#and so okay yes fucking fine garak
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"No one returns from exile, ever. My country was no more, neither were the people the same people, nor I, Augusto."
-Augusto Boal, 2001
#yes i'm posting this because of garak i have a problem#but also! everyone is so enamored of boal and to#and yet no one ever told me the man was tortured by his state#no one ever talked about what it meant that so much of his work was developed in literal exile#and of course i'm thinking about it in conversation with the ilya kaminsky quote#the country i left no longer exists except perhaps in my imagination#something about: those exiled become the record-keepers#holders of memory#the nation moves beyond them and the people left behind change with the country#but it is preserved as it was in that moment in time in the minds of /as perceived by those it cast out#and so okay yes fucking fine garak#as the memory keeper in exile#of a cardassia that existed only in the moment of his exile
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ds9 time, s2e16, e17, and e18
now i did watch e16 like a few weeks ago but for completeness, ill summarise my vibe - i liked it! i spent most of it trying to figure out what was connecting the various plots together, since there was little explicit overlap aside from kira's tying in to odo not being on the station. ended up concluding that it was about love - love for family, love for work, love for, yknow, Love, shit like that. jake loves his dad and is worried what he'll think, obrien loves his job in such a way that he disappointed his own family over his decisions, kira and bareil are in love. the old guy loves the home he left behind and the hologram home he has created, even if he wont admit it to himself. and odo comes to love the little girl who is simply very kind to him, and advocates for her right to grow up and continue to love as she has done.
that said that may not have been the vibe but i was like desperate to id a connective tissue between the subplots. also bareil is an icon, literally foiling a criminal plot by not being to shut his mouth while Kira fucking Nerys is making out with him. a legend.
also i decided i like dax now because her main character has just been loving gossip, and thats just a delight. she enjoys games and fun and knowing Everything, and she loves to share in that. fully the definition of loving life. and thats really nice.
anyway e17 time. conveniently, a dax episode. now my issue is gonna be that my boy arjin is a mess and thats gonna be cringe.
i like the vole puppet.
oh i love when dax talks about. yknow. dax! what it feels like to be dax, what that means. its great.
i love how sisko and dax interact. i just love their dynamic. its so familiar and distincti
uhoh seaweeds loose the vole done fucked with the seaweed.
waaah i thought i had a rapport with the lady whose job it is to evaluate my readiness for a massive life change, turns out thats not how this works dunce.
now im not actually fully clear what the criteria is here.
arjins facial expressions during this scene with quark were peak. like just exceptional stuff.
i hate to say it but in this situation i would be kira i think, like, i would probably be kira here. dont know if thats a good thing.
now see im a little confused, because i thought this was an episode about the trill and now theres a proto universe. and so my q is when arjin becomes important again.
oh there he is. oh i love that. dax is great.
ohoooh pilot time.
and there we go. neato.
well. firm Okay on that one. it was fine.
alright. e18. lets go
BASHIR AND GARAK YEEEAAH BABY *longest yeah boi* love my boys
'you wouldnt last 5 seconds on cardassia?' 'would you' '... :) fishing again doctor' oh i love them
i gotta say i adore natima's dress.
odos utter fucking bafflement at what quark is doing, just, pure chefs kiss. utter delight.
oh i love the faintly sinister music when garak walks past. i love him.
"i dont believe youve ever been to my establishment before" "and you dont usually frequent mine" quark he goes there semi-regularly to have lunch dates with boyfriend be for real.
OHHH GARAK AND QUARK yeeeeeeh oh that rules. oh i love these two. oh this is great.
like just. mwaaah. this is great.
oh hell yeah. garak time.
oh quark you doofus. god dammit. im fascinated to see how odo reacts to this because god knows hes like, the chair the guys sitting on yknow.
lmao. got his ass. fucking demolished.
oh nevermind
okay bets, is the cloaking device odo
oh nevermind but odo did show up, i love that
oh boy
okay so he IS an exile and there is a situation.
quark trying to beg odo just. oaaaaah its great. and the cut where odo assumes for a second hes run, or hes cloaked, when hes really on his knees, MY GOD.
OH GARAK NO.
OHHHHHH BABY.
YES
devastating.
that fucking owned. exceptional. i adored it.
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I wrote a (parody) Star Trek episode
I guess this counts as my first fanfic. I wrote a Deep Space Nine Lwaxana Troi parody episode. It’s too long, it’s pure fucking genius, you should read it, and I’d like it to be performed, thank you.
(The station is bustling. The Klingon Parade is happening today and people are arriving from everywhere. At Quark's, Quark is trying to sell vaping devices to some Klingon children.)
QUARK: Will news articles come out in a few months about how these are mysteriously killing people? Maybe. But right here, in the glorious now, you can look like an Luranian mist-breather! Capitalism reigns!
KLINGON BOY 1: Get out of our faces, Ferengi petaQ! My father says you're nothing more than a peddler of flim-flam! You have no honor!
(The children beat him to death, but Odo is here. Odo pulls the blood-drenched Klingons off of Quark, who has five broken arms. But he is saved.)
QUARK: Oh, what a relief to see you, Constable! I was beginning to think I'd never -
ODO: HHHHRMPH!
(Odo ignores him and walks slowly towards the camera, past Quark, who trails off. Quark shrugs and heads back to the bar. Odo s t a r e s i n t o t h e d i s t a n c e.)
(O'Brien is drinking alone. Kira and Jadzia talk nearby. Jadzia is vaping.)
KIRA: I can't believe you bought one of those.
JADZIA: I like it.
KIRA: Haha. You know, It might be deadly.
JADZIA: Deadly can be fun.
KIRA: Ferengi are terrible.
JADZIA: Terrible can be fun.
KIRA: Haha. Aren't you a woman?
JADZIA: Aren't I?
O'BRIEN (in the middle of a drink, spitting synthale all over the table): Well, Quark certainly owes you one, doesn't he?
ODO (shaken out of some reverie): What?
O'BRIEN: You alright, Constable?
ODO: I am extremely edgy on principle, but... recently I've found myself being... even edgier...
O'BRIEN: I can't say I blame you. I'd feel the same way in your shoes.
ODO: Is that some sort of joke, Chief? I thought I told you these aren't REAL SHOES.
O'BRIEN: No, I just mean... Oh, no one's told you...
ODO (curmudgeonly): Told me WHAT.
(Lwaxana enters the Promenade. It's Lwaxana time. Patrons begin to flee.)
LWAXANA: I HAVE ARRIVED AND I AM LWAXANA TROI, (daughter of the Fifth House, holder of the Sacred Chalice of Rixx, heir to the Holy Rings of Betazed). NEW WIG. SPARKLES. I'M HERE TO READ MINDS AND FUCK CURMUDGEONS AND I'M ALL DONE READING MINDS
(Odo stares at Lwaxana in horror, long musical sting, opening credits play)
(Back in the Promenade, Lwaxana has wrapped herself around Odo)
LWAXANA: You are sad, aren't you? Sad man. Tell me why you're sad.
ODO: Madam Ambassador -
LWAXANA: No worries. You don't have to speak for the next three days. I will interrupt everything you say.
O'BRIEN: Um, I've just remembered I have to go take Molly to therapy. Keiko and I tried to decide on a family movie last night and they say the damage may last for a lifetime.
KIRA and JADZIA: Haha we should go too.
ODO: But -
KIRA and JADZIA: Hahahahahahahahaha
(they and their significant glances exit)
(Quark has approached.)
QUARK: Madam ambassador, aren't you looking lovely tonight?
LWAXANA: Yes, I am but you are ugly.
QUARK: Haha, brilliant. Do you want to buy this?
LWAXANA: No.
QUARK: I promise you. You'll love it.
(His earnestness is irritating, but intriguing.)
LWAXANA: Okay fine what is it?
(Odo has one second to be relieved as Quark leads Lwaxana over to the bar.)
SISKO (over commbadge): Sisko to Odo.
ODO: Go ahead, Commander.
SISKO: You're needed in the infirmary.
ODO: On my way.
(In the Infirmary, everyone is dying of Vape Fever.)
BASHIR: I don't have an explanation for it. Except that I know all the symptoms and exactly what could have caused it.
SISKO: What could have caused it?
BASHIR: These vaping devices are made of some kind of weird metal. It has traces of xyphilonium, a Cardassian material.
SISKO: You mean everyone has been vaping xyphilonium?
BASHIR: It appears so.
SISKO: Good thing I told Jake not to vape and he certainly listened to me. Who could have done this?
ODO: Well my sources gave me information that hasn't made sense until now. It seems someone has been ripping parts out of the station's hull. Quark must be using the station's hull to make vaping devices.
SISKO: Go tell him that is very dangerous, but don't arrest him or anything.
(Back in Quark's)
LWAXANA: I KNEW YOU'D COME BACK. Look what I bought from Quark.
(She clamps something around Odo's arm)
LWAXANA: It's a manacle that works on changelings! Now you can never escape me! This is charming! I am well-balanced!
ODO: Wait... this is made of xyphilonium too. QUARK!
QUARK: Yes?
ODO: Exactly how much of your merchandise is made out of the hull of the station??
QUARK: Well, all of it, of course! I didn't think it would be a problem.
(An explosion rocks the station. The lights go out.)
(In Ops)
KIRA: I'm getting reports that 3,000 people have been blown out into space. The hull integrity of the station is at negative 5 percent. If we don't do something soon, we'll all be torn to shreds!
SISKO: I need answers, people!
JADZIA: I have an answer. It's science-y and it takes longer to say than to do.
KIRA: That won't work. This station is Cardassian and it sucks!
JADZIA: Well what about this?
O'BRIEN: Yes and if we add something else it will work. I can help. I have to open this dangerous computer panel to do it. Don't tell Keiko.
BASHIR: Keiko is unhappy.
O'BRIEN: Shut up!
SISKO: Let's get to work!
(In Quark's. The lights are out. Quark is rushing drinks around to weeping customers.)
ROM: Brother, we don't have enough synthale without the replicators. Maybe we should suggest other drinks to our customers?
(Quark lights Rom on fire.)
LWAXANA: Tell me about your problems. You are edgier than usual.
ODO: I am not.
LWAXANA: But of course you are! I can always tell.
ODO: Yes I am sad.
LWAXANA: You know, Odo, in retrospect, I should not have manacled you to me.
ODO: I agree.
LWAXANA: And the real reason I came here is that I am also having a crisis. Good thing you were here.
(an emotional moment (?))
SISKO: Sisko to Odo.
ODO: Go ahead Commander.
SISKO: The station is about to explode. Evacuate everyone. You have five seconds.
(They begin the evacuation. It is the third one this week.)
(In Ops)
JADZIA: It's not working.
O'BRIEN: Dammit!
KIRA: 200 more people have suffocated without life support!
(Garak has appeared)
KIRA: Garak! What are you doing here?
GARAK: Well I thought this thing I knew might be of some help. I could have offered it sooner but I was.......
GARAK: ...
GARAK: ...
GARAK: ...
GARAK: ...hemming some pants.
SISKO: And you think this thing will work.
GARAK: Commander, if it didn't, I wouldn't be much of a...
GARAK: ...
GARAK: ...
BASHIR: Garak!
GARAK: ... tailor, would I?
SISKO: Well, do it!
GARAK: Right away!
(Outside shot of the station. Sisko voice-over)
SISKO: Thankfully everything is fine now, just in time for the Klingon Parade. Good thing, too, because I have to throw the opening pitch in the Klingon baseball game. Next time there's an inside shot of the station everything will look exactly as it always does.
(Inside shot of the station. He's right!)
(At Airlock 3.)
ODO: Well, you are leaving.
LWAXANA: I am, but you will always love me. I'll be back.
(It is a threat. She will be back.)
ODO: Thank you for telling me about your crisis, Madam Ambassador.
LWAXANA: Of course! That's what I'm here for!
(she winks, then kisses Odo, winks again, and leaves. Odo looks bewildered)
QUARK: Well, good thing everything turned out alright!
ODO: You almost murdered everyone on the station!!
QUARK: Almost.
(Everyone in the Promenade chuckles. Oh, Quark. You scamp. Everything is fine and Quark is not arrested.)
♫ BUH BUH BUH BUUUUUUH BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUH BUH BUH BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUH ♫
#ds9#deep space nine#star trek#star trek ds9#odo#kira nerys#jadzia dax#quark#benjamin sisko#julian bashir#elim garak#lwaxana troi#fanfic#parody#script#episode#sorry its still#not data#i wrote this a while ago and wanted to give yall something#but i dont have any newly made content#i am having an extremely rough time but writing this made me smile#and i hope it makes you smile too
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our man bashir in a nutshell
julian: wow look at me being a super-cool 60s spy i’m so slick hope no one interrupts me-
garak: hi
julian: oh god
garak: i’m bored and jealous of the bond girls so let me tag along for no reason
julian: no
garak: please
julian: fine but don’t fuck it up
garak: k babe love u
garak: so it’s a spy program then. i’m jealous and not just because the obsidian order didn’t have you in it
komolonoff!kira: hi
garak: get away from my boyfriend
julian: actually yes please stay away from me major
kira: who’s she don’t know her
julian: ops help major kira is intruding on my alone time with my boyfriend and also she’s lost her sense of identity
odo: you are gonna stay there and be her fake love interest and you are gonna like it
julian: i’m actually not but whatever. so what are you doing here colonel
kira: earthquakes and mad scientists and honeybears oh my
julian: wow it’s dax’s high school photo
garak: this is dumb and i’m not just saying that because i haven’t gotten to kiss you yet-
julian: shut UP
garak, crying: k babe love u
falcon!miles: surprise bitch bet you thought you’d seen the last of me
kira: wait kiss me
miles: okay go ahead you two i’m a bond villain and i’m an idiot
julian: oh god okay. smoke bomb. off to paris we go
garak: oh i’ll be your fake husband and also your real husband if you wan-
julian: kira, you’re my fake wife
garak and kira: k babe love u
duchamp!worf: play cards with me
julian: i win
worf: smoking kills, kids
garak: ugh i’m critiquing my captor’s decor before doing anything else can you tell i’m the epitome of gay 90′s stereotypes
noah!sisko: i’m your friendly neighborhood bond villain
julian: and i’m your friendly neighborhood geologist :)
sisko: no you’re not idiot. anyways die
miles: surprise bitch bet you thought you’d seen the last of me
garak: julian it’s good that i get to spend my potential final moments with you but please just be sensible and call a work crew to save us
julian: shut UP karma chameleon. look it’s honeydax
garak: k babe love u
honey!dax: look at me being a delicate bond girl casually saving the world, i should have gotten more recognition in this episode
julian: see my overgrown iguana friend there wasn’t anything to it
garak: look as much as i love you this is getting ridiculous. comput- what do you mean you’re going to shoot me. i don’t believe tha- ow
julian: told you i can be slick. now come on my dear komodo dragon
garak, genuinely proud: k babe love u
kira, sensibly: alright kill him
julian: it’s not my place
sisko: ain’t that the truth. your place is in hell
odo and eddington: and your place is out of the transporter and onto the defiant
julian: wow that was crazy. but hey we’re alone together now
garak: this is the perfect time for a love confession
julian: quite true
garak:
julian:
garak:
julian:
garak:
julian: oh never mind our writers don’t have the balls roll credits
garak: k babe love u
#star trek ds9#star trek deep space nine#deep space 9#garashir#elim garak#julian bashir#our man bashir
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deep space nine first(ish) impressions
Posting this in case of it's interest to anyone, but most especially to @jazzypizzaz. I have started watching Deep Space Nine! ... (though writing it any other way than DS9, c.g. TOS, TNG, etc., just feels wrong to me. Years of internet fandom!). ANYWAY. I've been watching for a week-ish, and I'm up through episode twelve.
Time for some early impressions!...
1. It takes a while to get most of the characters established. Kira is the most immediately interesting to me, her anger and her sense of purpose. I have, um, complicated feelings about the Bajoran politics narrative, which I will come back to in a bit, but her position between Bajor and Starfleet is at the very least intriguing. And that "frontier medicine? this is my home" bit was - great. Expand on it pls.
2. Speaking of which. BASHIR. Is definitely my favorite right now. I can see why fandom latched onto him. He thinks he's all that! And he wants to be a hero! Have adventures! He's excited for them!... and he doesn't know what the *fuck* to do, and makes both a fool and an ass of himself. That is exactly the sort of wonderful/awful combination I need and adore, thank.
I don't like how he keeps asking Dax out after she's rejected him, or his supposedly charming flirtiness in general, e.g. with that one woman at the bar before he goes and falls asleep for an episode and you say YES GOOD, ... but neither do I hold them against him as a character, cause it's so clearly shitty out-of-universe standards about what's cool and okay seeping though.
3. The most present relationship so far is definitely the one between Odo and Quark. And I see where there's potential there ;)! The cop and the shady sometimes criminal character who seem to be each other's best friends - if only (I mean, the trope's best) - because neither of them seem to have any other friends. They're both outsiders on the station but in really different ways. And not only are they always talking, sharing scenes, etc., but with that undercurrent of 'I'm keeping an eye on you' vs. 'I am doing absolutely nothing wrong,' there's a huge tendency for them to be not quite talking about what they're thinking about, and vice versa.
Neither of them have grabbed me so much so far as characters - but between "Move Along Home" and "The Nagus" for Quark, and then "Vortex" for Odo - I think they're growing on me.
4. The BEST relationship, though, at this point, is definitely between Jake and Nog. They like each other, they have fun together, they seem exactly on the same wavelength - and if it's the wavelength of furthering interspecies harmony by rebelling against their families? Lol. It's pretty great.
5. I have residual feelings of fondness for Dax (as if for an old fandom fave) just like HI YOUR FACE that are apparently leftover and now reactivated from the time I watched this show and loved her when it was airing, and I was ten. Since I remember nothing from that time besides the general premise of the setting and characters, I have no idea why. Maybe I'll be able to guess later? ... Honestly I suspect that I simply thought that being a trill would be REALLY COOL. There are worse things to think!
6. Sisko is? Fine? He feels pretty bland to me, so far, though I feel bad about that; he's made a fair number of difficult-but-right decisions... I think the place where he's humanized most though (as opposed to filling those Starfleet Captain boots) is probably his relationship with Jake, and - I think it's good? But normal healthy parent/kid relationships are more alien to me than all the rubber foreheads in all the galaxy.
7. O'Brien is on this station because we want some crossover appeal with TNG, I guess. (Not that I ever gave a shit about him on TNG either.) (I remember my TNG feelings way better than DS9, that was the one I loved when I was a kid.)
8. And I promised Bajoran politics feelings! OKAY SO. It’s just - like I said - Kira is a pretty great character, and has a promising setup, but I would love it SO MUCH MORE, if, at some point, we get a Bajoran who’s not willing to compromise and work with the Federation, who's still working for independence... and who’s not okay with killing random civilians for this purpose! It’s not as if ‘work with the occupying forces’ and ‘terrorist’ are the only two options, goddamn... I’d had the impression that this storyline would be more complicated than that, and I hope that later on it is.
9. Speaking of more thematic issues, now: I see why people don’t like ~Ferengi episodes.~ When I got to “The Nagus:” ugh. The characterization of sliding between thief and trader, between someone who only cares about their own gain vs. being more ~honorable,~ works for Quark and Quark's family! (Rom, Nog). But why even have an alien culture without upsides to its downsides (as far as we can (yet? maybe pls) see)? And... yeah... it's every Jewish stereotype. Thanks, I hate it!
10. re: shipping. Because one must! Odo and Quark are just not attractive, #srynotsry. Whereas Bashir is very attractive. And it seems that I won't see Garak again till s2... but I did very much like how overly close/touchy he was with Bashir, and how much Bashir seemed both attracted and flustered, like he wants this!, but what do?... which was, of course, about being a spy, (so Romantic!), supposedly, but if that continues... yeah, I see why this is the number one ship. (And I also see why Quodo is a thing! I always thought it was out of nowhere but I just forgot; they always talk to each other). And then Jake and Nog - well, they’re kids NOW, but the show goes on for seven seasons. So who KNOWS.
11. Anyway after writing all those shipping thoughts, I’m still not looking for another fandom. I’m not quite done with Good Omens yet, Check Please is still lurking for me back there, ... and I’ve been missing having an open-canon fandom with frequent/regular new episodes for QUITE some time now, though I also don’t want to get sucked into the excitement of one. Later, not yet! ... the point is, I doubt that I’ll get into this show fannishly. I’ll just watch it. Hopefully. Will those be famous last words, maybe, who knows! But it is definitely improving and getting its hooks more into me, over the course of the first half-season or so, so... expect more updates.
(oh, another way ten-year-old me was right: this is definitely the Superior opening music, compared to TNG.)
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Okay I wasn’t planning on doing a DS9 rant post but here it is, under the cut in case I get annoying about DS9 and romance and Julian in particular
Okay, so I swear, the writers went into the show with this idea that Julian Bashir was gonna be this fresh-out-of-med-school brilliant, attractive doctor with charm to spare and something like this ladies’ man kinda attitude. Maybe (hopefully) not that sleazy, but still. And then it didn’t really work in season 1 in regards to Jadzia, so they dropped that storyline (thank fuck).
But then it’s so weird when I think they’re trying to kinda keep it alive through the show, except it literally never really works quite right? Even though the DS9 writers are legitimately good with writing the other romances on the show?? Kira and Odo? Absolutely adorable, I would die for them. Jadzia and Worf? Who would’ve that that’d work? Not me! But I’d die for them too!
(Yes, all of these characters have other romantic interests at times, some good - like Lenara Kahn - and others less so - Bareil is really boring and Lwaxana Troi DID NOT need to be there - but they also get these fantastic long-term stories)
Meanwhile, for my favorite doctor? I might be missing some but here’s what I could think of whilst typing: Melora was...sorta forgettable (I forgot about the episode until I was just scrolling through all of them). Technically fine but...forgettable. Leeta...honestly I never understood this pairing. I legitimately don’t remember ever seeing them get together on screen; best I recall, they were just together one day and we were supposed to just accept it. Which...whatever, I’m not a fan, and this pairing did nothing for either of them. Serena, I actually liked; they were cute together in that one episode, but at the same time I’m torn because I truly believe the writers made the right choice in that she had to experience the world for herself. For all the cuteness, I much prefer her discovering her own self-worth and think that’s better for her as her own character.
And then. There’s Dax. The first couple seasons? Awkward as fuck. No thanks. But then him and Jadzia become like, best science buddies! And he painfully third-wheels for her date with Lenara in Rejoined! And it’s like “wow now that’s true friendship right there”. And I loved that relationship so much! We watched Julian grow up a lot since the pilot, and honestly, him becoming best friends with Jadzia matched that change really well. Going from this kinda juvenile crush and strange persistence to a much more mature friendship. I mean, there’s one episode (which I can’t place at the moment) where there’s some crisis on the station and they’re hiding somewhere, she’s hurt, and they’re both freezing. And he’s holding her, and she makes some comment on how past-him would’ve used this as an opportunity to try and spark something between them. But present-him isn’t like that anymore, and watching as the audience, there truly isn’t weird romantic tension between them. It’s intimacy and familiarity and comfort without the weight of romance. And it’s perfect.
But then all of a sudden, the back half of season 6 starts happening, and apparently he’s always loved her? And it’s like...where did this come from?? You were doing so well, writers, what happened?? It just...suddenly brought back all the awkwardness of season 1, except at least this time, he’s not acting on it. So instead it’s just weirdly angsty and 100% out of left field. (Also Quark loves her, which is random but less concerning to me cause at least it wasn’t reviving an abandoned plot point, like with Julian) (The Quark point isn’t relevant, but I just felt like saying it)
And that whole thing just put the biggest pit in my stomach, cause I knew about Ezri joining them in season 7 and I was just like “nooo pleeeease don’t get him together with Ezri”
Apparently I just live to be disappointed.
Full disclosure, I actually haven’t fully watched the scene where they get together, but my roommate did end up coming upon a scene of them together in bed, and I’m not that stupid. Bonus: I’m about 6 away from the end, and that in itself is kinda concerning, because now I’m double concerned that it’s gonna be rushed even worse than I thought it would. Because, as of now, she has had barely any contact with Julian, outside of just being part of the senior staff (aka being a main character). I can honestly only actively remember them having one conversation, which just existed for her to say that if Worf hadn’t shown up, then Jadzia would’ve chosen Julian. Which...okay...what now? Worf didn’t show up until season 5, wtf is this about? If Jadzia was actually in love with Julian, she would’ve done something about it. Jadzia Dax is NOT passive about what she wants, and it’s what makes her such a joy to watch. She’s even willing to act against her own culture out of her love for Lenara, despite hesitation because yeah, that’s a lot of risk. She’s willing to leave her friends to be with the dude she met in that weird world that blipped between universes. She acts with her heart and without fear, even in situations where there are barriers stopping her from doing what she wants. There was never such a barrier with her and Julian, so yeah, no, if she’d wanted him - truly wanted him - she would’ve gone for it.
The scene only exists for them to try and justify putting him together with Ezri, and it SUCKS on every conceivable level.
(Also yes, I know they have some other, normal conversations, but they’re never particularly interesting or impactful, so I don’t remember them, and that probably says something in and of itself)
For one, their lack of conversation and just...general shared screentime is so small that I can’t buy the idea that the two of them actually know each other that well. Even if they did bond off-screen, thus far, the show itself never actually gives any evidence of that while they ARE on screen. They have the same level of chemistry that Julian and Kira should have (although, strangely, the characters have much better chemistry than their screentime would seem to indicate but...well they were married IRL so...yeah). Friendly colleagues, but that’s really it. And yet, he’s gonna fall in love with her?
I don’t think so.
He’s in love with Jadzia (apparently. but that’s a different complaint, seen above). He’s in love with a past life of the Dax symbiont. That past life just happens to be contained now within Ezri, and it’s the only conceivable reason I have for why he’s interested in her at all. Realistically, had Ezri Tegan never become Ezri Dax, I doubt Julian would’ve had the same thoughts about her. Granted, people can meet by circumstance and fall in love - I’m not shitting on that idea - and I’m not implying that Julian is a dick by any means, but the show itself doesn’t give us any reason that he would fall for her. Like...what traits of Ezri does Julian find himself attracted to, aside from the fact she was once Jadzia? I don’t think the show ever actually gives any answer to that question. She may carry some shades of Jadzia’s habits and idiosyncrasies and such, because that’s how joined Trill work, but she’s also very much still Ezri. And, for the sake of her character, that should be really important? So, frankly, it’s actually just...really insulting to Ezri? That she’s not loved for who she is, but who the Dax host was. And that’s honestly just awful.
And I actually just thought of this while writing this post and complaining about that one conversation, but it also sucks for Julian a bit, too? Like, the way Ezri phrases that one line - “If Worf hadn’t come along, it would’ve been you” - it feels to me like he was very much the second choice. And...would that not feel awful to be told that? Basically that you were someone else’s back-up plan. I mean, I can’t speak from experience, but I can’t imagine that feels good. And plus, now he knows that Jadzia apparently had those feelings for him, which Ezri now carries with her. Which...wouldn’t something about that just feel wrong? These aren’t Ezri’s feelings exactly; she’s just stuck with them. And Julian is fundamentally a good person who has some idea of how the Trill work; wouldn’t this be a little like he’s...not quite using her, but allowing her to act on feelings that aren’t actually, truly hers? So the situation ends up being that she might not really love him, not as Ezri, and that would really suck for both of them.
Granted, that’s not to say she couldn’t decide that on her own; she totally could, but the show hasn’t laid the groundwork for that. And it’s also not to discredit feelings that linger from past hosts. Jadzia and Lenara are drawn to each other because of Torias and Neilani, but they also do legitimately fall in love with the people they are now and bond over their shared interests in their present forms. Honestly, the show even makes this distinction? When Ezri and Worf are stuck together, they definitely sleep together, but the show makes it fairly clear that it’s pent up tension from the two of them not talking, combined with the fact he and Jadzia were newly married. I’m pretty sure they decide it’s not really something to pursue; it was just what happened out of old instincts, not out of actual love between the two people actually involved.
Mostly, I take issue because of the first sentence of that last paragraph. The show just never sets it up. If it showed her and Julian having chemistry, I’d have far fewer complaints about this. (For fuck’s sake, I think she had a deeper conversation with JORAN. THE MURDERER. Than she really did with Julian. Now that’s a problem)
Long story short: they really shouldn’t have kept trying to shoe-horn romance in for Julian. All of his stories work better without, particularly in the long-term. The chemistry is just...never there with his long-term potential partners the writers throw at him. He really does have the best chemistry with Miles and Garak. That’s all fantastic.
(Which is to also say: I get that it was the 90s but I really wish we could’ve gotten our disaster bi doctor and his lizard spy boyfriend. Just saying)
#from the mind of niennavalier#ds9#did this turn into a long way to justify julian and garak?#a little#but im also annoyed#oh and to clarify#i dont speak from experience comes from the fact im very much not in a relationship#and never have been#just wanted to make sure im not coming off like im so perfect or something#im not#im the biggest dumbass i know and its fun#oh also i just thought of this but dont wanna reformat my rant#but the scene where ezris like#oh my god im in love with julian#and its such a surprise to her#its like#same#im also surprised#where is this coming from#tbh id think it was ironic if not for the fact she and julian are apparently gonna sleep together#also fun fact#my brother wanted to start a podcast of the two of us talking about random shit#with side series we do separated about whatever we want#he wants to do cars#and im like what do i do?#tv reactions??#and decided maybe i will#record my reaction to the two of them together#which will probably just be eternal screaming#but still
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S5E7 “PERILS OF PEEKABLUE”:
I like how instead of believable development Catra and Adora are just Best Buddies again through magic.
Given the spoilers I’ve seen and the history of this show “I’m a day away from meeting my dad” has big Two Days From Retirement energy.
Okay. The writing so far hasn’t been great, and I know enough of what’s coming that I don’t think it’s going to get better, but this looks like another Mer-Mysteries, and if that’s the case, I can at least hold it up as the one success story from this season.
Sea Hawk’s type appears to be “whatever is the worst idea”.
Perfuma getting too into character is great, but if this is gonna have a lot of Scorpia embarrassment comedy I’m putting it in the same bin as “Princess Prom”.
Fuck yes Scorfuma rights at least one good ship is working!
Peekablue has Big Double Trouble Energy. And I know from the thumbnail that DT is in this episode. NGL I’m gonna be disappointed if Peekablue actually is DT, I think we can stand two slightly built ham actors.
This episode gave us good Scorfuma _and_ Seamista moments?
This episode proves that they can do believable romantic development which is why this season is so disappointing.
Oh hey it is DT. I’m a little disappointed but hey, DT! I’m still sad we didn’t get DT as a Garak figure who keeps showing up to provide morally dubious advice.
Very much the new Mer-Mysteries, complete with going dark at the end.
DT delaying the escape attempt to ham-act is 1000% in-character.
noooo scorpiaaaa i know you’re gonna be fine because i skipped ahead but still nooooo
Bingo card:
Oh hey I got bingo! I’d trade it for better writing though; so far it’s been scattershot at best and I’m not expecting better.
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DS9 season 2 liveblog
[Season index: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 PS]
The Homecoming
They're opening the season with a three-parter about Bajoran-Cardassian problems, and Dukat will show up right in the first episode? The writers are not wasting time...
Sisko's unusually cheerful.
Again, I'm amazed at this new heroic O'Brien who is so unlike the background character I've watched press buttons for years.
One does not simply walk into a Cardassian camp! Unless you're these two.
This is completely crazy! What'll stop the Cardassians from destroying their ship?
Just as I was going to say "Why not beam the wounded right from the runabout?", they actually do so -- but just after exiting it. Is there any in-universe reason behind it, or just the ease of fiming?
Why is Dukat being so friendly? Maybe he has spies among the freed Bajorans? If so, it better not be Li Nalas himself...
Bashir you're embarrassing yourself -_-
Quark, why are you always such an ass to your brother? Is that really necessary?
Poor guy.
Oooookay?? The previous scene made me completely trust him, but now my suspicions are stronger than ever. He's replacing Kira? Seriously? That has got to be someone's plan.
Well, this episode was meaty. And it really seems like the show is finding its feet -- unlike Duet, this episode didn't remind me of the other series and feels uniquely DS9.
The Circle
Aw, Odo's being a good friend! I don't remember him ever becoming so agitated before.
Vedek Winn as guest star? *grinds teeth in advance*
what a mess... I don't know if it's funny or sad. What a contrast to Data's friendly, nice and organized goodbye party :D
"These are my... these are my friends"
Do the Prophets really need to show her this sexy crap? Also, I'm too faceblind, is the guy in the vision the freedom fighter or the priest?
Odo and Quark!
I don't understand, which of these two is trying to convince the other to support them? And I don't like how blatantly evil they act.
AUGHHHH NOT A STUPID STARFLEET ADMIRAL AND THE PRIME DIRECTIVE!!!!! NO!!!!!!!!! GET THIS CRAP AWAY FROM ME!
(Seriously though, you say "Prime Directive", I hear "stupid bureaucratic crap that gets in the way of doing the obviously right thing". Either retire it or write it better, dammit!)
The Siege
Okay, I might change my mind by the end of the episode, but this might be the strongest of the multi-episode stories so far.
Aww Nog
"The Cardies" haha
Ugh, don't do the "wife asks husband not to be a hero" thing
The freedom fighter becomes a leader for real!
Sisko and Bashir turn and walk away in sync lol
"Is that a spider or a dog?"
Please stop ruining your engaging story with scenes about cartoonish villains...
I've... actually completely forgotten that O'Brien had been in the Cardassian war until this very moment. That's probably why he has been so opinionated, not just because of Picard.
That's it? Kinda underwhelming.
Ugh, killing Li Nalas? I didn't expect this show to cling so hard to status quo...
The first episode was the most impactful, but the entire story is still very impressive, epic and engaging!
Invasive Procedures
End of previous episode: Everyone happily returns after evacuation! Beginning of this episode: The station has been evacuated
Quark and Odo: *bicker* O'Brien: Ughhhh get a room already
Previous episodes: main characters defeat the forces of the entire Bajor This episode: DS9 is easily hijiacked by a handful of mercs & amateurs
That's an impressive "As you know" speech, Dax
When will poor Jadzia get an episode that's not about her being victimized and quietly accepting death?
Yes, I get it, the entire thing is just a plot device to show us Dax without Jadzia (and hopefully, Jadzia without Dax, if she'll be awake for it?), get on with it please
I hope the second half of the episode is about Dax working against the antagonist literally from the inside
Well, it's pretty disappointing that Dax by themself has so little personality and moral compass. I guess Sisko was all this time really friends with just Curzon and Jadzia, not Dax. Honestly, it's easier to forgive Quark (who sort of redeemed himself with an amusing scene) than Dax after this episode.
I was planning to go to bed after this one, but hell, I need to wash down this nonsense
Cardassians
I see Bashir has gained a lot of confidence since Past Prologue
"I am no more a spy than you are--" "A doctor"
I guess not everyone is fine with strangers touching them haha
"To us, he isn't even one of them any more" uh.....
"They won't hurt you. They're humans, they're not Cardassians" jfc...
"Don't apologize. It's been the high point of my day. DON'T DO IT AGAIN."
(Sisko seems to chew out Bashir more often than others. Is Bashir just the most undisciplined?)
Oh, here we go, O'Brien's anti-Cardassian racism again, makes sense for it to be in this episode
Poor Keiko, she's trying so hard
Miles is getting over himself! I'm proud of him
Bashir is learning to yell at people! Two episodes in a row now.
Um, Miles, I don't think it's a great idea to tell these things to the boy's father...
Dukat's neck scared me. is that normal
GOD IT'S EVEN WEIRDER FROM THE FRONT why am I so bothered by this lmao. honestly was their casting requirement "not only be able to look ominous without actually doing anything, but to have an extremely long neck so we could sculpt interesting things around it"? i'm sorry i'm gonna shut up about this now
Garak if you hold that satisfied smile for some time more you're going to turn into a child-drawn picture of a sun
I love that Dukat doesn't even bother to finish the conversation, he just turns around and leaves without a word the moment it becomes clear that he lost
Ugh, poor boy... What a choice. Abusive family he loves and considers his own or the planet of strangers from an unfamiliar culture he hates, both claiming to love him and expecting him to identify with them? Even if they didn't tell who took him in the end -- he gets a bad deal either way.
it's much more easier to take Garak seriously when he's not dressed like a grandma who stopped giving a fuck 20 years ago. that's probably why he does dress like this, though... but shouldn't that hurt his reputation as a tailor?
This episode was awesome! Exploration of social issues, family drama, political intrigue -- all tightly wound together and making perfect sense. So far the Cardassian stories are the highlight of the show, I hope it's going to stay this way.
It's really weird how Bashir changed between seasons. He hasn't gotten a lot of screentime apart from this episode, but he seems less naive, awkward and bouncy, he's grown more confident, and the crush on Jadzia has disappeared without a trace. Tbh I'm kind of disappointed -- I was expecting a smoother character arc that would let him grow before our eyes and phase out his immature traits one by one. Same goes for his relationship with Garak -- we've only seen their meeting and now they act like besties, how did they get here?
No, wait, let me get back to the plot of the episode. So Dukat had a politician's child kindapped just in case that politician becomes his opponent at some indefinite point in the future, so that he could go through another complicated scheme to humiliate him? Had he absolutely nothing better to do?!! Did he arrange something like this for everyone who could ever possibly cross him?
Melora
Um, Julian, that sounded a bit too much like Geordi's style of creepy almost-stalking...
Wait, Melora is Grace Holloway? :D I didn't recognize her until the familiar name appeared on screen.
She complains about being treated differently and about following the same rules as everyone else in the same breath. Did the writers make her hypocritical on purpose?
Why is he doing this? Is he actually interested in her as a woman? Does he want to help her acclimatize? Or to put her in her place?
Okay, the low gravity scene is pretty cute even if it doesn't make much sense
Daphne Ashbrook in all your fandoms, kissing all of your pretty Doctors
so far it seems like in season 2 the good episodes are better than in season 1, but the mediocre ones are worse
god, the writing and design are so bad, I don't want to list everything that doesn't make sense to me, let's just move on
Rules of Acquisition
I was tired but the plot twist woke me up!!
Dax is so sweet
Poor Pel :( Shitty Ferengi values win again I guess
Well, I'm glad he took a stand after all. And that they kissed. HELP I'M HAVING FEELINGS ABOUT FERENGI ROMANCE
Necessary Evil
Aw, Sisko called Rom "a family friend"
...so do Odo and Sisko perform the bad cop-good cop routine often?
yoo a flashback! I was wondering how Dukat was going to fit into this
"Cardassian neck trick" I... think I've already said enough on the subject lol
First meetings!
First meetingS!
I was distracted for some reason and didn't appreciate this episode enough :/ But it was very good!
Second Sight
Yikes Sisko don't embarrass yourself
"She's a married woman" "That would have never stopped Curzon" ew
ah I've missed the starship uniforms
what a boring episode. can we stop with the love interests of the week, please? I don't understand why the writers are suddenly forcing them so hard this season, and watching three of these in one day has turned my brain into soup. okay, Rules of Acquisition worked, but Melora and this episode were terrible!
(only pros: gorgeous woman, gorgeous dress)
Sanctuary
What was even the point of the universal translator not working for a while? This had nothing to do with the story, and the only thing it did was to remind the viewer how implausible the entire concept is.
Second mention of the Dominion -- I guess we'll meet them in the season finale?
Yep, I'd be surprised if the promised land didn't turn out to be Bajor
Bajoran Leia!
Wait, why is famine a problem? Why can't the Federation just provide Bajor with replicators? Prime Directive again? I mean, they almost seem to want me to ask this question by cutting right to refugees in front of a food replicator.
Why are they so attached to the idea it MUST be Bajor? Ugh, I hate these stories.
Rivals
Are you implying that El-Aurians have supernatural abilities and all this time people confided in Guinan not because she's charming and wise but because she mind-controlled them?
Julian is a NERD and Miles is regretting all of his life choices that led to this point
(Gosh, I didn't realize how much I've missed scenes where the main characters just hang out together off-duty)
8 minutes into the episode and I still have no idea what it's about
Are you saying that O'Brien and Bashir's tennis rivalry is legitimately the B-plot because I'm really into it
"Not in this space-time continuum you won't"
oh my goooood
wait a sec, the listener is only figuring it out NOW?! h o w
finally, a really fun silly episode!
The Alternate
Wait, so when Odo is in humanoid form, does he see and hear like us, or "percieve" like in liquid form? Does he have 360 degree vision?
Put it back! This is either a defense mechanism or the environment needs this column to function for some reason; beam it back down
So Bashir's crush on Dax isn't dead? We haven't seen it for so long, I thought it was over. But why is he monologuing? that's just bad writing.
plot twist! D:
god, this doctor is so creepy with his Measure of the Man reenaction
poor Odo is literally having a meltdown :(
Armageddon Game
Another O'Brien and Bashir episode, nice!
Poor Keiko
Bashir's speech about wife and children at home is weirdly sexist, especially since the previous episode re-established his interest in Dax, and his previous romantic involvement this season was a fellow Stafleet officer too -- he should have the opposite problem (which was already discussed in "Melora")!
aw Quark, you don't have to hide behind the Rules of Acquisition to admit you care
Whispers
Everyone around seemed to be acting like he smells bad, does this mean that's actually true?
"It's not doctors I have a problem with, it's--" "You, Julian"
jfc Miles, she's your wife, you should try to talk at least to her
Quark can't name a rule of acquisition by number? alright, for the first time in the episode I believe someone is fake
O'Brien is a badass
Are they absolutely sure the dead one is the clone and the real one takes his place, not the other way around? That was an awfully convenient excuse to shoot a Starfleet officer point blank without anyone asking questions...
Poor communication kills. At first it seems like something is wrong with O'Brien, but since people refuse to talk to him about it, he becomes convinced literally everyone else is conspiring against him -- and turns out, no, the problem was with him after all! And then they kill him off for no reason just to maintain status quo and avoid the Thomas Riker situation. They could have told him at literally any point instead of being so stupidly vague, but no, gotta keep the plot moving for 45 minutes! Before they found the real O'Brien they could have arrested the clone and told him everything, I'm sure O'Brien would understand; and after they rescued the real one, they could have just transmitted the image, if they're so averse to words. And after acting so stupid, as a final insult the other characters keep talking over their poor dying friend in third person like complete jerks. The episode is great... until that ending. Which just doubles my frustration, because it's one thing when a story is mediocre to begin with, but it really sucks when a wonderful episode is ruined by shitty conclusion.
Paradise
Yes, yes, I get it, this woman would do anything to keep this way of life and probably sabotaged the technology in the first place
What's wrong with replicated food? I hate this stupid trope
did she send the runabout away too?
what the FUCK
look, it might be useful social commentary to depict these rhetoric and tactics, but watching it is still torturous
it adds another level of creepiness that all this shit is done to a black protagonist -- was it intentional?
she's a more proficient torturer than the guy from Chain of Command
this woman is one of the most horrifying antagonists in all Star Trek. she actually believes all this shit
the engineer is supporting her? they all want to stay? for fuck's sake. she made them all see five lights
well. if the writers wanted to upset me, they succeeded
Shadowplay
"How fascinating" :D
"Women don't react to me in that manner" What about Lwaxana, then?
"After seven lifetimes, the impersonal questions aren't much fun anymore"
Yeah, why does a 15 year old need a job?!
The local guy is surprised at Odo beaming up and back down, like he's never seen anything like this before, and two minutes later says he has scanned for transporter activity
I like how the Prime Directive isn't even mentioned :D Or is it a human colony? But isn't this the Gamma Quadrant?
"You want me to spy on Quark for you?" so excited, bless him :D
backstory for that one time Miles played cello on TNG!
I'm glad these villagers are not as conservative and stubborn as people from the previous episode
I am reminded how much more modern DS9's storytelling is than TNG's every time they namedrop the Dominion -- like Doctor Who did ten years later with Bad Wolf, Torchwood etc
I knew he'd transform for the little girl eventually :') Odo reminded me of Data more than usual this time because of the friendship with a child and the episode's general similarity to Thine Own Self. But while Data gets along with kids partially thanks to his own childish (in a good way) qualities, Odo is more like a grumpy but caring grandpa -- I'd even say there's some First Doctor vibe.
(I'm a bit disappointed the episode didn't follow up on that promise of "Bashir practicing his purely theoretical spying skillz on Quark for Kira", because that sounds absolutely hilarious)
Playing God
Fun-loving cool senpai Jadzia is amazing
Interesting that Jadzia doesn't identify with Curzon at all in this case, despite presumably remembering their interaction from his point of view too
I didn't really understand how they solved the problem but I don't care
This is my favourite Jadzia episode so far. She finally got to show agency, have some fun, show off her professional skills, and explore her own identity (instead of standing around silently while other people explore it). And I love how other characters' scenes are vivid despite shortness: Quark playing tongo with Jadzia and giving well-intentioned if unhelpful advice to the initiate; Bashir's friendship with Jadzia and O'Brien; O'Brien calling across the border about his pest problem; Odo, Kira and Sisko's different approaches to the ethical dilemma.
Profit and Loss
Yesss! Cardassians!
Ooh Quark has romantic history with the pretty Cardassian woman?! This is getting better and better
A scene between Garak and Quark! is it my birthday?
"Personally, I find this style to be a bit too radical. But your friend seems the sort who appreciates that kind of thing" Does he know everything and everyone?! Though come to think of it, this shouldn't have surprised me at all -- even regardless of special channels Garak may use, these dissidents might be well-known to the point that their info is freely available on something like stateenemies.gov.car/wanted
I love how he casually rips an expensive dress to make his point
Passionate lover Quark is so strange to see
Odo's good at playing hard to get
lmao I've waited so long for someone to finally to hug Odo and... :D I do also love his relationship with Quark but I never expected these two things to intersect :D
so, did Garak change his mind on the fly or was he just stalling until that guy comes and can be disposed of?
alright, I amend my previous statement about one-episode love interests: Quark is allowed to have them, if all women who fall for him continue to be this awesome
Blood Oath
What, the holosuites have no sound isolation?! If so, who would ever use them for anything more... private than a recreation of a famous battle?
These Klingons have strange hair
It's so nice to see a young, human-looking woman as an equal to three old Klingons
ah bat'leth fighting, I didn't realize how I've missed it
-- and that young, human-looking woman is more of an old-fashioned honorable Klingon than the rest of them
what an outfit
I'm glad the Klingon interpreted her hesitation so favorably
*reads TVTropes* Wait, all these three are from TOS?! Damn... I could barely tell them apart. I really liked the episode, but turns out I didn't appreciate it nearly enough. Time for a little TOS rewatch?
The Maquis 1
What does the word Nor mean? Terok Nor, Bok'Nor...
The Vulcan woman looks great; nice dress.
"Jake-o" aww
Do Cardassians have a thing for showing up right in your quarters unexpectedly?
"We'll need one of your runabouts" "Where are we going?" Nice one, Sisko
"So you turn off my controls so I don't have enough light to take my photograph?" :D
"Education is power. Joy is vulnerability" Dukat is being very quotable today?
"Of all the humans I've met you strike me as the most joyless and the least vulnerable" "I am when I'm with you"
Honestly it's as if they are writing Sisko and Dukat's interactions for me personally
I like how the Vulcan is taking Quark's courtship at face value
Wait, is Gul Evek that reasonable guy from Journey's End?
I'm starting to understand Preemptive Strike better -- so it all took place in the demilitarized zone? That makes sense. (How did I miss that?)
"I was looking forward to showing you more ways to mix business with pleasure" "Perhaps in the future. I do find you... intriguing, Quark" im screaming hooly shit I'd never have guessed that Quark of all people would be the chick magnet #1 on this station?? how did he manage to meet a woman this line would actually work on
good shit good shit
The Maquis 2
Sisko gives a show-defining speech!
"Vulcans are a species that appreciate good ears"
something tells me Dukat wasn't the one supplying weapons and the Central Command is trying to kill two birds with one stone -- oh look, this lie was so obvious that for once the characters saw through it right away too
"The Central Command wants him dead. That's reason enough for us to want him alive"
Interesting, Dukat suddenly started acting in a theatrical manner I've only seen in Garak before. Some Cardassian cultural thing?
Haha, I didn't even realize where Sisko was leading the conversation! He's excellent in this story
"With that kind of firepower, the Bajorans could have launched a full-scale assault on Cardassia" "And lost"
Damn, Dukat really has his Intimidate skill maxed out! Sisko fails the Paragon check, Dukat passes the Renegade check.
Finally we see someone explain to a Vulcan why they're being illogical instead of making some bullshit reference to emotion. I love you Quark
the only bad thing about this two-parter is that it kinda made me like the Totalitarian Lizard Man a bit too much??? how dare you. let me go back to my wholesome crushes on Bashir and Jadzia before I start stanning or something
oh, and also I hoped this episode would make the Maquis more sympathetic so I could feel better about Ro Laren leaving Stafleet for them... nnnot much.
The Wire
What a great episode!! I wasn't liveblogging at all because it was too intense. I don't even feel the need to comment on drama or character development -- the story and acting speak for themselves.
Alright, how the hell did Bashir reach Tain? How does one get the home address of the former head of secret service of a foreign empire?! And how did Bashir manage to convince Sisko to authorize this stunt and give him the runabout -- or did he steal it?
The "Elim" reveal isn't really a surprise after you've spent some time near a fandom where people tag characters by full name...
What interests me now: is Garak going to act differently now that he's not keeping himself drugged? Will he go through withdrawal? In the final scene he pretends everything is Back To Normal, but... Or was the table-flipping scene the extent of his withdrawal symptoms?
Another disjointed thought: this is a wonderful example of a satisfying hurt/comfort story
Star Trek has some amazingly intense dramas for two actors. The Most Toys, Chain of Command, Duet... This one is different because in order to bring the two characters together and at the same time isolate them from the rest of the world, instead of captivity it uses doctor-patient relationship. Oh, another story from a different fandom it reminds me of, now that I think of it: Scherzo.
Crossover
Lmao it's nice that even after leveling up at unstoppable determination and compassionate badassery in the previous episode, Bashir still can be a ridiculous dork
...though it is pretty jarring that right after a high drama where he shows his capacity for patience and caring, and greatly deepens his relationship with someone, the next episode opens with the awkwardest attempt at befriending (and flirting?)
I didn't expect Garak to appear in two episodes in a row!
Why is Mirror Kira walking like this...
I started laughing at "I don't have a designation, sir" because my mind immediately went to "There's no need to call me sir, professor"
Female Cardassian guard! And Kira called herself attractive, heh.
Mirror Quark is dressed so poorly...
Okay, Mirror Kira definitely wants to fuck herself -- wait, that's actually canon? Do all evil Kiras hit on women? I wish they'd let our Kira do that too. I know it was written in the nineties, but I really don't appreciate the "evil=bi" trope
Well this was pretty weak. The only mirror character who works well, i.e. exposes the real character's darker side, is Odo. Kira looks just weak and hysterical. (Remember how I complained about her acting in the pilot?) Mirror Garak is actually less intimidating than our Garak.
The Collaborator
Can't say I'm very excited to see Vedek Bareil again. I liked him in his first episode for ideological reasons, but this romance...
Oh no, the Sydney Opera Hat is on the Promenade again? Is she planning another assassination?
"Welcome back. You're under arrest"
The episode was not engaging to watch, but I enjoyed the Grey Morality (tm).
Tribunal
These Cardassians have lost all shame, what do they think they're doing
Evek again, and I think another familiar face?
Yiiikes
Here comes the good cop
I'm glad they're not spending an entire episode on a Chain of Command remake.
Not telling the accused what they're charged with: a deliberate ploy to mess with their mind, or do the Cardassians not even bother to think about these things anymore?
Huh, Odo had a Cardassian rank that's still valid? That's useful.
Alright, but wasn't O'Brien still declared guilty? So the scheme to discredit the Federation worked?
Also, a missing molar isn't good evidence. Maybe it means that man was just captured and processed by the Cardassians, like O'Brien. And why would a spy alter his appearance but forget about this? You'd think humans and Cardassians have different enough teeth that he'd have to get dental implants anyway.
I found one good thing about the Cardassian "court"! The judge has fabulous hair.
The Jem'Hadar
Jake!
"I bet we'll have a great time!" "I know we will" Please don't say things like this in the opening scene of a season finale...
Aw poor Sisko :D
"Guess" "He said yes" "Guess again"
Aw Quark needs a hug
Aww kids
Aww Odo cares about Quark
"If the Dominion comes through the wormhole, the first battle will be fought here, and I intend to be ready for them." Well. That's a chilling line to end the season on.
As much as I like it when the Federation arrogance is called out, Quark's speech just doesn't work. "The way I see it, humans used to be a lot like Ferengi. Greedy, acquisitive, interested only in profit. We're a constant reminder of a part of your past you'd like to forget." Well, yeah! That was basically the original concept for their species! "Humans used to be a lot worse than the Ferengi" -- so what? 24th century humans are disgusted by the atrocities of their ancestors, so why can't they also be disgusted by the exact same things perpetuated by their contemporaries? Domestic abuse and sexism are wrong, no matter who does it. Note how this entire speech sidesteps the violent misogyny, aka the Ferengi's most obvious appaling trait. This is like saying "Don't judge the Cardassian state for being totalitarian! That's just their culture, you don't understand!"
General impressions
Bashir and Jadzia finally got some character development!
I live for Cardassian episodes. It's fascinating to see a dystopia in the universe that started as a utopia, and see how characters from both sides deal with each other.
(Random thought: I want an AU episode like "Crossover" where another universe/timeline's Cardassia is a free state, and for a Cardassian viewpoint character our world is a nightmare scenario just like the Mirror Universe is for our heroes.)
I don't loathe Winn as much as I did in the first season finale. That makes her kind of underwhelming as a recurring antagonist. On the other hand, that might be a good thing, because getting so angry repeatedly couldn't have been good for my health. But because they're represented mainly by the hateful-but-not-enough Winn and the bland Bareil, the Bajoran affairs are usually not as gripping as the Cardassian. I hope to see more of their secular politics next season.
First season was very even; second has two irredeemably clumsy stories (Melora and Second Sight), but a growing number of outstanding ones, too.
First season was already an improvement over TNG in terms of serialization, and this one is better. Both multi-part stories are brilliant, too. I hope this trend continues.
A noticeable weakness in the first season was the mundanity of the Gamma Quadrant. No sense of wonder, no noticeably stranger aliens. The introduction of the Dominion and their overwhelming threat partially rectified that problem, bringing back some of the feeling from "Q Who". Yes, setting foot in a far corner of the galaxy should be awesome in both senses of the word, and lead the previously unimaginable dangers right back to your home.
The costume design has visibly improved in this season!
#star trek#ds9#blah blah blah#if read more doesn't work for you i'm really really sorry#actually i just finished s3 so rereading this liveblog was amusing
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