“Shadows and Symbols” Deep Space Nine is the natural progression for a series that has begun to fully embrace its more mystical elements. It’s a bold step for the series and, with respect to this episode at least, the results are mixed. Ultimately, the success of decision to focus on mysticism will boil down to a measure of balance — in other words, how can the series balance its sci-fi fare with its newfound mystical elements? To that end, what holds this episode back is its inability to effectively tell three separate stories at the same time.

Once again, this is, primarily, Sisko’s episode. But his story has the added element of Ezri Dax, and the formal introduction of her character’s personality. In many ways, this is a fascinating development for the series and, really, ought to have been given its own primary story — to explore the similarities and differences between Jadzia and Ezri. Unfortunately, shortly after learning that Ezri is a neophyte host, and a bit scatterbrained as a result of the joining (interesting developments), her character is pushed to the side in favor of Sisko’s almost fanatical quest to find the Orb of the Emissary.

In fact, after being overjoyed to see Dax again, Sisko fairly ignores her as he trudges through the desert desperately seeking the Orb. What’s more, he’s hearing strange voices again (like he did in “Far Beyond The Stars”). And so his story shifts tone yet again as we’re plunged into another Benny Russell vision — this time showing Benny in a solitary cell in an asylum, writing his stories on the wall.

The difference, though, is the fact that this vision isn’t from the Prophets, it’s from the pah-wraiths — who are doing everything in their power to prevent Sisko from opening the Orb and restoring the wormhole to its natural state. But the strength of Sisko’s faith is enough to overcome his doubts, he opens the Orb, reconnects to the Prophets, who promptly expel the pah-wraith from the Celestial Temple.

It’s not a bad story. But the uneven approach to the story (beginning with Ezria and taking a detour into Benny Russel Land) saps it of much of its intrigue and emotional pull. Plus, Sisko once again comes across as a self-centered, nearly egotistical person. Perhaps this was the intent of the episode. But that doesn’t make it any easier to watch.

Just as problematic is in how the episode follows the other two storylines. The subplot which sees Worf engage in a daring attack as a means to ensure Jadzia’s entrance into Stovokor suffers from an overdose of Quark. It’s not too difficult to understand why Quark might want to be a part of honoring Jadzia’s memory. But why on Bajor would Quark join in the mission? But even if you can accept Quark actually volunteering, he offers absolutely nothing to the mission. Worse yet, he’s a whiny prick who does little more than antagonize everyone on the ship … including Worf.

It’s like taking the worst elements of a Ferengi episode and dropping them into what should be a fairly serious story.

Once again, the best subplot comes courtesy of Kira and her confrontation with the Romulans. In this episode, Kira proves to be a tough negotiator, and strong-willed leader. What we have is, basically, the Cuban Missile Crisis in space, with Kira blockading the Romulan hospital. But Kira’s demeanor and actions ring true and are, simply, a lot of fun to watch.

“Shadows and Symbols” might be an important episode for the series, but it’s a thoroughly uneven affair. I appreciate the attempt to make the episode feel more like it’s part of an epic mini-series rather than episodic television. But the results just do not match the intent.

Filed under: Deep Space Nine