“I don’t understand how two people who have fallen in love and made a life together can be forced to just walk away from each other because of a taboo.”

“Rejoined” is an episode which explores what happens when two people love one another, despite the taboos that society places upon their emotions. In that sense, it is an episode as much about true emotion as it is about wormholes or “controversial” kisses between two women. The episode is a success because it rises above its subject matter to convey a universal theme: namely, how do people act (and react) when the society around them condemns theirs emotions? And, ultimately, it’s about choices and about those who have the courage to make choices to stay true to their emotions — and those who, for whatever reason, do not have such courage.

In this episode, a Trill science team arrives on DS9 to conduct experiments to create the very first artificially stable wormhole. The complication? One of the scientists, a woman named Dr. Lenara Kahn (Susanna Thompson), just so happens to be the former spouse of Torias Dax — the former male host of Jadzia. Their reunion rekindles an old, but very powerful emotional connection. Unfortunately, Trill society has deemed taboo the prospect of former spousal hosts reuniting (based on their fairly plausible belief that new hosts must let go of the connections formed in previous lives). Should any Trill go against this taboo? They will never again be joined to a new host and their lives will end, prematurely. This, then, is the problem: How do Jadzia and Lenara confront their obvious emotions for one another? Especially considering that their marriage was cut short by an untimely shuttle accident? Does one choose a shortened life of love? Or a lengthened life, absent of true love?

Much has been made of the fact that Lenara and Jadzia are both women — and of the kiss they eventually share in the episode. But such commentary ultimately ignores the fact that this is more of an episode about love than it is about presenting a scintillating, potentially scandalous kiss between two women on network television. In fact, this episode finally explores the ideas originally posed in TNG’s episode, “The Host.” In that episode, Beverly Crusher is unable to accept a change of gender s a continuation of her love for a Trill. In this episode, gender is entirely irrelevant.

I suppose some might take that to be a dismissal of equal rights for same-sex relationships. But the truth is, this episode goes beyond merely presenting a commentary on “gay” relationships and presents a more fundamental truth: emotion, love, knows no boundaries. The only boundaries that such emotions face are the ones imposed by the people experiencing them. This works, of course, for same-sex relationships. But the episode deftly projects its message in such a way that even those in heterosexual relationships can relate. For anyone who has fallen in love with someone which “society” disagrees, this episode is truly insightful.

More importantly, this episode places the responsibility for relationships squarely on those involved in them. There is a fantastic scene between Jadzia and Sisko where Sisko, as a friend, advises Jadzia from pursuing a relationship with Lenara. Sisko’s beliefs and stance are entirely plausible — up to, and including, is unwavering support for Jadzia, regardless of her decision, or his stated point of view. In the end, Jadzia chooses to face the taboo — to face the wrath of her Trill society — in the name of love. But Lenara, perhaps more cautious, perhaps less courageous, than Jadzia, is unable to take the final step — to face the consequences of acting purely for love and emotion.

What makes the episode so powerful is that everyone’s choices, and emotions, are entirely plausible — while still conveying the tragedy of not following one’s heart — of eschewing true love for the obligations and expectations of society. Lenara’s decision may be understandable … but it’s no less traumatic for its plausibility.

And that is how this episode ought to be remembered. Yes, Jadzia gives Lenara a very passionate kiss. But the scene is not played for cheap sexual exploitation. It is a kiss of real emotion — of passion. And the ultimate separation of these two souls is indeed tragic. Is it the right choice? In the name of love, no, it is not. In the name of the expectations and responsibilities of two adults, cognizant of the consequences of their choices?

Well … to the credit of the episode, it very clearly portrays the absolute importance of emotion, of love.

“Rejoined” is a fantastic episode, despite some obviously over-the-top performances and scenes. Its central message is powerful and skillfully portrayed. Put simply, focusing on just one scene is a myopic perspective for a story that has a universal theme: To what extent are you willing to sacrifice for true love? And if you’ve ever had to face such a choice, the episode rings very, very true — no matter how noble (or contemptible) your choice may have been.

Filed under: Deep Space Nine