The acting sells "Facets" for me. Otherwise it's OK. But some great performances push it forward into 'decent' territory.
Shatnertage's Mostly-1st-Time Watch Thread
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It's no secret that I do not like Jadiza. I think it was this episode where my feelings about the character finally came into focus for me.
To be blunt, I think she's pompous, supremely self-absorbed and a person who really doesn't give a lot of thought to the feelings of others - especially men (she only does so when it suits her desires).
And this episode shows why she's like that, IMO. Let's couple some facts together here shall we.... 1.) Curzon was in love with her, 2.) She's now aware of it (though how did she not know before
), 3.) She now has Curzon's love for her as part of her own personality. This all means that she is, for all intents and purposes, romantically in love with herself.
Minor, minor spoilers ahead - after this episode, this fact is never referred to, but I think it comes out crystal clear in the character herself.
To be blunt, I think she's pompous, supremely self-absorbed and a person who really doesn't give a lot of thought to the feelings of others - especially men (she only does so when it suits her desires).
And this episode shows why she's like that, IMO. Let's couple some facts together here shall we.... 1.) Curzon was in love with her, 2.) She's now aware of it (though how did she not know before
), 3.) She now has Curzon's love for her as part of her own personality. This all means that she is, for all intents and purposes, romantically in love with herself.Minor, minor spoilers ahead - after this episode, this fact is never referred to, but I think it comes out crystal clear in the character herself.
I think that sums up most of S3's Character Episodes. You can really tell they were trying to flesh out everyone, especially those who were quite vague the previous two seasons (Sisko, Bashir, and Dax). Some of it was simply throwing stuff at the wall and seeing what stuck, but by the start of S4, it seemed the writers finally had a firm grasp on who everyone was, and where they could go with them storywise.
1.) Curzon was in love with her, 2.) She's now aware of it (though how did she not know before
The only thing I can say in defense of the writers is that since Curzon was no longer a part of her for part of this episode, so she forgets her, but it's a very weak argument because she should have known that before, and if it's something that significant, she should remember it in herself - Jadzia. And surely before the process, she should know Curzon enough to think that he would try to pull off something like staying in co-existance with Odo.
Despite all this, I did enjoy watching the episode. Brilliant acting, and an interesting concept.
Ironic, considering Jadzia's ego. In fact, she DOES act like she's in love with herself, doesn't she?
I liked her to begin with, but I liked her less and less as it went on, with the odd exception.
Ezri was a breath of fresh air. (Not really a spoiler. I'm sure Shatnertage knows about Ezri anyway, but just to be on the safe side I'm wrapping this.)
The Curzon/Jadzia thing has The Divinyls' "I Touch Myself" stuck in my head now. Great.
The most powerful character moment of season 3, by far, was Odo's "I want to go home." Incredibly powerful, and unexpected, but not unforeseeable.
So far I don't really dislike any of the main characters, but I'm not nearly as fond of them as I was of the Voyager bunch (for the most part) at this stage. I realized it when I saw Tuvok in the mirror ep--I never thought I'd be that excited to see a character from VOY.
I've got a lot going on this week, but hopefully I'll make some more progress with DS9.
The most powerful character moment of season 3, by far, was Odo's "I want to go home." Incredibly powerful, and unexpected, but not unforeseeable.
So far I don't really dislike any of the main characters, but I'm not nearly as fond of them as I was of the Voyager bunch (for the most part) at this stage. I realized it when I saw Tuvok in the mirror ep--I never thought I'd be that excited to see a character from VOY.
I've got a lot going on this week, but hopefully I'll make some more progress with DS9.
It's no secret that I do not like Jadiza. I think it was this episode where my feelings about the character finally came into focus for me.
To be blunt, I think she's pompous, supremely self-absorbed and a person who really doesn't give a lot of thought to the feelings of others - especially men (she only does so when it suits her desires).
And this episode shows why she's like that, IMO. Let's couple some facts together here shall we.... 1.) Curzon was in love with her, 2.) She's now aware of it (though how did she not know before
Minor, minor spoilers ahead - after this episode, this fact is never referred to, but I think it comes out crystal clear in the character herself.
In all these years I never thought about Jadzia in this manner, but I have to agree. She is very "Don't worry, children, I'm 350 years old and I know way more than you" to just about everyone. And the "she's in love with herself" idea is spot on. She's a big tease to just about every man she encounters (save for Sisko) just for the fun of it.
I tend to think the main reason she was able to actually fall in love with Worf was because he was the only guy that didn't act like a 12 year old boy around her (wait, is that a spoiler?)
^ Better wrap that last sentence in spoiler tags, just in case.
As for Dax, even with Sisko she has at least a subconscious desire to toy with him, as shown in Fascination.
As for Dax, even with Sisko she has at least a subconscious desire to toy with him, as shown in Fascination.
I already know, through inevitable TBBS osmosis, that it's Jadzia's fate to fall in love with Worf and, at some point, die.
Sorry for no new posts. My mom's in town and I've been rewatching some TOS episodes with her. Since she's the one who got me into Trek I wanted her to see the remastered eps in all their glory. It's fun.
Sorry for no new posts. My mom's in town and I've been rewatching some TOS episodes with her. Since she's the one who got me into Trek I wanted her to see the remastered eps in all their glory. It's fun.
I almost choked on my drink 
Odo as Curzon was fun.
In regards to "Facets" it was a neat wrap-up from "Equilibrium"
Sisko as Joran was terrifying.
Sisko as Joran was terrifying.
It was pretty intense. I'd really like to see his first take, which according to MA was so disturbing they had to reshoot.
I have now finished...
"The Adversary"
While putting together a detailed 3rd-season report card, I hit the "back" button and lost all of what I'd written. Oh well.
In summary, I liked "The Adversary" but didn't totally love it. Jay Chattaway's score was a highlight for me--very moody.
It had been so long since we watched that my wife had forgotten who Captain Yates was. I reminded her it was Penny Johnson, AKA Beverly from Larry Sanders. Just after Sisko said she'd be gone for a month, I said, "She's out getting Larry's yogurt."
All in all, I wasn't blown away by the third season. My potential rewatch list (meaning I'd go out of my way to watch them again) is pretty much "The House of Quark," "Second Skin," "Fascination," and "Improbably Cause/The Die is Cast."
"Past Tense," "Equilibirum," "Meridian," and the two other Ferengi episodes are on my "Do not watch ever again" list, with everything else in the middle.
"The Adversary"
While putting together a detailed 3rd-season report card, I hit the "back" button and lost all of what I'd written. Oh well.
In summary, I liked "The Adversary" but didn't totally love it. Jay Chattaway's score was a highlight for me--very moody.
It had been so long since we watched that my wife had forgotten who Captain Yates was. I reminded her it was Penny Johnson, AKA Beverly from Larry Sanders. Just after Sisko said she'd be gone for a month, I said, "She's out getting Larry's yogurt."
All in all, I wasn't blown away by the third season. My potential rewatch list (meaning I'd go out of my way to watch them again) is pretty much "The House of Quark," "Second Skin," "Fascination," and "Improbably Cause/The Die is Cast."
"Past Tense," "Equilibirum," "Meridian," and the two other Ferengi episodes are on my "Do not watch ever again" list, with everything else in the middle.
Well, congratulations, you've made it through the first three years of DS9. I found seasons 4 through 7 to be the best.
Similar to how the first two years of TNG weren't exactly their best, the first two of DS9 weren't theirs. DS9's third season is widely considered to be a transitional season. Where the producers began experimenting with more continuous stories more reoccurring supporting characters and being a more serialized show.
By the fourth season DS9 really hit it's stride. The Season premier Way of the Warrior is almost like a second pilot episode.
I almost consider the first three seasons of DS9 to be the prologue to the main story. There are some good episodes and important character moments and information given in the first three seasons, but it's almost like the show didn't really start until the fourth season.
Similar to how the first two years of TNG weren't exactly their best, the first two of DS9 weren't theirs. DS9's third season is widely considered to be a transitional season. Where the producers began experimenting with more continuous stories more reoccurring supporting characters and being a more serialized show.
By the fourth season DS9 really hit it's stride. The Season premier Way of the Warrior is almost like a second pilot episode.
I almost consider the first three seasons of DS9 to be the prologue to the main story. There are some good episodes and important character moments and information given in the first three seasons, but it's almost like the show didn't really start until the fourth season.
I love "Equilibrium"!
I thought it was a strong more season and far more cohesive than Voyager's extremely messy third season.
I thought it was a strong more season and far more cohesive than Voyager's extremely messy third season.
The Adversary is one of my favorites of DS9.
I love the claustrophobic feel of the Defiant as they search for the Changling. Also, the fact that they allow the main characters to be paranoid and experience true fear and apprehension is great, as it's something Trek very rarely does. The ending is also great - the way it sets up an atmosphere for what is to come without relying on a "to be continued" cliffhanger.
As for the third season as a whole - IMO, it's definitely better than Season Two and infinitely better than Season One. It has it's low points, but there's more high points and much more consistency this time around. Is it the best of the series? Far from it. But, AFAIC, DS9 only gets better and better almost right up until the end.
I love the claustrophobic feel of the Defiant as they search for the Changling. Also, the fact that they allow the main characters to be paranoid and experience true fear and apprehension is great, as it's something Trek very rarely does. The ending is also great - the way it sets up an atmosphere for what is to come without relying on a "to be continued" cliffhanger.
As for the third season as a whole - IMO, it's definitely better than Season Two and infinitely better than Season One. It has it's low points, but there's more high points and much more consistency this time around. Is it the best of the series? Far from it. But, AFAIC, DS9 only gets better and better almost right up until the end.
That is another thing I love about DS9. The DS9 season finales weren't the traditional Trek "Mister Worf... Fire" cliff hangers. Starting with season two onwards they end with an episode that instead of being a two part, mostly stand alone episode that gets resolved right at the start of the next season, is instead an episode that dramatically changes the course and tone of the entire show.
For example:
Season 2 "If the Dominion comes through the Wormhole the first battle will be fought here. And I intend to be ready for them"
Season 3 "The Changeling before he died whispered something in my ear. He said, you're too late, we are everywhere."
Season 4 "Gowron, leader of the Klingon Empire, is a Changeling."
Season 5 (my favourite one)
Nog "And then we make the Dominion sorry they ever set foot in the Alpha Quadrant."
Sisko" You just took the words right out of my mouth Cadet"
then later
Weyoun "I assume Captain Sisko removed or destroyed anything of value"
Dukat sees the Baseball "Not everything."
Weyoun "What is that"
Dukat "A message from Sisko. He's letting me know, he'll be back."
Season 6 Kira "I was afraid of that. His baseball he took it with him. He's not sure he's coming back.
Season 7 Quark "It's like I always say. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Season 5 (my favourite one)
Nog "And then we make the Dominion sorry they ever set foot in the Alpha Quadrant."
Sisko" You just took the words right out of my mouth Cadet"
then later
Weyoun "I assume Captain Sisko removed or destroyed anything of value"
Dukat sees the Baseball "Not everything."
Weyoun "What is that"
Dukat "A message from Sisko. He's letting me know, he'll be back."
Season 6 Kira "I was afraid of that. His baseball he took it with him. He's not sure he's coming back.
Season 7 Quark "It's like I always say. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
At this stage I'm honestly still more of a Voyager fan than a Deep Space nine fan. There just seems to be an element of cohesion to Voyager that I haven't seen in DS9. There's just about as many dud episodes, though.
I have now embarked on...
"The Way of the Warrior"
I wonder if the Klingon guy who's regional director of marketing for a blood wine distributor thinks he's a warrior, too. They certainly take their warriorness seriously.
Onto the episode...from the start it's apparent there's a big shift here.
1. Sisko is bald. I'm not sure I like this look. In general I'm not a fan of the bald/goatee look, since it usually just mean a guy whose male pattern baldness is asserting itself trying to look badass. But Avery Brooks might be able to pull it off here.
2. Kira has a new hairstyle. It's a little longer but just as butch. While it's not as plastic-looking as it was earlier, it now just looks like she has perpetual bed head. Not a good look for her.
3. Kasidy Yates also has a new hairstyle, and this one works! At least to the extent that I'm now positive the character she's playing is supposed to be human and not a forehead alien. But she's going away for a while, which means that she had to go out and get Larry's yogurt and traffic was really backed up on the 101.
And now some serious non-hairstyling stuff:
4. The lighting seems to be even lower in this episode. The Worf/O'Brien scene in Quark's seems to be shot through a red filter, or with the white balance really off (my wife, who knows about these things, says it's a filter).
5. A new credits sequence! Which I actually like better than the old one. Seems more dynamic. Seeing it on YouTube doesn't do it justice.
6. A new emphasis on galactic wars--which could go either way for me. During the big battle scene, I realized that I'm just not a huge fan of seeing things blow up. If you want to show conflict, give me Garak and Odo's "I want to go home" any day. That scene was actually uncomfortable to watch. The space battle stuff is technically impressive, but emotionally doesn't do much for me. Except for Picard at the end of "Yesterday's Enterprise." Or Janeway's Death Grimace from "Year of Hell, Part II."
I truly believe that Janeway's Death Grimace would be a great name for a death metal band.
7. Worf has come over from TNG! And he's just as humorless and honor-obsessed as ever! Nice to see they're still using the skeletor Klingon calisthenics program.
I'm a little bummed Worf didn't say "personal" in his DS9 debut. I love the way he says that.
The story was interesting, and not without context today. A supposed Cardassian Spring has put a civilian government in charge, but who's really behind them? The Founders? So the Klingons think the answer is invading Cardassia, while the Feds want to slow play this one.
Here's a question: they make a big deal about needing a blood sample to make sure people aren't founders. Why couldn't they just pull out a hair? Or clip a fingernail? Or just take a swab from inside their mouth? Or let them run on a treadmill for five minutes and break a sweat? I guess all of that is a lot less visually dramatic than taking blood.
For that matter, you could ask them to pee in a cup. But I can't even imagine how that would play out on screen.
They've definitely militarized the show. I'm not totally sold yet, but I want to see how this plays out. I'm certainly more curious to see what's up ahead than I was in season 3.
How could I not love this episode when Garak had a few great scenes? Loved his, "I think I've got all I need" when he was "taking Sisko's measurements." His subsequent talk with Garak was fun, as was their fighting "side...by...side." But the root beer scene with Quark absolutely stole the show. Brilliant stuff from both actors there, and well written.
Odo's "With what?" reply to Quark's "I'll kill him" gets the honorable mention for good writing. Stuff like that makes the character more interesting and the whole show more enjoyable.
Sisko convinces Worf to stay on the end by making a speech. I had fun wondering how much of that was a meta-commentary on the acting gig, given Avery Brooks' frustrations with the role early on.
"The Way of the Warrior"
I wonder if the Klingon guy who's regional director of marketing for a blood wine distributor thinks he's a warrior, too. They certainly take their warriorness seriously.
Onto the episode...from the start it's apparent there's a big shift here.
1. Sisko is bald. I'm not sure I like this look. In general I'm not a fan of the bald/goatee look, since it usually just mean a guy whose male pattern baldness is asserting itself trying to look badass. But Avery Brooks might be able to pull it off here.
2. Kira has a new hairstyle. It's a little longer but just as butch. While it's not as plastic-looking as it was earlier, it now just looks like she has perpetual bed head. Not a good look for her.
3. Kasidy Yates also has a new hairstyle, and this one works! At least to the extent that I'm now positive the character she's playing is supposed to be human and not a forehead alien. But she's going away for a while, which means that she had to go out and get Larry's yogurt and traffic was really backed up on the 101.
And now some serious non-hairstyling stuff:
4. The lighting seems to be even lower in this episode. The Worf/O'Brien scene in Quark's seems to be shot through a red filter, or with the white balance really off (my wife, who knows about these things, says it's a filter).
5. A new credits sequence! Which I actually like better than the old one. Seems more dynamic. Seeing it on YouTube doesn't do it justice.
6. A new emphasis on galactic wars--which could go either way for me. During the big battle scene, I realized that I'm just not a huge fan of seeing things blow up. If you want to show conflict, give me Garak and Odo's "I want to go home" any day. That scene was actually uncomfortable to watch. The space battle stuff is technically impressive, but emotionally doesn't do much for me. Except for Picard at the end of "Yesterday's Enterprise." Or Janeway's Death Grimace from "Year of Hell, Part II."
I truly believe that Janeway's Death Grimace would be a great name for a death metal band.
7. Worf has come over from TNG! And he's just as humorless and honor-obsessed as ever! Nice to see they're still using the skeletor Klingon calisthenics program.
I'm a little bummed Worf didn't say "personal" in his DS9 debut. I love the way he says that.
The story was interesting, and not without context today. A supposed Cardassian Spring has put a civilian government in charge, but who's really behind them? The Founders? So the Klingons think the answer is invading Cardassia, while the Feds want to slow play this one.
Here's a question: they make a big deal about needing a blood sample to make sure people aren't founders. Why couldn't they just pull out a hair? Or clip a fingernail? Or just take a swab from inside their mouth? Or let them run on a treadmill for five minutes and break a sweat? I guess all of that is a lot less visually dramatic than taking blood.
For that matter, you could ask them to pee in a cup. But I can't even imagine how that would play out on screen.
They've definitely militarized the show. I'm not totally sold yet, but I want to see how this plays out. I'm certainly more curious to see what's up ahead than I was in season 3.
How could I not love this episode when Garak had a few great scenes? Loved his, "I think I've got all I need" when he was "taking Sisko's measurements." His subsequent talk with Garak was fun, as was their fighting "side...by...side." But the root beer scene with Quark absolutely stole the show. Brilliant stuff from both actors there, and well written.
Odo's "With what?" reply to Quark's "I'll kill him" gets the honorable mention for good writing. Stuff like that makes the character more interesting and the whole show more enjoyable.
Sisko convinces Worf to stay on the end by making a speech. I had fun wondering how much of that was a meta-commentary on the acting gig, given Avery Brooks' frustrations with the role early on.
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