use of her body. Instead of using her body language, she uses her eyes and voice to bring passion and meaning to her every line. Rene Auberjonois gives a great performance as well, in a rare moment where Odo must be completely passionate and dejected. He makes it work while still maintaining the character of Odo.

The real acting credit goes to Aron Eisenberg. Long neglected in the cast, mostly because he is a recurring guest star, Eisenberg here erupts to the forefront by making Nog something more than a juvenile delinquent. While it's easy to credit the writers, Eisenberg clearly expresses more than simply the lines with his eyes and physical bearing. He sells us on Nog being both an individual and a Ferengi and it works; never in this episode does the viewer look at Nog as a person with a lot of latex on his head. Eisenberg convinces us completely and that's what great acting is.

This is, however, essentially a character episode. It's a compelling piece where people are standing up for themselves and expressing their deepest secrets and they all fit together. What Odo has to tell Kira makes a lot of sense. We see hints of it in "Necessary Evil" and "The Search." It makes sense. Similarly, Nog's character progression makes sense, even though it is one of the biggest and best surprises the series ever goes in. His reasoning as he tells Sisko makes a world of sense.

"Heart Of Stone" is essential to the story of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, but it is not inaccessible to those who are not fans. People unfamiliar with the series will enjoy the way that the immediately interesting characters express themselves and come to their confessions. Those moments are essentially human and work well to the imagination of all viewers.

Let Nana Visitor complain about the somewhat awkward special effects in the nature of the crystal; this is not an episode about that phenomenon, it's about who these people are. It's a character piece and they dominate. And it works for the viewers. It's worth watching. Part of the essential Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

[Knowing that VHS is essentially a dead medium, it's worth looking into Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - The Complete Third Season on DVD, which is also a better economical choice than buying the VHS. Read my review of the breakout season by clicking here!
Thanks!]

9/10

For other Star Trek episode, movie and DVD set reviews, please be sure to visit the specialized index page on the subject by clicking here!

© 2011, 2007 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.
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The Last Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Episode Review You Should Read: "The Search, Part 2"

The Good: Character development!!!! Acting, Twist, Garak!
The Bad: Moments of obviousness.
The Basics: A solid episode, “The Search Part 2” is an essential Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode that is action packed and filled with character development and political intrigue. Enjoyable for all!


"The Search, Part II" changes things. The Dominion has been a threat for a year and now they are front and center. They are run by a shadow race known as the Founders and the rising question is who are the Founders. Well, you shouldn't read any reviews for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine after this one for the simple reason that they will assume - or explicitly state - who the Founders are. If you're going to watch Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, now is the time to go back and watch them up until this point. After you watch this episode, start reading reviews again.

"The Search, Part II" is a split episode. The first plotline begins where "The Search, Part I" ended, with Odo meeting his people. Finally, Odo has found other shapeshifters and they call this place they have ended up home. They express interest in Odo and challenge him to develop his shapeshifting abilities. Odo resists his urge to get carried away and is clearly torn between the life he has known and the potentials that now exist for him. Kira is with him and she is determined to get back to Deep Space Nine, a mission complicated by not being sure who survived the attack on the Defiant.

The other plot involves a beleaguered, wounded Sisko and Bashir making it back to Deep Space Nine to discover that following the crippling of the Defiant, the Dominion made contact with the Federation and now peace talks are in process involving the Dominion and many Alpha Quadrant races.

Things are not so simple as that, though. T'Ruth makes it clear that she will make an issue of the Romulans being excluded from the peace talks. Sisko's crew is being re-assigned, O'Brien is beaten up by a Jem'Hadar, and territory, including Bajor and Deep Space Nine, is being ceded to the Dominion. When the visiting Admiral Necheyev threatens Sisko, he must make a choice to mutiny.

What works is the solid formula. We know that this episode is going to try to tie up some loose ends for us. The magic is that it does it Star Trek: Deep Space Nine style; the loose ends don't quite work out. The beauty is that is answers enough questions and leaves us wanting more. The Founders are revealed. Odo makes some tough decisions with dealing with his people and Sisko makes some difficult decisions about the importance of Bajor in his life. The characters truly move the episode.

What works better than usual is the pacing. The episode is action packed and filled with political intrigue that will keep non-fans of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine watching with enthusiasm. Garak is wonderful in his interactions with Sisko and his presence allows Sisko to make his decision.

Only the moments of obviousness, especially in Odo's plot, hurt this episode seriously. Odo's relationship with his people is instantly troubled and his exploration of what it is to be a shapeshifter is plagued by some obvious questions like, "if we've seen Odo be other animals, why is it now he understands what it is to be more than himself?"

But the shapeshifters are a wonderfully paranoid bunch and Odo's decision at the end makes sense. What also makes sense is the delicious surprise ending with the Sisko plot. Peace with the Dominion is not meant to come so quick, if at all. When the Founders are revealed early in the episode, Sisko is disappointed with himself. When the true Founders are revealed with the surprise ending, we understand and the viewer would be disappointed had the Founders been anyone else but who they are revealed as.

I won't ruin the surprise, not here. But after this point, it will be assumed you'll know who they are. Proceed with caution. A part of the essential Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

[Knowing that VHS is essentially a dead medium, it's worth looking into Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - The Complete Third Season on DVD, which is also a better economical choice than buying the VHS. Read my review of the breakout season by clicking here!
Thanks!]

8.5/10

See how this episode stacks up against other Star Trek franchise episodes, movies and DVD sets by visiting my index page with the reviews organized best to worst!

© 2011, 2007, 2002 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.
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If The Enemy Won't Visit You, Take A Trip to See Them . . . “The Search, Part I”

The Good: Characters, Acting, Plot
The Bad: Pacing, Obvious set-up
The Basics: An episode that changes much on Deep Space Nine opens its third season with a bang and a new starship.


. . . Which leads us to "The Search, Part I," an episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine that is refreshingly direct in its approach. We know from the start of the first act that it's a first part. In truth, it's a middle act, sandwiched between "The Jem'Hadar" (reviewed here!) and "The Search, Part II." This episode occurs some months after the events of "The Jem'Hadar."

While preparing battle drills for a potential invasion by the Dominion, the shields raise and a starship decloaks. The surprising aspect is that it's a Federation starship that appears out of nowhere. Historically, the Federation has never used cloaking devices. So when Sisko appears on the screen confirming that the starship is a Federation ship, the crew of Deep Space Nine (and the viewer) is surprised. And this is only the contents of the teaser!

"The Search, Part I" is mostly a series of introductions. The Defiant, the new starship, is introduced. It is a warship and has been sent to help defend Deep Space Nine. T'Ruth, a Romulan attache to the Defiant, is introduced. She is acerbic and, in short, Romulan, sent to defend the cloaking device the Defiant is only borrowing. Lieutenant Commander Michael Eddington is introduced. He is a StarFleet security officer and the security chief of the Defiant. There's another introduction, but as it occurs in the last seconds of the episode, I'll not ruin the surprise.

Eddington's arrival casts some ambiguity on the position of security chief Odo. Odo confronts Sisko in a characteristic move and when Sisko admits that he has wanted Odo to make some changes, Odo resigns as the security chief.

There is little time to indulge Odo; the Defiant has arrived with a mission. Sisko is supposed to take the new starship through the wormhole to the Gamma Quadrant. Presumably, the warship will be the first vessel since "The Jem'Hadar" to go back into what is now being claimed as Dominion space. Sisko has been ordered to establish contact with the Founders of the Dominion and attempt to make peace.

The irony of the episode is that Sisko ends up doing largely the opposite. After losing O'Brien and Dax on a Dominion outpost, Sisko destroys a Jem'Hadar ship. Perhaps the message of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine is that there is no peace in our time; there isn't in this episode.

The strengths of the episode are in the basics. The plot is solid, if a bit obviously a set-up episode for the conclusion. Sisko is ordered to make peace with the Dominion by showing the Federation's teeth. The characters are wonderfully utilized. Kira, Odo and Sisko are all extended in new directions. Kira illustrates her loyalty to both Odo and Sisko with greater depth than previously displayed. Odo encounters life without purpose for the first time as he loses his job and begins his quest to find his people. Sisko shows the new side of who he is. He is a man healed at last. If season two would be entitled "Dominion Rising," Season three would certainly be "Dominion Exposed." Sisko's role in that is to encounter the Dominion as a healed individual, no longer pining for his lost wife. He accepts DS9 as his home for the first time ever.

The acting is solid. Armin Shimerman plays Quark with a relieving amount of humor and Avery Brooks finally comes into his own, showing some real range with his changed character. Gone is the simple brooding of the past two seasons; it is replaced by confidence and security.

The enjoyable aspects of the episode are in seeing the new directions of the series. The Dominion is real and vital. Odo is conflicted, Sisko is confident and there's a new starship and it kicks some serious butt. The episode has some excellent action sequences.

The failings are in the feel of the episode. The pacing is off. The action sequences come after labored character development scenes. The sequence between the meeting with Orinthar (Quark's Dominion contact) and the final battle sequence seem like they are killing time. Losing Dax and O'Brien seems a minor plot point to waste so much time and effort on.

And the subject of Dax. Poor Dax! Somehow she was convinced to make the worst hair style ever in a Trek series! Fortunately, it won't last long.

All in all, a solid season premiere that leaves us wanting more. Part of the essential Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

[Knowing that VHS is essentially a dead medium, it's worth looking into Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - The Complete Third Season on DVD, which is also a better economical choice than buying the VHS. Read my review of the breakout season by clicking here!
Thanks!]

7.5/10

For other Star Trek reviews, please visit my index page on the subject by clicking here!

© 2011, 2007, 2002 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.
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The Reason All the Aliens Look Alike In the Star Trek Universe Is Uncovered Through "The Chase!"

The Good: Plot, Concept, Acting, Minor character development
The Bad: Real purpose, Lack of major character development
The Basics: When Picard's old archaeology mentor returns, the Enterprise is drawn into a search for genetic clues to piece together an ancient puzzle.


Throughout its early years, the general criticism against Star Trek and Star Trek The Next Generation was that all of the aliens looked essentially the same. There were almost no aliens that didn't have two arms, two legs and one head. There were variations, of course, but the majority looked pretty . . . human. The practical reason for this was that the producers of Star Trek were essentially limited to human actors for their "alien of the week." As a result, they are bound by the bodies the actors they can find have. In "The Chase," a more satisfying, in-story explanation is presented.

When Picard's former mentor from the Academy stops by, Picard's interest in archaeology comes back alive. Dr. Galen is demanding but seems to believe in Picard. He implores Picard to join him on his current archaeological mission, but refuses to say what it is. When Picard turns him down, he leaves the Enterprise furious, but soon hails the ship when his small vessel is attacked. Galen dies and Picard, filled with guilt and wanting to do justice to his mentor while learning what was so important that the Uridians had Galen killed, vows to complete his mission. Galen, it turns out, was collecting genetic samples from nearby planets and processing parts of them to form a larger puzzle, which he did not know what it was. Picard takes on the mission but almost immediately, he and the Enterprise are besieged by Klingons, Romulans, and Cardassians, all of whom want the missing pieces to the genetic puzzle.

The real disappointment of "The Chase" is that outside Picard, none of the characters grow. As well, Picard's important character growth all comes at the beginning of the episode where we learn just how important archaeology truly is to him. Professor Galen brings up all sorts of feelings in Picard that he articulates with a great deal of sobriety. But as he gets closer and closer to the answer that Galen never lived to see, his demeanor does not change and the plot, the hunt, rules the piece.

Moreover, all of the guest characters are archetypes, not individuals. Galen is every cliche about the demanding taskmaster of a former mentor. The representatives of the other races that are hunting down the clues for the genetic puzzle are all the same and pretty much a caricature of the greedy shopper or desperate hunter. They all pursue the clues relentlessly and with the same sense of hatred for the others doing the same. Yet, despite the very end, none of them truly come alive. This is especially frustrating in an episode that is attempting to give a complex answer to a question that is ultimately based entirely in practicality. And the reason all aliens look the same in the Star Trek universe is the real reason this episode was made.

But the explanation is a surprisingly good one. More than simply the weakly conceived Preservers from the Star Trek novels and barely mentioned in the series, the idea of a genetic puzzle that reveals the similarities between all of the known races, linking together the galaxy in a single community is a clever one. Moreover, it's perfectly plausible in a populated universe such as the Star Trek universe that an ancient race would want to endure and the reconfiguring of their DNA throughout the cosmos is just plain clever.

The idea that the genetic program, which ought to be a symbol to the civilized cultures of the galaxy of their unity, could be so divisive is a wonderful plot. The hunt for the key to what the genetic puzzle will reveal is clever and well-executed. Despite the characters being flat, what they do is engaging to watch. That some go to extreme lengths, like destroying the atmosphere of a planet to eliminate the DNA on the surface, is believable and clever.

And even if the characters do not grow so much, the actors do seem to give it their all. While it begins as a big Picard story, it quickly comes to use the entire ensemble cast. Patrick Stewart bears the brunt of setting up "The Chase," and he adds a melancholy to Picard that has not been present at any point before now. Gates McFadden gives a great performance when Dr. Crusher actually comes into the story to help explain much of the technobabble. McFadden gets her mouth convincingly around many difficult lines. Brent Spiner, as well, supports Stewart well as Data.

"The Chase" answers a pretty basic question in the Star Trek universe, but it manages to do that very well. It makes a great deal of sense and it plays out in a way that is less predictable than most episodes. While most appreciable to fans of the franchise, "The Chase" is quite accessible to anyone who likes a good hunt/chase story. Excellent for anyone who likes science fiction in general.

[Knowing that VHS is essentially a dead medium, it's worth looking into Star Trek: The Next Generation - 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!
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7/10

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© 2011, 2007, 2003 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.
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