PATRON TAKES - DS9 S2E8
TAKES WILL BE READ 8/12
Comments (62)
I like Odos observations of the victims wife, stating that she had not been crying because he observes how the epidermis under the eyes shifts after someone has cried. That is real. He is also good with other observations. I find that to be useful and part of the reason why he makes a good version of Sherlock Holmes for DS nine
DS9 is to dark? Here is Terok Nor!
There is no way you guys don't love this episode. Written by Peter Allan Fields and directed by James L. Conway, a noir detective story that hits all the right notes. Centres on Kira and Odo and their initial meeting all wrapped up in a murder mystery. I know how you guys have mentioned how much you like the lighting in DS9 well I'm sure you are going to absolutely love the lighting in this episode. Cold, dark, oppressive and bereft of hope, the way the set is lit and dressed really makes occupation era DS9 jump right out the screen. Easy S rank for me and the best of season 2.
The plot a bit convoluted as a murder mystery. (edit- as noted below they seem to be trying to do "Pulp Fiction" in space with the out of sequence scenes.Given that this came out in 1993 and Tarantino did that in 1994 it is impressive.... Being able to see Terok Nor as an operational "camp" with Odo and Kira "flashbacks" was an S. Mix these up gives it an A (given Scott's remarks above)
tbf I think it only feels convoluted because we're seeing the original investigation (the basis for the mystery) as the same time as Odo's current investigation (resolution of the mystery) rather than showing it in chronological order. It's actually fairly straightforward as far as mysteries go: Shopkeeper is killed during the Occupation. Odo narrows it down to Kira. Kira has an alibi as a resistance member (allegedly sabotaging the ore processors) so he turns his attention to the shopkeeper's wife, but the wife doesn't have any motive so it goes cold. Years later, the wife asks Quark to get a list of names. The names turn out to be Bajoran informants who were on Dukat's payroll. The wife tries to have Quark killed for looking at the list, which eventually gets her arrested BUT the shopkeeper being an informant for the Cardassians is what makes Odo reconsider Kira, becuase the resistance had a clear-cut motive in wanting those informants dead.
One of the better S2 episodes, solid Odo story and we finally see some of DS9’s Terok Nor history with Dukat in charge. A+
Allegedly they had to change the script slightly on this because Odo originally did a “one more thing.” line ala Columbo and they were concerned about being sued.
Great chatacter piece and loved seeing the station back in the day as it really gives perspective on how different and terrible it was compared to where the show is now.
I think its important to remember that despite his actor being the oldest in the cast, Odo is a teenager, especially back in the Cardassian days. I love how Rene Auberjoines portrays him as more shy and timid and unsure on what to do with his body and mannerisms and avoids looking people in the eyes, he really drives how young and naive he was and in parts still is.
A great episode showing Sci FI is a setting, not a genre, as it adapts straight film Noir traits into DS9. Odo is great, they really give René Auberjonois a lot to work with here, and nice to expand Kira's character as well, pointing out she did some damn un-trek like things in her past.
Un-federation things, more than I trek things. She’s a former resistance fighter, not star fleet,and here it shows
This was pretty decent, although I'm not sure what it says about Odo or Quark and if they're collaborators or not. Anyway, a different vibe than in the typical episode.
I would say Odo is, Quark is not, due to Quark not really working with the establishment, where Odo did, he was part of the establishment.
Everything I can think of to say about this episode has already been said in other takes. So, I'll guess I'll just add that Odo's Cardassian outfit is badass.
Odo’s first security log always makes me laugh. And the end reminds us that DS9 is not wedded to happy endings.
This is one of my favorite episodes of DS9, and a great example of how to do flashbacks, exposition, and character building. We learn so much from this episode, and it ends--not on a cliffhanger--but on a natural uncertainty. Classy episode with classy characters. So glad we've made it~
Great episode, great development for Kira and Odo. I’d love to hear your thoughts on how their characters are developing. Also, how is Dukat coming across to you? Season 2 still had more weak than strong episodes, but imo this was a strong one.
Love it
Commence patreon security log: at the request of target audience I will hereafter be recording a log of every episode of ds9. The reason for this exercise is beyond my comprehension my own very adequate memory not good enough for Josh and Alex I am pleased to put my voice to the official record of this episode. This episode is awesome. End log
So just to sum up our first officers so far: Spock: scientific, logical Riker: bearded, horny Kira: Just straight killing bitches
There has to be a lost episode where Riker suffers brain damage because after he grows the beard he gets stupider every season
It was raining on the day I first watched this episode... A hard rain... Hard enough to wash the slime out of the streets.
DS9 does a film noir pastiche while adding new dimensions to 2 core characters and building on the history of the station. Terrific stuff all around. Also some nice attention to detail in the directing and editing, like the way the camera holds onto the shot of two children running and playing on the promenade only to be answered by a mirror shot of two kids mournfully clinging to a chain link fence in the Terok Nor flashback.
Nice observation!
That first transition into the past when Odo walks through the chemist shop door is chef’s kiss. Such a smooth shift. Odo looks great. Also love my boy Rom getting more screen time.
Most memorable part for me is when Quark smiles When Rom screams because Quark isn't going to die. No inheritance for him.
Love this episode. The film noir feel is great with Odo's narration. It's nice to see DS9 when it was still under Cardassian control as Terok Nor.
Odo episode. I like this one. Almost noir-ish.
the best episode ive seen so far! odo pulling a columbo is hilarious. a genuinely great mystery. and the kira and odo scenes continue to be some of the best character moments.
Marc Alaimo man. That voice. Sarcasm dripping like yamok sauce from sem'hal stew.
I want to see what would happen if Rumpelstiltskin and friends tried to cause mischief on Dukat's Terok Nor
I'll pay you to write that script. That's an inspired concept.
I'm digging the old school Hollywood / noir vibes in this one, starting with Quark's snappy dialog with the Bajoran woman in the teaser and just the overall smoky tone and feel of this backstory. Speaking of backstory, cool to learn more about Odo, Kira, Quark, and Dukat from back in the day. I think it helps to further enrich both the show and those characters. And I love the ambiguous ending where Odo doesn't answer Kira's question about whether he will ever trust her in the same way again. Good stuff!
Love the cinematography and production design in this episode. All the stuff in the past looks incredible. You almost forget it’s the same sets
It was a dark and stormy night..... "It's a mystery to me - the game commences for the usual fee - plus expenses confidential information - it's in a diary this is my investigation - it's not a public inquiry I go checking out the reports - digging up the dirt you get to meet all sorts in this line of work treachery and treason - there's always an excuse for it and when I find the reason I still can't get used to it And what have you got at the end of the day? what have you got to take away? a bottle of whisky and a new set of lies blinds on the windows and a pain behind the eyes Scarred for life - no compensation Private investigations"
Are you guys getting tired of the moral gray yet? Or are you completely bought in? Personally it’s another good example of a whodunnit where the culprit is one of the main cast.
Brilliant episode, one of the real standouts of the first two seasons for me.
Odo "You saved your brother's life." Rom realizes how close he came to owning the bar and continues screaming hysterically.
More lore into the Cardassian Occupation. This episode really shows off Odo's detective skills. I would want him to investigate my murder.
This episode travels to the past to build the present, a great way to introduce backstory that also impacts the here and now. Kira pulled one over on Odo, and the episode ends with that tension unresolved. How do you do it better?
One detail I missed for years and years: the awesome-looking candlelighting in the opening scene? It's because her power's been shut off.
I always wondered if there was a bit of respect from Odo at the end — he feels betrayed that Kira never told him the truth, sure, but "You were a better liar than I gave you credit for" definitely feels like him recognizing that she bested him, and he never even suspected it.
One of the best episodes of the show so far. I especially love Rom. Though I do wonder how Odo kept his job when he never solved that first case for Dukat…
In the early seasons of DS9, I often rewatched DUET then jumped to this episode next. S all the way.
This episode, the 3 part begining, and "Cardassians" were all part of DS9's showrunners/creators attempt to tell stories that could not be told on TNG. Knowing that TNG would be ending they planned out S2 elements like this episode to establish DS9 as it's own identity and not just TNG on a Space Station.
Are you NOT entertained?
Best flashback episode EVER! I SINCERELY don’t remember if there are more in the future, but they won’t be better than this one ! ( unless they are, then that’s what I said !)
Terok Nor Lore!!!
THE NOR!!!
A for Ambiguous Morality Play, something DS9 definitely looks like it's experimenting more than TNG is during its last season. What do you think of these darker / more experimental stories, and what would you like to see more/less of?
Great nior outing. And with some dark implications for our characters. Haunting and bleak. Not at all like TNG.
it a minor thing but i like how they are building up Quarks brother Rom, showing he quite smart and technology capable, good to see even side characters getting development
Rom is definitely a lot smarter than people think.
Nooo...
It’s episodes like this that give DS9 the reputation as a ‘darker’ trek. It literally is, the whole episode pallet is dark; washed out, hopeless. It sets the tone wonderfully, and with a decent story and the atmosphere this episode creates, it’s one of the stronger episodes IMO.
More occupation lore. It’s a great episode, well directed, good performances and a perfect final scene. One of the best episodes in season 2. The relationship between Kira and Odo is by this point one of the shows best.
A great exhibit of the moral grey areas in DS9. There is blood on everyone's hands, the only question is if they were justified.
Such a great episode that gives us a look into Odo’s past with the Cardassians. Love the richness the writers give Odo and Kira’s relationship. We’re already seeing writers taking risks with DS9 characters they never took with TNG. Curious how you guys view the ending scene. What’s to come? A for “Any Odo and Kira story is a good one”
Conway's back, and he's throwing hands!
Excellent backstory development for both Kira and Odo in this one wrapped around a fun murder mystery. With a bonus Odo as Columbo impression!
Hope the TA will check out Columbo one of these days.
One of my favorites in Season 2