Posted on September 5th, 2010 by Samuel Walters
“What You Leave Behind” is not a perfect episode, nor a perfect series finale. But for all its faults, it nonetheless proves to be deeply moving and thoughtful. In many ways, it’s the perfect embodiment of Deep Space Nine — a series that went to great lengths to show that all of us have flaws, but depending on the choices we make, we can rise above them. Such is the case here. The finale isn’t immaculate, it isn’t like walking through Paradise one last time. But that’s the point of the whole series, isn’t it?
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Posted on September 5th, 2010 by Samuel Walters
“The Dogs of War” is the penultimate episode to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The task it had to accomplish was a very tall order indeed. And most of the episode is very, very successful. Except for the parts that are not. Truly, this is a tale of two episodes: One thoroughly compelling, the other incredibly silly. It’s this odd story structure that, unfortunately, saps the episode of too much emotional impact.
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Posted on September 5th, 2010 by Samuel Walters
“Extreme Measures” is a likable, meaningful episode. Presented almost anywhere else in the series, it almost certainly would have had a much more profound impact than it does, so close to the finale. But the problem isn’t really with intent, it’s with execution. This is an episode designed to focus on friendship and camaraderie, as well as mystery and morality. But it’s unable to weave these elements together into a coherent tapestry.
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Posted on September 5th, 2010 by Samuel Walters
“Tacking Into The Wind” is an important episode in the grand scheme of Deep Space Nine. In many ways, it justifies some of the more questionable plot decisions that came before it. There’s some nice character development. But mostly, this is a fast-paced, action-filled episode which has just enough time to provide some crucial (and very critical) commentary on one of the biggest elements of the Star Trek franchise: The Klingon Empire.
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Posted on September 5th, 2010 by Samuel Walters
After the hectic pace of the previous installment, “When It Rains…” is where Deep Space Nine slows down, takes a breath, and resets for what should be a final sprint to the finale. The episode itself draws from a lot of story and character elements from across the series. As such, the result feels more like a prologue — but it’s not without a few revelations and surprises of its own. Unfortunately, these are a mixed bag and, as a result, the episode stumbles a bit.
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Posted on September 5th, 2010 by Samuel Walters
“The Changing Face of Evil” is a thoroughly transformative episode. From start to finish it moves the plot along at a breakneck, while still taking enough time and care for character development … and even a health dose of humor. It’s epic. It’s cinematic. And by the time all is said and done, The Final Chapter of Deep Space Nine, which has been slowly building like a thunderhead, breaks headlong into a full-blown torrent.
Fantastic.
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Posted on September 5th, 2010 by Samuel Walters
After an all-too-slow buildup, “Strange Bedfellows” ultimately becomes a compelling episode, filled with character and narrative revelations. There’s still some unevenness to the overall approach, and there are a few awkward moments within the episode. But it’s central developments, particularly with respect to the characters, is much more plausible and insightful than the first two installments of The Final Chapter.
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Posted on September 5th, 2010 by Samuel Walters
“Til Death Do Us Part” continues Deep Space Nine‘s expansive story arc. The results are much the same as the previous installment: Solid plot development, uneven pace and characterizations, a good, not great episode.
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Posted on September 5th, 2010 by Samuel Walters
And so it begins (to end) …
“Penumbra” kicks off a ten-episode arc that culminates in the series finale of Deep Space Nine. As the series takes its first steps toward completion, it’s fascinating to see how its strengths — incredibly complex character and story arcs — have become something of a burden … or at least a challenge. How to end it all with satisfactory and plausible conclusions? This episode begins the journey and, despite the relatively uneven approach, it’s very much worthy of bringing the series to a close.
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Posted on September 5th, 2010 by Samuel Walters
Prescient.
How do war and threats to a society eat away at its moral fiber? At the very principles upon which it is based? These are questions that 21st century societies are currently facing. “Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges” (explained in the episode as “In a time of war, the law falls silent.”) is an episode about these very issues. And it tackles them through a series of events that are as suspenseful as they are profound. Some plot elements might stretch plausibility, but the meaning behind the events — the lengths people in power will go — are powerfully relevant and realistic.
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