“THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS”
A.K.A. “The One Where Sisko Really Should’ve Taken a Cold Shower”.
Whereas “Crossover” was actually a highlight of the late second season, DS9’s trips to the Mirror Universe were a case of diminishing returns—and would eventually culminate in what I consider one of the worst episodes of the entire franchise (the dreaded “Emperor’s New Cloak” in season seven).
That said, the first few visits were at least reasonably enjoyable. “Through the Looking Glass” isn’t as strong as I remember, but it’s still highly watchable. The caveat is that you MUST be able to switch the brain into neutral and overlook the inherent stupidity of the premise. I mean, the notion of multiple universes is something backed by scientific theory—but the idea that everyone would still be in the same vicinity despite it being a
radically different universe with a completely different history stretches credulity to breaking point. In a world where almost everything is different on a broad galactic scale, how would the exact same people come together to have the exact same babies they would in our universe? Best not to think about the logistics. These Mirror Universe episodes (at least, the ones prior to season six’s “Resurrection”) are enjoyable if you can accept them for the pulp sci-fi pantomimes they basically are. These are less Star Trek and more Star Wars with a touch of Flash Gordon, albeit constrained by the mid-90’s TV budget.
The basic plot—Sisko forcibly taken across to the Mirror Universe to pose as his dead alternate self—is actually decent enough, because it forces him to deal with the alternate version of his late wife, Jennifer. There’s certainly plenty potential there for drama. I did feel it was let down by the lack of chemistry between Avery Brooks and Felicia M Bell, and the fact Bell’s performance really lacked the grit and subtext it needed. I mean, Bell may as well have been acting in a sitcom; she’s certainly likeable, but just not entirely convincing as a cold, hardened scientist working for an evil regime. This part of the episode, while decent, fell a bit flat for me, and it rather strips the hour of any real emotional resonance. However, I do feel it’s an important point in Sisko’s character development, as he finally comes to accept that the woman he knew is gone, and perhaps realises it’s time to move on in his life. Is it any coincidence that he will meet his future wife, Kasidy Yates, in just a few episodes’ time?
This episode capitalises on the fact that Brooks’ memorable performance as Mirror Sisko was one of the high points of “Crossover”. I’ve always felt that “our” Sisko impersonates his Mirror counterpart just a little TOO well. However, I guess it’s possible that, off screen, Smiley may have shown him multiple videos and recordings of the other Sisko, enabling Ben to approximate his very peculiar mannerisms. I liked that we got to see Mirror Jadzia and Bashir—along with Mirror Tuvok, in one of the most random and unexpected crossover cameos in Trek history. I actually forgot all about Tuvok being on DS9 until he popped up here in a couple of brief scenes. Regrettably, Tim Russ plays this Tuvok almost identically to “our” Tuvok, so it’s not a particularly interesting role.
Mirror Jadzia is sexy as heck, although this does lead to a scene I have a bit of an issue with: the Dax/Sisko sex scene. Basically, Sisko has to keep his cover and can’t let anyone know he isn’t the Mirror Ben, and that would seem to necessitate sleeping with his mistress. Oh, there are about
three seconds where Sisko looks uncomfortable before he gives a kind of “what the heck” shrug and reciprocates her advances. He also has sex with the Intendent just a few scenes later. Which means that horn-dog Sisko has now slept with identical versions of both Jadzia and Kira; his friends and subordinates in the Prime Universe.
Now, while Jadzia and Kira are undoubtedly smoking hot, shouldn’t this still create a fair bit of conflict and awkwardness for Ben? It created a fair bit of conflict and awkwardness for ME just watching it! It seems the writers were going for a “when in Rome” approach to the Mirror Universe episodes, but it actually painted Sisko in a bit of a bad light for me. I understand he had to keep his cover to save innocent lives, but it’s still morally questionable and just...icky. After all, pretending to be someone else in order to have sex with someone is legally considered “rape by fraud”.
I also have a bit of an issue with Star Trek’s first openly gay/bisexual character being a psychopath from a savage alternate universe, which unfortunately (and I believe unintentionally) equates being gay with being evil. That said, it’s impossible to get through even five minutes of these Mirror episodes if you take any of it too seriously. Nana Visitor is superb again as the ultimate malignant narcissist of the Mirror Universe, and she takes delight in chewing the scenery to pieces. The episode ends with some nice action scenes and a fair few Star Wars-y shoot ‘em ups as Sisko manages to convert Jennifer to his cause and stage a breakout. However, the idea that the Mirror Universe Terok Nor has the same access codes as the Prime Universe DS9–
puh-lease! I’m capable of suspending my disbelief substantially, but that pretty much takes the biscuit.
Overall, I found this a mixed bag. I did enjoy it to an extent—it’s a pacey romp with plenty of action, adventure and intrigue, and it does have glimmers of depth when it comes to Sisko’s bittersweet encounter with Jennifer, even if there’s not much chemistry in their scenes together. Maybe it’s partly the different social climate we’re in now, but Sisko’s, ahem, “liaisons” with Dax and Kira felt rather misogynistic on the part of the writers and misconceived. The episode overall lacks the punch and novelty of “Crossover” and certainly pales in comparison to the original classic “Mirror, Mirror”. I wouldn’t have objected to these continuing visits to this universe if there was a stronger overall narrative and storyline, and if things had been better thought-out. But, still, if you take this for what it is—trashy pulp sci-fi—it is an entertaining romp.
Rating: 6 (It was gonna be a 7, but my objection to Sisko’s sexual exploits and the nonsense about the station’s access codes got the better of me).
