The Most Disliked Episode of DS9, 2023 Edition - Season 1...

[Farscape One]

Welcome to our bi-yearly 'Most Disliked Episode' games! Now that the 'Least Disliked Episode' games hosted by BlueStuff (who inspired me to create these games, so thank you very much for paving the way) have concluded, we can begin the opposite side of that coin.

Here's the game. The basic idea is your standard elimination game. I'll provide a list of the episodes for each season and you need to eliminate your most favorite or the one you deem the 'best.' Please provide an EXPLANATION for why you are eliminating your choice and be sure to copy and paste the list with your choice removed. Finally, leave at least 2 eliminations by other posters before you eliminate another episode.

No tactical voting! You cannot remove an episode because you feel they would threaten your preferred episode's chance to win. Pretty simple. Enjoy!

Hall of Champions (or Failures?)
2011 - "PROFIT AND LACE"
2018 - "LET HE WHO IS WITHOUT SIN..."
2019 - "THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOAK"
2021 - "THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOAK"
2023 - "PROFIT AND LACE"


Season One -

"EMISSARY"
"PAST PROLOGUE"
"A MAN ALONE"
"BABEL"
"CAPTIVE PURSUIT"
"Q-LESS"
"DAX"
"THE PASSENGER"
"MOVE ALONG HOME"
"THE NAGUS"
"VORTEX"
"BATTLE LINES"
"THE STORYTELLER"
"PROGRESS"
"IF WISHES WERE HORSES"
"THE FORSAKEN"
"DRAMATIS PERSONAE"
"DUET"
"IN THE HANDS OF THE PROPHETS"

 

[Farscape One]

I'm going to kick off DS9, my favorite series in the franchise, with an obvious save... "DUET".

Excellent script, excellent performances... this episode is flawless. EVERYONE was on point... Peter Allan Fields writing, James L. Conway directing, and most especially Nana Visitor and Harris Yulin acting their socks off. Pure gold.

(And I'm going to be honest... season 1 of DS9 is nowhere near as bad as many have said. With the exception of Dax, I feel the actors got a good hold of their characters right out the gate, which is a very hard thing to do.)


"EMISSARY"
"PAST PROLOGUE"
"A MAN ALONE"
"BABEL"
"CAPTIVE PURSUIT"
"Q-LESS"
"DAX"
"THE PASSENGER"
"MOVE ALONG HOME"
"THE NAGUS"
"VORTEX"
"BATTLE LINES"
"THE STORYTELLER"
"PROGRESS"
"IF WISHES WERE HORSES"
"THE FORSAKEN"
"DRAMATIS PERSONAE"
"IN THE HANDS OF THE PROPHETS"

 

[Qonundrum]

Two I want to save right away, but

"EMISSARY"

Stands out a little more and across the whole gamut.

It's the best Trek opener, bar none. But everyone knows that.

The story quickly proves Sisko is not a clone of Picard - this sort of experimental nature is a plus, as DS9 easily could have done cookie cutter crap that would be a prime indicator of franchise rot.

He manages to bring everyone together. Even Quark.

The stuff with the day-glo orbs is more reminiscent of an "updated TOS", but it doesn't not work and it still encapsulates all of Trek's themes.

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They recapture the threat of the Borg beautifully in this, while adding an original dimension of its own. The background and path of Sisko could never be bettered.

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Sisko should realize that Locutus isn't Picard or vice-versa, but that aside, Sisko easily wins this debate. Can't stand Picard in this scene. But I've a feeling we're supposed to. To an extent.

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Baseball makes for an interesting allegory! But it wouldn't work anywhere else.

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Orb! Isn't an orb just a glowing floaty baseball?

What's left:
"PAST PROLOGUE"
"A MAN ALONE"
"BABEL"
"CAPTIVE PURSUIT"
"Q-LESS"
"DAX"
"THE PASSENGER"
"MOVE ALONG HOME"
"THE NAGUS"
"VORTEX"
"BATTLE LINES"
"THE STORYTELLER"
"PROGRESS"
"IF WISHES WERE HORSES"
"THE FORSAKEN"
"DRAMATIS PERSONAE"
"IN THE HANDS OF THE PROPHETS"

 

[Bad Thoughts]

Saving "IN THE HANDS OF THE PROPHETS". It's Robert Hewitt Wolffe first great story, introduces Winn Adami, tackles the nature of religion, and starts many key narrative threads that will tie the series together.

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Remaining:
"PAST PROLOGUE"
"A MAN ALONE"
"BABEL"
"CAPTIVE PURSUIT"
"Q-LESS"
"DAX"
"THE PASSENGER"
"MOVE ALONG HOME"
"THE NAGUS"
"VORTEX"
"BATTLE LINES"
"THE STORYTELLER"
"PROGRESS"
"IF WISHES WERE HORSES"
"THE FORSAKEN"
"DRAMATIS PERSONAE"

 

[Farscape One]

I know many hate this episode, but I absolutely love "MOVE ALONG HOME". (Given how often I've defended this episode in other threads, no one should be surprised that I'm picking this episode to save.)

There is a lot to love about this one. In fact, I will give my reasons in song...


(singing)
Allamaraine, count to four!

(talking normal)
1. It gives us a rare look at another Gamma Quadrant species. The Wadi show us another example of just how highly advanced technology is over there.

2. We have a great showcase of Quark. Armin Shimerman brought so much to his role, and this was a great example of just how good he was.

3. It's a fantastic concept. How many of us have wanted to actually be inside a game?

4. It's a rare occasion where we see our Starfleet heroes use their wits to solve puzzles instead of relying on gadgets and technobabble.

(singing)
Allamaraine, then three more!

(talking normal)
5. I don't care what anyone says, the hopscotch scene is really fun. It's a catchy little tune.

6. Sisko singing. That's a rare treat.

7. The ending is a nice twist from the usual dangers our crews face. It was only a game! No one was actually in danger, but it works so well because you almost never see that.

(singing)
Allamaraine, if you like what you see
Allamaraine, say, "He convinced me!"



I will always defend this episode, as it most certainly does not belong on any 'most disliked' list.

ALLAMARAINE!!!


"PAST PROLOGUE"
"A MAN ALONE"
"BABEL"
"CAPTIVE PURSUIT"
"Q-LESS"
"DAX"
"THE PASSENGER"
"THE NAGUS"
"VORTEX"
"BATTLE LINES"
"THE STORYTELLER"
"PROGRESS"
"IF WISHES WERE HORSES"
"THE FORSAKEN"
"DRAMATIS PERSONAE"

 

[Oddish]

Best ones are gone, but there are some that... well, don't suck. But I'll save "The Storyteller" for the beginning of the Bashir/O'Brien bromance, and Nog's oatmeal prank.

"PAST PROLOGUE"
"A MAN ALONE"
"BABEL"
"CAPTIVE PURSUIT"
"Q-LESS"
"DAX"
"THE PASSENGER"
"THE NAGUS"
"VORTEX"
"BATTLE LINES"
"PROGRESS"
"IF WISHES WERE HORSES"
"THE FORSAKEN"
"DRAMATIS PERSONAE"

 

[kkt]

Frightscape One - Okay, I liked your post because I like to see someone take a controversial position and defend it (not because I am all that fond of Move Along Home).

I'll make the easy choice and pick Progress to keep.

 

[Farscape One]

Frightscape One - Okay, I liked your post because I like to see someone take a controversial position and defend it (not because I am all that fond of Move Along Home).

I'll make the easy choice and pick Progress to keep.

Appreciate that, kkt. I've had a lot of practice defending "MOVE ALONG HOME".

I don't know if my next save is as controversial as my last one, but next for me is "DRAMATIS PERSONAE".

I love Joe Menosky (him and Ronald D. Moore are my two favorite writers in the franchise), and he has a way of using and twisting mythology to great effect. This episode is also perfectly placed in the series... not too far along where the division is unbelievable, but not too early where it would feel like 'of course they don't trust each other'. It's also a fun concept... and we first see the clock!



"PAST PROLOGUE"
"A MAN ALONE"
"BABEL"
"CAPTIVE PURSUIT"
"Q-LESS"
"DAX"
"THE PASSENGER"
"THE NAGUS"
"VORTEX"
"BATTLE LINES"
"IF WISHES WERE HORSES"
"THE FORSAKEN"

 

[kkt]

I'll pick "Q-LESS" to save. Putting Q in DS9 once was good. Never putting him in again was even better.

 

[kkt]

Oh, right, and the remaining list:

"PAST PROLOGUE"
"A MAN ALONE"
"BABEL"
"CAPTIVE PURSUIT"
"DAX"
"THE PASSENGER"
"THE NAGUS"
"VORTEX"
"BATTLE LINES"
"IF WISHES WERE HORSES"
"THE FORSAKEN"

 

[Farscape One]

Actually, the rules state 2 people vote before you can vote again. "Q-LESS" is therefore put back on the list.

(Sorry, kkt. However, after the next person votes, that can still make that be your saved episode.)


"PAST PROLOGUE"
"A MAN ALONE"
"BABEL"
"CAPTIVE PURSUIT"
"Q-LESS"
"DAX"
"THE PASSENGER"
"THE NAGUS"
"VORTEX"
"BATTLE LINES"
"IF WISHES WERE HORSES"
"THE FORSAKEN"

 

[kkt]

Oh, sorry.

 

[Oddish]

I'll pick "Q-LESS" to save. Putting Q in DS9 once was good. Never putting him in again was even better.

While I think it's worth saving just for Sisko socking Q, I'll leave it for you, @kkt

My save is "Vortex". It had some interesting insights into Odo's origins (and that he has a heart under all that goo), and I liked the "extra glass" bit.

"PAST PROLOGUE"
"A MAN ALONE"
"BABEL"
"CAPTIVE PURSUIT"
"Q-LESS"
"DAX"
"THE PASSENGER"
"THE NAGUS"
"BATTLE LINES"
"IF WISHES WERE HORSES"
"THE FORSAKEN"

 

[CitadelZombies]

I'll save "Captive Pursuit". The first visitors from the Gamma Quadrant have no real interest in the Alpha Quadrant, just the hunt (and escape). Really strong episode for O'Brien and I've always liked the Tosk character.

"PAST PROLOGUE"
"A MAN ALONE"
"BABEL"
"Q-LESS"
"DAX"
"THE PASSENGER"
"THE NAGUS"
"BATTLE LINES"
"IF WISHES WERE HORSES"
"THE FORSAKEN"

 

[BlueStuff]

Surprisingly, I'm struggling to pick here. I'll go with Past Prologue just because I really love the general vibe of the first few episodes.

"A MAN ALONE"
"BABEL"
"Q-LESS"
"DAX"
"THE PASSENGER"
"THE NAGUS"
"BATTLE LINES"
"IF WISHES WERE HORSES"
"THE FORSAKEN"

 

[Sakonna]

"The Forsaken" is my most rewatched of these. Lwaxana was at her best on DS9.

"A MAN ALONE"
"BABEL"
"Q-LESS"
"DAX"
"THE PASSENGER"
"THE NAGUS"
"BATTLE LINES"
"IF WISHES WERE HORSES"

 

[Qonundrum]

I know many hate this episode, but I absolutely love "MOVE ALONG HOME". (Given how often I've defended this episode in other threads, no one should be surprised that I'm picking this episode to save.)

You beat me to it, woohoo!

There is a lot to love about this one. In fact, I will give my reasons in song...

(singing)
Allamaraine, count to four!

And the remix!

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Remix fun aside, it's clear that Dax is clearly phoning it in, and sci-fi IS going to be weird at times. Avery Brooks is on record not liking the scene, but that doesn't show in the scenes.

(talking normal)
1. It gives us a rare look at another Gamma Quadrant species. The Wadi show us another example of just how highly advanced technology is over there.

A new society and culture that isn't like ours. There'd better be some mysticism and differences involved!

2. We have a great showcase of Quark. Armin Shimerman brought so much to his role, and this was a great example of just how good he was.

This is the first script that showed the Ferengi were not two-dimensional stick figures and he did a lot to improve on and add detail to the species, like Worf for Klingons. Much respect.

3. It's a fantastic concept. How many of us have wanted to actually be inside a game?

That depends on the game. I don't want to be in Pac-Man, but maybe Captain Blood or Rick Dangerous II.

4. It's a rare occasion where we see our Starfleet heroes use their wits to solve puzzles instead of relying on gadgets and technobabble.

Wits and not treknobabble? No way, LOL! That makes this one an instant win for me as well.

(singing)
Allamaraine, then three more!

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(talking normal)
5. I don't care what anyone says, the hopscotch scene is really fun. It's a catchy little tune.

6. Sisko singing. That's a rare treat.

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7. The ending is a nice twist from the usual dangers our crews face. It was only a game! No one was actually in danger, but it works so well because you almost never see that.

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(singing)
Allamaraine, if you like what you see
Allamaraine, say, "He convinced me!"

I will always defend this episode, as it most certainly does not belong on any 'most disliked' list.

ALLAMARAINE!!!

I'll be right there defending it as well!

 

[Qonundrum]

Three good ones for good varying reasons remain.

"Q-LESS"

has the most in it, since - despite plotting contrivances and all to get him and Rash and the rest of the gang from "Deja Q" and "QPid" into this one for whatever reason - the audacity to attempt to shoehorn Q into the spinoff to remind the audience this is still Star Trek, just different, is pretty good... and works almost as good as Picard's guest spot in Emissary (or the whole of TNG in a nutshell to differentiate TNG from TOS...), and far better than the other characters they cart over for the few latecomers who need reassurance beyond the title of the series showcased in giant letters with big impressive theme music behind it every week.

Also, Q gets to do some gross stuff that he couldn't do in TNG.

I couldn't find the clip where Q removes Vash's treatment so she's left crawling all pus-filled scabby and all in the Prominade where nobody gives a damn - that scene alone is a stark reminder of (a) this ain't TNG, and (b) this series WILL be getting dark at times. and this is only season one...

So, instead, there's this almost-as-good-to-differentiate-from-TNG gem:

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Now there's an entrance, but this feels almost like a spinoff backdoor pilot! And why isn't he on the dating site? There's no better letter to date, apart from "X" as that's a nice little double entendre a few weeks or years later depending on circumstance, but Oh Well...

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What's left:
"A MAN ALONE"
"BABEL"
"DAX"
"THE PASSENGER"
"THE NAGUS"
"BATTLE LINES"
"IF WISHES WERE HORSES"

 

[Bad Thoughts]

Battle Lines still needs saving? Well then, Battle Lines!

The episode leans toward the melodrama. Intellectually, I know that Kira's grief makes sense, but it feels OTP. Overall, I think that the episode does a good job of showing multiple perspectives, not the usual Starfleet vs aliens thing, but five different sides. It was also a gut punch to see a familiar character die (then resurrect, only to strand herself) so quickly.

I love that this clip is available. It shows the pivot DS9 would make: it's not that we are better people in the future, but that we are committed to make ourselves better people in the future.

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"BABEL"
"DAX"
"THE PASSENGER"
"THE NAGUS"
"IF WISHES WERE HORSES

 

[BlueStuff]

If Wishes Were Horses is very silly - but it's also not grating or boring.

"BABEL"
"DAX"
"THE PASSENGER"
"THE NAGUS"