Comment Stream

Re: DS9 S1: Move Along Home

There are many problems with Move Along Home. First off is the game of Chula. We don't get an explanation of how it works and that is probably a good thing. The Wadi are one of the most annoying, least interesting alien races in Trek history. The dialogue and actions of the characters for the most part are silly and nonsensical. Why would the Wadi continue the game when it's clear that Quark and Odo think that the payers lives are in danger. Furthermore, if Odo believes that the lives of the senior staff are in danger, why would he not shut the game down. Move Along Home is not all bad. The direction of Carson is really good and the sets are nice. Visually it's the best DS9 episode so far but in the end, what was the point.

2/4

Re: DS9 S1: The Passenger

The Passenger is Bashir's first vehicle of DS9. It starts off as an interesting mystery, but then it all breaks down towards the end. First of all, the surprise reveal at the end of act four is ruined by an earlier scene with Quark. Furthermore, the line delivery by Bashir in act five is just atrocious. I do not know how this was allowed to make it in the final cut. Finally, the technobabble solution by Dax to save Bashir was too convenient and unimaginative. The Odo and Primmin interactions were really good. But the main plot which started with such promise, faltered towards the end.

2.5/4

Re: DS9 S1: Dax

Dax's first vehicle of DS9 is also the best episode of the season so far. Dax is a smart
and intriguing court room drama. All of the performances are strong. Dax provides good insight into Trill physiology and culture. It also gives us a useful back story on Jadzia Dax. This episode is a well written and acted drama.

3.5/4

Re: DS9 S1: Q-Less

Q-Less is a light and somewhat fun episode. The stations impending doom and the subsequent technobabble solution are uninspired and silly. Where the show shines is the character interactions. Q and Vash have some nice back and forth and Vash and Quark have good chemistry as a conniving pair. Unfortunately, Q and Sisko do not have the same chemistry that Picard and Q had. Overall, this episode is nothing special but there is some fun to be had here.

2.5/4

Re: DS9 S1: Captive Pursuit

Captive Pursuit is an action adventure episode. The episodes strengths are O'Brien's performance and Tosk's makeup. The plot itself is not an original concept but Tosk's and O'Brien's friendship works. Captive Pursuit does have its share of drawbacks. The hokey alien costumes, the fight scene on the promenade and Tosk's line delivery all detract from the quality of the episode. Overall, Captive Pursuit is an average Trek episode.

2.5/4

Re: DS9 S1: Babel

The problem with Babel is that the ship/station in jeopardy premise does not really work to create tension for obvious reasons. Another issue is the pacing. Like the previous episode, Babel has an abrupt ending which hurts the show. The virus is interesting though. Its effects produce some fun scenes. The real highlight of Babel is the character moments. The Sisko's father and son relationship and Quark and Odo's chemistry is delightful. O'Brien's early scenes dealing with a malfunctioning station is enjoyable as well.

2.5/4

Re: DS9 S1: A Man Alone

A Man Alone is an A/B plot episode. The main plot is a murder mystery and Odo's first vehicle of DS9. The side plot involves friction between the O'Brien's and Keiko's decision to open a school on DS9. The main plot starts off well enough but falters towards the end. The technobabble solution is weak and the ending is abrupt. Furthermore, the animosity towards Odo by the locals feels contrived. The B plot is important because it will have consequences latter on in the series. The best part of A Man Alone is all of the little character moments. Jake and Nog begin their friendship in this episode. We also get some nice Bashir and Dax, as well as Quark and Odo moments. Overall, a flawed but decent episode.

3/4

Re: DS9 S1: Past Prologue

Kira's first vehicle of DS9 is an entertaining hour of Trek. Past Prologue reinforces the fact that DS9 is a different kind of Trek and that conflict between the regular crew is not going to be off limits, like it was on TNG. In my opinion this is a welcome news and makes for a better drama. This episode also marks the debut of Garak, who makes an unforgettable intro. I do have one minor issue with Past Prologue. I believe it is a little early in the season for a test your loyalties episode but that is a small gripe in an otherwise solid show.

3/4

Re: DS9 S1: Emissary

The best pilot of all the Treks. Emissary has an engrossing plot, high production value and does a nice job of introducing all of the major characters. From the onset we can tell that DS9 is going to be a different kind of Trek and in my opinion, it is a positive. The episode does have its flaws. Kira's overacting and Jennifer's bad acting are minor detractions. I also felt that the worm hole alien scenes were a little repetitive but overall Emissary is a strong way to start DS9.

3/4