If ever there were an episode meant to capture the spirit and wonder of deep space exploration, “Explorers” would be it. From start to finish, it is a testament to curiosity, ingenuity, adventure and the indomitable desire to experience something new. For the most part, the story is a sublime one, opting for muted tones and conflicts in favor of a more mature, refined and meaningful voyage of discovery. It’s the kind of episode that can be too easily overlooked because it isn’t “dark” or full of major conflict. And yet, at the end of the day, it’s a tale about the sense of wonder we all carry – from our earliest moments – and how important it is to hold on to those sensibilities for as long as we can, regardless of those who might doubt us.

The main story follows Sisko who, upon returning from Bajor, has decided to reconstruct an ancient Bajoran interstellar space craft – a solar sail ship which, legends say, actually traveled to Cardassia. Sisko’s drive to “build” the ship is a nice bit of continuity for his character which, previously, had been described as a “builder.” More to the point, though, is the fact that his hobby is one that is mean to recapture a time now lost – a time when travel involved the wind and stars, rather than engines and computers. The analogy for contemporary civilization is apt and quite effective.

To add to Sisko’s storyline is a subplot involving his son, Jake, who initially hesitates to join his father on the voyage. The episode could have tilted toward a melodramatic interaction between father and son, but instead manages to stay true to the good-natured strengths of both characters. Jake’s developing talents as a writer are further explored, as is his potential admission to a university back on Earth. Sisko’s reactions to these revelations are measured and supportive.

Of course, their voyage is not without adversity as they experience problems with the ship’s design and stability.  But their genuine camaraderie — and affection between father and son — allow for some genuinely enjoyable character moments as they confront, and overcome, all of their obstacles.  In the end, a technobabble anomaly propels them deep into Cardassian space where Gul Dukat is there … waiting … to … celebrate their achievement (with fireworks, no less).  The “celebration” sequence is certainly too kitschy and sappy, but on the whole, it doesn’t undermine the value of the episode — which was always much more about the voyage than its destination.

The subplot is a lighthearted affair involving Bashir and the female classmate who wound up beating him for class Valedictorian at the Academy.  The story really is all so much fluff, but it does provide an opportunity to get in some more character work for Bashir, and even his friendship with O’Brien.  It doesn’t amount to much, but it’s worthy as a much needed diversion from the Sisko plot — if only to give the episode a bit of diversity.

“Explorers” is a true classic.  It boldly encapsulates the spirit of Star Trek, allowing for a truly adventurous and enjoyable story.  There isn’t a great deal of drama or conflict.  But it effectively conveys its message.

Filed under: Deep Space Nine