“You know Morn, he never shuts up”

Who Mourns for Morn?

So I just had one of the best Star Trek viewing experiences ever.  It wasn’t the episode that was so great.   It wasn’t watching the episode on a screen that wasn’t my 27inch, almost flat screen, 2003 Toshiba tv.  It most definitely wasn’t watching from a comfy chair.  No, it was none of these things.   It was, in fact, watching the episode with my regular Star Trek buddy- Kertrats!  I had the brilliant idea of watching together over Skype and it worked out pretty damn great.  Why didn’t we think of that before?  Anyone who says that being a half a world away prevents two people from watching Star Trek together is sadly mistaken.

Now, on to the episode!  This was a fairly entertaining filler episode.  I especially enjoyed Quark’s scream when he thought his thumb was going to be cut off.  Best part of the episode.  Quark also looked pretty adorable when he was in the shipping container full of the bricks of gold.  I had no longer finished saying that he was only safe in there if the weapons that were being fired couldn’t penetrate the container, when a blast went right through the container.  Ha!

The stories that were weaved throughout this episode were actually pretty entertaining.  I had a “Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaa????” kind of reaction to hearing that Morn was a prince.  Of course it wasn’t true, but I didn’t know that!  I also believed for a short time that Larell was his ex wife.  That was a neat side story that involved a naked girl in a tub of boiling mud.  That was actually kind of hot. 

Anyways, I enjoyed this episode.  I probably enjoyed it a lot more because I got to watch it Kertrats.  That was just awesome!  I have been enjoying these filler episode but I’m looking forward to getting back to main storyline- the Federation- Dominion War.  I’m told that I’ll probably like the next episode, so I look forward to watching it! 

Also, I really want that painting of Morn from the memorial service.

Take care humons. 

LLAP

-B  

The Prime Directive - An Analysis

One of my favorite YouTubers is sfdebris, who does many video reviews of Star Trek episodes from all of the series.  His latest video crosses the series barrier for a look at Starfleet's General Order #1: The Prime Directive.  It's fifteen minutes long, and unlike most of his videos, is not comedic in nature.  It does contain some limited spoilers for Voyager and Enterprise, but certainly nothing that will hamper the enjoyment of those episodes if you haven't seen them yet.  Warning: this video is only for serious geeks; you have been warned!

"I'm not going to let him destroy Bajor. From now on, it's him or me."

6x11 - "Waltz"


Notable Dialogue:

DUKAT: From the moment we arrived on Bajor it was clear that we were the superior race, but they couldn't accept that. They wanted to be treated as equals, when they most certainly were not. Militarily, technologically, culturally-- we were almost a century ahead of them in every way. We did not choose to be the superior race. Fate handed us that role and it would have been so much easier on everyone if the Bajorans had simply accepted their role. But no... day after day they clustered in their temples and prayed for deliverance and night after night they planted bombs outside of our homes. Pride.. stubborn, unyielding pride. From the servant girl that cleaned my quarters, to the condemned man toiling in a labor camp, to the terrorist skulking through the hills of Dahkur Province... they all wore their pride like some... twisted badge of honor.

SISKO: And you hated them for it.

DUKAT: Of course I hated them! I hated everything about them! Their superstitions and their cries for sympathy, their treachery and their lies, their smug superiority and their stiff-necked obstinacy, their earrings, and their broken, wrinkled noses!

SISKO: You should have killed them all, hm?

DUKAT: Yes! Yes!! That's right, isn't it?! I knew it. I've always known it. I should've killed every last one of them! I should've turned their planet into a graveyard the likes of which the galaxy had never seen! I should've killed them all.

SISKO: And that is why you're not an evil man.




"Waltz" presents something of a quandary to a fan such as myself.  On the one hand, it is an extremely compelling hour of television, in which we see raw, basic emotion played out between two amazing actors.  On the other hand, Dukat has always been a very dynamic and multi-layered character, and having him "come out" as a truly evil person could have had disastrous consequences to the Deep Space Nine series as a whole.  However, I think the issue is well-handled and is executed very competently by the writers, the director, and of course, the actors.


In the case of Dukat, I believe he has always felt this way, but always found ways to justify his actions.  "The Bajorans are like my children," he'd say to himself.  "I love them, but sometimes they must be punished."  Here we see all of the pretense and showiness of Dukat stripped away, revealing his true self.  Sure, Dukat is a product of the society in which he was raised, but that does not excuse his actions or his beliefs.  He truly believes that Cardassians are superior to all other forms of life, and that the lives of Bajorans are less important that the goals of the Cardassian Union.  "Evil" is a word that I very much try to refrain from using in my daily life.  I don't know whether a person can be called "truly evil," but I do know that actions can be truly evil, however you wish to define that particular word.  Regardless of where his beliefs and motives came from, Dukat's actions during the occupation (and, in microcosm, during this episode) were evil.  He may be unbalanced, but that doesn't make him any less dangerous nor does it excuse his actions in the past or in the future.  If anything, the fact that he now believes he can act without consideration to "keeping up appearances" makes him far more dangerous.


I also really enjoyed the scene on the Defiant's bridge with Bashir and Worf.  In particular, I admired Worf's handling of Bashir's clear insubordination.  An officer does not say what Bashir said get away with it.  Any complaints made to the commanding officer should be made behind closed doors, and only after asking permission to speak freely.  Bashir did neither of these things, and should have been reprimanded.  Worf's "you may leave the bridge, Doctor" was very well-timed and appropriate.  I enjoy when moments like these serve to make the viewer believe that this is a real-life situation between real people.

Now, from a purely technical standpoint, wasn't that a beautiful CGI model of the Nebula-class starship, the USS Honshu?  Gorgeous.










Next episode:

Only One Will Survive

Waltz

Well I guess I finally know what happened to Dukat.

I don’t really know what to say about this episode.  Honestly, I don’t.  I suppose there will always be episodes where a person is unsure of how they really feel about it at first.  I suppose that a few days down the road I might think of something better to write once I’ve thought about it more.  This episode just has me thinking about a bunch of different things and scenarios all at the same time.  Real thought provoker this episode was.   

Anyways, I think the biggest thing about this episode for me was when Sisko said: “Sometimes life seems so complicated; nothing is truly good or truly evil.  Everything seems to be a shade of gray.  And then, you spend some time with a man like Dukat and you realize that there is such a thing as truly evil.”

This was a very powerful line because Sisko has stated that Dukat is in fact evil.  He has summed up Dukat in one word and not just any word, but evil.  Evil is not behaviour but who you are, and that is what makes this line so powerful.  And yet, Sisko made this decision knowing that Dukat’s mind was still fractured.  Of course a lot of things that Dukat said definitely made him appear evil.  For example:

Dukat: “From the moment we arrived on Bajor it was clear that we were the superior race, but they couldn't accept that. They wanted to be treated as equals, when they most certainly were not. Militarily, technologically, culturally-- we were almost a century ahead of them in every way. We did not choose to be the superior race. Fate handed us that role and it would have been so much easier on everyone if the Bajorans had simply accepted their role. But no... day after day they clustered in their temples and prayed for deliverance and night after night they planted bombs outside of our homes. Pride... stubborn, unyielding pride. From the servant girl that cleaned my quarters, to the condemned man toiling in a labor camp, to the terrorist skulking through the hills of Dahkur Province... they all wore their pride like some... twisted badge of honor."

Sisko: “And you hated them for it."

Dukat: “Of course I hated them! I hated everything about them! Their superstitions and their cries for sympathy, their treachery and their lies, their smug superiority and their stiff-necked obstinacy, their earrings, and their broken, wrinkled noses!"

Sisko: “You should have killed them all, hmm?"

Dukat: “Yes! Yes!! That's right, isn't it?! I knew it. I've always known it. I should've killed every last one of them! I should've turned their planet into a graveyard the likes of which the galaxy had never seen! I should've killed them all."

Hearing this speech, I couldn’t help but think of how messed up Dukat was, and just how damaged his mind really was.  See, this speech made me wonder if he really thought those things when he was “sane” or if his damaged mind was making him think those things.  What if when he was “sane”, he didn’t actually believe he was trying to do good things?  Of course that still makes him evil, but kind of in a different light.  See, I hesitate to pass judgement on Dukat.  Dukat stated that the occupation had been going on for 40 years before he even arrived at Bajor.  It just seems to me that his mindset and his view of Bajorans may have been skewed before he even set foot on Bajor.  He was probably raised with his parents or adults telling him that Bajorans were inferior and therefore needed the Cardassians to help them and rule over them.  If you grow up in that kind of environment, you are likely to become the man that Dukat did.  And this is why I’m not willing to pass judgement on him so quickly.  Dukat might be evil, but he didn’t get there all by himself.  (Although, the fact that Dukat beat the crap out of Sisko makes me depise the him and I was definitely willing to agree that he was evil at this point).

Ha, I’ve said more than I thought I would!  Anyways, this was a good episode.  We now know what happened to Dukat and where he is now.  We know that he is still suffering from some form of psychosis and that his mind is fractured.  This was quite evident through his hallucinations.  Another thought that just crossed my mind, what if Dukat was always sick?  What if he was always psychologically imbalanced and this is the first time he wasn’t able to keep it in check?  Would we still judge him the same way?  Would he still be the evil man that Sisko says he is or is just a victim of psychosis?  We tend to be a little less judgemental when we find out that someone was sick and we tend to not blame them.  I’m not saying this is the case, I’m just saying it’s something to think about and consider.      

I liked this episode even though I found it to be a bit harsh.  I’m glad that Sisko was found and that the crew was able to rendezvous with the other Federation soldiers.  OH and Bashir, standing up for what he believes in, nice touch.  I don’t really remember him saying anything like this before:  “You will forgive me if I don’t consider your honour to be worth Captain Sisko’s life.”  Very powerful words.

Another dialogue that stood out for me was Sisko’s opening thoughts.  He was wondering if Dukat was better off dead, if he’d be less dangerous that way.  Another part of him was sympathizing with Dukat.  He wondered if losing one’s daughter and then one’s mind was punishment enough.  Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t, but I will not stand in judgement.   In the end though, Sisko has decided that it’s either him or Dukat, only one will survive.      

LLAP

-B

Episode in Brief! 6x11 - "Waltz"

Preview for the next episode:  6x11 - "Waltz"












Here's a little something to tide people over until Miramanee gets around to watching "Waltz":

Rom and Quark as Steve McQueen and Yul Brynner...

6x10 - The Magnificent Ferengi

Notable Dialogue:
ROM: Hi!  I'm Rom.  This is Nog, that's Brunt...
QUARK: Rom, he doesn't care.
KEEVAN: Truer words have never been spoken.


The Magnificent Ferengi is not everyone's cup of tea.  Many people don't enjoy the Ferengi episodes, preferring their Star Trek to be a little more rooted in seriousness.  I, however, love this episode.  It is my favorite of the Ferengi episodes.  The Ferengi have come so far from their introduction in The Next Generation.  I believe that The Magnificent Ferengi marks the pinnacle of the "Ferengi reformation."  Initially introduced to be the Klingons of TNG, the Ferengi failed miserably.  DS9 showed that the Ferengi can live on in their own niche.

I, too, loved the holosuite scene.  Quark and Brunt running around screaming, Leck killing the captive Ishka... that whole scene is brilliant.  Who says slapstick comedy is dead?

I wonder if Nog had any issues with boarding Empok Nor once again?  He didn't exactly have a great time there on his previous visit...

By the way, to answer your question about whether or not the recon mission into Dominion space is foreshadowing or not: it wasn't.  Dramatically, that scene was in the episode to juxtapose traditional heroism with Quark's recent exploits and, by proxy, comparing "Starfleet heroism" to the image of the Ferengi: that is, not terribly heroic.  However, there was a bit of foreshadowing in the episode, intentional and otherwise...

It was very interesting to see Iggy Pop in the role of Yelgrun.  His dry, sardonic wit was terrific.  I love the scene just before the prisoner exchange when Ishka is telling him all about how to improve his financial portfolio.  He turns to her and says, "Fascinating.  I'd love to hear more, but if your son doesn't show up soon, I'm going to have to kill you."  As "in your face" as some of this episodes antics are, some of my favorite moments are the most subtle.  The knowing looks exchanged between characters at various times (especially Quark, Rom, and Nog); the look on Sisko's face after Quark and Rom invade his office; and my absolute favorite: the smirk on Nog's face just after he brings Keevan "back to life."
























(Some favorite subtle moments from The Magnificent Ferengi)
























Finally, my favorite exchange in the entire episode:



 When I watched this scene with a friend of mine for the first time, we had to back up the DVD a bit because we missed almost the entire next scene due to laughter.

Final thoughts: best of the Ferengi episodes, and does comedy well: 7.779/10

Next time: "Waltz"

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