“CROSSOVER”
“Oh Nerys, you’re so fine, you’re so fine you blow my mind.”
Following a run of strong but fairly heavy episodes, “Crossover” (although a dark story in itself) is a welcome and refreshing change of tone and pace. It serves as an unexpected sequel to one of the best and most beloved episodes of TOS; the iconic “Mirror, Mirror”. Unfortunately, over the years the writers would tap this particular well a few too many times and it would be a case of diminishing returns if ever there was. But I have to say I found DS9’s first trip to the Mirror Universe one of the most downright beginning-to-end
entertaining episodes of the season. Oh, it’s pure Flash Gordon pulp and, as is usually the case with ‘alternate universe’ stories, it doesn’t stand much logical scrutiny, but it’s still a delight in all its cartoonish glory.
The greatest thing about these Mirror Universe episodes are invariably the performances. The cast revel in the opportunity to play twisted alternate versions of their characters and they rise to the challenge beautifully. Without doubt, this is Nana Visitor’s episode and she’s spectacular as the Intendant; a malignant narcissist who has absolutely no qualms about who she has to exploit, manipulate or kill. It’s an utterly scene-stealing performance, and she creates one of the series’ most iconic villains (even if familiarity would perhaps breed contempt later down the line). Avery Brooks is almost as good and seems to be in his element as the roguish, menacing and somewhat unhinged playboy Sisko. Brooks is an actor with incredible screen presence, and even when he’s saying very little he has a way of commanding the stage. Also having a ball is Rene Auberjonois as the utterly sadistic nightmare-version of Odo (and the optical effect when he gets shot is one of my favourite effects in the entire series—it’s almost like a changeling water balloon exploding!). Andrew Robinson hams it up superbly as the Intendant’s the ambitious and frustrated subordinate, while Armin Shimmerman and Colm Meaney give effective turns as very much beaten-down versions of their characters, which really helps sell the terrible predicament the oppressed Terrans and their allies are in.
“Crossover” boasts a good script and excellent, pacey directing by David Livingston, who has a strong eye for visual detail. Special mention must also to go to the sets and cinematography. As with “Necessary Evil”, it’s amazing how a set redress and different lightning can create a completely different environment and atmosphere. The lighting is particularly effective, with the rich primary hues beautifully recalling the vibrant colour palette of TOS cinematographer Jerry Finnerman. With only minimal modifications, these familiar sets become a stark and unsettling environment, with the ore processing centre seeming particularly hellish.
All in all, I enjoyed this a lot, and liked seeing Kira and Bashir sowing the seeds of rebellion, much as Kirk did in the original episode (although, sadly, that didn’t turn out quite so well for the Terrans in the long run). Personally, I almost wish this had remained a standalone episode, but I guess the temptation was too much for the writers who were keen to try to recapture the magic. One niggle in the episode’s closing line: how would Kira be familiar with the term “through the looking glass”? It seems incongruous that she’d be familiar with the books of Lewis Carroll yet not know a historical figure like James Kirk. It would have made more sense if the line has been spoken by Bashir, but that’s a minor complaint.
Rating: 8
