I was intrigued watching this episode; it had so much potential, and then the things they had to do were ridiculously ridiculous. Easily the worst episode I've watched so far. It is right up with The Empath, Spock's Brain, and the worst episodes of TNG. Even the acting was subpar.
I kinda like the Empath. Okay, not in the top 10 or anything, but easily midpack for TOS. Spock's Brain, on the other hand, is so much worse than Move Along Home. Move Along Home at least had some good reactions from Quark. Spock's Brain's only redeeming feature was alien babes in skanty outfits which is definitely not enough to save it.
I actually like this episode! It's among my favorite DS9 episodes. Exciting, entertaining, a bit funny with a somewhat surprising end. Not to mention that I had a neighbor some years ago who was a dead ringer to Falow. We used to joke a lot about all this.
It has its faults, obviously, but it's actually a good episode for Quark, in that you see he actually cares about Sisko and co.
It's not great but it's not awful, the bickering between Sisko, Dax and Kira does help show how they're all starting to gel together. Good thing O'Brien was on Earth at the time, just imagine how the poor man would've suffered in the game!
DS9 seemed to have fewer than its share of true stinkers... but it had some. Haven't seen that one in awhile, though. I really should do my own DS9 rewatch.
I always thought it was a fun episode. An episode that wasn't afraid to be silly. Yes, it's not the greatest storyline, but neither does it pretend to be. And yes, the acting is not top notch, so be it. And I like how we see Quark actually have something of a conscience for the first time, as mentioned above.
I MUST defend this episode, because it is a really good one! I am quoting a post I made some time ago... I will always defend this episode because it really is a good one!
I didn't read that first post of yours which you have quoted here but I've read it now and I agree with everything which you have written.
If nothing else, it's an episode that Armin Shimerman was able to provide input for, regarding Quark and giving him some character. That alone saves it from "the worst" pile, and by some margin. Armin just about singlehandledly took the Ferengi, a species made for TNG to be "the new Klingons"*, and actually gave some depth that the show took off with and made much use of as a result. Not to mention the Quark/Odo double-act is arguably the most memorable and for all the right reasons. Very strong, the script quality was... * only they failed at being formidable at any of their underlying points and Geneisms** and what not, and quickly became joke fodder, with TNG barely using them as a result ** guess which are the most prominent! All that said: I recall not liking how quickly "first contact" is used and then shoved aside because the story has to wrap up in 47 seconds. Is the idea that of selling them as a mysterious species they would have explored more, had this episode not cratered? I'll agree, any mysticism present isn't much to go on and the fact they're not used again... But I did like the Wadi and a sense of alien aloofness. Despite the intro and outro being rushed plot devices. Also, on one hand, sure - the song is naff. On the other, isn't that the intent -- and getting (or attempting to get) the audience completely outside its comfort zone?
"Move Along Home" always kind of reminds me of The Cube, except played for laughs instead of horror. Or perhaps I should say that The Cube reminds me of the "Move Along Home" since the DS9 episode came first.
I thought it was a bit bonkers but a nice nod to some of the bonkers TOS episodes of yore. Same as The Thaw from Voyager (which features Michael Mckean so therefore is actually great) which is also just a big pile of crazy fun. I'm fine with the shows sometimes going balls deep into the crazy, keeps it different.
And...AND...Nicole DeBoer is in both DS9 and The Cube! Coincidence???!!??? Yes. Yes it is. Actors act in stuff.
Hey now! Enough of this negativity. I have it on good authority that Nana Visitor and Ira Steven Behr... ...well, I won't spoil What We Left Behind for those who haven't yet seen it.