Action-wise, this is certainly one of the best episodes of DS9. But it also has character development, ties well with the previous episodes, and the ending is excellent, thanks to the fact that Marc Alaimo's Dukat always seems to steal the show - and here he is given a lot to work with.
However, I can't give the episode more than a 6, when the major plot development depends on the most childish, disappointing, "oh god they can't possibly use that" deus ex machina imaginable (by literally anyone who has seen the show).
Let's just say that even if Q just appeared without warning or reason and decided to help the Federation, it would be a better solution. It is inconceivable that the people who wrote this otherwise fine episode came up with this predictable and woefully unconvincing magic trick to turn the tide of the war.
However, I can't give the episode more than a 6, when the major plot development depends on the most childish, disappointing, "oh god they can't possibly use that" deus ex machina imaginable (by literally anyone who has seen the show).
Let's just say that even if Q just appeared without warning or reason and decided to help the Federation, it would be a better solution. It is inconceivable that the people who wrote this otherwise fine episode came up with this predictable and woefully unconvincing magic trick to turn the tide of the war.