Woot Worthy

Favor the Bold

So much was going on this episode, it’s hard to decide what to write about!  But man, this is some of the best television I have ever watched- it’s so entertaining!

So many story lines...where to start...

I’ll begin with Odo.  You can see in this episode that he is struggling with his loyalties to the Federation and Bajor and with his newfound sense of self, that the female Changeling has brought him.  You can see it in his face. He does realize what he has done and he tries to apologize for it.  I loved Kira’s response to his apology “We are way, way past sorry.”  It was a very powerful line and you understand just how hurt Kira is.  Odo knows what freedom means to the solids and he knows how they respond when it is taken away.  You can see he is torn between what the female Changeling thinks is best for the solids, and what he knows they feel is best for them.  You can see that he wants the solids to be free; he just doesn’t know how to make that happen. 

Quick question- did I misunderstand or did Odo get it on with the female Changeling?

Oh and Dan, after watching this episode and reading your last comment, I have one thing to say to you:  Hey!  “You are a Changeling.  You are timeless”.  You line stealer!  ;)

I will now move on to Kira and what it must be like for her to live on that station, surrounded by Cardassians and Dominion soldiers every day.  I mean, to be wrapped up in a world where you fight your own beliefs, your own values on a day to day basis.  What kind of strength does it take to keep quiet and not say anything?  To have to silence yourself for fear of execution.  To go through that struggle every day and still get up in the morning- now that takes one strong person.   Also, to feel so betrayed by your best friend, I just can’t imagine.  This episode really showcased just how far her limits are being stretched.  She did stand up to Damar (at great risk to herself), not only beating the crap out of him but with one of the best lines of the episode:   “You don’t like my attitude Damar?  You’re welcome to try and change it.”  I let out a “fuck yeah”- I couldn’t restrain myself.

I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again- there seems to be a small but noticeable dissidence between the Founders and their Dominion soldiers.  There is noticeable dissension between the ranks.  I could see an uprising or a movement to overthrow the Founders in the future. 

I am including the Vorta in with the soldiers because, while they may not fight, they are the ones behind the scenes pulling the strings.  Even as Weyoun states, “Gods don’t make mistakes”, he also doesn’t fully believe it.  That is evident in his next line “Though ...sometimes... I think it would be nice to be able to carry a tune.”  If he truly believed they made no mistakes, he would not think it might be nice to be able to carry a tune, he would just accept it-he would not question the Founders.  When he talks about being genetically engineered, it is not with reverence and awe but with a slight resentment.  He tends to point out where the Founders have failed- the Vorta have no sense of aesthetics, they have poor eye sight.  Weyoun does not keep it a secret that he wishes there were parts of him that were better.  If you take into account the questioning on behalf of both the Vorta and the Jem’Hadar, you begin to see a different side of the Dominion.  I see them less as evil servants but more as victims of cruel genetic engineering.  It’s hard to pity the enemy... but sometimes I do. 

While I’m on the subject of dissidence, I noticed in this episode, more than previous ones, how much resentment the Cardassians have for the Dominion.  I have a feeling that we could see a huge struggle for power between the two.  The Cardassians want to rule the Alpha Quadrant and the Dominion wants to rule the whole galaxy (or so it seems).  I can see some issues there.  I’m not sure who would win that fight but I have a sneaking suspicion that it wouldn’t be the Cardassians. 

There are a few relationships that I would like to comment on, Quark and Rom and Dukat and Ziyal.  I have always loved Quark and Rom’s relationship.  They genuinely love each other and it’s just so cool and humorous when the writers focus on their relationship.  The way in which those two actors respond to one another, is just great.  Their timing is just so dead on and hilarious.  The scene in the holding cell is funny and moving.   “Isn’t your life worth two years?”- HA!  Quarks insistence that he will get Rom out, no matter what it takes, is just so telling of his feelings for Rom.  I’d do the same for any one of my siblings.

Dukat and Ziyal on the other hand have a rather tumultuous relationship. “I love you.  No wait...I hate you.”  I’m not sure how this relationship will turn out but I fear it won’t end well.  I like Ziyal and I was kind of happy that she walked away from her father in this episode, but I have a feeling that it won’t last.  And even if it does, Ziyal is still going to be extremely hurt by it all.

And now I will just comment on a few of the smaller parts of the episode that I noticed.

 

I see Garak is getting a taste of his own medicine.  Apparently, it isn’t so much fun being interrogated.   Hmm...I wonder if he will be influenced by this turn of events or not...?   

Here are a few of the “woot” worthy things I noticed.  Nog is an ensign now- woot!  I’m so happy for him!  Way to go Nog!  Sisko's back on the Defiant- woot!  I’m happy to see our captain back on his ship, he looks good there. 

I love the screen shots of all the ships- they never cease to amaze and enthral me.  There is something about seeing that many ships, that just gets the heart pounding and your pulse racing.  Does it to me every time.   Love it.

Also- who knew Morn would become so vital without ever muttering a word?!?!  Pretty cool.

I thought it was an interesting plot point to fit in just how much Sisko loves Bajor.  It really becomes clear that he isn’t just fighting for the Federation, or for Earth, or for Jake, but for something that also means so much to him- Bajor.  With all that to fight for, he won’t stand to lose.  Really gives the viewer a sense of renewed confidence that Sisko will win this war.  

I do have one question at the end of all this:  Why don’t we see much of Julian?  He’s had what, three or four lines the entire episode?  He also hasn’t had much in the way of lines or screen time in the last three episodes.  Was anything going on at the time that prevented Alexander from acting?

And to cap off this ridiculously long review, I’d like to leave you with my reaction to the opening scene where the Klingons destroy the Jem’Hadar:

Fist pump, little dance.. . “Ooooo, go Klingons, it’s your birthday- save the Defiant, destroy the Jem’Hadar.”  It’s not exactly in tune but I like it.

Oh and Dan, I’m sure you can just imagine my reaction to seeing this at the end of the episode.  BAH!

LLAP

-B