“Chrysalis” is the epitome of average. It’s got a routine story, some scenes which work, others that don’t and while the episode’s main character, Bashir, learns something of a lesson, it’s not something entirely new or groundbreaking. The episode uses some interesting continuity, but more than anything, this feels like the kind of middling character development we’d see early in the series, and is not something that works particularly well in the final season.

The genetically enhanced “mutants” from “Statistical Probabilities” are back on DS9 to try and help the comatose Sarina finally find her voice. Bashir works his magic, Sarina “wakes up” and experiences life for the first time. Some experiences are good, others not so much. Bashir falls in love with her, proclaims she is “the woman he has been waiting for all his life,” she feels overwhelmed and nearly becomes comatose again. She decides to leave and Bashir is left to be lonely once again.

The episode struggles because the Mutants can be just as much of a nuisance as a benefit on screen. There’s the wonderful scene in which they impersonate Starfleet officers with Patrick, effectively playing an Admiral simply by barking “That’s a stupid question!” at everyone. But they interpersonal bickering was already stale by the end of “Statistical Probabilities” and here it doesn’t improve one bit.

Much has been made of the musical “Do-re-mi” scene … and it’s essentially a love-it or hate-it moment. Personally, I thought it was just too over-the-top, and went on for far too long. But that really isn’t the biggest problem with the episode. It’s Bashir and his choices here. I know the episode spent time in its opening scenes to show just how lonely Bashir is. And I can certainly understand why he’d develop feelings for Sarina. But the manner with which he acts on those feelings?

Ultimately, much of what happens loses its impact because it’s just so predictable. And relatively unnecessary. I suppose we can say that, at the very least, the Mutants get what should be a final farewell for the series … but did we really need one? We could also say that we learn how far Bashir will go for personal happiness, to not be alone … but did really need such a revelation? Didn’t we kinda know this already?

“Chrysalis” isn’t a terrible episode. But it is hardly memorable or noteworthy. It certainly doesn’t accomplish a whole lot, despite its placement in the final season of Deep Space Nine.

Filed under: Deep Space Nine