Just started watching for the first time

[Sistrin]

I actually think DS9 comes off better the second time around, when you already get the show.

I agree. DS9 was my favorite Trek incarnation and still is. Although after a second run through of Enterprise I have a new appreciation for...most...of it.

 

[JirinPanthosa]

DS9 has more character conflict, but 'Selfish arrogance'? Odo, maybe, but he never took an oath to Starfleet and he's possibly the most principled man in the galaxy. Quark, absolutely selfish, again, not in Starfleet. Kira, arrogant sure, but it always seems justified and never selfish.

I love TNG as much as you, but in TNG Starfleet never has to deal with anybody outside of Starfleet. They never have to peek outside their bubble and deal with somebody who isn't on the same page they are. You really expect immediate bliss with a planet who spent their entire lives viewing all outsiders as slave masters?

 

[Keith1701]

I loved it from the get-go, but it does get better.

You are in for a real treat.

 

[JesterFace]

Like TNG before it, DS9 got better in season 3 for me.

 

[Viper78]

I was lukewarm towards it until the S2 finale, when it really goes for broke- it's a bit unfocused until that time.

On rewatching I enjoyed the earlier seasons more, but yes mid-to-late S2 is where the getting gets good.

It's no coincidence that DS9 gets significantly better at the very tail end of S2/beginning of S3: That's when writers for TNG began fully moving over to DS9 (most notably, IMO, being Ronald D. Moore). As with the first couple seasons of TNG, there are still some gems within S1 and S2.

I agree with this, DS9 in my favourite Trek series just ahead of TNG.