Oh God, very interesting quality episode but difficult to enjoy because of the unfair negative reaction .Shame they don’t bother to listen or appreciate

Thanks guys, now I'm weirdly preoccupied with the idea of Miles using the transporter from DS9 to get Keiko pregnant on Bajor. 🤔

The good Keiko moment was great. After they threw her under the bus in 'Armageddon Game' by sand bagging her at the end, having her show she really does know her husband in this, and love him, and support him, was definitely needed. Miles may have to suffer, but it should never be from his partner in life. Good job Keiko! Thank you writers!

LOVED the discussion for this episode. You both nailed it for me. As an aside, I am not a fan of the Bajoran religious episodes, either, although they don't bother me as much now as when I first watched some of the episodes. In the end, it really is all about the execution.

I laughed Alex's comment when "Special Guest Star: Richard Libertini" came on the screen. I like the actor from other work he's done, but I get your point.

If the main events of this episode had been sprinkled throughout the previous episodes of this season, without much further changes, throw in a scene with Wynn, and it all works so much better. It's not the plot outline itself that is weak as much as it is how much of a rush it was in.

So I have kind of a general comment/question. We know there are certain kinds of episodes you guys arent going to like because the subject matter isn't your thing. That said, can you sort of evaluate them with that in mind? I guess you sort of did that here, though I do feel like this was another case where you criticized the episode not understanding what it was going for. The new emissary candidate isn't supposed to be a straight up villian. From his perspective, the occupation was a tragedy but the only way that bajor will get over it is to return to the religion of old. From his perspective, the occupation caused Bajor to lose its spiritual identity. Keep in mind that when he was from the caste system was part of Bajor's tradition. The message wasn't "caste systems are bad." It was about the conflict of Sisko and the degree to which he had become personally invested in Bajor. He's fighting between different opposing instincts here. His mission was to prepare Bajor for entry into the federation, short of violating the prime directive. He was never comfortable with being the emissary. But he has to accept it or this is what happens. Notably this is NOT what Picard would do. He sort of is violating the prime directive. But there's more to it then I think you guys are seeing. he goes to see the prophets himself. I think you misinterpreted the prophets. When they said "we are of Bajor" it wasn't necessarily just them repeating what they had been told. It was supposed to be ambigous. It could have been that, or it could have been something more esoteric. It's clear that the caste system didn't come from them. But let's not forget that it was originally Kai Opaka who proclaimed Sisko the emissary, and not all Bajorans (like Kai Winn) believed it. Again, you interpreted "You are the Sisko" as the prophets having nothing to do with the emissary business. But it's also ambigous in the same way. It could be that. But it's that Sisko is opening up- for the first time- to maybe, just maybe thinking that what they said means he IS the emissary. It's funny, because your sort of feeling about "Bajoran religion" made you interpret it very hard towards "they are just wormhole aliens and this bajoran religion stuff is nonsense" and not see any other possible interpretation. Thats why I say you missed what the episode was dealing with. It wasn't just "religion is bad, caste systems are bad." It was about how people thinking they have a message from their gods can be bad, but the "other side" you wanted was there, you just didn't see it. yes, the Bajorans are getting a lot wrong, but maybe just maybe there is more to this emissary business then you thought, and Sisko himself is starting to... very slowly... move there as evidenced by his willingness to bless people and his attitude towards it in contrast to the attitude he had toward the beginning. Sisko's own progression is part of it, but its a very slow arc- and you also missed how "Paste Tense" was related- with Sisko having to take the role of someone from history that ultimately provides "a light in the darkness" in a time of despair that will help guide humanity towards its bright future. That was what that episode was about, what it takes to have hope and inspire people when there it seems like there's hopelessness every where, and that was definielty connetcted to this whole arc. I wish I had written this earlier because you're probably not going to read it at this late point.

Perhaps I judged you too harshly with my take lol

I agree, they leaned too heavily into the negatives of the Dijaras to allow for any debate.

It feels to me like the writers are validating the controversial statement that Dukat once made: That Bajor is better and stronger for having experienced the occupation. Giving up the Dijaras is presented as a good thing, thus proving him correct.

It's simple. The prophets decided it was time for Sisko to embrace his role as the Emissary.

This episode is about Sisko finally accepting his destiny that he really is the Emissary to the Prophets. BTW - Kai Winn was played by Louise Fletcher who won an Oscar for her portrayal of Nurse Ratchet in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Also, he IS the Sisko which is an integral part of the entire series,

Oh god.. I read some of the comments. Skip for me. Submarines a no, Shakespeare a no, Classic Lit a no, Exploring religion and science objectively a no, DS9 - maybe not a show for Alex and Josh. Jane Espenson - Fucking amazing writing on Buffy and Angel. There's a reason Buffy has been used in college classes and I think it's kind of fun that you'll never know why.

This is my first time watching DS9. I know for those who have seen the show already, you can see threads that have meaning or you know about payoff. However, I’m with TA. This seemed pretty one-dimensional and obvious and, frankly, boring. DS9 can do subtlety well and it can do shades of gray well, and here it did neither. The two guest characters were cartoonishly one-note, and this felt like it could have been a lot more compelling than it actually was. I don’t actually dislike the Bajoran politics/religion episodes, but this bears the sin of missed opportunities, so for me this takes the slot of most disappointing episode of the season so far. Also, Jane Espensen kicks ass on Buffy. It’s a shame this didn’t showcase her talent. Glad she found a better fit with a different show.

This is actually on my short list of essential episodes. It so concisely touches on nearly every Bajor-centric relationship while revisiting central concepts. Sisko's relationship to the Bajorans; his relationship to the Prophets; his relationship with Kira (ooo, that office scene!); the conflict inherent in Sisko trying to be who both Starfleet and the Prophets expect him to be; the conflict inherent in Bajor taking solace in their faith and tradition but needing to be less reliant on them in order to progress; a reminder that while the Prophets are actively interested in Bajor (and Sisko), their perspective and influence is non-linear in scope. I love the symbolism of Kira sculpting a flock of flightless, disfigured birds while having an internal crisis of faith. I also appreciate the symbolism of Sisko being with Dax (Starfleet) for the marriage blessing but with Kira (Bajor) when agreeing to attend the adulthood ceremony. Even the body language of the two Emissaries on the flight into the wormhole: Sisko waiting for the Prophets to arrive with his arms crossed, while Akorem assumes a more meditative posture. I really disagree that what this episode is trying to convey is "Religion bad;" at no point does anyone advocate that the Bajorans abandon their religion -- Sisko is even willing to let Akorem set the tone and only appeals to the Prophets for clarification (an arguably religious solution) once it took a violent turn. I've always felt this episode is as much "of DS9" as any Dominion episode or character study. A or A+ for me.

The topic is very interesting. A new religios fraction that wants to go back to the old ways? People supporting them until they understand what it really means? I even knew people that escaped such a 'change', HOWEVER doing it rushed in a 45 min Star Trek episode... meh. Won't work. I think a better approach would have been to have it as a season long subplot, Introducing the new Emissary early on, mentioning the changes on Bajor a few times until slowly it also affects the life on the station and having some episodes at the end of the season resolving it. They introduced a planet wide social change for the sake of having Sisko realising he likes beeing the Emisary... feels wasted somehow

I don't remember this episode at all. I probably watched it a few months ago, and it entered my mind and left just as fast.

I like how Alex was so fed up with the caste system that he was ready to side with Gul Dukat.

Oh man, your rant at the end makes me really wish you had read my take where I put forward a more nuanced interpretation of the episode and what it meant for the main characters that basically goes against every reason you guys had for not liking it. "Your interpretation was wrong, therefore you are cartoonishly evil!" 😅🤣

Johnathan Frakes ALSO got a "Special Appearance by" credit in Voyager... so weird thing to latch on to and ruminate on.

I dunno, I guess I just didn't find the not Emissary or Vedek here cartoonishly evil. Or that the message was "religion is bad" It's not like they were steepling their fingers, talking about how they were going to lead Bajoran society astray and ruin things with the Federation. They were just WRONG in how they interpreted their religion, which is a real danger in any system like that. It's not like one has to look very far to see examples of that. I don't think you're supposed to hate them, just pity them for being lead astray. I think THAT is the message. That Faith is one thing, but religion can be flawed because it's only an interpretation and that people need to be aware of that distinction and dynamic whenever it comes to religious leaders.

the end discussion was surprisingly good and i feel the warning wasn't warranted.

I genuinely appreciate you guys staying engaged with the episode and having a fair discussion about it. I think a lot of people felt it would just be an episode bashing. It's an average episode, but it's still always better to have some good conversation. Also, the Vedek was CLEARLY wanting to dispose of his co-worker for years and now he just finally thought he had an excuse to. Lol!

that ending scene with Keiko setting up a playdate with Julian is the only Keiko W ever.

This episode is actually REALLY important. Not gonna say more

I just rewatched this episode thought it was excellent. The emissary stuff was only the catalyst for sisko and Kira to establish their roles and lots in life. The b story does the same for Miles and Julian and Keiko. This show has characters that are very deep and there’s so much to mine. It also explores how a society can go backwards looking to go back to old times. This was a high B+ for me

Good discussion after the Episode. And thanks for the Warning. Helps set the expactations. Please keep the warnings for Episodes where you are very sarcastic in the Episode or very negative. Really helps. (Was not soo bad this Time for me. Maybe just because of the warning, dunno)

"Maybe Gul Dukat [was right]"? Gul Dukat did nothing wrong? LOL He really does make the show though, doesn't he.

It means you have preconceived notions so you’ll glom on to some menutia that will sour the rest of the reaction ? Got it

First of all, I have to give the guys credit when deserved. Even though they don't like these type of episodes, and didn't like this one much, this time they at least remained engaged with what was happening and didn't descend much into nastiness, flippant sarcasm, ignoring key plot points/details, and becoming checked out, mean spirited, and antagonistic (a la STVI and, most recently, "Starship Down"). They remained in good spirit and at least tried to engage with the episode, its characterization, and themes. The reaction was consistently engaging even when I disagreed. Hoping this is a conscious change on their part and not just an aberration. I mostly like this episode, especially for Sisko's growth and the Bashir/O'Brien and Keiko scenes, but agree that the cartoonishly murderous Vedek and the lack of discussion regarding the legit pros of a caste system bring it down a peg or two. I don't, however, think the new "Emmisary" was remotely evil. He seemed like a man of good will trying to do what he thought was best for his people, even though very mistaken and misguided. When told he was wrong by The Prophets, he willingly gave up the position without any pride or resistance. I also disagree with the guys about the D'jarras (caste system). Bajor seemed to have functioned quite well under that system for a long time. I don't think most Bajorans thought of it as a bad or oppressive system, just an abrupt and colossal change that would be difficult to go back to. I also disagree with them that this episode had a "religion bad" message. Not at all! If anything, it's more about the wrong person being placed in a position of authority. I find, religious authority OR state authority, regular people tend to fall in line pretty quickly no matter how outlandish what is being asked is. 'Argument from Authority,' although a logical fallacy, holds sway with most people. Regarding "The Prophets," I actually mostly agree with the guys here. They literally are just "wormhole aliens" that for some reason have a special sense of care and obligation toward the Bajoran world and its people. The Prophets are not the creator of the entire universe -- the only sensible definition of God -- and to that end should not be worshiped by anyone, although I can understand a Bajoran having an appreciation and respect for the care they provide to their world.

One thing about DS9...it's one big long game. In the end, the show, in total, is fleshed out and complete. Everything considered, good & bad, makes sense when the final credits roll. Then you sit back and think about it for years to come, moreso than any other Trek. For the most part, there is reason & purpose for everything. You'll see.

I'll watch it with you and then skip your commentary.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaand with that warning - I guess I’ll be re-watching this one on my own. See you next time on DS9. I hope…

Apologies for the upcoming wall of text. I haven't watched your reaction yet, but judging by the warning message, I can tell how this one went over already. I know you guys don't care much about the Bajoran religion and the Prophets, but if that was at all the focus, I think that misses the mark a bit on what the episode really is. The episode to me was more about characters learning about themselves. You has Sisko who is fighting with himself not wanting the responsibility of being the Emissary and his duty to Starfleet, you have Kira the soldier fighting with her feelings about who she is and what is expected of her under the old caste system, you have O'Brien dealing with his conflicting feelings about where he stand in his life now that he has another child on the way. There is some VERY good character development here, especially for Sisko, but also for the aforementioned others. There's also a bunch of great character scenes between Sisko/Kira, O'Brien/Bashir, and O'Brien/Keiko. Yes, the old Emissary dude kind of sucked, but he thought he was doing the right thing because that's how things were when he was around. What he didn't account for was Bajor has changed since he was last there. Bajorans are no longer the same people after the Cardassian Occupation. They are a stronger people, who are becoming more united. Bajor needed an Emissary that looked to the future and not the past. Edit: I decided to go back and watch your discussion. The thing you talked about where you found it silly that people would be so gung-ho on brining back the old caste system, or killing someone because they are "unclean" because some religious person tells them to... That's how a lot of people, myself included, who are critical of religions feel. It's important to mention that this has happened, and continues to happen in 2026 on Earth right now in many places.

Worf should be proud. Molly's full name is Molly Worf O'Brien.

The point is not to have a debate about the caste system. The point is that the prophets sent Akorrum forward as a way to get Sisko back on track and past his doubts about being emissary. The last shot of him and Kira in the replomat is him finally beginning to accept his dual role as both emissary, and a Starfleet Captain. The prophets refer to themselves as "Of Bajor" and in this episode they refer to Sisko as also "Of Bajor" -- it's that moment that I think begins to turn Sisko around. It's not like he's being guilted, the last scene with the father asking for his daughters prayer and that knowing smile he flashes to Kira conveys that he's not reluctant or being forced, he's actually accepted it.

If there was a Ferengi comedy episode about Bajoran politics, I'm convinced that would end this journey.

Science fiction which the boys proclaim they don’t care about is about opening your minds to ideas you don’t care about. I’m not religious and I’m more on the side that religions do more harm than good. But I still find sisko’s journey with bajor as fascinating

You are viewing this through 21st century human eyes. Bajor was a peaceful, successful, artful world before the occupation, the caste system worked for them for a long time. Only after living through the occupation had they changed as a people to the point that such a system ha been outgrown.

Oh and before I forget, Keiko is an awesome wife. Nuff said.

I actually don't think you guys were unfair to this one. I'd probably be a little more generous and give it a low B just because of the growth for Sisko, and of course the "but to replace you?" scene. It's not a bad episode, but it does have some significant issues you called out. First off, I don't think Akorem is in any way evil. Vedek Porta, sure, or at the very least delusional to the point of being an insane fanatic. And yeah I get that presenting the caste system and how people respond to it as unambiguously bad isn't very thought provoking/challenging. As others have said, this story is probably too ambitious for a 45 minute episode. Akorem however never struck me as malicious, just out of touch. He's 200 years out of time, seeing his people suffering the after effects of the occupation, and seemingly having lost their way, AND the prophets seemingly sent him to this time to help them recover. In his time, the caste system may have been as bad an idea as caste systems usually are, but if it was the norm, you could see that it could at least give people some certainty in their lives. You know from childhood what you're going to be doing with your life, there's no uncertainty. Kind of like how arranged marriages can end up being happier marriages because neither party had a say so they just focus on making the best of it. Sure that could also mean locking you into a shitty job. But at the very least there probably wasn't much conflict over it at the time. Akorem wouldn't have known just how disruptive trying to re-implement it would have been. He never knew a Bajor where you could choose to do whatever you want career wise. Lastly, as soon as the prophets said he was sent "for The Sisko", he immediately admitted to his mistake. Ultimately the guy made a lot of wrong assumptions as to why the prophets brought him to that time, but the harm he caused was because of ignorance, not malice. And I don't think it's too hard to believe that the Bajorans would accept Akorem as being who he claims to be. If they can build solar sail ships, they no doubt had all sorts of audio/visual recording devices, perhaps even DNA samples from his possessions to confirm who he was, not to mention seemingly appearing out of nowhere from the wormhole. Confirming he's not a changeling would be fairly easy. Imagine if a pope from a couple centuries back showed up today and we could confirm his identity. He's definitely the pope, and that doesn't delegitimize the current pope, but presumably one has to step aside. And as for Sisko, I don't blame him for being uncomfortable with the role of Emissary. He's not a narcissist, and he doesn't want to be revered. But he clearly has come to care a great deal about the bajoran people, and he's said DS9 is home to him now, and perhaps by extension he feels the same about Bajor. After seeing what it could mean if someone else held the role, if nothing else he's accepted that being the Emissary is the best way for him to help Bajor. Now that he has accepted it, being asked to give the odd blessing for a wedding or a birthday isn't an imposition like it used to be. He's not focused on how it makes him feel uncomfortable by being put on a religious pedestal. He accepts he's the Emissary, it's just part of the job. He sees how much it means to the bajorans asking, and if all he has to do is recite a few words, it's not so much to ask.

The vibes are aggressive, adversarial. Week off might be 👍

Molly didn't try against the Chief as she knows he always lets her win. The indomitable O'Brien spirit she possesses forces her to play against insurmountable odds, so that she can relish in her ultimate victory over Morn.

IMO, almost a perfect episode... if you took all the Bajoran stuff out. Ugh. So a guy goes 200 years in the future, and when he finds out his wife is long dead, he's like: "oh no! I'm all alone. But my poetry is famous! Yay me!" Why the fuck would the Federation even contemplate bringing the Bajorans in if one dude can completely change the whole Bajoran social / political system in like 2 days, even inspiring a high priest to straight up MURDER a guy?! Even with Sisko taking over again, that would be a hard no from me. I don't mind Bajoran episdoes, but the writing in this is terrible. Kai Winn is a great character as she is introduced since the beginning, slowly undermining everyone to gain power. But this guy comes along and does far worse in one episode. It's undeserved. The O'Brien stuff was great though, at least.

I love Sisko's Emissary journey because at the end of the day, it's not really about religion, it's about how he grows to really care for the Bajorans. They were a broken people and he was a broken man and they are healing together. I think it's lovely.

Love this episode I really love the slow reveals of the prophets etc. Solid A for me. Sisko is killing it. Kira and Sisko scenes are really emotional.

Sisko is basically Moses

But, but, but …. He is THE Sisko!

As to the episode, I generally agree with you guys on this one, but I like the religious episodes more than you. I think the idea here is the writers biting off more than they can chew in one episode, and culminating in a real 'boy, that escalated quickly' moment with the murder reveal.

In my atheist days, I agreed with Alex about the 'why would God let bad things happen to kids, good people, etc.? Makes no sense.' Now, I think, our mortal life is probably a tiny fraction of our existence, and I think we have several 'laps' being a mortal (reincarnation), and each experience serves the bigger 'real life' that we live 'over there' (what we think of as the 'after' life). Each 'lap' here is meant to provide us with a variety of experiences, good, bad, and sometimes ugly. When each 'turn' is over, it's sort of like the end of an acting performance in a play, or playing a role in a sporting event and the game is over, or reaching the end of a video game and moving on to something else (whether your character died, or you won, or whatever). From that POV, the suffering people experience is relatively very, very temporary, and is sometimes a plan to specifically teach us something or allow us to understand something via that experience (or sometimes what happens to us is happening for someone connected to us to learn something), and sometimes perhaps suffering is just part of the 'chaos' inherent to a mortal existence where free will and a ton of variable environmental events exist, and both can sometimes cause things to end ugly. At least, I think it's something like that, based on years of reading and listening.

Molly would win, cuz Morn is probably drunk!

That vedek sure had some fluid faith! He's all for Sisko, then he switches whole-heartedly to the new guy, then he murders someone and doesn't bat an eyelash. He was probably psychotic to begin with!

I wonder if the Prophets will convert Josh and Alex by the end of the series.

I don't want a show that mindlessly parrots my own opinions back at me. But I also don't NEED every episode to present me with a philosophical conundrum. Sometimes the focus of the episode is something else and it's fine for it to take the ethical/philosophical position as given. In "Bar Association", for instance, I don't like the episode BECAUSE it's pro-union; I like it for Rom's character development. Asking it to examine the issue of unions more thoughtfully feels like missing the point. The same more or less applies for me here, except that I think this episode is much weaker. But the fact that we don't get a nuanced look at the caste system isn't what bothers me. As far as I'm concerned, it's fine to start from a place of "caste system bad" and tell a story about Sisko. My problems with the episode are more to do with the speed with which the Bajorans agree to it, and with the cartoonishly evil Vedek.

The Bajoran's were way to quick and trusting to believe the new guy claiming to be the Emissary. With any religious group there is always a time of skepticism for any new sudden claimant to be the head of the religion. Also, in order to re-establish a caste system you can't just enact it immediately. It would have to be a gradual slow process over decades. The writing of the episode didn't really reflect a religious society very well.

In general, I appreciate the way DS9 walks the line between respecting religious faith and questioning it. That must have been extraordinarily hard to do after TNG. It would have worked far better here had the fake Emissary not been so cartoonishly evil, though. Related: Say "D'jarra" one more damn time. But I forgot how much good stuff there was in this one too. I was thinking about where the O'Brien/Bashir and Kira/Sisko friendships started out. It's really beautiful to see what they've become. The respect in both of those pairings really feels earned. Final thought: Do we *know* that Bajorans don't have gray, clay-like feces? Maybe Kira's art really did look like shit.

I knew you guys wouldn’t like this one. I agree with a lot of your points. And it is a C. Love the friendship B story. That all being said, I see it differently back in the day they had a class system, then the occupation. Plus, we have seen many times how much they believe in the profits. We’ve heard that their faith was what got them through the occupation. And they have orbs and visions so it’s even tangible. That’s why the Kai is more important to the people than a government leader. So when this famous poet returns and is saying he’s the emissary along with sisko clearly stepping back. I can see why most bajorians try to follow his wishes. And why wouldn’t he think that’s the idea. His life was a cast of artists, and he was a poet. And now he finds out his gods saved him. Brought him to the future. Now his work is famous. So the class system worked for him. And he thinks if he was alive during the occupation he wouldn’t have been a poet. So why wouldn’t he come to that conclusion to return to what he knows, what he’s seen work? Now it could have been done better - for sure. But I understand it. Plus I like the confirmation that the profits are clearly saying they did this to prove to sisko he is the emissary. Not that he should do it because others would be bad. These aliens out of time have a plan for him… they work in mysterious ways. I enjoy it. Nothing special, but it doesn’t seam as crazy to me. But I was a hockey goalie so I get hit in the head.

DS9 sex scoreboard MORN SCORES!!!!! The sex score board Jadzia 5 Quark 5 Bashir 4 Sisko 3 Kira 3 Worf 2 Jake 2 Chief 1 Odo 1 Keiko 1 Morn 1 +1 new GUEST: DETAILS: We had an almost Morn Dax score but there just was not enough. This time is a yes. The way Morn put his arm around that girl at the darts is plenty to lead us to say we hope everyting is recorded for some Morn Porn. **NEW MORN COMMENTS BELOW IN REPLIES**

WARNING - It's an emissary episode. You know what that means. That means it's probably good. The pilot was good, Destiny was good, this was good. Get over it!

Poor Chief only got to raw dog it for one night

Based Dukat view of history is correct! I heard Alex's full comment immediately, "Maybe Gul Dukat WAS RIGHT". I really enjoy Bajoran Prophet episodes, but as a historian, and for this episode specifically, I share the same horror at a caste system, and AGREE with Alex. Lastly, "If your poop looks like that, see a Doctor" was not on my Target Audience Bingo card. Thanks Josh!

Hey, hey! I've been on vacation for two weeks. Did I miss anything? *glances at latest reaction* What the-- Oh...

Probably in the minority here but I really loved the Bajor / Prophet episodes from day one, and the more I re-watch them the more the indistinct threads start to come together. Some lighter moments with Keiko and O'Brien help to break up the seriousness. I get the frustration with the Bajorans just blindly accepting something; but this kind of situation, in lieu of a full three-parter or a running theme over an entire season; is difficult to cram into 1 episode. There's bound to be some short-cutting. I can forgive it because to me the religious element of the series is as equal in standing to me as the Dominion, the Maquis, a Ferengi episode or the sci-fi-challenge-of-the-week.

Just watched the Patron Takes. While Alex didn't exactly say what I had put in the meme, he did throw his head back so far in exasperation that I'm pretty sure he was able to see his own ass 🤣

Since you recently seen David Warner in Time After Time you may enjoy this trivia: David Warner was approached for the role of Akorem. Ira Steven Behr commented "Personally, I wanted David Warner as Akorem. He wanted to do it, but his wife talked him out of it because he was on vacation and she didn't want him to work. To this day I still wish David Warner was in it. I think it's a really interesting script and idea, and it leaves us with a nice, interesting mystery. It's a good show, and Avery was great, but I wanted him to have a better opponent".

J&A’s reaction to the Bajor/religion episodes really not that different from a bunch of folks at the time: From Memory Alpha: "The producers had to fight to get this episode made because the studio had told them not to do any shows about Bajoran religion. Paramount felt that shows dealing with religion in general, and Bajoran religion in particular, were not ratings winners. "According to Hans Beimler, 'Shows about religion, alien religion and the Prophets, are extraordinarily difficult. Not because they're hard to produce, but because they're not proven ratings winners. As a result, the studio tends to be happier when DS9 is doing action stories.' "Similarly, René Echevarria explains, 'The studio doesn't like Bajor stories. And Bajor's religion is one aspect of Bajor to which they really don't respond.'" Alex and Josh to DS9's writers: Stop fighting the system! 😉

Some takes are unfair to you guys. However, I didn’t mention the union in my takes in Bar Association and talked more of Keiko in mine in this one. Just saying, people shouldn’t be unfair to you, makes conversation harder for all of us

So I can absolutely understand how the Bajor episodes make you feel. When I first binged the show on my own, I couldn't STAND THEM. I rolled my eyes every time one popped up (with a few rare exceptions and we will get there when we get there). I mean...really for the same reasons. They were uninteresting to me, the religion irked me, and I felt they were dry. While I knew this wasn't bad television, I had no vested interest. I've binged the show quite a few times in the past few years, and I must say the Bajroan stuff really ended up growing on me. I can't say that they are my favorite episodes, but I really ended up liking them more upon each rewatch. As far as this episode goes, no it's not the best example of a Bajoran episode. Not even a contender. I felt the acceptance and change back of Bajoran society was too quick, maybe? I would have loved to see the Chief, Keiko and Molly as a separate slice-of-life episode, and maybe give the A Plot it's own 44min story where it could have more meat on it's bones. The acting was fine, and the things we hate such as the caste system and 'Mr. Emissary 0.5', we are supposed to hate. None of it even matters because the only one important is Sisko and his acceptance of the role. This is an episode that needed to happen. They could have done better. C+

Keiko was mentioned to have visited before Hippocratic oath, that is when it happened. So good to have her back

Just in case there was any confusion... the space between Sisko's office and Ops is ..... that doorway. There's no mystery as to how Kira got from the "blessing" scene to her post. She took a few steps and .... she was there

It’s very much the prophets wanting to get Sisko on the track. period. So yes they picked an event that wouldn’t take long at all for Sisko to realize that he must accept his role. Period. And the writers actually looked into religious history of earth to pick a real thing that has happened in an exceptionally short period of time. To make it believable because we as people have actually done it.

Akorum was an idiot, but he was so on purpose as the prophets said, for the Sisko

About the guy from the past wanting the caste system back and the older guy straight up killing someone coming off as cartoonish, my guys, have you SEEN some real-life religions? Plenty of people in real life can get so bought into and SO CERTAIN in their beliefs they will do some pretty unspeakable things for it

The Bajoran switch back to a more feudal society can really happen that fast after oppression. It's based on similar post colonial societies where that occurred, usually without endings this good.

Worf's reaction to Keiko having another baby is the best part of the whole episode.

Yeah I've never been a fan of this one.

I personally enjoy the Bajor/Prophets episodes. They and the Cardassians are some of the most well fleshed-out and thought-out cultures in Trek behind probably only the Klingons (who have had multiple series to do so), and I love good world-building. I think the whole "this culture's religion is actually rooted in worshiping aliens" is very Trek-ish too, and an episode like this shows the conflicts which can arise between religion and progress, exploring the intersection of culture/beliefs and science

Overall, I think it's about Sisko (as you said), about sometimes you don't know what something means to you until it's gone. I don't dislike this episode, it details how Bajor used to be and how much has changed, there's some nice moments in it as you say like the comedy but... That's about it. Not awful, just average.

When the guy mentioned Winn fears Sisko I realized this and every Bajoran religion episode could be instantly improved by just adding Kai Winn. Not sure if there's a more succinct term for it, but the "large scale changes happen immediately so that problems can arise and be solved by the end of the episode" trope is one of my biggest pet peeves. You know like a character in a cartoon or sitcom becoming CEO or mayor and the next day they're already bringing everything crashing down. That's what the new emissary and the caste system being accepted and immediately implemented feel like to me.

This episode is on my skip list. Of all the Bajoran religious episodes IMO this is the worst one. I may watch it just in the hopes to hear you rant about it.

There are two episodes in the season I don't like at all. This is one of them.

It means you are required to say "Accession? Move along home!"

I would guess that the episode you like the most with an “Orb vision” is The Circle, the second episode of season 2. Kira has a vision at the Bajoran temple she visits at Bareil’s invitation.

"It's Wednesday. You know what that means." (not actually Wednesday)

Important things happen