New to DS9...

[Lt. LaForge]

I've seen TNG (My personal favourite series), TOS and Enterprise (My 2nd favourite. I just love it so much). I'm in need of more Trek and Voyager just won't do.

The major gripe I have with DS9 is Sisko. Brooks' portayal just seems so over-the-top for me. He puts me off and as the main guy, pushes me away from the series. I don't think I can bear 7 seasons with this guy. I've seen about 4 episodes...I couldn't even finish the pilot.

The reason for my thread is this, I NEED new Trek. Therefore, can you niners direct me to the best season with which to start the series? 2?3?

 

[DalekJim]

I really like Sisko. He stats the season a broken man and we see him heal over the course of the show due to his adventures and relationships with the characters. Avery Brooks' performance is kinda inconsistent early on but from S4 onwards he's outstanding in the role.

DS9 is my favourite Trek series but I'd admit Season 1 isn't too hot. It's a LOT better than TNG S1 and S2 but it pales in comparison to DS9's peak of Seasons 3-6. I love the pilot but there are way too many TNG-lite episodes in there. Only S1 episodes I ever revisit are Emissary, Captive Pursuit, Duel and the finale. Rest are pretty skippable.

Season 2 is a big improvement but there are still a lot of TNG-lite eps. It isn't until Season 3 that DS9 fully establishes its own tone and ambition.

I wouldn't skip any season personally. Getting to know all the characters in these adventure-of-the-week episodes is crucial for caring about them during the show's major story arcs. Also, DS9 is one long coherent serial so skipping a season will mean you lose vital plotpoints to future episodes. If you are really fed up though, then I recommend this viewing for the "essentials":

S1 -

Emissary
Past Prologue
Captive Pursuit
Battle Lines
Duet
In The Hands of the Prophets

S2 -

The Homecoming
The Circle
The Siege
Cardassians
Necessary Evil
Blood Oath
The Maquis Part 1
The Maquis Part 2
The Wire
Crossover
The Jem'Hadar


From S3 onwards, DS9 is consistent enough to just watch through. But I still wouldn't recommend skipping anything, really. The first 2 seasons of Enterprise are more mediocre than early DS9.

 

[TheGodBen]

The reason for my thread is this, I NEED new Trek. Therefore, can you niners direct me to the best season with which to start the series? 2?3?

Season 1 is the best season with which to start the series. It's easily the worst season of the show, but as DalekJim said, DS9 is a semi-serialised show and a lot of the stories and character arcs are established in the first season. Jumping ahead to season 2 or 3 will cause you to miss a lot of the groundwork that made DS9 what it is, even though a lot of season 1 is rubbish.

As for Avery Brooks, he's an acquired taste. Thankfully, I acquired that taste early in my life so I don't have much of a problem with his acting, but I understand why some people don't like it. I don't think his acting style ever changes, but what does happen is that the writers start to change the character to better suit Brooks' style, and he transitions from being a bit of a passive character into more of a badass. Past Tense in season 3 is commonly viewed as the point where the new Sisko establishes himself.

If you do decide to continue with the show, you should definitely try and finish Emissary as that episode is the beginning of the Prophets/Emissary arc that becomes a major aspect of the show in the later seasons, so it's a bad idea to skip it.

 

[DalekJim]

Season 1 is the best season with which to start the series. It's easily the worst season of the show,

I'd say it's not much weaker than Season 7, really. And I wouldn't rate any S7 episode as highly as I'd rate Duel or Emissary.

As for Avery Brooks, he's an acquired taste. Thankfully, I acquired that taste early in my life so I don't have much of a problem with his acting, but I understand why some people don't like it. I don't think his acting style ever changes-

I think his acting style is hugely different once he's settled in to the role. I think in Season 1 Brooks is one of the weak links in the acting department. People hate on her but I honestly think Terry Farrell does a better job early on and gets a much better handle on her character. Sisko only really arrives for me in late S2 and even then took a while to grow on me. His monologue at the end of In The Pale Moonlight cemented him as my favourite captain though.

If you do decide to continue with the show, you should definitely try and finish Emissary as that episode is the beginning of the Prophets/Emissary arc that becomes a major aspect of the show in the later seasons, so it's a bad idea to skip it.

Not only that, but it's just a great piece of TV sci-fi in general.

 

[Son of Quark]

Deep Space Nine is my favorite Trek, and in my opinion, the best. My wife never really watched it and didn't care too much for it, now it is her favorite Trek series as well. It's timeless and doesn't age. Very relevant, even today.

Avery Brooks as Captain Sisko, is easily my favorite Captain, as he isn't "always by the book" so to speak, and he doesn't take any shit from anyone. Also, the actors, being series regulars or guest actors, they all do such an amazing job. Harris Yulin, in Duet for an example, is amazing in an amazing episode.

Definitely start with Season 1, as that will set everything up and develope the characters.

 

[USS Firefly]

I've watch DS9 two times with my wife and its our favorite show.
Then we start on Voyager but gave it up after season 3, because we thought it was awful.

 

[DalekJim]

Voyager was a great show when I was 8. Would never be able to marathon it ever again like I could all the other shows. My Top 10 Trek Episodes list has 4 DS9 eps, 4 TOS eps and 2 TNG eps. I find the idea of any Voyager or Enterprise sneaking in very unlikely.

 

[The Mirrorball Man]

I think Season 1 is a very good season and the ideal place to start watching the show.

 

[Bry_Sinclair]

I think this was in the special features on the DVDs, but back in the beginning the PTB weren't sure who Sisko was at his core (Kirk was the adventurer, Picard the diplomat). It was at the start of S3 they realised he was a 'builder', since then he goes from strength to strength.

S1 and 2 do have a few stinkers in them (episode wise), but then again what series doesn't? But the worst early-DS9 has to offer still beats early-ENT and late-VOY. As been said before though, the storylines are consistant and build the characters up bit-by-bit, as well as introducing little titbits for future eps.

Even if you don't warm up to Sisko, there are still loads of great main and secondary characters to enjoy, with lots of good dynamics and evolution (Dax is a good example of this, going from being a bit rigid to becoming more relaxed as she gets used to being Joined).

 

[dub]

Back when it was first on TV, his acting was honestly one of the reasons I was turned off. I was reminded of that when I decided to finally watch the entire series last year. But it didn't take long until I grew to appreciate Brooks' unique acting style. His acting grew on me and I actually grew to love and respect his character along with the others. In the end, to my surprise, it became my favorite of the Trek shows. TNG had been my favorite all of my life.

My advice: Do not skip any seasons or episodes. Anybody here can offer you their shortcuts, but remember it's a subjective experience.

 

[TheGodBen]

I've watch DS9 two times with my wife and its our favorite show.
Then we start on Voyager but gave it up after season 3, because we thought it was awful.

In fairness, season 3 of Voyager is particularly bad, and season 4 is a substantial improvement. I'm not really a fan of the show, and I'm disappointed that it wasn't more like DS9, but judging Voyager off of season 3 is like judging TNG off its first season.

Even if you don't warm up to Sisko, there are still loads of great main and secondary characters to enjoy, with lots of good dynamics and evolution (Dax is a good example of this, going from being a bit rigid to becoming more relaxed as she gets used to being Joined).

I think this is an important point. DS9 is the most decentralised Star Trek, by which I mean that the captain figure and the senior staff don't dominate the show in the same way they do in the other series. While Sisko is the main character and the only person to appear in every episode of DS9, he doesn't define the show in the same way that Kirk, Picard, Janeway, and Archer did their shows. A typical episode of TNG or Enterprise would include the Enterprise embarking on some mission or other, so Picard or Archer would naturally play a major role in the plot or sub-plot. But on DS9, because the station wasn't always whizzing off to new adventures, there often wasn't a large role for Sisko in each episode, and the show developed a large extended cast of around 30 characters. So even if you don't like Sisko, you can still watch the show for Kira, Odo, Garak, Dukat, or whoever.

 

[USS Firefly]

I've seen all of Voyager when it was on tv 10 years or so ago.
But when I saw it on dvd with my wife (who also have seen it on tv and was a big Voyager fan) we noticed that it was really bad, the stories, the continuation, some characters, personally I didn't like Janeway.
So we decided to quit watching Voyager and watch DS9 again, and now were watching SG1.

 

[Enterpriserules]

I've seen TNG (My personal favourite series), TOS and Enterprise (My 2nd favourite. I just love it so much). I'm in need of more Trek and Voyager just won't do.

The major gripe I have with DS9 is Sisko. Brooks' portayal just seems so over-the-top for me. He puts me off and as the main guy, pushes me away from the series. I don't think I can bear 7 seasons with this guy. I've seen about 4 episodes...I couldn't even finish the pilot.

The reason for my thread is this, I NEED new Trek. Therefore, can you niners direct me to the best season with which to start the series? 2?3?

My ex-girl friend felt the same way you did and she stuck with watching the show and now not only likes it, but calls it the best show of Trek. I hope you will stick with it because the saga of DS9 as whole is such an amazing journey. If you'd like some inspiration, I do a DS9 podcast called The Orb and maybe it will help encourage you to continue watching the show. Honestly too, I know you don't love Sisko but there are a so many character in DS9 (including him) that have incredible arcs that will leave thankful you stuck with the show!

 

[garaks the best]

I've seen TNG (My personal favourite series), TOS and Enterprise (My 2nd favourite. I just love it so much). I'm in need of more Trek and Voyager just won't do.

The major gripe I have with DS9 is Sisko. Brooks' portayal just seems so over-the-top for me. He puts me off and as the main guy, pushes me away from the series. I don't think I can bear 7 seasons with this guy. I've seen about 4 episodes...I couldn't even finish the pilot.

The reason for my thread is this, I NEED new Trek. Therefore, can you niners direct me to the best season with which to start the series? 2?3?

Stick with it because sisko does eventually grow on you (my fav captain) and everyone else is great as well.

 

[bbailey861]

Just start at the beginning. You may not like it at first - I didn't, but I eventually found myself getting more and more sucked into it as I got to learn who everybody was. There are some excellent tales to be told, and seeing how the characters grow and change over the seven years is great. I ended up liking it so much I had to buy the books to keep the tale going. No regrets.

 

[Pondwater]

Seasons one and two might be slow, as it was with the other series but they have a few Gems within them: "Duet" and "Necessary Evil" are the best of each of those seasons. (imho) Anywho, I started with a six season episode with "Wrongs Darker than Death or Night" and was hooked. When it came to DVD, I bought every season as it came on the shelves and a few books.

 

[Danger Ace]

The reason for my thread is this, I NEED new Trek. Therefore, can you niners direct me to the best season with which to start the series? 2?3?

Honestly (and with all due repect), I would advise you not to bother. Unlike the other series' set in the "Star Trek" universe, DS9 really builds upon itself. To try and shortcut your way through its 7 seasons would create cracks & pits in the foundation of the larger story being told.

Also, if you strongly dislike Cmdr. Sisko now then I doubt your disposition towards him will change enough overtime to win you over, and since he is the focal point of the series (on a number of different levels) I think you'd find yourself swimming against the current.

Just tossing in my two-cents.

 

[Dover]

I agree with those who say that Sisko's role in the series is not as central as most of the other captains. He has a huge part in "Emissary," but after that it becomes more of an ensemble show. In later seasons he takes more focus at times, but the plots are usually considered better, too (I'm one of the people who prefer the early seasons, but I know I'm probably in the minority).

I think you'd be in for a worse time if you couldn't stand Kira, Odo or O'Brien.

 

[Lt. LaForge]

Thank you to everyone who responded. I haven't said anything for a while because I wanted to read as many thoughts and opinions as possible. I think I'll restart Emissary tomorrow and see how I go from there.

DalekJim, if I start struggling during the first season, I'll use your list. Rest assured guys, I will see a LARGE part of DS9. Bear in mind that I love Worf, O'Brien and space battles.

Danger Ice, I love the honesty. It's very refreshing. If you weren't the only one who said Sisko was the focal point, I'd have gone with the season skipping formula I had planned earlier.

 

[M.A.C.O.]

Thank you to everyone who responded. I haven't said anything for a while because I wanted to read as many thoughts and opinions as possible. I think I'll restart Emissary tomorrow and see how I go from there.

DalekJim, if I start struggling during the first season, I'll use your list. Rest assured guys, I will see a LARGE part of DS9. Bear in mind that I love Worf, O'Brien and space battles.

Danger Ice, I love the honesty. It's very refreshing. If you weren't the only one who said Sisko was the focal point, I'd have gone with the season skipping formula I had planned earlier.

This is an Abridged and Filler list I made for all of DS9.

Deep Space Nine 1993-1999

Season 1

Emissary Part 1-2
Past Prologue
Captive Pursuit
Dax
The Nagus
Battle Lines
The Forsaken
Duet
In the Hands of the Propherts

Season 2

The Homecoming
The Circle
The Siege
Cardassians
Rules of Acquisition
Necessary Evil
Sanctuary
The Alternate
Profit and Loss
The Maquis Part 1-2
The Wire
The Collaborator
Tribunal
The Jem'Hadar

Season 3

The Search part 1-2
Equilibrium
Second Skin
The Abandoned
Civil Defense
Defiant
Past Tense Part 1-2
Life Support
Heart of Stone
Destiny
Improbable Cause
The Die is Cast
Explorers
Family Business
Shakaar
The Adversary

Season 4

The Way of the Warrior 1-2
The Visitor
Hippocratic Oath
Indiscretion
Rejoined
Little Green Men
Homefront
Paradise Lost
Crossfire
Return to Grace
Sons of Mogh
Bar Association
Accession
Rules of Engagement
For the Cause
Body Parts
Broken Link

Season 5

Apocalypse Rising
The Ship
Trials and Tribble-ations
Things Past
Rapture
The Darkness and the Light
The Begotten
For the Uniform
In Purgatory's Shadow
By Inferno's Light
Doctor Bashir, I Presume
Business as Usual
Ties of Blood and Water
Ferengi Love Songs
Soldiers of the Empire
Children of Time
Blaze of Glory
Empok Nor
Call to Arms

Season 6

A Time to Stand
Rocks and Shoals
Sons and Daughters
Behind the Lines
Favor the Bold
Sacrifice of Angels
You Are Cordially Invited
The Magnificent Ferengi
Statistical Probabilities
Waltz
Far Beyond the Stars
Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night
Inquisition
In the Pale Moonlight
His Way
The Reckoning
Valiant
Tears of the Prophets

Season 7
Image in the Sand
Shadows and Symbols
Afterimage
Treachery, Faith and the Great River
Once More Unto the Breach
The Siege of AR-558
Covenant
It's Only a Paper Moon
Chimera
Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges
Penumbra
'Til Death Do Us Part
Strange Bedfellows
The Changing Face of Evil
When It Rains...
Tacking Into the Wind
Extreme Measures
The Dogs of War
What You Leave Behind 1-2

Give it a once over if you struggle to watch DS9 in it's entirety. I admit I found DS9 a chore to sit through in it's first 5 seasons. Full thread here http://www.trekbbs.com/showthread.php?t=190942