“The Maquis, Part I” is an example of just how powerful DS9 can be. It takes some very complex issues like occupation, terrorism, freedom fighters, and peace keepers and examines them from a variety of different angles, making excellent use of the canvas of characters that populate the series. The episode itself, after an explosive prelude, starts off slowly, but manages to build nicely to a solid, if somewhat inevitable and predictable plot twist. But this is one of those cases where the story is simply a vehicle to the more important exploration of concepts and conflicts. And in the final balance, any issues as far as the plot is concerned are easily offset by the strong characterizations – and what those characterizations reveal about issues that are vitally important to confront.

The episode opens with the terrorist destruction of a Cardassian freighter that had been docked at DS9. From here, the episode eases into its multi-layered story by way of the “whodunit?” investigation. As a subplot, Quark is approached by a Vulcan woman who wants to buy weapons. Sisko is, at different times, joined by an old friend, named Cal Hudson (Bernie Casey), and by Gul Dukat. Through these interactions, it is revealed that as a result of a newly created de-militarized zone between the Federation and Cardassia, the colonists (both Federation and Cardassian) have acted on their mutual mistrust and resumed their conflict. As Dukat will at one point say to Sisko, “Now you see commander. Without any help from any of us, they’ve managed to start their own little war out here.” It’s this conflict which blurs the lines of loyalty – though, as Siko points out, not necessarily the lines of right and wrong.

The dilemmas faced by all involved are both plausible and understandable. For instance, how easily do governments make, and remake, borders without thought for the individuals living in those borders. And how easily people within those borders can jeopardize a larger peace in the name of protecting a lifetime of hard work. Federation colonists who live in Cardassian space (because they do not want to leave the lives they’ve built), and face Cardassian repression, decide to arm themselves and fight back. They call themselves “The Maquis.” Cardassian colonists, suddenly faced with a violent and militant Federation operation retaliate.

Who is right?

More importantly, how do you end the cycle of violence?

What makes the episode is Sisko’s performance as a “seeker of truth and justice.” Sisko has a fiery debate with Kira who, as a Bajoran under the former Cardassian occupation, sees the nobility (even the imperative nature) of fighting against oppression. And here Sisko skillfully stands his ground against blind loyalty. More importantly, Sisko, with the help of the refreshingly charismatic appearance of Dukat, sees past the minutiae of the conflict and realizes an answer other than violence must be found. Incidentally, it’s these conversations between Dukat and Sisko which are at the heart of the episode, forcing two former rivals into a kind of partnership – an alliance. And it works so well that by the time Dukat is kidnapped, you really do want Sisko to rescue him.

Good work getting the audience to at least empathize with a Cardassian.

The second half of the equation isn’t quite as strong. The mirror image of Dukat who, as a former enemy, is now an ally, is Hudson – a longtime friend of Sisko who ends up embodying being the face of the very entity that Sisko is fighting against. In their first meeting, Hudson and Sisko have a conversation which plays up the history between the two characters. And while the dialogue is well-written, Hudson’s performance is decidedly not up to the task. And it doesn’t improve. Without question, the performance is the weakest element to the episode. As a result, the revelation that he is a leader of the Maquis just doesn’t carry as much gravitas as it might otherwise have done.

Quark’s subplot doesn’t make much headway. But it does provide some relatively light humor thanks to his attempts to woo a Vulcan woman. The result is a few welcome moments of levity that provide a much needed counterbalance to the much heavier main plot.

Due to minor issues in terms of pacing and performance, “The Maquis, Part I” isn’t a perfect episode. But it’s otherwise a compelling and valuable installment. The ability to explore – and provide understandable motivations for – the many elements involved in a conflict is an example of exceptional craft.

Filed under: Deep Space Nine