“Indiscretion” is an example of how well Deep Space Nine can draw upon the deep character work that has been a hallmark of the series thus far. Even when the story itself takes inexplicable turns toward the melodramatic, the episode remains thoroughly entertaining and even enjoyable, thanks to its solid foundation of characterizations. As a result, this is an installment that is good, though not quite a classic.

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Shades of grey … “Hippocratic Oath” is an episode which immerses itself in Deep Space Nine’s purposeful decision to portray its characters, stories and themes in less-than-absolute terms. And for this episode, that choice becomes part of the story itself — to the point where it becomes a prominent, and poignant, bit of dialogue. Overall, the episode’s two plots are serviceable, if not particularly exceptional. But it is the complications which arise from the conflicts that truly elevates this installment above average.

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What happens when life pulls us away from the ones we truly love? The ones we need (even if we didn’t realize how desperately we needed them at the time)? How do we then choose to live our lives? How do we find closure when there is seemingly none to be had? “The Visitor” is an intimate, moving, and deeply profound episode from Deep Space Nine that explores those questions within a truly wonderful, if not slightly fantastical, character sketch. Perhaps the only real criticism here is the proverbial “reset button” that Star Trek so often abuses. But if life is a journey, not a destination, then what matters most to this episode is its own journey — and not, necessarily, how things end up. To that “end” this is easily one of the most emotional episodes in the entire Star Trek franchise, being surpassed, perhaps, only by episodes such as TNG’s “The Inner Light.”

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After three seasons, Deep Space Nine demonstrates that it is still full of plenty of surprises as it launches full-throttle into its fourth season with a feature-length, two-part episode called, “The Way of the Warrior.” Ostensibly, the episode is charged with introduction of the character Worf, formerly of The Next Generation, as well as a new Klingon threat, to Deep Space Nine. But more than that, “The Way of the Warrior” is an epic, sweeping story that puts at least as much emphasis on characters as it does on plot developments and action. The result is a truly cinematic experience which could easily have been released in the theaters.

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Deep Space Nine concludes its third season with “The Adversary,” a surprisingly self-contained episode which plays out more like DS9’s version of Alien than what we have come to expect from the now cliché cliffhanger ending we usually get from Trek. The change of pace is a nice touch and the episode also manages to offer some ominous portents for future seasons. As a standalone piece, it’s exciting and fun, if lacking in any real profound or meaningful commentary. Still, this is a successful way to end the season.

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“Facets” is an uneven episode. Even though its final paces are compelling and intriguing, the path is filled with far too many bumps and pitfalls to make the whole journey truly remarkable. Instead, we’re left with long stretches of pedestrian scenes, just to get to the real heart of the matter. As a result, there’s enough here for fans of DS9 to enjoy, but not enough to make this a truly classic installment.

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“Shakaar” is a story about how power can corrupt – particularly if those in power are already inclined toward self-centered, self-preservation. But what makes the episode successfully is in its natural progression of events – in demonstrating how something seemingly insignificant can quickly escalate, if those in power abuse their authority. Furthermore, it illustrates the power of compromise and reason to overcome those who seek to become despots.

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“Family Business” misses its mark. Sure, it’s supposed to be a lighthearted affair. But its attempt to use humor to look at the strict Ferengi code regarding women just rings hollow. If it’s a serious subject matter, then it ought to be treated seriously. Conversely, if humor is going to be used, it needs to be insightful or illuminating in some way. Instead, the episode devolves into bickering and fisticuffs as a means to settle its conflicts, rather than providing commentary with any real conviction.

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