The Most Disliked Episode of DS9, 2023 Edition - Season 2...

[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 Two -

"THE HOMECOMING"
"THE CIRCLE"
"THE SIEGE"
"INVASIVE PROCEDURES"
"CARDASSIANS"
"MELORA"
"RULES OF ACQUISITION"
"NECESSARY EVIL"
"SECOND SIGHT"
"SANCTUARY"
"RIVALS"
"THE ALTERNATE"
"ARMAGEDDON GAME"
"WHISPERS"
"PARADISE"
"SHADOWPLAY"
"PLAYING GOD"
"PROFIT AND LOSS"
"BLOOD OATH"
"THE MAQUIS, PART I"
"THE MAQUIS, PART II"
"THE WIRE"
"CROSSOVER"
"THE COLLABORATOR"
"TRIBUNAL"
"THE JEM'HADAR"

 

[Farscape One]

The second season, I feel, is very underrated. There are some episodes that are rather mundane, but this was definitely a world building season.

(In fact, I truly feel that every Berman era spinoff's second season is very underrated, with the exception of ENTERPRISE, which I still enjoy certain aspects of.)

My first save for DS9 season 2 is probably no surprise... "THE WIRE".

There are several this season that are pure gold, but this one edges out because of Andrew Robinson. Behind only TNG's Data, I might call Garak my favorite character in the franchise. So much of this is the brilliant portrayal of Garak by Robinson. He is one of the few characters that AUTOMATICALLY elevates an episode just for appearing in it. But when you have one centered on him like this one? I do not have enough words to convey how much of a joy it is to see him on screen.

Hell, put everything aside, I would save this episode for only one piece of dialogue.


"Of all the stories you told me, which ones were true and which ones weren't?"
"My dear doctor, they're all true."
"Even the lies?"
"Especially the lies."



"THE HOMECOMING"
"THE CIRCLE"
"THE SIEGE"
"INVASIVE PROCEDURES"
"CARDASSIANS"
"MELORA"
"RULES OF ACQUISITION"
"NECESSARY EVIL"
"SECOND SIGHT"
"SANCTUARY"
"RIVALS"
"THE ALTERNATE"
"ARMAGEDDON GAME"
"WHISPERS"
"PARADISE"
"SHADOWPLAY"
"PLAYING GOD"
"PROFIT AND LOSS"
"BLOOD OATH"
"THE MAQUIS, PART I"
"THE MAQUIS, PART II"
"CROSSOVER"
"THE COLLABORATOR"
"TRIBUNAL"
"THE JEM'HADAR"

 

[Qonundrum]

Only Kirk might come close to Sisko regarding what Ben does in this episode:

"PARADISE"

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The actual episode is as robust and engaging as the teaser.

Also, here's an unrelated bonus - Kirk can't even come close to The Sisko:

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And that is why Sisko is the best commander and captain of all time.

What's left:
"THE HOMECOMING"
"THE CIRCLE"
"THE SIEGE"
"INVASIVE PROCEDURES"
"CARDASSIANS"
"MELORA"
"RULES OF ACQUISITION"
"NECESSARY EVIL"
"SECOND SIGHT"
"SANCTUARY"
"RIVALS"
"THE ALTERNATE"
"ARMAGEDDON GAME"
"WHISPERS"
"SHADOWPLAY"
"PLAYING GOD"
"PROFIT AND LOSS"
"BLOOD OATH"
"THE MAQUIS, PART I"
"THE MAQUIS, PART II"
"CROSSOVER"
"THE COLLABORATOR"
"TRIBUNAL"
"THE JEM'HADAR"

 

[Oddish]

"Shadowplay" is just a fun episode, with three great plots interwoven together.

"THE HOMECOMING"
"THE CIRCLE"
"THE SIEGE"
"INVASIVE PROCEDURES"
"CARDASSIANS"
"MELORA"
"RULES OF ACQUISITION"
"NECESSARY EVIL"
"SECOND SIGHT"
"SANCTUARY"
"RIVALS"
"THE ALTERNATE"
"ARMAGEDDON GAME"
"WHISPERS"
"PARADISE"
"PLAYING GOD"
"PROFIT AND LOSS"
"BLOOD OATH"
"THE MAQUIS, PART I"
"THE MAQUIS, PART II"
"THE WIRE"
"CROSSOVER"
"THE COLLABORATOR"
"TRIBUNAL"
"THE JEM'HADAR"

 

[Farscape One]

I pick "BLOOD OATH" as my next save.

EXCELLENT return of Kang, Koloth, and Kor! Great use of the Trill idea, and superb acting all around. Typical of Peter Allan Fields endings, you are left with just the facial expressions doing all the talking. He truly was a gift to the franchise. (With episodes like this, "NECESSARY EVIL", "DUET", "PROGRESS", "FOR THE UNIFORM", the story for "IN THE PALE MOONLIGHT", and "The Inner Light"... it's hard to argue against him being a gift to us.)


"THE HOMECOMING"
"THE CIRCLE"
"THE SIEGE"
"INVASIVE PROCEDURES"
"CARDASSIANS"
"MELORA"
"RULES OF ACQUISITION"
"NECESSARY EVIL"
"SECOND SIGHT"
"SANCTUARY"
"RIVALS"
"THE ALTERNATE"
"ARMAGEDDON GAME"
"WHISPERS"
"PARADISE"
"PLAYING GOD"
"PROFIT AND LOSS"
"THE MAQUIS, PART I"
"THE MAQUIS, PART II"
"THE WIRE"
"CROSSOVER"
"THE COLLABORATOR"
"TRIBUNAL"
"THE JEM'HADAR"

 

[Bad Thoughts]

Saving Necessary Evil. It's the best detective story that Trek has done, and an evocative backstory to several characters. I love how half the story was noir,the other half comedy, without undermining either. Rom started to show his comedic potential. Dukat is in his sadistic glory.

Auberjonois and Visitor doing a table ... uh, podium read of the first meeting of their characters.

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"THE HOMECOMING"
"THE CIRCLE"
"THE SIEGE"
"INVASIVE PROCEDURES"
"CARDASSIANS"
"MELORA"
"RULES OF ACQUISITION"
"SECOND SIGHT"
"SANCTUARY"
"RIVALS"
"THE ALTERNATE"
"ARMAGEDDON GAME"
"WHISPERS"
"PARADISE"
"PLAYING GOD"
"PROFIT AND LOSS"
"THE MAQUIS, PART I"
"THE MAQUIS, PART II"
"THE WIRE"
"CROSSOVER"
"THE COLLABORATOR"
"TRIBUNAL"
"THE JEM'HADAR"

 

[CitadelZombies]

I'll save "Crossover" it's a really fun return to the Mirror Universe. If only this was the only return we had in the series it would of been even better.

"THE HOMECOMING"
"THE CIRCLE"
"THE SIEGE"
"INVASIVE PROCEDURES"
"CARDASSIANS"
"MELORA"
"RULES OF ACQUISITION"
"SECOND SIGHT"
"SANCTUARY"
"RIVALS"
"THE ALTERNATE"
"ARMAGEDDON GAME"
"WHISPERS"
"PLAYING GOD"
"PROFIT AND LOSS"
"THE MAQUIS, PART I"
"THE MAQUIS, PART II"
"THE COLLABORATOR"
"TRIBUNAL"
"THE JEM'HADAR"

 

[Farscape One]

Saving "WHISPERS" next.

A great thriller and mystery, even after knowing the ending. The paranoia and atmosphere in this episode was awesome.

And it had the first mention of the DMZ in the franchise.


"THE HOMECOMING"
"THE CIRCLE"
"THE SIEGE"
"INVASIVE PROCEDURES"
"CARDASSIANS"
"MELORA"
"RULES OF ACQUISITION"
"SECOND SIGHT"
"SANCTUARY"
"RIVALS"
"THE ALTERNATE"
"ARMAGEDDON GAME"
"PLAYING GOD"
"PROFIT AND LOSS"
"THE MAQUIS, PART I"
"THE MAQUIS, PART II"
"THE COLLABORATOR"
"TRIBUNAL"
"THE JEM'HADAR"

 

[kkt]

Auberjonois and Visitor doing a table ... uh, podium read of the first meeting of their characters.

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Thanks for posting the link! They are terrific. Kira once said Dukat was in love with the sound of his own voice, but I have a bit of a crush on Visitor's. I think I'd listen to her reading the stock market report out loud.

 

[Oddish]

Saving THE SIEGE, because it had some fun guerilla warfare, and Odo did some neat shapeshifting tricks.

"THE HOMECOMING"
"THE CIRCLE"
"INVASIVE PROCEDURES"
"CARDASSIANS"
"MELORA"
"RULES OF ACQUISITION"
"SECOND SIGHT"
"SANCTUARY"
"RIVALS"
"THE ALTERNATE"
"ARMAGEDDON GAME"
"PLAYING GOD"
"PROFIT AND LOSS"
"THE MAQUIS, PART I"
"THE MAQUIS, PART II"
"THE COLLABORATOR"
"TRIBUNAL"
"THE JEM'HADAR"

 

[Seven of Five]

Firstly I'll go with the awesome cliffhanger, The Jem'Hadar. Nothing was the same again after this episode.

I also love season two! There are lots of really brilliant episodes within it.

"THE HOMECOMING"
"THE CIRCLE"
"INVASIVE PROCEDURES"
"CARDASSIANS"
"MELORA"
"RULES OF ACQUISITION"
"SECOND SIGHT"
"SANCTUARY"
"RIVALS"
"THE ALTERNATE"
"ARMAGEDDON GAME"
"PLAYING GOD"
"PROFIT AND LOSS"
"THE MAQUIS, PART I"
"THE MAQUIS, PART II"
"THE COLLABORATOR"
"TRIBUNAL"

 

[Farscape One]

My next save might be considered unusual, but I have multiple reasons... "TRIBUNAL".

First off, it was made because of the line Dukat said in "THE MAQUIS, PART II" about all trials end with a guilty verdict. Great callback from such a short time ago and great idea to follow up on.

Second, this was Avery Brooks' first episode directing, and he is an outstanding director. Excellent eye with his shots... he makes fantastic and creative use out of every set.

Third, Fritz Weaver plays O'Brien's 'lawyer'. For those who know THE TWILIGHT ZONE (original), he also played a character in a totalitarian world in an episode called "THE OBSOLETE MAN". It's one of my absolute favorites from that show... it also starred Burgess Meredith. It was so much fun watching him play as a Cardassian, particularly when comparing the two roles with an almost 35 year gap in between.

Fourth, you never went wrong having O'Brien as your main focus.


"THE HOMECOMING"
"THE CIRCLE"
"INVASIVE PROCEDURES"
"CARDASSIANS"
"MELORA"
"RULES OF ACQUISITION"
"SECOND SIGHT"
"SANCTUARY"
"RIVALS"
"THE ALTERNATE"
"ARMAGEDDON GAME"
"PLAYING GOD"
"PROFIT AND LOSS"
"THE MAQUIS, PART I"
"THE MAQUIS, PART II"
"THE COLLABORATOR"

 

[Cyfa]

I'm saving season opener "THE HOMECOMING" because it introduces so many questions and upsets the applecart somewhat, plus I love this three-parter (so I'm happy "THE SIEGE" has already been saved). Li Nalas is a suitably weary "war hero", but Frank Langella steals the show for me as the skin-crawingly calm and deceptive Jaro Essa.

"THE CIRCLE"
"INVASIVE PROCEDURES"
"CARDASSIANS"
"MELORA"
"RULES OF ACQUISITION"
"SECOND SIGHT"
"SANCTUARY"
"RIVALS"
"THE ALTERNATE"
"ARMAGEDDON GAME"
"PLAYING GOD"
"PROFIT AND LOSS"
"THE MAQUIS, PART I"
"THE MAQUIS, PART II"
"THE COLLABORATOR"

 

[Sakonna]

"Cardassians", for taking Garak from one-off to recurring.

"THE CIRCLE"
"INVASIVE PROCEDURES"
"MELORA"
"RULES OF ACQUISITION"
"SECOND SIGHT"
"SANCTUARY"
"RIVALS"
"THE ALTERNATE"
"ARMAGEDDON GAME"
"PLAYING GOD"
"PROFIT AND LOSS"
"THE MAQUIS, PART I"
"THE MAQUIS, PART II"
"THE COLLABORATOR"

 

[Seven of Five]

Spoilt for choice! I will save The Maquis Part I, as its a great example of DS9 world building, whilst at the same time showing morally grey storylines.

"THE CIRCLE"
"INVASIVE PROCEDURES"
"MELORA"
"RULES OF ACQUISITION"
"SECOND SIGHT"
"SANCTUARY"
"RIVALS"
"THE ALTERNATE"
"ARMAGEDDON GAME"
"PLAYING GOD"
"PROFIT AND LOSS"
"THE MAQUIS, PART II"
"THE COLLABORATOR"

 

[Qonundrum]

There's a great storyline in this, being hunted by enemies after dealing with a non-Federation world in a great action piece:

"ARMAGEDDON GAME"

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They do get them teasers right as the episodes they tease generally keep the same feel. None of that bait'n'switch stuff that latter-TNG sometimes had.

It's not unlike "Lower Decks" but with main characters.

And DS9 is one of the few shows that can manage to mix a great plotting theme with... this...

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They bicker about marriage and oinking and life and stuff. But, wow, they do it well.


What's left:
"THE CIRCLE"
"INVASIVE PROCEDURES"
"MELORA"
"RULES OF ACQUISITION"
"SECOND SIGHT"
"SANCTUARY"
"RIVALS"
"THE ALTERNATE"
"PLAYING GOD"
"PROFIT AND LOSS"
"THE MAQUIS, PART II"
"THE COLLABORATOR"

 

[Cyfa]

I'm saving "THE CIRCLE" to make the opening trilogy complete. And also because it contains one of my favourite Winn quotes:
"How long will you be with us major?"
"I'm not sure."
"Feel free to stay as many days as you'd like... even a week if necessary." What a cow!

"INVASIVE PROCEDURES"
"MELORA"
"RULES OF ACQUISITION"
"SECOND SIGHT"
"SANCTUARY"
"RIVALS"
"THE ALTERNATE"
"PLAYING GOD"
"PROFIT AND LOSS"
"THE MAQUIS, PART II"
"THE COLLABORATOR"

 

[Oddish]

I'll save "Invasive Procedures", in part because I can't help but feel a certain amount of sympathy for the villains. Not easy to have your whole life reduced to one word: "Unsuitable". And in part because I enjoy the "slug-napping" storyline. Kudos to John Glover for playing two very different bad guys.

"MELORA"
"RULES OF ACQUISITION"
"SECOND SIGHT"
"SANCTUARY"
"RIVALS"
"THE ALTERNATE"
"PLAYING GOD"
"PROFIT AND LOSS"
"THE MAQUIS, PART II"
"THE COLLABORATOR"

 

[Bad Thoughts]

Saving Maquis II. It's a wrap it up quickly second parter, but it's got all the attitude between Sisko AND Dukat. Sorry, but the dialogue in this one IS paradise.

MELORA"
"RULES OF ACQUISITION"
"SECOND SIGHT"
"SANCTUARY"
"RIVALS"
"THE ALTERNATE"
"PLAYING GOD"
"PROFIT AND LOSS"
"THE COLLABORATOR"

 

[Qonundrum]

I'll save "Invasive Procedures", in part because I can't help but feel a certain amount of sympathy for the villains. Not easy to have your whole life reduced to one word: "Unsuitable". And in part because I enjoy the "slug-napping" storyline. Kudos to John Glover for playing two very different bad guys.

I almost voted that one for the slug-napping story. Dax Symbiont is either at an opportune location or is a very special being. But they eschew that, since the host believes that the Symbiont should be wiggling inside of him. That's a good twist.

The convenience of getting the station abandoned is, however, harder to swallow than taking a box full of tennis balls without the aid of a steak knife and enough steak sauce to make the stuff palatable...