“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.

Kai Winn, already the spiritual leader of Bajor, is poised to take control of the provisional government, following the death of the First Minister. The episode builds nicely on what we’ve learned about her character thus far – that she’s far more concerned about acquiring and holding power than just about anything else. And with the prospect of being elected the leader of the civilian government, while holding onto her grip as spiritual leader, Kai Winn is about to get as much power as she could have dreamed about. She even has some good ideas as a leader, too. But what she doesn’t understand, because she’s so concerned about her own skin, is that leaders lead by example. It’s not enough to have good ideas … how you carry out your ideas is just as important.

And Kai Winn turns out to be a clumsy leader.

It turns out that Winn would like a province on Bajor to begin growing crops to export to the galaxy, thereby strengthening Bajor’s economy and increasing its standing with the Federation and other governments. But to do this, she needs farming equipment which had been promised to an impoverished region. The local farmers, led by former resistance leader Shakaar, are unwilling to give up the machinery so quickly – not when they are struggling to feed themselves and make a living off the land. As Shakaar points out: How can you think about exports when you don’t yet have the ability to feed your own people?

This sets up a classic conflict of small community vs. the greater good. And when Kira is pulled into the affair by Winn (Kira had been Shakaar’s close associate in the Resistane), she manages to skillfully broker a meeting for potential compromise between Shakaar and Winn. It’d seem like all is going well … except that Winn’s pride gets the best of her. Enraged that a simple farmer would defy her, she sends law enforcement to arrest Shakaar, instead of simply talking to him. Again, Winn’s ultimate goals are good ones, but her methods leave a lot to be desired.

The rapid escalation of tensions, as Shakaar and his followers (along with Kira) evade the militia Winn sends in to capture them is quite plausible. At every turn, Winn tries to enforce her will with … more force. And each decision only makes matters more unstable until Shakaar and Kira are on the verge of ambushing the militia that had been hunting them. But here, the episode does a very intelligent thing: Kira and Shakaar, along with militia leader Lenaris (John Doman, The Wire), realize how ridiculous it’d be to start shooting at one another over so trivial a matter. Their compromise, to let Shakaar go free and run in the election, manages to not only diffuse the current crisis, but also rebuffs Winn’s attempts to grab hold of more power.

If there are criticisms to the episode, they can be found in Sisko’s nonchalant reaction to Kira’s decision to run off with a bunch of fugitives and in Winn’s rather simplistic portrayal within the episode. However, both do fit what we’ve seen from the characters before – Sisko letting Kira follow her own path, and Winn’s arrogance.

The subplot, involving O’Brien’s winning streak at the dart board in Quark’s is little more than a mild-mannered distraction from the main plot. It’s enjoyable, but it doesn’t compliment the episode particularly well.

“Shakaar” is a strong episode.  It features action and suspense alongside character development and a worthy commentary.  Kudos!

Filed under: Deep Space Nine