“The Circle” is an intense, dramatic and even epic continuation of the storyline that was begun in the season-opening episode, “The Homecoming.” Indeed, this episode draws upon narrative elements as far back as the “The Hands of the Prophets” and if there was any question about the jeopardy facing not only the crew of DS9, but also the planet of Bajor, this episode quickly dispels those doubts with a rapid chain of events that leaves both DS9 and Bajor on the brink of war. The narrative is both engaging and riveting and though there are is an uneven pacing at times, the episode is very, very good.

One of the best elements to the episode is the way it manages to balance the dangerous and turbulent events with a few scenes of humor and compassion. This is best summed up in the opening sequence in which Kira faces what can only be described as an onslaught of well-wishes and farewells as she prepares to leave DS9. The scene itself ends up being a tad bit too silly, but considering that Kira will later be tortured for her knowledge of DS9 operations, it’s important for the episode to demonstrate some humor and genuine joy.

And speaking of humor, the episode’s most successful scene just might be the one in which Odo deputizes Quark. It begins interestingly enough with Quark offering some intelligence on the operations of The Circle and, from there, it becomes downright hilarious as Odo ends up literally blackmailing Quark by offering him a choice: become a deputy, or be a prisoner. Quark’s resigned, “I’m a deputy” is particularly amusing. But what makes the scene so successful, aside from the humor, is the history and strong interrelationship between Odo and Quark. Their scenes are almost always enjoyable, and this one wonderfully builds on the dynamic between their characters.

Of course, all of this is a bit of window dressing on the episode’s central conflict: The growing power and threat from The Circle. As it turns out, they’ve been slowly arming themselves to overthrow the Provisional Government – not knowing that the Cardassians themselves are behind the arms – and are on the brink of making their move. Indeed, The Circle counts among its allies: Minister Jaro, Vetek Winn, and the General in charge of the Bajoran army. And they are ready to strike.

One of their targets is Kira – who was spending time at the monastery with Vetek Bareil, trying to find her place now that she has been reassigned away from DS9. Of particular note is the vision she has while viewing the third Orb. It places her in the Chamber of Ministers and features a rather amorous encounter with Bareil. Certainly the vision is meant to be abstract and open to interpretation, but this is also one of those moments where the concept runs slightly askew of the execution, with the vision being just a bit too obscure and unresolved to really have a positive impact on the episode.

Nevertheless, Kira is indeed captured and tortured and the whole precarious situation finally devolves into open conflict following Sisko’s daring (and successful) attempt to rescue Kira (thanks to information provided by Odo’s deputy, Quark). The episode ends with Bajoran ships en route to DS9 to claim the space station as their own, and with Sisko under direct orders to evacuate.

“The Circle” is a strong continuation of the story arc and only occasionally feels like a bridge episode between the setup and the eventual resolution. As such, the result is a classic installment that is both powerful and entertaining.

Filed under: Deep Space Nine