“FAVOR THE BOLD”
“Well, don’t blame me... I told you I’m not a solid anymore...”
“Favor the Bold” is a difficult episode to review in the same way I think I’d find DISCOVERY (the first couple of seasons at least) or PICARD difficult to review. Serialised storytelling negates the distinguishable beginning/middle/end structure we expect from episodic television and instead feels more like chess pieces being moved across a board, and that’s very much the case here. That said, it’s extremely well done and I found it much more enjoyable and engaging than I remembered. Indeed, I feel it’s a step up quality-wise from “Behind the Lines”, which suffered from uneven pacing and a redundant B-plot. “Favor the Bold” has the feel of a season finale in a way, juggling multiple plot strands, building up steam as the tension mounts and beautifully interweaving a number of enjoyable character beats.
I don’t have anything particularly profound to say about this one, but here are some assorted thoughts. I almost cheered when Sisko unveiled his plan to re-take the station, although I also wish this arc could have lasted a little longer. If DS9 was being made today I imagine the writers would happily have expanded it to encompass the entire season and there was certainly enough potential to do so. One of the things that strikes me as odd is why the Admirals are always so precious about Earth, as though it’s THE most important planet in the Federation or anywhere in the galaxy. Why the elevated status and preferential treatment of Earth over Vulcan, Andor, or any of the other founding members’ worlds? Anyway, one thing I did love to see was Sisko express his profound love of Bajor; something that only seems appropriate given that the Sisko is “of Bajor”.
Odo’s defection to Team Dominion is another thread running through the episode and it doesn’t advance much here. Clearly the Founder is manipulating and influencing his behaviour; he seems lost and confused, yet utterly addicted to his Changeling sexytime. One scene that did make me cringe was the bedroom scene (“so that is how solids experience intimacy...”). I just found it awkward, clunky and somewhat embarrassing. I’d happily have seen that scene hit the cutting room floor, although it does let us see that, in spite of his action/inaction in the previous episode, Odo is still torn apart by his feelings for Kira and how the Founder is wilfully using that to manipulate and twist his mind. Basically, Odo is a mess and the scene where he tries to speak with Kira shows just how badly he has fucked things up. While DS9 was renowned for it’s “torture O’Brien” episodes, I actually think it was Odo that got tortured the most during the show’s run.
On other fronts, it’s nice to see Nog promoted to Ensign and I also like the fact Morn gets to play a small but significant role in the arc! Gotta love the old windbag. Rom again displays remarkable courage, while Leeta manages to be remarkably annoying even though she’s only on screen for a couple of minutes (less is definitely more with this one). The past few episodes have given us some great character development for Quark as he continues to nervously aid Kira and the resistance, and Armin Shimmerman shines throughout. Last, but by no means least, we are treated to Kira kicking Damar’s arrogant, sneering ass and it’s a joyous moment, even if it strains credulity that Damar wouldn’t put up more of a fight—after all, he’s bigger and surely must be stronger than she is. I have to say Damar is an incredibly unpleasant character at this point in the series, which makes the unexpected twist his character takes next season all the more remarkable.
All in all, this is a transition episode and you can hear the sound of cogs in motion. It’s elevated, however, by the solid execution: namely a great script by Ira Behr and Hans Beimler that delivers so many wonderful, joyous character moments along with an impending sense of danger and doom, and Winrich Kolbe’s strong directing, which keeps the pace taut and the atmosphere electrified. It’s pretty much just build-up, but it serves its purpose superbly and is compelling throughout.
Rating: 9
