“Cardassians” proves to be a successful episode thanks to an effective layering of its story, adding little textures to the overall fabric by way of strong writing and performances, particularly from the supporting cast. The story itself is a familiar one for TNG aficionados – that of the orphan child being raised by aliens – but the premise here is much more competently explored, especially in terms of how such circumstances affect everyone involved. If there is a criticism, however, it’s in the fact that the orphan in question gets much less attention than the sometimes-spy tailor. True, Garak is a worthy subject, but in a story about being torn between two worlds, the orphan ends up being, well, orphaned by the narrative.

Events swiftly unfold following the arrival of a Cardassian boy on DS9, accompanied by his Bajoran father. Garak, the Cardassian tailor whom Bashir fancies as a double-agent spy, decides to welcome the child to DS9 and is summarily bitten on the hand for his efforts. Before we know it, Gul Dukat is calling Sisko, the boy’s father is located, and the story throws the audience into not only a custody battle, but a power play between Dukat and the orphan’s father, Kotan Pa’Dar.

The strength of the episode, though, doesn’t come from these surface level conflicts. Rather, the real heart and enjoyment can be found in how these issues allow the episode to delve into such characteristics as Garak’s duplicity, Bashir’s romantic notions of subterfuge, O’Brien’s feelings toward Cardassians in general, and ultimately, what constitutes “abuse” of a child. There are a great deal of fine acting interwoven here, touching on a wide array of issues.

Of particular note is the emotional center of child custody. The orphan boy, named Rugel, has been raised by Bajorans who, by all appearances, care a great deal for him. But they also teach Rugel about the brutality of the Cardassian occupation, conveying their own prejudice of Cardassians into the boy – who grows to resent his own heritage and his own identity. The scenes between Rugel and the O’Briens are particularly poignant. And the arrival of Pa’Dar heralds another solid scene.

What makes it all work, though, is the very honest and balanced tack the episode takes with respect to the Cardassians. They aren’t simple villains to be exploited as the “bad guys.” Indeed, the episode does more to reveal commendable traits from the Cardassians than it does to condemn them. Not only are they exceptionally detailed and meticulous, but they also place a great deal of value on family. These Cardassians are a far cry from even the race first introduced in TNG.

Also of note are the interactions between Bashir and Garak. They are equal measures amusing and intriguing. Garak, for whatever reason, is invested in thwarting Gul Dukat. And Bashir, of course, is always up for a bit of heroism. The result are a series of amusing and entertaining scenes which nicely counterbalance the more emotional main plot, while still providing an integral subplot.

The main criticisms come from the lack of exploration of Rugel as a character. In the episode, he is certainly being used as a pawn by Gul Dukat. But the episode itself doesn’t do much to dispel the fact that Rugel is little more than a pawn. Yes, he hates Cardassians, but there’s no attention to his thoughts or feelings after the arrival of his Cardassian father, much less his reaction to Sisko’s final judgment that he be returned to Cardassia, instead of remaining on Bajor.

Filed under: Deep Space Nine