After an all-too-slow buildup, “Strange Bedfellows” ultimately becomes a compelling episode, filled with character and narrative revelations. There’s still some unevenness to the overall approach, and there are a few awkward moments within the episode. But it’s central developments, particularly with respect to the characters, is much more plausible and insightful than the first two installments of The Final Chapter.

The title, while a bit simplistic and obvious, can easily be applied to many different circumstances within the episode. And, of course, each “coupling” has significant consequences for not only the characters, but the overall narrative, as well.

The first, and most obvious, coupling is that of Dukat and Winn. Yes, they’ve done the wild thing and spend much of the first half of the episode cuddling and canoodling and professing how wonderful each makes the other feel — afterglow sometimes has that effect, no? At any rate, this is obviously false and hollow. Winn and Dukat are both much too self-absorbed to really be that much into each other. But even so, there connection is something that will pull Winn through a crisis of confidence.

It begins when Winn has another vision … one in which the pah-wraiths reveal themselves to the Kai. This triggers her final internal conflict over her faith. Initially she rejects Dukat and the pah-wraiths, and even calls on Kira for advice. Winn professes that she’ll do anything to have the Prophets love her. Kira lays it on the line: Step down as Kai, be humble … prove that she wants to be a true believer and the Prophets will listen.

As if Winn would willingly give up on her role as a spiritual leader of the planet. And so Winn, with Dukat’s seductive whispering in her ear, turns to the pah-wraiths. The actual conversion from follower of the Prophets to follower of the pah-wraiths happens just a bit too abruptly on-screen. But no matter … this has been a long time coming. The pah-wraiths present Winn with the best path for holding and consolidating power. Her thirst for power is obvious. It’s a natural development.

Other “bedfellows” are Ezri and Worf. Being held on Cardassia and sentenced to death, the two, finally, actually have a discussion and work through their differences (and similarities). The scenes here work on a level that is much higher than what we’ve seen in the two previous installments. Their emotions and discussions are heartfelt and sincere. The resolve to be friends … and “something more.”

Then there’s the political coupling which, ultimately creates yet another, more secretive one. With the Breen as part of The Dominion, Damar is forced to confront his role, and Cardassia’s role within the Dominion. Damar is tired of seeing hundreds of thousands of Cardassians die in battle, while the Dominion trades Cardassian territories as concessions for the Breen alliance. It’s been building for some time, with Weyoun’s disdain and Damar’s growing disillusionment. The schism between Damar and Weyoun is humorously revealed when Worf kills Weyoun … and Damar simply laughs (Weyoun will simply be cloned anew, afterall).

But Damar has clearly had enough. And he finally decides to act — not for the Dominion, but for Cardassia: he helps Worf and Ezri escape. The moment wasn’t exactly a shock. How else were Worf and Ezri going to avoid being killed? But it’s no less enjoyable and satisfying. It’s good to see Damar standing up for his people.

There are a few other, smaller scenes worthy of note. First, it’s good to see that at least a few members of DS9 are worried about Ezri and Worf. Quark keeps a drink poured on his bar for Ezri. And Bashir is struggling to understand his own feelings about Ezri (who, for her part, admits her feelings about Bashir to Worf). There’s also the funny sidebar in which Martok describes marriage as a war, with battles being waged (and won) by man and wife. It plays out as an amusing distraction within the episode.

“Strange Bedfellows” is a very good episode. Its strengths rely on character and story, and a nicely paced plot.

Filed under: Deep Space Nine