“The Die Is Cast” is the kind of episode you are meant to enjoy. As a direct continuation of the previous installment, “Improbable Cause,” it features an epic storyline, plenty of action, and some powerfully intimate characterizations. From start to finish, the episode is meant to play out in grand style. But this is a case where the devil is in the details. And for a series that has so often defined itself by its attention to character details, the missteps – simply for the sake of creating false drama – are inexcusable. The result is a rousing, entertaining installment that rings more hollow than it ought to have.

In this episode, the fleet of ships of the Obsidian Order and Tal Shiar cross into the Gamma quadrant and attack the Founders’ homeworld. Garak finds his loyalties divided when he is forced to interrogate Odo. And Sisko defies a direct order by taking the Defiant into the Gamma quadrant to retrieve Odo. Of the three storylines, the one with the most value is the continuation of the Garak-Odo duo. The attack itself is entertaining and impressive. But Sisko’s story smacks of cheap, chintzy melodrama.

Really, that Sisko would defy orders to stay at DS9 in defense of Bajor simply to chase after one officer, even if it is Odo, is laughable at best. In fact, the story didn’t even need this trumped up conflict. A more effective scenario would have seen Sisko present his very plausible rationale – that a small excursion could not only rescue Odo, but also provide an early-warning message in case of an imminent attack – directly to the Admiral, who would have conceded the point. But, no, the episode had to present this ridiculous insubordination from Sisko and his crew.

The matter is further exacerbated by the sabotage of the Defiant’s cloaking device by security officer Eddington, who was acting on orders from the Admiral. It’s just nonsensical to begin with and when Sisko – who just defied a direct order – berates Eddington for not being trustworthy, the moment is simply an embarrassing display of melodramatic fluff.

Fortunately, the episode features the interactions between Odo and Garak. The little device Garak uses to keep Odo from being able to shape-shift is almost as much of a contrivance as Sisko’s insubordination. But at least this one results in some truly legitimate drama as Garak is forced to confront his own choices to rejoin the Obsidian Order,  made all the more tangible by the torture Odo is forced to endure by not being able to resort to his liquid state. And while Odo eventually does break down and reveal an hidden desire to return to his people, it isn’t much of a stretch to say that the psychological damage to Garak was almost as significant.

Plus, the scene itself is ruthlessly chilling. Odo’s deterioration is simply haunting in its presentation.

Of course, that leaves the attack itself – which turns out to be a trap for the Obsidian Order and the Tal Shiar. The Founders have left their homeworld and surrounded it with 150 Jem’Hadar ships. The resulting battle – slaughter, actually – is wonderfully portrayed on-screen. Add in the revelation that one of the Tal Shiar was, in fact, a shapeshifting Founder who orchestrated the whole event and you’ve the makings of some entertaining theater.

“The Die Is Cast” features some very strong, compelling character and action moments.  But it isn’t secure enough in its own inherent dramatic story.  The inclusion of Sisko’s insubordination severely detracts from what is, otherwise, a thrilling, exceptional installment.

Filed under: Deep Space Nine