star's Journey into the World of DS9...

[star]

Alright, I've got the first season dvds and finally had some time last night to get started. I promised I'd watch all seven seasons of the show -- the good, the bad and the zany.

Before we get to my reviews, I believe I ought to explain that I am not an uber-Trekkie. Write occasional fanfic? Make pretty avatars, banners & wallpapers? Participate in boards that discuss Trek? Yes, yes and yes. Nitpick every tiny detail of an episode? Understand any of the technical and scientific aspects of Trek? Believe that "canon" is the only way to gauge whether an episode or show is worth viewing? No, no and definitely no.

I will basing my reviews on whether or not I was either moved or entertained. Nothing more, nothing less. And I'm not super hard to entertain. I like good writing and good acting and as long as there is enough of both in an episode, I will most likely be content.

The "scoring" will be ? out of 5 hearts as to how much I love a particular episode. Alright, let's get this show on the road!

Last night's viewing: Emissary.

♥♥♥--

The good: Love seeing Picard. Just 'cause, he's my favorite captain. Also great to see O'Brien and I'm looking forward to seeing his story develop further. Kiera is pretty cool. Bashir is interesting. I like Quark. The Bajoran religion fascinates me. The entire storyline in the wormhole, particularly Sisko explaining linear existence to non-corporeal beings was good. My favorite was when they helped him to see that he continues to exist in the moment when his wife died. Good writing there.

The bad: Sisko. I'm hoping that as the actor settles into the role, he'll be less stiff and forced. There was a lot of over-acting, in my opinion, and it drew me out of the experience. Potentially powerful moments in the episode were rendered meaningless by the acting. Jadzia Dax also feels... not genuine. I'm not necessarily holding it against either character as I realize it takes a while for both the writers and the actors to really get a feel for them sometimes. (Heck, TNG was pretty ugh-ish to start too.) I'm withholding judgment on these two... but they did make the episode less enjoyable.

The zany: Gul Dukat. Seriously. If I had not made a commitment to watch the entire series, I might have been tempted to give up after this first episode before this Cardassian showed up. (Not a lot of time these days and I don't want to waste it watching something that isn't the bee's-knees for me.) But Gul Dukat is worth every minute. Fantastic character. The actor is great, but then it's a great role to play as well. I seem to remember from my interactions with Niners that Gul Gukat is not a one or two episode wonder. If that is the case, then I'm definitely looking forward to seeing more of this deliciously evil alien.

Summary: For the most part I was ambivalent about this episode. It had good moments but plenty of moments where I felt like both the writers and the actors were trying to force me to be moved by their work instead of letting it speak for itself. All in all, mildly entertaining--along the same lines as most Trek series beginnings.

Hopefully I'll have time today to watch the next episode.

 

[flemm]

Good to have you around, star. I'm looking forward to reading your thoughts and reactions

Emissary is a very odd pilot. It's well-written, but too much time is spent on Sisko's experience in the wormhole. This stuff is too high-concept and cerebral for a pilot. Even I remember being a bit bored, and I have a pretty high tolerance for this kind of thing.

There's much to enjoy, however, especially the character introductions and the various tensions between them. It's here that the difference between DS9 and TNG is most clear from the start: these characters start out with some pretty gaping flaws, different agendas, do not necessarily like each other and won't always be getting along.

If I were reworking DS9 from the ground up, I think I would put off discovering the wormhole until about mid-season, thus allowing the pilot to focus entirely on the Cardassian withdrawal, the Federation's arrival and the tensions produced by the occupation of Bajor.

 

[TheGodBen]

The Bajoran religion fascinates me. The entire storyline in the wormhole, particularly Sisko explaining linear existence to non-corporeal beings was good. My favorite was when they helped him to see that he continues to exist in the moment when his wife died. Good writing there.

That's my favourite part of the pilot.

When I first watched the pilot, I was really young at the time, and even though there was potential, I found it a bit dull and not quite what I was used to from TNG. But when I rewatched it on DVD, having seen the show from beginning to end, and knowing how this story will pan-out and where these characters will go, I really liked it. Now it's my favourite Trek pilot. Perhaps the episode fails as a pilot in that it's not a great episode for drawing in new viewers, but as the beginning of this saga, I really appreciate it.

The bad: Sisko. I'm hoping that as the actor settles into the role, he'll be less stiff and forced. There was a lot of over-acting, in my opinion, and it drew me out of the experience.

Avery Brooks has his own style and some people (like me) like it, while others think he's extremely hammy.

Either way, Sisko is rather stiff for the first two or so years for a variety of reasons, and he's a very hard character to define during that time, most of the development goes to characters like Kira and Odo during that time. That changes in an episode called Past Tense, that's the point where most agree that the Sisko we know came together, and that's when Avery Brooks really started to get into the role.

Jadzia Dax also feels... not genuine.

I understand what you mean, and even the writers seemed o notice it. Unlike Sisko (who had little personality that was later developed), Jadzia's original personality as a wise Spock-like figure was jettisoned in season 2 to make her into more of a Klingon-loving tomboy. In her case, you can view it as character development; in season 1, she's newly-joined so she's closer to the base Jadzia, but by season 2 she has incorporated more of Dax's personality and becomes someone new.

That wasn't the plan, that's just how we justify it.

Gul Dukat. Seriously. If I had not made a commitment to watch the entire series, I might have been tempted to give up after this first episode before this Cardassian showed up. But Gul Dukat is worth every minute. Fantastic character. The actor is great, but then it's a great role to play as well. I seem to remember from my interactions with Niners that Gul Gukat is not a one or two episode wonder.

Dukat is great, he's a really charismatic and nuanced character, he's great fun to watch. To be honest, that's true of most of the Cardassian characters, even the ones that you think are brainless thugs might just surprise you with how they're developed.

 

[Danny99]

Whatever you do, when you get to a character named Leeta, don't say anything at all about her. It's safer that way.

Emissary was a good pilot, though they seem to be a weak points for Trek. It does do a lot in lining up the lay of the land with regards to Bajor, the Prophets, and the Occupation. However, the pilot lacks any kind of real character introduction outside of Kira and her anger.

 

[Quinton O'Connor]

Looking forward to reading your reviews, fellow... review... er. Like you, I'm not an uber-obsessive Trekkie, either. In fact, I've never made a banner or avatar, nor written fan fiction.

Don't give up during the first season. I swear to everything the show gets really good starting with the second season.

 

[Quinton O'Connor]

Two more things:

You'll note in my review for "Emissary" that I felt Jadzia's actress, Terry Farrell, was pretty wooden and hadn't gotten the hang of things yet. IMO, she's still like that for a little while, but she comes into her own soon enough.

Also, don't be discouraged by the lack of Gul Dukat for a long time. He'll start showing up more often later.

 

[DevilEyes]

Looking forward to reading your reviews, fellow... review... er. Like you, I'm not an uber-obsessive Trekkie, either. In fact, I've never made a banner or avatar, nor written fan fiction.

Don't give up during the first season. I swear to everything the show gets really good starting with the second season.

Or rather, with the two last episodes of season 1. Season 1 is not typical of DS9 as a whole at all, there are far too many TNG-lite scripts. It still has a lot of great character moments and buildup; there are some great character dynamics from the start.

Also, don't be discouraged by the lack of Gul Dukat for a long time. He'll start showing up more often later.

Yeah, S1 had a disappointing lack of Dukat and... another awesome recurring Cardassian character that is introduced in episode 2. But the next seasons more than make up for it.

 

[Quinton O'Connor]

Actually, I'd given several episodes strong scores before that, even. But yes, those two episodes were also great. I'd say "Dax", "The Vortex", definitely "Duet" and then "In the Hands of the Prophets" were the best episodes in the first year, but that's just me. I'm interested in seeing how much of my recent assessment star agrees with.

After all, I liked Sisko from the start.

 

[Sykonee]

Hm, is this a First Time Viewing? Wonder how selective with spoilers folks should be.

 

[Quinton O'Connor]

Good point. I'm so used to my thread, and your thread... I'll make sure to keep my text-mouth shut.

 

[DevilEyes]

I don't think there have been any spoilers in this thread...?

 

[danellis]

jettisoned in season 2 to make her into more of a Klingon-loving tomboy.

I remember reading that Levar Burton called her "Action Barbie."

dJE

 

[Quinton O'Connor]

I don't think there have been any spoilers in this thread...?

Nah, I wouldn't say there have been, either. But it's probably for the best that Sykonee mentioned it.

My statement on Dukat being unseen for a good long while after the pilot could be construed as a spoiler to some.

 

[TheGodBen]

My statement on Dukat being unseen for a good long while after the pilot could be construed as a spoiler to some.

I wouldn't classify that as a spoiler, it's not like as if you told star how Dukat returns later in the season as a woman.

Oops.

Seriously, all us fans know that the first season of DS9 isn't great and that it's a stumbling point for new viewers, so I think it's important to reinforce the message that a lot of the good stuff isn't present for most of season 1, but it does return. For example, Garak appears in the second episode, but he doesn't return until season 2, and so long as we don't point out that the actor is replaced with Yakov Smirnoff, I don't think it's a spoiler.

Oops.

"On Cardassia, kanar drinks you."

 

[Quinton O'Connor]

I have nothing but applause for the previous post.

 

[star]

LOL. You guys crack me up. I love it.

I did see a few episodes here and there in the first couple of seasons, but I never got into the show and I haven't rewatched what I did see since the original airing, so it's been quite a few years. I honestly only remember the basic premise of the show and most of the characters (only who they are and what their jobs are on the ship -- but not really personalities, etc.).

So it really is a first time viewing for me. And I want to experience the show, so avoiding specific spoilers would be great. I do know some really general stuff already (ie dominion war, founders are Odo's people, Worf joins the show and marries Jadzia Dax who dies and is replaced by another, Ezri... Jem Hadar. There are MU episodes and Q makes an appearance). What I wrote, though is ALL I know. Totally general stuff. And part of it comes from having a friend who is a Niner. So avoid specifics! (Or at least use the spoiler code so ya'll can happily carry on a discussion. LOL)

Later today, I hope to watch the next episode or two. I'm a busy lady with a bunch of munchkins, so I have to squeeze in my watching time when I can.

 

[star]

Two episodes tonight, to finish off the first disk:

Past Prologue

♥♥♥♥-

The good: Avery Brooks. Yep. There I said it. He did great in this episode. Much more understated and believable. And yes, as an ENT fan I totally hollered: "Wait! That cardassian is ADMIRAL FORREST!!" and had the biggest, goofiest grin on my face. Better acting, decent writing.

The bad: Bashir. He was kind of annoying in this episode. Also the scene between Kira and Odo was too long and a little too forced. The acting was fine, it was the writing. It was overdone. I think it would have been more powerful if they had gone for a more understated approach.

The zany: You all know who I'm talking about: Garak. Is DS9 gonna make me fall in love with quirky cardassians or what? I liked him very much. Hope to see more of him in the series.

Summary: Overall a good episode. I was entertained, the acting was much better than the premiere. If this is the version of Sisko that I can expect through the series, then I'm on board. Much better, much more genuine.

Next...

A Man Alone

♥♥♥--

The good: Sisko was still good. Keiko rocks... love seeing her put together a school. Bashir was more palatable (and I really liked him in the premiere... dunno what they've done to make him not as cool.)

The bad: The writing. They tried to do too much with the episode and spread things too thin. In which case, the parts that needed depth (Odo getting ostrisized for the murder of a nasty Bajoran) were totally lacking. This is an episode that I rewrote in my mind after watching it.

The zany: Bugs that make people change colors. Where can I get those?

Summary: Meh. It barely earned 3 hearts for me. The acting was just fine... the writing was poor. And the teaser was pretty dull. Personally I would have started with the murder itself and left a bigger mystery there. Through the investigation, we discover that the man who was murdered was one that Odo put away. Also, as a viewer I needed to believe that people would mob like that over the death of a nasty ex-con. I had no sympathy for the victim, so it felt unreal that people would be coming out of the woodwork to lynch the prime suspect. I would have also had only one secondary plot instead of two. In this case, I would have saved the Keiko school plot for another episode and focused more on Sisko adjusting to Jadzia Dax. I have other ideas too, but I need to go to bed. LOL

Hopefully tomorrow I can squeeze in some more DS9 time.

So far, not too bad (especially since Sisko is dialed back a bit). I am looking forward to getting into this fourth season that apparently takes this show to a whole 'nother level. LOL

 

[Gul Re'jal]

And yes, as an ENT fan I totally hollered: "Wait! That cardassian is ADMIRAL FORREST!!" and had the biggest, goofiest grin on my face.

Well, I don't want to spoil too much, but not far far away, in the same galaxy you will see Admiral Forrest wearing a Cardassian skin again and as a completely another fellow than this one Be afraid, be very afraid

Is DS9 gonna make me fall in love with quirky cardassians or what?

Of course it is!

 

[Sam_I_Am]

I have always liked the fight at the end of Past Prologue between Kira and the terrorist. Bearing in mind she is a deadly, highly-trained former terrorist herself, her tactic of choice when he strikes her to the floor is to stay sitting and pull on his leg.

 

[TheGodBen]

The zany: You all know who I'm talking about: Garak. Is DS9 gonna make me fall in love with quirky cardassians or what? I liked him very much. Hope to see more of him in the series.

As I said earlier in the thread, Garak disappears for the rest of the season and returns early in season 2, so don't be expecting him until then. He's my favourite character in all of Star Trek, and I think season 1 could have used him a lot more, but they just seemed to forget him.

If this is the version of Sisko that I can expect through the series, then I'm on board. Much better, much more genuine.

It's a reasonable indicator of what to expect from Sisko, especially that "head on a plater" comment.

Bashir was more palatable (and I really liked him in the premiere... dunno what they've done to make him not as cool.)

While Bashir is annoying, you can rest assured that it's intentional, he's supposed to be over-eager and overconfident, and this annoys some of the other characters. This is actually one of the things I like about season 1 when I rewatch it, because it shows just how how Bashir has grown throughout the series.

Also, as a viewer I needed to believe that people would mob like that over the death of a nasty ex-con. I had no sympathy for the victim, so it felt unreal that people would be coming out of the woodwork to lynch the prime suspect.

I don't think that the mob wanted Odo's head entirely because they loved Ibudan, I think it was partly a reaction to the fact that Odo was the security chief under the Cardassians and that some Bajorans wanted him gone and replaced with one of their own. Some Bajorans can be really quite racist.