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The Most Disliked Episode of DS9, Season 7 - 2025 Edition...

Frightscape One

Admiral
Admiral
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"
2025 -


Season Seven -

"IMAGE IN THE SAND"
"SHADOWS AND SYMBOLS"
"AFTERIMAGE"
"TAKE ME OUT TO THE HOLOSUITE"
"CHRYSALIS"
"TREACHERY, FAITH AND THE GREAT
RIVER"
"ONCE MORE UNTO THE BREACH"
"THE SIEGE OF AR-558"
"COVENANT"
"IT'S ONLY A PAPER MOON"
"PRODIGAL DAUGHTER"
"THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOAK"
"FIELD OF FIRE"
"CHIMERA"
"BADDA-BING, BADDA-BANG"
"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"
 
And here we are, the final season of DS9. While it did feel like some episodes dropped the ball, it was overall very solid and great. By far, the best 7th season of the franchise.

I'm starting this round with one of the best Moore episodes... "TACKING INTO THE WIND".

This one had possibly the most difficult job to do in the entire final arc... it not only had to tie up some loose ends, but also keep the pace and ball rolling for the last section, while also completing the Klingon politics arc that started a decade earlier.

And it was PERFECT!

Many have said that Ezri's talk with Worf about the Empire was the sole justification for her existence this season. And while I liked Ezri far more than many, I do agree that it was an excellent scene and spot on. It was just the splash of cold water Worf needed. Also sobering was how Sisko told Worf that Gowron must be stopped. You know what he meant when he said that.

Truly fitting that Worf was the one who got Gowron the Chancellorship, and he was the one to end it. And I absolutely LOVED Worf giving Martok the title. Not only was it in character for Worf, but Martok could not be a better choice. He really is my favorite Klingon.

And the story with Kira and company was also excellent. One of the best scenes of the season was when Damar learns his family was killed and wonders how a people could casually kill innocent women and children, and Kira asks the exact same question without flinching. THAT was powerful, and it might be the best acted scene Casey Biggs did as Damar. Garak's words right after were spot on, too. It's so hard to pick a story that felt better than the other. They were equally well done.

Everything about this episode was flawless. Mike Vejar directing, the acting, Moore's script, and Garak as part of the story... a masterpiece.



"IMAGE IN THE SAND"
"SHADOWS AND SYMBOLS"
"AFTERIMAGE"
"TAKE ME OUT TO THE HOLOSUITE"
"CHRYSALIS"
"TREACHERY, FAITH AND THE GREAT
RIVER"
"ONCE MORE UNTO THE BREACH"
"THE SIEGE OF AR-558"
"COVENANT"
"IT'S ONLY A PAPER MOON"
"PRODIGAL DAUGHTER"
"THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOAK"
"FIELD OF FIRE"
"CHIMERA"
"BADDA-BING, BADDA-BANG"
"INTER ARMA ENIM SILENT LEGES"
"PENUMBRA"
"'TIL DEATH DO US PART"
"STRANGE BEDFELLOWS"
"THE CHANGING FACE OF EVIL"
"WHEN IT RAINS..."
"EXTREME MEASURES"
"THE DOGS OF WAR"
"WHAT YOU LEAVE BEHIND"
 
A tough selection but going with The Changing Face of Evil for the space battles with the Breen. I love space battles as much today as I did when I was little.

"IMAGE IN THE SAND"
"SHADOWS AND SYMBOLS"
"AFTERIMAGE"
"TAKE ME OUT TO THE HOLOSUITE"
"CHRYSALIS"
"TREACHERY, FAITH AND THE GREAT
RIVER"
"ONCE MORE UNTO THE BREACH"
"THE SIEGE OF AR-558"
"COVENANT"
"IT'S ONLY A PAPER MOON"
"PRODIGAL DAUGHTER"
"THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOAK"
"FIELD OF FIRE"
"CHIMERA"
"BADDA-BING, BADDA-BANG"
"INTER ARMA ENIM SILENT LEGES"
"PENUMBRA"
"'TIL DEATH DO US PART"
"STRANGE BEDFELLOWS"
"WHEN IT RAINS..."
"EXTREME MEASURES"
"THE DOGS OF WAR"
"WHAT YOU LEAVE BEHIND"
 
The guy who always votes to save two-parters is now saving a nine-parter, starting with WYLB.

"IMAGE IN THE SAND"
"SHADOWS AND SYMBOLS"
"AFTERIMAGE"
"TAKE ME OUT TO THE HOLOSUITE"
"CHRYSALIS"
"TREACHERY, FAITH AND THE GREAT
RIVER"
"ONCE MORE UNTO THE BREACH"
"THE SIEGE OF AR-558"
"COVENANT"
"IT'S ONLY A PAPER MOON"
"PRODIGAL DAUGHTER"
"THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOAK"
"FIELD OF FIRE"
"CHIMERA"
"BADDA-BING, BADDA-BANG"
"INTER ARMA ENIM SILENT LEGES"
"PENUMBRA"
"'TIL DEATH DO US PART"
"STRANGE BEDFELLOWS"
"WHEN IT RAINS..."
"EXTREME MEASURES"
"THE DOGS OF WAR"
 
A lot of great ones left. I'm going with "ONCE MORE UNTO THE BREACH" next.

My two favorite Klingons are centered here... Kor and Martok. Excellent story about the ravages of old age and feeling your usefulness in life is at its end. Equally excellent is Martok's story and how even after having his revenge moment, it was still a hollow moment.

Kor's last scene telling an unconscious Worf what he will tell Jadzia in Sto'vo'kor and his final "Long live the Empire!"... perfect end for the Dahar Master.

Excellent final scene with Martok drinking with everyone to Kor, but still not singing with them. He forgives, but only to a point. Brilliantly done.

And one of the best quotes by anyone...

"If they succeed, you can drink to their courage. And if they fail... you can still drink to their courage."

I've said it before and I'll say it again... Ronald D. Moore was the most consistently good writer in the franchise. (Even my wife, who really does not like Klingon episodes, thought this was a really good episode.)


"IMAGE IN THE SAND"
"SHADOWS AND SYMBOLS"
"AFTERIMAGE"
"TAKE ME OUT TO THE HOLOSUITE"
"CHRYSALIS"
"TREACHERY, FAITH AND THE GREAT RIVER"
"THE SIEGE OF AR-558"
"COVENANT"
"IT'S ONLY A PAPER MOON"
"PRODIGAL DAUGHTER"
"THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOAK"
"FIELD OF FIRE"
"CHIMERA"
"BADDA-BING, BADDA-BANG"
"INTER ARMA ENIM SILENT LEGES"
"PENUMBRA"
"'TIL DEATH DO US PART"
"STRANGE BEDFELLOWS"
"WHEN IT RAINS..."
"EXTREME MEASURES"
"THE DOGS OF WAR"
 
Spoilt for choice aside from some stinker Ezri episodes.

It's Only a Paper Moon is heartbreaking to watch every time.

IMAGE IN THE SAND"
"SHADOWS AND SYMBOLS"
"AFTERIMAGE"
"TAKE ME OUT TO THE HOLOSUITE"
"CHRYSALIS"
"TREACHERY, FAITH AND THE GREAT RIVER"
"THE SIEGE OF AR-558"
"COVENANT"
"PRODIGAL DAUGHTER"
"THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOAK"
"FIELD OF FIRE"
"CHIMERA"
"BADDA-BING, BADDA-BANG"
"INTER ARMA ENIM SILENT LEGES"
"PENUMBRA"
"'TIL DEATH DO US PART"
"STRANGE BEDFELLOWS"
"WHEN IT RAINS..."
"EXTREME MEASURES"
"THE DOGS OF WAR"
 
An easy save in The Siege of AR-558 a beautiful war drama episode.

"IMAGE IN THE SAND"
"SHADOWS AND SYMBOLS"
"AFTERIMAGE"
"TAKE ME OUT TO THE HOLOSUITE"
"CHRYSALIS"
"TREACHERY, FAITH AND THE GREAT RIVER"
"COVENANT"
"PRODIGAL DAUGHTER"
"THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOAK"
"FIELD OF FIRE"
"CHIMERA"
"BADDA-BING, BADDA-BANG"
"INTER ARMA ENIM SILENT LEGES"
"PENUMBRA"
"'TIL DEATH DO US PART"
"STRANGE BEDFELLOWS"
"WHEN IT RAINS..."
"EXTREME MEASURES"
"THE DOGS OF WAR"
 
Continuing to save the nine-part finale, let slip The Dogs of War.

"IMAGE IN THE SAND"
"SHADOWS AND SYMBOLS"
"AFTERIMAGE"
"TAKE ME OUT TO THE HOLOSUITE"
"CHRYSALIS"
"TREACHERY, FAITH AND THE GREAT RIVER"
"COVENANT"
"PRODIGAL DAUGHTER"
"THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOAK"
"FIELD OF FIRE"
"CHIMERA"
"BADDA-BING, BADDA-BANG"
"INTER ARMA ENIM SILENT LEGES"
"PENUMBRA"
"'TIL DEATH DO US PART"
"STRANGE BEDFELLOWS"
"WHEN IT RAINS..."
"EXTREME MEASURES"
 
This series is my least favourite. I'm not keen on Ezri (both in that having the character move to DS9 doesn't make much sense and in the character herself) DS9 walked the tightrope between is it gods? is it science? very well and then in this series came down on the gods are real! side which was a real disappointment. Consequently, my favourite episodes tend to be the comedy ones. I am saving "Take Me Out To The Holosuite".

Now, I don't know anything about baseball so I don't how the scenes of characters learnng the game and the rules come across to those people who do but I find them amusing. The "moral victory" that every member of the team is important is a very Star Trek message. (I am puzzled as to why Worf and Kira aren't better at the game - they would appear to have many of the basic skills needed but you can't have everything)


"IMAGE IN THE SAND"
"SHADOWS AND SYMBOLS"
"AFTERIMAGE"
"CHRYSALIS"
"TREACHERY, FAITH AND THE GREAT RIVER"
"COVENANT"
"PRODIGAL DAUGHTER"
"THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOAK"
"FIELD OF FIRE"
"CHIMERA"
"BADDA-BING, BADDA-BANG"
"INTER ARMA ENIM SILENT LEGES"
"PENUMBRA"
"'TIL DEATH DO US PART"
"STRANGE BEDFELLOWS"
"WHEN IT RAINS..."
"EXTREME MEASURES"
 
I'll go with Penumbra,.the forsythia episode of the excellent Final Chapter.

IMAGE IN THE SAND"
"SHADOWS AND SYMBOLS"
"AFTERIMAGE"
"CHRYSALIS"
"TREACHERY, FAITH AND THE GREAT RIVER"
"COVENANT"
"PRODIGAL DAUGHTER"
"THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOAK"
"FIELD OF FIRE"
"CHIMERA"
"BADDA-BING, BADDA-BANG"
"INTER ARMA ENIM SILENT LEGES"
"'TIL DEATH DO US PART"
"STRANGE BEDFELLOWS"
"WHEN IT RAINS..."
"EXTREME MEASURES"
 
Continuing to focus on the nine-part finale, even When it Rains.

IMAGE IN THE SAND"
"SHADOWS AND SYMBOLS"
"AFTERIMAGE"
"CHRYSALIS"
"TREACHERY, FAITH AND THE GREAT RIVER"
"COVENANT"
"PRODIGAL DAUGHTER"
"THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOAK"
"FIELD OF FIRE"
"CHIMERA"
"BADDA-BING, BADDA-BANG"
"INTER ARMA ENIM SILENT LEGES"
"'TIL DEATH DO US PART"
"STRANGE BEDFELLOWS"
"EXTREME MEASURES"
 
Saving "TREACHERY, FAITH AND THE GREAT RIVER" next.

How can an episode with Weyoun, which is already going to be a win, be improved?

Have TWO Weyouns!

Excellent episode. Weyoun is such an interesting villain... he's unique in the franchise in that he has no ego whatsoever. Only service to the Founders. Every scene with him and Odo was brilliant.

The B story with Nog and the Great Material Continuum... superb. It was nice to have a look at Ferengi culture that was not profit driven but still retained their core philosophies. Genius!

This was Bradley Thompson and David Weddle's best script of DS9.



"IMAGE IN THE SAND"
"SHADOWS AND SYMBOLS"
"AFTERIMAGE"
"CHRYSALIS"
"COVENANT"
"PRODIGAL DAUGHTER"
"THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOAK"
"FIELD OF FIRE"
"CHIMERA"
"BADDA-BING, BADDA-BANG"
"INTER ARMA ENIM SILENT LEGES"
"'TIL DEATH DO US PART"
"STRANGE BEDFELLOWS"
"EXTREME MEASURES"
 
Saving Emperor's New Cloak. A slightly unstable lore foundation since we've seen mirror cloaks before but still a feel good episode.

"IMAGE IN THE SAND"
"SHADOWS AND SYMBOLS"
"AFTERIMAGE"
"CHRYSALIS"
"COVENANT"
"PRODIGAL DAUGHTER"
"FIELD OF FIRE"
"CHIMERA"
"BADDA-BING, BADDA-BANG"
"INTER ARMA ENIM SILENT LEGES"
"'TIL DEATH DO US PART"
"STRANGE BEDFELLOWS"
"EXTREME MEASURES"
 
Saving Shadows and Symbols. We got to see the neurotic results of Trill Joining gone wrong, a glorious Klingon battle, and I really loved the way Sisko recreated Bareil's triumphant entry onto the station (from Season 1) upon his return: it showed that he had truly embraced his place as Emissary. He was home in more ways than one.

"IMAGE IN THE SAND"
"AFTERIMAGE"
"CHRYSALIS"
"COVENANT"
"PRODIGAL DAUGHTER"
"FIELD OF FIRE"
"CHIMERA"
"BADDA-BING, BADDA-BANG"
"INTER ARMA ENIM SILENT LEGES"
"'TIL DEATH DO US PART"
"STRANGE BEDFELLOWS"
"EXTREME MEASURES"
 
Saving "INTER ARMA ENIM SILENT LEGES".

Another win from Ronald D. Moore, this was just awesome. Great intrigue that kept you guessing. William Sadler was an excellent casting choice. And a great look into Romulan political machinations.

The final scene between Ross and Bashir was superb. And Sloan's final words to Bashir about men of principle and why Section 31 exists... spot on, all of it.


"IMAGE IN THE SAND"
"AFTERIMAGE"
"CHRYSALIS"
"COVENANT"
"PRODIGAL DAUGHTER"
"FIELD OF FIRE"
"CHIMERA"
"BADDA-BING, BADDA-BANG"
"'TIL DEATH DO US PART"
"STRANGE BEDFELLOWS"
"EXTREME MEASURES"
 
Given how fast these go, this will probably be my last save. Surprisingly, it is another comedy episode. I hesistated between this and "Badda-Bing, Badda-Bang". I have gone with "The Emperor's New Cloak"

(Ninja'd when part way though. I'll spare you the details)

So: removing "Badda-Bing, Badda-Bang". Nice take on a heist movie and reminiscent of those old black-and-white films that used to be on the television on Sunday afternoons. Sisko's objections are a nice touch.


"IMAGE IN THE SAND"
"AFTERIMAGE"
"CHRYSALIS"
"COVENANT"
"PRODIGAL DAUGHTER"
"FIELD OF FIRE"
"CHIMERA"
"'TIL DEATH DO US PART"
"STRANGE BEDFELLOWS"
"EXTREME MEASURES"
 
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