PATRON TAKES - DS9 S2E2

Damn, this was one of my favorites! Too bad I missed the call for patron takes. Oh well.

Question: Are you feeling the bond and growth of friendship between the characters that Kira expresses?

How does this continuity between episodes feel? Does it still feel like Star Trek?

One thing that the Duet episode did for Kira, is that they leveled her up to what we expect from our Starfleet heroes. We now expect her to take the same stances on the side of good as our Starfleet characters. And when she says the line about the crew being her friends, she’s realizing that for the first time, and so are we.

Vedek Delores Umbridge is back and being shady once more. The board was set in Season 1 and now the pieces are starting to move... I know you were a bit on the fence with the Bajoran focus of the show, but please let it cook.

I enjoy this story arc and honestly don't mind the Bajoran politics. Bajor is a complete mess after generations of occupation, and it's interesting in watching it try to recover for me.

The Episode feels more than a little rushed, but I still think it works because the characters also feel like they’re being overtaken by events that are moving too fast for them to stop.

The struggles of Bayshore and their connection to the Federation are increased by the recent occupation of the Kardashians. It makes them see things in that concept of if you’re a hammer everything is a nail. The Federation truly has their best interest at heart, But that can’t be visible due to prejudices created from the experiences of all recent life on Bejor Here’s hoping that Siri spelled, Bayshore, right

This is really funny now with Alex saying he wants less Bajoran politics in Season 2. Also Quark being an MVP and casually finding their hidden base when no one else did on his first day as a deputy, what a fucking Chad.

I loved the actor playing the Bajoran general. I later found out that he had been a serious contender to play Picard, before they found Patrick Stewart.

This is part of a an arc that breaks with the 2-part cliff-hangers of TNG and gets us on the road to the true potential of serialization once they take off the training wheels

Very underrated scene when Sisko is talking to the military guy about the Circle and then asks about Kira, and the military guy mentions that he could have traded the information for Kira, and that he'll remember that. It didn't necessarily have to be there, but demonstrates Sisko's character really well.

Ugh. Fucking Winn

Vedek Winn, your favorite character to hate is BACK! This episode has aged very well for me. Bajoran Politics done well, strong performances from our ensemble, and excellent character development (looking at you, Kira packing scene). Though despite all this, there are a few pacing issues that are apparent. I give this a Solid foundational B.

This is probably where we start to see story arcs in DS9. It's not necessarily hugely strong but we do get to see the lengths Vedek Winn will go to to get her way. Booo!

I like it that they didn't rush the story and took their time. the guest stars did an amazing job too

I have always loved these Bajoran politics episodes, I know I'm likely in the minority here, and I don't think these episodes are perfect, but I find this kind of internal strife interesting, I think there are some great scenes, and it also shows how DS9 is going to try to flex itself and tell bigger more complex stories.

"And now the continuation" new achievement unlocked

30 years ago I didn't care much for politics and scheming religious leaders. Seemed like nonsense...at the time. Now? More relevant than ever.

Great ensemble episode. What's not to love? Solid B for Banger.

A larger military power shipping weapons via a proxy group who then supply rebels in order to initiate a coup against a ruling party. This is nearly every military conflict in the past 80 years and they nail it well. Also, Winn at the end? Is this Star Trek or Game of Thrones?!? 🤯

The opening with Kira preparing to depart for Bajor played out like a comedy sitcom (Kira’s housekeeper should have popped in with sage advice while dusting, for Christ’s sake). Has DS9 proved to be way more sappy and cheesy than even early TNG for you guys? If so, has it helped you enjoy the show more? Enjoy it less? Not a problem with you? Am I alone here? Still enjoying DS9. Love your reactions and conversations.

*breathes in* "My child..." **instant rise of anger** Damned, Louise Fletcher was a great & nuanced actress to make people hate her Space Karen character so deeply. RIP

Politics, how tiresome. It is more engaging and well executed than the S1 finale. I suppose after the occupation it's understandable the Bajorans would have some isolationist tendencies, but getting rid of starfleet just invites the cardassians to come back.

I know reflections of real-life politics are not your thing, but to see the realistic depiction of a post-occupation power vacuum is really interesting. Just because you’ve won your freedom doesn’t mean you’re past your struggles.

Fuck Winn. All my homies hate Winn.

Fuck Vedek Winn!

Nurse Ratchet teams up with Skeletor to conquer the Political and Religious leadership of Bajor!

If you ever doubted that Vedek Winn was evil this should prove it once and for all.

I really love the scene in Kira's quarters as more and more characters enter, the execution of the scene almost like a good stage play, and her soaking it in that these have become her friends.

Overall I like this one but I think they're stretching the story just a bit because they don't quite have enough material.

“ these are my friends “ made me cry? I must be getting too sensitive in my old age ! Plus is it me and this is such a well balanced episode considering all it’s navigating ?

This episode is another step forward for the show. It's even closer to being a modern show, and this sequence of episodes (the finale of season one and this story) are what I would show to people if I was trying to sell Nu-Trek to a non Trekker. I could totally see you taking this entire situation and doing a modern reboot on HBO about the sex lives and scheming on Bajor.

It's not our first three-parter, if you count Family as being a part of Best of Both Worlds (Memory Alpha does). It is the first three-parter to be connected by "To Be Continued," at least.

Winn's scene is a master-class in passive aggression: she "forgot" who Kira was, implying she was unimportant, she hinted that Kira was just a sexual plaything for Bareil and of course Bareil was immoral for indulging in that. She implied Kira had to justify her presence to Winn, and that Winn had the power to set an absolute time limit on Kira being there, "even a week if need be" after which Kira had better be gone.

Feel free to take a break from Star Trek reactions, as many days as you like. Even a week, if necessary.

I'm really hoping that nobody spoiled for you that this would be another "to be continued".

Space Karen strikes back! Ah the middle of the story which doesn’t sag and for me has one of the best scenes in early DS9 - Kira trying to pack… Easy A

A great continuation. The opening scene in Kira’s quarters helps to seal the deal: this is now a crew. Love the scene with Sisko and General Krim. Stephen Macht is a 90s scifi staple and is a highlight of this episode. Of course the best scene is between Winn and Jarro. Watching these two Oscar winning actors weave in and around each other’s webs is beautiful. This one’s an A for “All star casting”

A story is being told bit by bit

Surprise, it's not a Two-Parter! And once again, a branding deal goes poorly for Quark. And I love that opening scene in Kira's quarters, where we finally get a good chance to see this crew interact.

And now on to part 3, bet you weren't expecting a 3-Parter!!!