“Its not your fault that things are the way they are”

“Everybody tells themselves that. And nothing ever changes.”

With all of the setup and thematic work in place, “Past Tense, Part II” is free to focus on the more intimate character interrelationships – allowing the real moral value of this two-part tale to be told through example, rather than through strict moralizing. In fact, the more focused character moments produce a heightened tension that makes this installment a much better vehicle for thematic work than its predecessor. Really, the only errors in the entire production come from the silly subplot involving O’Brien and Kira as the search for their missing comrades.

The episode begins at the outset of the William Bell riots – the watershed event of the 21st century. Sisko, now masquerading as Bell, has become history’s safeguard. His actions will determine the “success” of the tragic events, and ensure that his own future will be there waiting for him when all is said and done. Much like Part I, the time-travel elements are best taken with a very large grain of salt. It’s best not to think too much about the plausibility and, simply, allow the episode’s more prominent character explorations to make their impressions (though, admittedly, if viewers do find the time-travel nonsense a bit too, well, nonsensical, it’d be difficult to dispute the point).

In any event, this episode hinges as much on its minor characters as it does on our familiar heroes. Without question, the performance from Sisko is compelling. But even more importantly, the depictions we get of the hostages, the rioters, and the idealists are critical. It’s these finer points to the story that carry the most weight. In particular, the character of Webb – an idealist who just wants his voice to be heard – becomes the de facto heart of the story. It really is his message – that truth is more powerful than violence, that honest work is more beneficial than free handouts, that opportunity is more important than entitlement – that really makes this episode exceptional. And the minor touches, of being a family man and saying good-bye to his son, make the final outcome all the more poignant.

Of course, in true Trek fashion, everything works out as it should. But here, the journey becomes far more important than the destination. As such, Bashir’s bedside manner for infirmed hostages takes on a greater sense of clarity – that helping those in need, regardless of the circumstances , is what defines nobility of character. Sisko’s advocacy for the hostages themselves is a demonstration that the ends do not justify the means. And Webb’s insistence in being allowed a voices reveals the power of truth as an agent of change.

As for criticisms, the whole Kira-O’Brien angle of watching the pair travel through time to end up in oddly embarrassing moments of Earth history just seems out of place. I’m certain it was meant to provide a comedic counterbalance to the more intense main story, but it only serves to pull the audience out of the episode. At the same time, Dax has seemingly little to do, other than convince a media mogul to allow the rioters a venue to express their discontent. In concept, it’s a fine idea. But in reality, her character just doesn’t resonate within the episode.

“Past Tense, Part II” benefits from a much more streamlined and focused story, as well as a bigger emphasis on character. It’s through the character actions – Sisko’s insistence on hostage safety, Vin’s acceptance of Sisko’s message, BC’s more nuanced presentation, and Bashir’s concern for the humanity in us all – that allows the moralizing of the episode to really shine. It’s a case of *showing * rather than simply “telling” the audience the right thing to do.

Filed under: Deep Space Nine