I had to write a review for this, because it is one of my favorite episodes of a very, very well put together TV series. So, here we go.
This one starts off with Commander Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks,) his Chief of Operations Miles O'Brien (Colm Meaney) and their small group crash landed on a small planetoid, where they run into another similarly cut-off group made up of enemy troops. This one reminded me a bit of some of the classics like "The Outer Limits" where a very complex plot that said a lot got into an hour long show (including commercials) which stood very well on it's own. Or, some of the Original Star Trek's episodes.
In a TV series, there is often the question of "story arc" vs. "stand alone" episodes. Ones where characters develop along a progressive track vs. ones a person who hasn't seen an episode can instantly get. Deep Space Nine had some significant arcs, but this is a show that works well in both ways I mentioned.
In the show Sisko comes to get to know something about a couple of the enemy troops, I won't go further, and it is a very tight and well written plot about wars, commanders, loyalty and the collision of respect for a foe and duty to one's men. Also, instead of action across solar systems or galaxies, the action is now restricted to walking distance of a small area of a small out of the way planet. Everything is tight for our characters here, including time.
For the fans of the show watching, all the actors on board give good performances. It is also kind of chilling to see Nog, once a boy on the station and now a soldier, partner up with Mr. Garak, sent by Sisko to observe him, stay close to him, and learn. This isn't about our friend Nog going to see how Garak stitches a shirt either, and it says something about the best of our young people and sending them to learn certain things when their lives and ours are on the line. It is something that works in the story as a stand alone, sending a younger character out with someone known to be skilled, but for those who have followed the show and know both characters it is increased in the impact. Also, Colm Meaney does very well, from his work with a couple guest actors on his crew to his work with the regulars. His part where he is arguing to err on the side of humanity if one must err at a certain point is fascinating.
Also aboard and adding to the anthology feel are a couple of guest actors who really inhabit their well-written characters. DS9 had a lot of that, and Phil Morris as Remata'Klan and Christopher Shea as Keevan (OK, forget the funny names and makeup, just watch it for acting and character and you won't be disappointed) are no exception.
I won't spoil it further, but this is a very well done show that takes the concept I explained of the two small groups and which really makes you think. For a show which might have been considered part of an arc it really stands on it's own.
There is one difference between this show and the classic episodes of "The Twilight Zone" and "The Outer Limits." No narration. However, Avery Brooks' tone of voice at the end delivers all the summary that is needed.
Worth watching, there isn't a bad performance in it and the writing is great. It also points to a lot of things about duty, command, and the burdens of both.
This one starts off with Commander Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks,) his Chief of Operations Miles O'Brien (Colm Meaney) and their small group crash landed on a small planetoid, where they run into another similarly cut-off group made up of enemy troops. This one reminded me a bit of some of the classics like "The Outer Limits" where a very complex plot that said a lot got into an hour long show (including commercials) which stood very well on it's own. Or, some of the Original Star Trek's episodes.
In a TV series, there is often the question of "story arc" vs. "stand alone" episodes. Ones where characters develop along a progressive track vs. ones a person who hasn't seen an episode can instantly get. Deep Space Nine had some significant arcs, but this is a show that works well in both ways I mentioned.
In the show Sisko comes to get to know something about a couple of the enemy troops, I won't go further, and it is a very tight and well written plot about wars, commanders, loyalty and the collision of respect for a foe and duty to one's men. Also, instead of action across solar systems or galaxies, the action is now restricted to walking distance of a small area of a small out of the way planet. Everything is tight for our characters here, including time.
For the fans of the show watching, all the actors on board give good performances. It is also kind of chilling to see Nog, once a boy on the station and now a soldier, partner up with Mr. Garak, sent by Sisko to observe him, stay close to him, and learn. This isn't about our friend Nog going to see how Garak stitches a shirt either, and it says something about the best of our young people and sending them to learn certain things when their lives and ours are on the line. It is something that works in the story as a stand alone, sending a younger character out with someone known to be skilled, but for those who have followed the show and know both characters it is increased in the impact. Also, Colm Meaney does very well, from his work with a couple guest actors on his crew to his work with the regulars. His part where he is arguing to err on the side of humanity if one must err at a certain point is fascinating.
Also aboard and adding to the anthology feel are a couple of guest actors who really inhabit their well-written characters. DS9 had a lot of that, and Phil Morris as Remata'Klan and Christopher Shea as Keevan (OK, forget the funny names and makeup, just watch it for acting and character and you won't be disappointed) are no exception.
I won't spoil it further, but this is a very well done show that takes the concept I explained of the two small groups and which really makes you think. For a show which might have been considered part of an arc it really stands on it's own.
There is one difference between this show and the classic episodes of "The Twilight Zone" and "The Outer Limits." No narration. However, Avery Brooks' tone of voice at the end delivers all the summary that is needed.
Worth watching, there isn't a bad performance in it and the writing is great. It also points to a lot of things about duty, command, and the burdens of both.