“WHEN IT RAINS” Bugs eyes vs blind eyes. Following the dramatic payoff of the previous episode, we’re back to setup territory, and although I like the ideas and twists we get here, there’s something a little “off” with the execution. I think it may be down to directing. Michael Dorn does a proficient enough job behind the camera, but he’s no directorial master, and, as a result, “When It Rains” pales in comparison to its preceding and succeeding episodes—which are both directed with immense flair and finesse by Mike Vejar. For the most part, “When It Rains” is interesting stuff, aside from the Ezri and Bashir fluff, but nothing really grabbed me by the throat. Things just kind of drift along until the episode comes to a startlingly abrupt end seemingly mid-scene. First of all, it does boast one of the most INSPIRED twists of the show’s entire run: Kira agreeing to go to Cardassia and share the skills she learned as a resistance fighter. The irony is delicious and it truly is a brilliant way to end her character arc; by seeing her actually have to teach the enemy she fought so hard against the very skills she used to defeat them. As for the Cardassians, they’re definitely reaping some kind of cosmic karma, now having a taste of the struggles and horrors they themselves inflicted on Bajor. I like the fact there’s animosity and distrust on both sides. That’s only right—and I’m glad that Kira mentions Damar’s murder of Ziyal, something that she’d never be able to forgive or forget. There’s so much potential for drama here, and the addition of Garak in the mix is most welcome. That said, things don’t quite ignite in this episode. We get a bit of bickering and some awkward moments, but, as with most the plots started here, we’ll have to wait until the next episode before things get truly juicy. Another major element that comes to the fore here is the mysterious illness ravaging the Great Link—which, it transpires, was actually created by Section 31, who used Odo as a carrier. It would seem they infected him way back in the fourth season’s “Homefront” episode, which certainly means this virus has an incredibly long incubation period. Ironically, in that time, Odo was also deliberately infected by a virus by the Founders, at which time he also inadvertently infected them with the Section 31 virus. What can I say, linking is obviously a high risk activity. I’m not entirely sure why this disease began affecting the rest of the Founders long before Odo, but he finally begins showing symptoms of it here. This is going to be a tough storyline for me to watch. The scene where Bashir tells them the news over subspace was a real kick in the gut. I’ve seen the very expression on Kira’s face on my own family’s faces as I’ve had to deliver bad news to them about my health. It’s the worst thing in the world. I can also very much relate to Odo’s decision to push it aside and minimise the drama, just getting on with the task at hand. It’s very well played here; subtle yet heart wrenching. We also get another plot strand involving Gowron and his jealousy of Martok’s valour and reputation. Sounds about right for petty politicians, who’d happily put their own ego ahead of the good of an entire empire. Still, it’s nice to see Gowron back again, although it’s all just laboured setup and nothing really jumps off the screen. Fortunately, I can happily say that everything well and truly lands in the following episode, “Tacking Into the Wind”, for which this lays the groundwork. Last but not least, we also get to check in on Winn and Dukat and I love how the revelation of Dukat’s true identity has the power dynamic between them. I’m glad to see that, in spite of her conversion to the Pah-wraiths, Winn can’t forgive Dukat for his past and is, in fact, revolted by his presence and the fact she shared a bed with him. It’s rather wonderful seeing Dukat lose the upper hand, and even be punished by the Pah-wraith for sneaking a look at the Kosst Amojan text. The sadistic delight with which Winn turfs the blinded Dukat onto the street to teach him “a lesson in humility” is strangely satisfying to watch. Man, what a heinous pair these are. Of course, this is the last time we’ll see them until the final episode, and I know this story thread gets a lot of hate from many fans, but I’ve found it captivating viewing throughout, and both Louise Fletcher and Marc Alaimo have been at the top of their game. I guess a of fans aren’t keen on the show’s more fantasy-based elements, but I’ve found it a brilliant character study of two very different villains. Overall, a fair episode—some brilliant, inspired storylines, along with some only marginally interesting ones. Oh, and there’s also the Ezri and Bashir stuff, which is pure soap opera fluff and either cute or irritating depending on your perspective. The execution is definitely weaker this time around—the directing is adequate but no more; it’s talky, the pace is slack, the staging of certain scenes seems a little stiff (note the opening scene where everyone sits down at the table and J.G. Hertzler seems awkwardly late in his cue to deliver a line of dialogue). I’m also not a huge fan of Paul Baillaergeon’s wishy-washy score. I’m also always surprised when the episode abruptly ends in the middle of a conversation between Bashir and O’Brien. Yup, there’s definitely some weird pacing here. But, no matter—it leads us to what, if memory serves me, definitely ranks among the finest episodes of the show’s entire run. Rating: 7
Another insightful review. The fantasy/supernatural elements do bring to mind Indiana Jones or Harry Potter, but somehow they work. Apparently the writers needed to “stall” the Winn/Dukat arc for a few episodes so they had him temporarily blinded and outcast. Kira looks pretty sharp in a Starfleet uniform. Vaughn Armstrong, one of the Cardassian officers, played 13 different roles on Trek. So sorry about your health issue (I can relate).....really hope you’ll pull through okay.
I'm a little behind, so I wrote some lengthy counterpoints on my phone. Too long for one post, so I'm going in order... Regarding "STRANGE BEDFELLOWS"... Great review, as always. I do have to say I don't fault Kira at all for Winn going full dark side. I actually disagree with others that Kira should have been more empathetic. Frankly, I thought she already was TOO empathetic. Look at their history together... Winn tried to kill Bareil to eliminate him as a contender for Kai; she gave sanctuary to a collaborator (she has a special, understandable hatred of collaborators), number 4 on the persona non grata list, just to get 'evidence' of Bareil being a collaborator for same reason as before, which Winn goaded Kira into investigating to try to put a wedge between them; she had Bareil do all the hard work of the Bajoran/Cardassian treaty, took the credit, and didn't mention Bareil's name at all when he died; she nearly caused a civil war over farm equipment; and she stopped the Reckoning, which basically cut into Kira's own faith decision in being the willing vessel for the Prophet. (About the only thing as strong as her hatred of collaborators is the strength of her faith.) I think Kira was being supremely nice and helpful when she was talking to Winn. Winn is just too power hungry and irredeemable... her fall was entirely her fault. I am of the camp that really loves the idea that we, the audience, can't understand the Breen. It gives a deeper air of mystery with them. We've become too accustomed to the universal translator, and it's refreshing to see it not used for the audience for a change. It helps set them apart and really make them alien. Not much more to say, because you nailed the rest. Worf killing Weyoun... one of the best moments of the season. I actually give this episode a 9.
With "THE CHANGING FACE OF EVIL"... great review. That shot of San Francisco was extremely effective. Even Martok gave the Breen credit for being bold, and he's right. If you can outdo Klingons in daring attacks, you are a serious threat. I know this seems like a nitpick, but Sisko has commanded a ship before... when the captain of the Saratoga was killed, he was technically the commanding officer. And as XO, he would certainly be the commanding officer of the Okinawa when Leyton was away. The man just lost not only his ship, but his peppers. He was defeated. To me, he sounded defeated. I think Avery delivered the abandon ship order and his dialogue to Ross right. The Defiant... seeing her destroyed hurt hard when this first aired. It still does on rewatches. She was a damn good ship. And the angle watching the escape pods go off toward the field of destroyed ships... extremely effective. And that final blow that rips the Defiant apart... I'm about to shed a single man tear for her just thinking about it. You get a real sense of doom the new alliance with Breen brings. Not much else I can add that you haven't already stated, but better than I could. I actually give this one a 10, because it does balance the character bits and the danger beautifully.
Excellent review of "WHEN IT RAINS...", and I agree it's more setup, though better than the setup of "PENUMBRA". Partly due to this time not really focusing on Worf/Ezri. Michael Dorn the director... his episodes go downhill in quality. It's not really a dig at him as a director, but he tends to get episodes that feel somehow less than his previous one. Starts off with "IN THE CARDS", then "INQUISITION", then here, and finally "TWO DAYS AND TWO NIGHTS" on ENTERPRISE. I'm not sure if it's because the level of quality of material he gets is directly proportional to how he directs, or directing just isn't his thing. We've certainly had better actors turned director, but we have seen worse. Kira being the one to teach Cardassians terrorist tactics is one of the best story ideas the writers ever did. And it's honestly one of the best growth moments for her. Definitely one of the best developed characters in the franchise. Odo... I can actually see the Changelings being further along with their illness than Odo for a couple reasons. First, he doesn't use his abilities often. The rest of his race tends to use their shapeshifting skills frequently, which Bashir said that Odo should refrain from shifting too much because it seems to accelerate the disease. Second, he was a solid for about half a year... after he initially infected the Link. Either the disease in Odo completely left him at that point and only became reinfected when he linked in "BEHIND THE LINES", or it was dormant for those months as a solid. Either way, his symptoms wouldn't progress as quickly as the rest of the Changelings. The only thing about the disease that puzzles me is this... Odo was infected at Starfleet Medical in "HOMEFRONT", the middle of season 4. We learn about the Founders being Odo's people only about a year and a quarter before that. How the hell did Section 31 come up with this disease AND the cure in such a short time? My favorite moment of the episode, and one of the whole show... Winn kicking Dukat to the curb. That was just so... perfect. Honorable mention of a funny moment... Bashir asking for "More goo. Please?" By the way, love your comparison of the eyes of Gowron and Dukat. My wife has a name for people like Gowron. 'Scallop Eyes'... and many more people are capable of this. I've been accused of having Scallop Eyes on occasion, though it's mostly just to try to scare her. (For fun, of course. We're both lovers of horror.) Overall, I give it a 7, as well.
Great reviews! As always you did a thorough job, I may have an explanation as to why Odo developed the symptoms much later than the founders. I think he was never meant to become sick, he was to be section 31's Typhoid Mary, and when you think about it, had he never got sick, Bashir may never have suspected that he was the one who infected the link. So something must have gone wrong in the process that kept Odo from becoming sick. Btw, do you realize that Laas most likely died? He was infected by Odo and since he was a fugitive that kept away from "solids" it's likely that the news that there was a cure never got to him and he expired in some cave, leaving only dust as a testimony of his existence. Anyway, great episodes, I really enjoyed this final arc.
Weyoun delivering the smug line "Poor Captain Sisko. I believe he was quite fond of that ship." was infuriating to me as a teenager. I absolutely hated him in that moment. It definitely speaks to how great of an actor that Jeffery Combs is.
I don't quite agree with that nitpick. Sisko was acting commander of the Saratoga, but I don't think that's quite the same thing as being her CO. The CO has very broad authority to promote and demote officers, even modify the characteristics of the ship pretty freely. I would expect an acting captain to be limited in authority to getting through their current situation.
About Laas, yes, his death is likely if neither Odo nor any of the founders seek him out or if he doesn't go looking for Odo when he gets sick. We could imagine a followup after season 7, in which Laas and Odo meet again and Laas points out for Odo all the same doubts that Odo already has about solids not being trustworthy and resorting to genocide. Could be some good scenes there.
Fair enough. But... I still stand by Sisko's line to Ross for a more sentimental reason. It was his first full command (that we know of), and there is a special love with his first command. Take Picard's conversation with Scotty about his feelings toward the Stargazer. By his own admission, the Enterprise is FAR superior in every measurable sense... but he still has times where he would 'give almost anything to command her again'. And more than that, he helped DESIGN the Defiant. He might be the only captain in Starfleet who commanded the very ship he helped design. He basically was her father. This definitely adds another layer of meaning to his statement.
“TACKING INTO THE WIND” “Um, Worf, be careful, there’s a Klingon lawyer in the room!” “Oh...shit. I didn’t push him! He fell! Through the glass and onto my blade. It was an accident, honest.” Wow. There’s not a lot I can say about this episode other than to hurl superlatives at it. Superbly executed from beginning to end, “Tacking Into the Wind” is not only the finest episode of the season, but one of the franchise’s most powerful and compelling hours to boot. Ron Moore once again proves himself one of the most consistently brilliant writers ever to grace Star Trek, and his words are brought to beautiful, vivid life by stunning performances and flawless directing by Mike Vejar. Indeed, each and every scene is simply dripping with tension. Fortunately, as the previous episode handled all the setup, “Tacking Into the Wind” starts bang in the middle of the action. Whereas last time I found the Klingon plot only marginally interesting, it most certainly fires on all cylinders here, bringing essentially a decade’s worth of storytelling into sharp focus. While Gowron’s introduction back in TNG’s fourth season saw him as something of a moderate, certainly when compared with the treacherous Duras, his behaviour has been increasingly suspect over the past few years on DS9. From the moment he allowed himself to be so totally manipulated by the Martok-Changeling into effectively declaring war against the Federation, allowing the Dominion to sneakily destabilise the entire Quadrant, it was clear that Gowron’s leadership was suspect. Well, this is definitely a flashpoint for the series, with interstellar governments rising and falling left, right and centre, and revolutions springing up across the Quadrant. It’s now time for the Klingon Empire to face the music. Gowron’s bitter jealousy of Martok leads him to commit a number of reckless decisions which endanger the entire war effort. It’s rather glorious seeing Worf finally stand up to the corruption at the heart of the Empire—spurred on by a beautifully written conversation with Ezri (in what is, hands down, the best use of her character by a country mile). What goes around comes around, and Gowron finally reaps what he has sown. The duel is thrillingly executed, even if we all knew from the moment we see that glass screen that it was simply there to be smashed. The moment it is, however, is no less effective. It’s a joy to see Martok crowned Chancellor as the guy is one of my top two favourite Klingon characters in all of Trek. I don’t know if I’ve praised him before, but J.G. Hertzler deserves serious credit for his thoroughly engaging performances these past few seasons. He’s both exuberant and larger than life without ever descending into parody, as has often been a danger with this particular iteration of Klingondom. It’s also a great episode for Worf; one of his best in the twelve years in which he’d graced our screens. The episode’s other main storyline features a daring mission led by Kira and Damar onto a Dominion base in order to get hold one of the Breen super-weapons. This segment is even better than the Klingon side of things, with Nana Visitor utterly dominating the screen with one of her finest and richest of performances of the entire series. She not only has to contend with the bigotry and egotism of Gul Rusot (superbly brought to life by John Vickery), but must also deal with Odo’s rapid decline as he succumbs to the Changeling virus. It’s simply heartbreaking to watch, with Odo attempting to conceal the true extent of his condition from Kira, who already knows exactly what’s going on—yet decides, for his sake, to let him to keep up the pretence. Their scenes, particularly toward the end of the episode, are genuinely painful and highlight just how effective this particular relationship has become in a relatively short space of time. The final shot of Kira cradling a dying Odo in her arms is truly a punch in the gut and serves as the emotional high watermark of this entire closing arc. There are so many other inspired elements that work beautifully; from Kira’s brutal reflex reaction to the execution of Damar’s family and the way she immediately regrets her outburst, to Damar’s gradual realisation that the old Cardassia “is dead, and it isn’t coming back”. The final confrontation with Rusot is beautifully executed and genuinely gripping. While I used to think Damar’s killing of Rusot was too extreme and unlikely given their close relationship, it’s clear that an officer who is unable to follow orders and who would jeopardise the entire mission out of what—misplaced bigotry?—was a liability to everyone and had to go. Rusot was out of touch with the times and unable to get over the fact Cardassia was no longer in its old position of dominance and control, and Kira was an unpleasant reminder of that fact. If you can’t keep up with the times, you’ll get left behind with history. In that moment Damar certainly goes some way to redeeming himself, and it’s been fascinating watching his incredible transformative arc these past few episodes. Also nice to have Garak as referee, trying to provide some common ground between Kira and the Cardassians. This isn’t the scheming, conniving Garak of times past; the spy who was always several steps ahead of everyone else and working to his own opaque agenda. His role here is far more straightforward, and less interesting for it, but it’s still nice to have him involved, and Andy Robinson, ever the pro, is able to elevate even the smallest bit of dialogue to something genuinely compelling. If it hadn’t been for one annoying contrivance, I’d be inclined to call this episode flawless. However, it never made sense to me that Damar would accompany this mission. Until recently, he was the leader of the Cardassian Union and, hence, the most famous and well-known Cardassian alive. How he could board the Cardassian/Jem’Hadar facility WITHOUT BEING RECOGNISED BY ANYONE is simply beyond me. Given how easy facial alteration appears to be in the 24th century, you’d think he could at least have done something to disguise his appearance. I also find it hard to believe there wouldn’t be CCTV and facial recognition technology anywhere and everywhere especially at a time of war, yet this is another example of current 21st century technology far exceeding Star Trek’s “futuristic” technology. Fortunately, it doesn’t change the fact this is an absolute powerhouse of an episode. Alongside the two main storylines, we also see a continuation of the Section 31 plot, which, frankly, is the darkest DS9 ever got in its depiction of Starfleet. I know Section 31 isn’t Starfleet as such, but it kind of IS at the same time, and the notion that any part of Starfleet would deliberately commit genocide would have had Gene Roddenberry spinning in his grave. Is it possible DS9 went too far in its refutation of Roddenberry’s utopian vision? Heck, if DISCOVERY or PICARD did such a plot today the internet would literally implode. I’m on the fence—it’s brave, it’s dark and it’s sadly true to life. And it does, for better or worse, torpedo Roddenberry’s idealistic vision of humanity’s future. DS9 has shown time and again that, when the chips are down, even 24th century “evolved” humans are liable to compromise their values and morality. Unfortunately, as compelling as it is here, this storyline would receive a less than stellar resolution in the next episode. I won’t end this on a downer, however. Once again, as with “Rocks and Shoals” the previous season, the creative team behind this episode: Ron Moore as writer, Mike Vejar as director and David Bell as composer (whose bombastic score wonderfully elevates and heightens the drama and tension) proves itself a wonderfully winning combination. The pace is tight, the tension palpable and every scene just pops from the screen. As already noted, the performances are unanimously superb. Nana Visitor steals the show, but she’s ably supported by Rene Auberjonois, J.G. Hertzler, Michael Dorn, Robert O’Reilly in his final performance as Gowron, Casey Biggs and John Vickery—and even though he only gets a couple of scenes, Avery Brooks is back in top form. Sisko’s admonition to Worf to do “whatever it takes” to stop Gowron puts him squarely back in “In the Pale Moonlight” territory in terms of morality. Superb, riveting stuff. Rating: 10
Thanks Vash, I appreciate that! Been a tough week in terms of news, but I remain ever hopeful. Wishing you all the very best too. Wouldn’t it be cool to have 24th century medical advances today?
‘A powerhouse of an episode’ - and your review really does it justice. Loved how Worf took to heart Ezri’s words about his tolerating Klingon corruption. A bit like Kirk's final words to mirror - Spock, 'in every revolution there is one man with a vision.' Brilliant to have Odo impersonate the female Changeling on the Jem Hadar bridge- while he was being her, couldn’t he have just called off the whole war?! Kira....so tough in training the Cardassian rebels, so tender responding to Odo’s disease. Luaran is played by Kitty Swink, Armin Shimerman’s wife. Superb from start to finish, one of the all-time best.
Great review! And outstanding episode. I was sad to hear about your health problems. I wish you the best. Also, I am a bit saddened that these reviews are coming to an end. I hope you won't stop there and maybe start another series. I'd love to read your thoughts on Voyager, assuming you can stomach it that is. (J/K) There's not much to add to your very exhaustive review except that I too find Ezri particularly good in that episode and for once not painfully obvious or absurd (with her it's often either one or the other).
Excellent review of an excellent episode. You nailed so much. I really only have two things to say. First, I can actually buy Damar being able to waltz in the facility without being recognized. Remember back in "THE MAQUIS, PART I", when Dukat just appeared in Sisko's quarters? He knew the places that didn't have effective coverage. Damar, as military leader of Cardassia, had access to all the facilities' weak spots, so he could exploit them. It also helps that he had allies within the military in that facility, too. Second, I think there is a sense of guilt on Worf's part regarding Gowron. He is directly responsible for him becoming Chancellor to begin with. Had he not killed Duras, Gowron would likely have been killed right after Duras got the title. (To be fair, an Empire ruled by Duras would have been FAR worse.) Worf bears a sense of responsibility for things like it is an actual piece of his soul. If he feels at fault, he must fix it. That's a core element of his being, and it ties directly to his sense of honor... which, let's be real, he is one of THE most honorable Klingons, if not most honorable character of all races, in the franchise. Notice how in TNG's "Redemption II" that he actively stopped a fight between Gowron and a challenger because he felt it was everyone's duty to follow the Chancellor. Now, Worf is the one who challenges. It was a nice dovetail to what Ronald D. Moore started 10 years previously. THAT is why this episode ultimately succeeds so brilliantly... it finishes off a storyline that has crossed TWO full series. Very fitting that it begins and ends with Moore. If it was just the Klingon stuff, I still would give it a 10. But all the scenes with Kira and company are just another brilliant part of a brilliant episode. Equally deserving a 10.
I feel that this episode alone retroactively "justifies" Jadzia's death, because I can't imagine that she ever would have spoken with Worf the way Ezri did here. It was likely Ezri's finest moment in the series, and possibly one of the most astute speeches of DS9 if not the entire franchise. She really nailed all of the Klingon hypocrisy that we've seen in action since "Sins of the Father".
Excellent review, as always and I really only disagree on one small part. Probably controversial opinion time too: In general, I am not a fan of Garak. However, what this episode does is bring out a side I genuinely enjoy-his pragmatic side.