They also make a point of how the process is meant to give the symbiote life experiences. Starfleet certainly offers those...
My DS9 Rewatch Odyssey
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They also make a point of how the process is meant to give the symbiote life experiences. Starfleet certainly offers those...
Very true. Starfleet is primarily an exploratory organization.
Joined Trills could get a lot of experiences if they bought a ship and headed out on their own, probably had far more freedom to do as they pleased (the Hansen's proved that civvies can often take things too far). Starfleet however, gives them access to resources most probably wouldn't have any other way.
“DEFIANT”
Kira Nerys has a broken heart, can’t even tell her Rikers apart.
I could be wrong, but I do wonder if this episode was a mandate from the Paramount execs rather than an idea organically hatched by the writing staff. It’s possible that it came as part of the third season’s “relaunch” with the intent of catching stray TNG viewers who hadn’t yet given DS9 a fair chance. I know there was certainly a lot of concern over the ratings by this point. Whether that is the case or not, Ron Moore’s superb script elevates this far above a cynical crossover and it’s an excellent episode in its own right; a nicely taut political thriller that plays to DS9’s unique strengths.
Jonathan Frakes is effortlessly charming as Riker—whether it’s “fake Will” or “renegade Tom”. You can tell the cast are enjoying working with him—heck, even Sisko is all smiles to begin with! Frakes has a nice chemistry with Nana Visitor, and just when you think the episode is heading a certain way, Riker sweeps Kira off her feet an altogether different way—by pulling out a phaser, knocking her unconscious and stealing the Defiant! TNG’s “Second Chances” was an episode that begged for some follow-up, and I’m glad the writers decidedly to do just that.
While the Maquis storyline ended up an enormous damp squib on Voyager, it’s still providing some meat for the DS9 writers. I do again wonder, however, why so many high-ranking Starfleet officers were so quick to ditch Starfleet and join the Maquis ranks. I still don’t find the Maquis particularly sympathetic. Tom suggests that Kira of all people ought to understand him, but Kira shoots him down spectacularly: the Cardassians invaded her home, whereas Riker has embroiled himself in a conflict that didn’t involve him in the slightest.
Kira is used brilliantly throughout. I love the way she sees right through Tom’s ‘heroics’ and cuts to the heart of the character: he’s basically been living under Will Riker’s shadow and is looking for a way to set himself apart and shine on his own. Alas, Kira’s impromptu psychoanalysis aside, I don’t feel the episode digs quite enough to into Tom’s character. Just how much does he actually CARE about the Maquis? Interestingly, he never once takes his uniform off (the uniform having been so symbolic in “The Maquis” two-parter), which suggests he may not be quite as into the Maquis cause as Cal Hudson was. Either that, or he just didn’t like the fashion sense of the rest of the Maquis who, let’s face it, look like penniless art students.
Unfortunately, charming as he is, Frakes simply doesn’t have the acting chops to hold his own against Nana Visitor, who dances circles around him here. There’s nevertheless a sense of tragedy about the character and, again, I’d love to have seen some kind of follow-up (on screen, that is; I’m aware the novelverse has probably done just that, but I’ve never got into the Trek novels). Once again, virtually all the Maquis we see in this episode are unspeaking extras rather than characters and, as such, lack any sense of agency. I felt that their willingness to give up and surrender command to Kira at the end was perhaps a little too easy, but, hey, an episode will only run to 42 minutes.
Perhaps even more enjoyable than the Riker scenes are the Sisko/Dukat scenes on Cardassia. There’s something about the interplay between Brooks and Alaimo that I particularly enjoy, and I’m quite flabbergasted re-watching these early episodes at just how sympathetically Dukat is written and performed. I realised that it’s not until the fifth season that he’ll do anything especially villainous. He’s almost TOO nice here; too relatable. If I recall, back in the day, the character of Dukat had a great many fans (among them a great many horny women; I’m pretty certain there was a big internet group called “Dukat’s Women”), and people seemed to overlook the fact he’s actually “Space Hitler” because he was so charming. Alas, later seasons would push the character too far in the opposite direction, which is unfortunate.
The scene where Dukat discusses his son’s birthday with Sisko is wonderful, not because of what’s said, but because of what’s inferred: a veiled threat that unless Sisko helps him stop the Defiant, the inevitable outcome will inevitably be long-term hostility, if not war. Tricia O’Neill aces it as the sinister and intimidating Obsidian Order operative Korinas, who is clearly the one holding all the cards, as well as a loaded gun behind her back. The conflict between the Central Command and Obsidian Order is seeded here and makes for some really compelling drama and a conclusion that leaves some tantalising unanswered questions, paving the way for the monumental “Die Is Cast” at the tail end of the season.
Overall, this is a very strong episode with a huge amount to enjoy. I was, however, left with a feeling that Tom Riker’s story wasn’t over yet. It’s not an entirely satisfying conclusion for the character. I always imagined that he’d find some way to escape the Cardassians and either rejoin the Maquis or make his peace with Starfleet and his “twin brother”. I was left wanting more. Tom Riker fits quite nicely into DS9’s morally complex world, and might have made a cool recurring character. Rating: 8
Kira Nerys has a broken heart, can’t even tell her Rikers apart.
I could be wrong, but I do wonder if this episode was a mandate from the Paramount execs rather than an idea organically hatched by the writing staff. It’s possible that it came as part of the third season’s “relaunch” with the intent of catching stray TNG viewers who hadn’t yet given DS9 a fair chance. I know there was certainly a lot of concern over the ratings by this point. Whether that is the case or not, Ron Moore’s superb script elevates this far above a cynical crossover and it’s an excellent episode in its own right; a nicely taut political thriller that plays to DS9’s unique strengths.
Jonathan Frakes is effortlessly charming as Riker—whether it’s “fake Will” or “renegade Tom”. You can tell the cast are enjoying working with him—heck, even Sisko is all smiles to begin with! Frakes has a nice chemistry with Nana Visitor, and just when you think the episode is heading a certain way, Riker sweeps Kira off her feet an altogether different way—by pulling out a phaser, knocking her unconscious and stealing the Defiant! TNG’s “Second Chances” was an episode that begged for some follow-up, and I’m glad the writers decidedly to do just that.
While the Maquis storyline ended up an enormous damp squib on Voyager, it’s still providing some meat for the DS9 writers. I do again wonder, however, why so many high-ranking Starfleet officers were so quick to ditch Starfleet and join the Maquis ranks. I still don’t find the Maquis particularly sympathetic. Tom suggests that Kira of all people ought to understand him, but Kira shoots him down spectacularly: the Cardassians invaded her home, whereas Riker has embroiled himself in a conflict that didn’t involve him in the slightest.
Kira is used brilliantly throughout. I love the way she sees right through Tom’s ‘heroics’ and cuts to the heart of the character: he’s basically been living under Will Riker’s shadow and is looking for a way to set himself apart and shine on his own. Alas, Kira’s impromptu psychoanalysis aside, I don’t feel the episode digs quite enough to into Tom’s character. Just how much does he actually CARE about the Maquis? Interestingly, he never once takes his uniform off (the uniform having been so symbolic in “The Maquis” two-parter), which suggests he may not be quite as into the Maquis cause as Cal Hudson was. Either that, or he just didn’t like the fashion sense of the rest of the Maquis who, let’s face it, look like penniless art students.
Unfortunately, charming as he is, Frakes simply doesn’t have the acting chops to hold his own against Nana Visitor, who dances circles around him here. There’s nevertheless a sense of tragedy about the character and, again, I’d love to have seen some kind of follow-up (on screen, that is; I’m aware the novelverse has probably done just that, but I’ve never got into the Trek novels). Once again, virtually all the Maquis we see in this episode are unspeaking extras rather than characters and, as such, lack any sense of agency. I felt that their willingness to give up and surrender command to Kira at the end was perhaps a little too easy, but, hey, an episode will only run to 42 minutes.
Perhaps even more enjoyable than the Riker scenes are the Sisko/Dukat scenes on Cardassia. There’s something about the interplay between Brooks and Alaimo that I particularly enjoy, and I’m quite flabbergasted re-watching these early episodes at just how sympathetically Dukat is written and performed. I realised that it’s not until the fifth season that he’ll do anything especially villainous. He’s almost TOO nice here; too relatable. If I recall, back in the day, the character of Dukat had a great many fans (among them a great many horny women; I’m pretty certain there was a big internet group called “Dukat’s Women”), and people seemed to overlook the fact he’s actually “Space Hitler” because he was so charming. Alas, later seasons would push the character too far in the opposite direction, which is unfortunate.
The scene where Dukat discusses his son’s birthday with Sisko is wonderful, not because of what’s said, but because of what’s inferred: a veiled threat that unless Sisko helps him stop the Defiant, the inevitable outcome will inevitably be long-term hostility, if not war. Tricia O’Neill aces it as the sinister and intimidating Obsidian Order operative Korinas, who is clearly the one holding all the cards, as well as a loaded gun behind her back. The conflict between the Central Command and Obsidian Order is seeded here and makes for some really compelling drama and a conclusion that leaves some tantalising unanswered questions, paving the way for the monumental “Die Is Cast” at the tail end of the season.
Overall, this is a very strong episode with a huge amount to enjoy. I was, however, left with a feeling that Tom Riker’s story wasn’t over yet. It’s not an entirely satisfying conclusion for the character. I always imagined that he’d find some way to escape the Cardassians and either rejoin the Maquis or make his peace with Starfleet and his “twin brother”. I was left wanting more. Tom Riker fits quite nicely into DS9’s morally complex world, and might have made a cool recurring character. Rating: 8
It's possible that the studio wanted a crossover episode, but I believe that RDM had hatched the idea of a story of Tom Riker's defiance of Starfleet during the last TNG years.
I know that there are people who think that this episode has a loose thread, especially that evolving circumstances would have meant the Cardassians would have release Tom Riker. I don't find that realistic, especially given the tendencies of the Cardassians. More to the point, I don't think that the studio or the writers thought it would be a good idea. They brought over a TNG character/actor. It wasn't a Riker. Jonathan Frakes is a great guy. He is clearly the highlight of a convention, and he is so affable, you won't notice how well he is conveying misgivings and critiques within all the joviality. I admire his dedication to the franchise, and at times, I wish he had become its overseer. He's a decent actor, but I don't think he would have the tools to keep up a darker Riker beyond this one episode. Indeed, his acting skills did atrophy as he took on more directing responsibilities. When I saw him speak in 2019, he admitted feeling lost when filming his Picard episode.Had he come back to play Tom Riker more, I'm sure it would have been good, but I don't think it would have been for the best.
Really admired this review of "Defiant." The one thing that bugged me was I felt Kira would not be the type to respond so quickly to Thomas - Dax, maybe! - and, what about the fact that this other Riker was in isolation for 8 years - wouldn't that have affected him pretty deeply.
I do know there was a mandate by the writing staff when they sent out memos for potential story ideas that they specufically did NOT want one involving Tom Riker. Whether it's because they were trying to make it happen or there simply was TOO many ideas being given, I don't remember.
I don't know if I have ever said this, but I think SUPERNATURAL took a lot of lessons from DS9, most notably using a standalone episode's one bit of background thread and weaving into the main story of the season. Here we see the mention of the Order and their ships, which comes into fruition late in the season. Always loved that weaving in.
This is a fun episode, through and through. Your analysis was pretty much what I thought of the episode, so I don't really have anything to add.
I don't know if I have ever said this, but I think SUPERNATURAL took a lot of lessons from DS9, most notably using a standalone episode's one bit of background thread and weaving into the main story of the season. Here we see the mention of the Order and their ships, which comes into fruition late in the season. Always loved that weaving in.
This is a fun episode, through and through. Your analysis was pretty much what I thought of the episode, so I don't really have anything to add.
I wasn't bothered too much about them not shooting an ending to Tom's story. If he wasn't killed when the Klingons invaded Cardassia, he probably was during the Dominion War, and if he made it through that too he probably would have been killed when the Founder ordered the Cardassian genocide.
Is there some irony to the fact that Kira defends the Maquis to Sisko but doesn't defend their cause here? If the issue is simply that Tom isn't personally impacted by the Maquis cause, then is she implicitly saying she wouldn't have supported non-Bajorans fighting the Occupation?
Well, he was sentenced to Lazon II, I think. A different place than Cardassia, almost certainly. But it is very likely he was killed during the Dominion War simply because the Dominion would have wanted to interrogate him for all his Starfleet knowledge. It may be outdated, but they would not know that initially.
I think it's more the case that they were not trying to attack all Cardassian installations but on a 'mission', something that separates them from freedom fighters.
“FASCINATION”
“Daughter of the Fifth House, holder of the sacred Chalice of Rixx, heir to the Holy Rings of Betazed, and expert at reading body language...”
Extremely controversial opinion alert: I’m aware that this episode gets a lot of hate, but, as utterly dumb and plotless as it all is, I actually kinda like it. I’d never go so far as to say it’s a particularly good episode, but, as a once-off, I find it a reasonably entertaining, amusing and amiable change of pace.
I know that Lwaxana is loathed by a great many people, but I’ve always enjoyed Majel Barrett’s in the part, and love the sheer joie de vivre she brings to the role. I mean, here’s a woman who truly enjoys living and knows how to make the most out of every moment. Admittedly, this isn’t her best episode. The depth she gained in her previous few appearances is largely gone and she’s back in “Manhunt” mode, which, frankly, isn’t all that interesting. That said, Majel works well with the DS9 cast and there’s a genuinely sweet, tender scene between Lwaxana and Odo that finally confirms something that’s been hinted at in several recent episodes: the fact that Odo has unrequited feelings for Kira.
The main plot, such as it is, involves the transfer of Lwaxana’s horniness for Odo to various other crew members (fortunately for Odo, they don’t all develop the hots for him, although that could have made for an interesting episode). What we end up with has shades of “The Naked Time”, albeit with a far greater sense of tongue in cheek. It’s impossible to take the episode too seriously, but it’s amusing and boasts one of my favourite scenes of the entire series: Sisko’s ill-fated party in the wardroom which quickly descends into French farce (“Commander, you throw one hell of a party!”). While some of the pairings don’t work—Jake and Kira being particularly awkward and annoying—others are more fun, such as Jadzia and Sisko, with Avery Brooks’ exasperated reactions being a low-key comedy highlight. In fact, Sisko is fun throughout as he awkwardly navigates the craziness unfolding around him and tries to hold things together.
The Dax/Bareil/Sisko boxing match is also an episode highlight. Sisko’s facial expression after being decked by Bareil is one of sheer annoyance rather than pain, as though Bareil were little more than some kind of annoying mosquito. And, having found Bareil such an unfortunately one-note character, it was strangely satisfying seeing him walloped by Jadzia. For all that Philip Anglim is a handsome guy, there’s something terribly creepy about his attempts to do “sexy”, and nowhere is that more evident than when he’s coming onto Jadzia. Oh, before I forget—it was neat seeing Kira and Bashir, much to their horror, unable to keep their hands off each other. If memory recalls, it may have been after this episode (or perhaps “Our Man Bashir” next season) that Nana Visitor and Alexander Siddig became romantically involved in real life.
I really enjoyed the Gratitude Festival and seeing the station brightly lit and strewn with colourful banners and decorations. The episode has a suitably festive, almost Christmassy feel to it, and given how dark the series can be at time (including those sets) it’s wonderful to see such a refreshing change in tone. Avery Brooks is again in the director’s chair and he does a splendid job, utilising the Promenade set particularly well with some beautiful, lively and kinetic sweeping shots. The presence of musicians and jugglers also contributes to the festival atmosphere and the fact all the extras seem suitably happy and excited. I just like the vibe of this one, it’s such a nice change from the intense and angsty episodes preceding and succeeding it.
The Miles and Keiko sub-plot is one that I hated when I was younger as I found their bickering almost unbearable and felt it dragged the episode down. Now, I actually find it gives some emotional resonance to the story, and the solidity of their marriage, albeit with its bumps, contrasts well with the superficial, hormone-driven infatuation driving the rest of the crew mad. While I sometimes find Keiko can come across as obnoxiously whiny (“MiiiiiieeeeeeeEHLes!”), it’s Miles that’s utterly objectionable in this episode, even going as far as accusing his wife of having an affair just because she happens to have a male friend. Not cool, O’Brien. But, life being what it is, tempers can flare, and people often do say silly things they quickly regret. I still don’t particularly enjoy seeing the two bicker, but it does feel true to real relationships and gives the episode a little emotional grounding.
Anyway, that’s about it, I think: far from a classic, but, I actually find it a reasonably enjoyable diversion, assuming you can first shift the brain into neutral and just go with the silliness. Rating: 6
“Daughter of the Fifth House, holder of the sacred Chalice of Rixx, heir to the Holy Rings of Betazed, and expert at reading body language...”
Extremely controversial opinion alert: I’m aware that this episode gets a lot of hate, but, as utterly dumb and plotless as it all is, I actually kinda like it. I’d never go so far as to say it’s a particularly good episode, but, as a once-off, I find it a reasonably entertaining, amusing and amiable change of pace.
I know that Lwaxana is loathed by a great many people, but I’ve always enjoyed Majel Barrett’s in the part, and love the sheer joie de vivre she brings to the role. I mean, here’s a woman who truly enjoys living and knows how to make the most out of every moment. Admittedly, this isn’t her best episode. The depth she gained in her previous few appearances is largely gone and she’s back in “Manhunt” mode, which, frankly, isn’t all that interesting. That said, Majel works well with the DS9 cast and there’s a genuinely sweet, tender scene between Lwaxana and Odo that finally confirms something that’s been hinted at in several recent episodes: the fact that Odo has unrequited feelings for Kira.
The main plot, such as it is, involves the transfer of Lwaxana’s horniness for Odo to various other crew members (fortunately for Odo, they don’t all develop the hots for him, although that could have made for an interesting episode). What we end up with has shades of “The Naked Time”, albeit with a far greater sense of tongue in cheek. It’s impossible to take the episode too seriously, but it’s amusing and boasts one of my favourite scenes of the entire series: Sisko’s ill-fated party in the wardroom which quickly descends into French farce (“Commander, you throw one hell of a party!”). While some of the pairings don’t work—Jake and Kira being particularly awkward and annoying—others are more fun, such as Jadzia and Sisko, with Avery Brooks’ exasperated reactions being a low-key comedy highlight. In fact, Sisko is fun throughout as he awkwardly navigates the craziness unfolding around him and tries to hold things together.
The Dax/Bareil/Sisko boxing match is also an episode highlight. Sisko’s facial expression after being decked by Bareil is one of sheer annoyance rather than pain, as though Bareil were little more than some kind of annoying mosquito. And, having found Bareil such an unfortunately one-note character, it was strangely satisfying seeing him walloped by Jadzia. For all that Philip Anglim is a handsome guy, there’s something terribly creepy about his attempts to do “sexy”, and nowhere is that more evident than when he’s coming onto Jadzia. Oh, before I forget—it was neat seeing Kira and Bashir, much to their horror, unable to keep their hands off each other. If memory recalls, it may have been after this episode (or perhaps “Our Man Bashir” next season) that Nana Visitor and Alexander Siddig became romantically involved in real life.
I really enjoyed the Gratitude Festival and seeing the station brightly lit and strewn with colourful banners and decorations. The episode has a suitably festive, almost Christmassy feel to it, and given how dark the series can be at time (including those sets) it’s wonderful to see such a refreshing change in tone. Avery Brooks is again in the director’s chair and he does a splendid job, utilising the Promenade set particularly well with some beautiful, lively and kinetic sweeping shots. The presence of musicians and jugglers also contributes to the festival atmosphere and the fact all the extras seem suitably happy and excited. I just like the vibe of this one, it’s such a nice change from the intense and angsty episodes preceding and succeeding it.
The Miles and Keiko sub-plot is one that I hated when I was younger as I found their bickering almost unbearable and felt it dragged the episode down. Now, I actually find it gives some emotional resonance to the story, and the solidity of their marriage, albeit with its bumps, contrasts well with the superficial, hormone-driven infatuation driving the rest of the crew mad. While I sometimes find Keiko can come across as obnoxiously whiny (“MiiiiiieeeeeeeEHLes!”), it’s Miles that’s utterly objectionable in this episode, even going as far as accusing his wife of having an affair just because she happens to have a male friend. Not cool, O’Brien. But, life being what it is, tempers can flare, and people often do say silly things they quickly regret. I still don’t particularly enjoy seeing the two bicker, but it does feel true to real relationships and gives the episode a little emotional grounding.
Anyway, that’s about it, I think: far from a classic, but, I actually find it a reasonably enjoyable diversion, assuming you can first shift the brain into neutral and just go with the silliness. Rating: 6
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Thanks, Vash. I’m loving rewatching it again. I rewatched TNG last year and as much as I love that show, I found myself struggling at a number of points as I don’t feel it has necessarily aged that well. DS9, on the other hand, has, and even the weaker episodes aren’t enough to dampen my enjoyment. I think I’m at the point where everything really starts heating up and getting consistently brilliant
I'm in the minority of those who really loves "FASCINATION". It's just a fun episode. A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM was the inspiration for this one, if memory serves me.
One of the best aspects of this episode was the directing. Avery Brooks nails it again. I think this episode has the best shots of the Promenade and gets the best use out of the entire Promenade set in the entire series.
The O'Brien subplot was another piece of how we see real marriage. Those two are a fantastic couple because they are the most honest couple, both the characters they play and the way the marriage is written. These subplots are always a treat in my book.
Bareil decking Sisko... THAT was hilarious. A Vedek's best punch, without warning, to his face barely flinches Sisko. This is exactly why Sisko never had a DIE HARD episode like Picard and Janeway had... he doesn't need it. And his casual blockings of Bareil's punches and then the sudden hit from Dax... priceless. Literally, knocking some sense into him.
In a funny way, this quick fight illustrates exactly why Sisko earns the 'Feel My Pimp Hand' title... a woman under his command just came up and knocked down Bareil, without his asking. When I first watched this as a kid, I immediately thought Sisko should say, "Vedek better have my money."
Another funny bit... Quark suddenly wanting Keiko, then very promptly getting his ears nearly snatched off by Miles. You would think the Ferengi would have the ear equivalent of a jockstrap by now.
I truly feel this was a successful comedy episode, and the placement of it between some heavy ones was perfect.
I always hated it when people say DS9 was a dark STAR TREK series. It really wasn't. It was a balanced STAR TREK series, with a fairly even balance between dark and light. Definitely the most balanced of the franchise, without question.
One of the best aspects of this episode was the directing. Avery Brooks nails it again. I think this episode has the best shots of the Promenade and gets the best use out of the entire Promenade set in the entire series.
The O'Brien subplot was another piece of how we see real marriage. Those two are a fantastic couple because they are the most honest couple, both the characters they play and the way the marriage is written. These subplots are always a treat in my book.
Bareil decking Sisko... THAT was hilarious. A Vedek's best punch, without warning, to his face barely flinches Sisko. This is exactly why Sisko never had a DIE HARD episode like Picard and Janeway had... he doesn't need it. And his casual blockings of Bareil's punches and then the sudden hit from Dax... priceless. Literally, knocking some sense into him.
In a funny way, this quick fight illustrates exactly why Sisko earns the 'Feel My Pimp Hand' title... a woman under his command just came up and knocked down Bareil, without his asking. When I first watched this as a kid, I immediately thought Sisko should say, "Vedek better have my money."
Another funny bit... Quark suddenly wanting Keiko, then very promptly getting his ears nearly snatched off by Miles. You would think the Ferengi would have the ear equivalent of a jockstrap by now.
I truly feel this was a successful comedy episode, and the placement of it between some heavy ones was perfect.
I always hated it when people say DS9 was a dark STAR TREK series. It really wasn't. It was a balanced STAR TREK series, with a fairly even balance between dark and light. Definitely the most balanced of the franchise, without question.
One thing that bothered me about Defiant was how easy it was for Tom to bypass security. Identical twins are not so unusual. Transporter duplicates seemed to happen a lot. Other Federation races might have even more siblings who are genetically identical. So any one of those can just walk on to a starship undetected? Maybe they should make the com badges out of something not easily replicable and read them as well as the hand scan.
You're right. I probably shouldn't judge the character so harshly. I've been praising Lower Decks for showing lots of older women in positions of power. Here is a woman expressing her joy. (However, the character works better without having her daughter around.)
Lwaxana Troi is a very tragic and heroic character when you think about it.
She has lost her entire family, except for Deanna, which was why she was so over the top with her concern for her. Especially after losing a child.
I say heroic because despite all her losses, she still squeezes every last bit if life possible. Given what we discover in "Dark Page", it definitely seems more like a coping mechanism, but it is a good lesson on how to deal with so much loss.
She clearly is good enough with people to be a successful ambassador, despite her over the top nature. Hell, some alien cultures might appreciate it more than we do.
It's among the reasons why I've always suspected Neelix's character was based on her, at least in spirit.
She has lost her entire family, except for Deanna, which was why she was so over the top with her concern for her. Especially after losing a child.
I say heroic because despite all her losses, she still squeezes every last bit if life possible. Given what we discover in "Dark Page", it definitely seems more like a coping mechanism, but it is a good lesson on how to deal with so much loss.
She clearly is good enough with people to be a successful ambassador, despite her over the top nature. Hell, some alien cultures might appreciate it more than we do.
It's among the reasons why I've always suspected Neelix's character was based on her, at least in spirit.
I'm glad I'm not alone in finding it a fun episode--I was rather defensive in writing the review because I know there are a lot of people out there seem to utterly HATE this one and consider it one of the series' very worst episodes.
Completely agree about DS9 not being a "dark series" as many have claimed. Oh, it could be dark as heck, but they always balanced it well with the lighter side of life, which is one reason I always tended to enjoy the comedy episodes (coupled to the fact they were often done very well). This might explain why I've never felt the urge to rewatch Nu-BSG even though I found it an excellent series--it was just too relentlessly bleak and oppressive tonally.
I can understand the tone of BSG being dark and bleak simply because their entire civilization was wiped out. You go from billions to 50,000 people, how can you realistically be okay? This is the one thing I could never accept with the original BSG... they seemed too happy go lucky. Granted, it's more a product of the era it was produced and network allowances, but it did strain credibility beyond belief.
I think the best way to describe Moore's BSG is 'honest'.
I think the best way to describe Moore's BSG is 'honest'.
