The sloppiest, most amateurish operation.

The Magnificent Ferengi

So I really enjoyed this episode.  I love how DS9 will throw in some comic relief episodes.  It lightens the mood and gives you a break from the action filled and intense episodes.  Actually, the last two episodes have been somewhat of a comic relief.  Statistical Probabilities just happened to be a bit more thought provoking with less antics.

I love how even though the Ferengi know they aren’t great warriors, they never give up.  Their ingenuity and cunningness takes them quite far.  I especially enjoy how the writers of DS9 have managed to shed the characteristics that the Ferengi were given during TNG.  They are no longer the awkward, jumping around, arm swinging idiots that we once knew.  Of course they are greedy to no end in DS9, but they seem to have heart, character and spirit. 

The holodeck scene, in which Quark, Rom, Leck, Gaila and Brunt are training to take on Jem’Hadar soldiers, was hilarious.  Who wouldn’t enjoy a scene where Rom runs into a wall of rock and Leck shoots Moogi, stating in his defence: “I saw we weren’t going to rescue her, so I put her out of her misery.”  If there is a more hilarious chaotic scene in DS9, let me know. 

I’m glad that after the holodeck fiasco Rom suggested that they stick to what Ferengi know best- negotiating.  For as dumb as they paint Rom sometimes, I love that the writers give him moments of brilliance and insight.  I love Rom’s character, so I like to see him shine.

Keevan- oh how I dislike him.  I was actually expecting Dukat to be person they trade back to the Dominion.  Shame on Quark and Nog for laughing at poor Keevan continually walking into the wall...that’s not funny at all!  Oh no wait...yes it is!  I must be evil underneath my sweet exterior. 

Now how about that Ferengi’s ingenuity and cunningness!  First they choose a swap site where they know the layout!  An abandoned space station that has the same layout as DS9- smart.  Then choosing a strategic waiting place that only has two points of entry and that is close to their ship- good one.  Getting the external sensors working so they know when the Dominion will arrive- also smart.   A transport jamming signal so Keevan can’t be beamed out- brilliant idea.  All in all- a great plan!  Too bad Gaila is an idiot and nearly cost them the whole mission.  I’m not the only who thinks so, Leck said it first- “You idiot.”

I have decided that I won’t be drawing anyone’s blood to test whether they are Changelings or not.  No, from now on I will just beat them over the head.  That worked well enough for Moogi, it will work for me.

I can just imagine what Nog was thinking when he peeked out the doors to find Jem’Hadar soldiers lining the promenade- “Fuuuuuuuck....” 

This episode has so many comical moments that it had me laughing all the way through.  Small moments such as the one where Quark and Rom accidently find themselves in Sisko’s quarters:

 "May I help you gentlemen?"
"Must've taken a wrong turn."
"It looks that way."

OR

When Keevan is discovered to have escaped:

“He must have got away while I was sleeping.”- Gaila. – Oh Gaila, you idiot...OF COURSE HE DID!

OR

When the group decided to continue to fight, especially for an equal share of 50 bars of latinum:

“It always comes down to profit with you people, doesn’t it?”- Quark.- HA!  Why yes Quark, I believe it does.

OR

Brunt’s assessment of the team:

"A child... a moron... a failure... and a psychopath. Quite a little team you have put together..!"- Brunt. Yeah, ‘cause you’re so much better yourself Brunt.  Go suck a toad.  (I would just like to point out that I think Jeffrey Combs is a wonderful actor.  If it wasn’t for the credits, you’d never know that Weyoun and Brunt are played by the same actor- amazing!)

OR

Quark trying to find a common ground with Yelgrun:

“Family.  You undersand”- Quark

“Not really.  I was cloned.”- Yelgrun

Haha- I LOVED this episode!

A little side note- I’m not sure if this point will become a storyline in future episodes, but I thought it was pretty important that a reconnaissance mission made it behind enemy lines and back.  I was kind of uncertain why that fact was brought up and then never discussed again.  Maybe it’s being left for another episode...

LLAP

-B