I watched Emissary for the first time since 1993 and got a lot more out of it this time, though I wish the Prophets could have noticed the differences between Sisko and the Cardassians (for which later seasons and episodes add in more complexity as the beings in the wormhole learn about everyone) there was more to the Prophets than asking what linear life is - which was good, but I was hoping for more regarding the people of Bajor since Sisko is chosen as theirs. But I think Sisko stayed because the Prophets intrigued him as much as he intrigued them. DS9 may have had rocky beginnings, but "Emissary" is the best show premiere of the bunch.
That and Picard seemed way out of character, not even explaining to Sisko about being Locutus (Picard was under duress but Picard doesn't even bother to try explaining and lets Sisko quietly fume instead)... and it was Sisko doing the big morale speech to Quark the way Picard should have uplifted Sisko (but hadn't). Already, by accidental writing or design, Sisko's the winner in all those scenes. I was also getting wound up, and toward the point I was really hoping Sisko to say something to get under Picard's skin in return*, but I knew Sisko wouldn't do anything like that and Picard was still the CO. Avery Brooks, who had a couple duff scenes but hits it out of the park with others, won me over during the Sisko/Picard scenes - Avery seemed to know Ben Sisko inside and out, even in the pilot.
* considering Sisko punches the living daylights out of Q, then looking back to the premiere, season 1 alone shows how flipping awesome Sisko is as a multifaceted character. I liked the show's 4th-7th seasons, but age and maturity allows me to understand much more compared to 20 years ago.
But, dang, Kira steals the show and then some, with what she gets to do. Right down to the end in risking war (and was fallible as she was about to surrender). I understand the character was meant for Ensign Ro, but Nana Visitor is quick to make Kira her own character. Great stuff!
And then comes "Past Prologue" - DS9 continues character traits Sisko was shown with in "Emissary", reminding if not proving instantly why he's the ideal choice by the Prophets. (Similar themes of striking a balance between cultures would occur in later episodes...) Kira too has a wonderful side that's just as antagonistic - it's easy to see how both were quick to become fan favorites.
But back to DS9 in general - Worf, Bashir/O'Brien, Odo/Quark, Ben/Jake, Ben/Kira, Dax/anyone are all terrific double-acts. The show really hits its stride when Worf comes on board and they gravitate toward the Maquis and Dominion war as it's big, epic, and a bold new direction that they get almost every drop out of.
The more I revisit, even when watching the occasional TOS, the more DS9 wins me over as being the best Trek of the bunch.