TF01 3,Video Reviews - Part 1 4, STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION MOVIE 8 - "DESCENT" -------------------------------------------------- Reviewed by Marcus Priddey -------------------------- The Borg are back! But this time they are not alone as they now serve Data's evil brother Lore... "Descent" as you are all no doubt aware is the cliffhanger episode that ends Next Gen's sixth season, with "Descent Pt. 2" starting the seventh. And, as with all the other two-parter episodes, has now been released by CIC as a feature length movie. Unfortunately for CIC, the release of these movie length episodes has been met with some heavy criticism from the fans. Now, some of them are well worth releasing in this fashion, such as "Best of Both Worlds and "All Good Things...", but "Descent" suffers too much. In my opinion a movie has to have something entertaining to keep you rooted to your seat for ninety minutes or so. "Descent" just does not have that "something" to keep you there. It's perfectly fine as two separate episodes as you can quite happily sit there for three quarters of an hour and then go make a cup of coffee, then come back and start to watch the second part. But I couldn't watch the whole thing in one sitting like I can an ordinary movie. Now, don't get me wrong because as two episodes "Descent" is very good and if you haven't yet got it on sell-through then I would highly recommend purchasing the normal episode cassettes. If you were to buy this movie tape, then I only suggest you watch it once in a while as your opinion of "Descent" will be revised downwards after repeated viewing. STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION MOVIE 10 - "ALL GOOD THINGS..." -------------------------------------------------------------- Reviewed by Marcus Priddey -------------------------- The very last episode of The Next Generation witnesses the return of Q and also sees Jean Luc Picard travelling backwards and forwards in time in an effort to save the entire Human race... Well, after 178 episodes spread over seven years, that's all folks! Yes the series finale has had the movie treatment and I am pleased to say that I am glad it did. It certainly looks that everyone worked extremely hard in the making of these two episodes and it is nice to see that it bears up to repeated viewing in one full ninety minute session. The story, although a time travel story, does not get bogged down with a lot of techno-babble that some other time travel tales do. It's more like "Picard is skipping between past. present and future. Don't ask how - just accept it." and it works too. It's nice too see when he travels back that he goes to "Encounter at Farpoint" time and it's interest to see what they've changed and what happened in that story (so much so that I watched "Encounter" right after I watched this). So, basically we have a very good story but not only that, but we have also been blessed with some extra scenes that aren't in the usual video such as Q appearing as an old man taunting Picard twenty five years in the future, when Picard is no spring chicken either. Overall, a splendid tape and well worth buying if you haven't already bought the normal tape. If you have already bought, then buy this one and watch when you feel like watching a movie. STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE VOLUME 3.4 - "CIVIL DEFENSE" / "MERIDIAN" -------------------------------------------------------------------- Reviewed by Tim Smith --------------------- The station becomes a deadly trap for all those on board DS9, and Jadzia Dax falls in love with a man from a planet that shifts dimensions every sixty years in the seventh and eighth episode of Deep Space Nine's third season. "Civil Defense" all starts when Jake Sisko and Chief O'Brien accidentallt trigger an old Cardassian defense programme. From then on you get an episode that is a strong and effective mixture of comedy and drama. It also manages to involve all eight cast members, as well as allowing guest stars Marc Alaimo (as Gul Dukat) and Andrew Robinson (as Garak) to shine. Throughout the episode the cast is split into three groups: Sisko, Jake and O'Brein, Odo and Quark, and Bashir, Dax, Kira, Dukat and Garak. The plot focuses on how each of these groups struggles to overcome the various dilemmas that face them. The light relief is provided by Odo and Quark as they become trapped in the security and come up with some terrific one liners. The drama is provided by the rest of the cast as each action they take only seems to make matters worse. The antagonism between Dukat and Garak, first seen in the second season episode "Cardassians" is also expanded upon here, and it leaves you wondering about what went on between them. If the producers have any sense they will develop this further. Finally, there are the great special effects and the equally impressive acting from all concerned. It all goes together to make a high quality episode from what is proving to be Deep Space Nine's strongest season yet. Well, it is slightly ironic that of all the regular characters, part from Odo (at the time of this episode) Jadzia Dax is the last cast member to have a romantic relationship. Has the wait been worth it? Well, as long as you are not expecting an all time classic, I would say that it has. The director is Jonathan Frakes with his second directorial stint of the season. He would also appear one episode later in "Defiant" and has also directed a third episode for DS9's third season as well as a Voyager episode. He does a competent job here and shows that his directorial skills are not limited to TNG. Terry Farrell is very good as Dax, and obviously enjoys showing a new side to her character. Brett Cullen is okay as her love interest but his character comes across as rather bland and I founf it slightly unbelievable that Dax would be attracted to him as is the fact that after less thantwo weeks she wants to spend the rest of her life with him. There is a subplot set on the station that involves Kira and Odo trying to stop Quark and an alien who is infatuated with Kira (but then who isn't?) designing a holodeck programme that "involves" her. It's actually not that interesting but for a scene where it becomes obvious that Odo is desperately in love with Kira (but then, who isn't?!!) It all goes together to make an enjoyable if undemanding episode, and coupled with "Civil Defense" makes another tape well worth adding to your collection. 8.5/10 STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE VOLUME 3.5 - "DEFIANT" / "FASCINATION" ----------------------------------------------------------------- Reviewed by Tim Smith --------------------- Riker pays a visit to DS9, but just what are his real motives? all is revealed in "Defiant" whilst in "Fascination", DS9 receives another visitor, Lwaxana Troi. Her motives are clear, she's after Odo! "Defiant" sees the first appearance of a TNG regular since the pilot episode "Emissary". Or does it? Wll, as most of you know by now, it's actually Thomas Riker who turns up complete with false beard parts (the ideal birthday present). This is a bit of an action episode mainly involving Kira, Sisko, Riker, Dukat and the Maquis. Everyone involved maintains the usual standards of acting effects and all the other elements involved in an episode. Frakes is good as Riker (T.) and Marc Alaimo is also good as Dukat. Dukat is becoming a much more rounding character this season and it's becoming clear that he is not just an evil Cardassian. However, as effective as Frakes is as Thomas Riker, what Ronald D. Moore has done with the character is terrible. A Federation officer who survived (by Starfleet ideals) on Nervala IV for eight years, now steals a Starfleet ship and uses it to kill thousands of people. Does this sound like the sort of Starfleet officer Gene Roddenberry envisioned? I don't think so. No doubt if you are the sort of fan who enjoyed episodes like "The Wounded", "The Pegasus" and "The Maquis", then you will like "Defiant". It certainly can not be faulted technically. However, it is not what Star Trek shoud be about and I won't be returning to is time and again (hang on, that's a Voyager episode!) "Fascination" is a huge improvement over the previous episode on this tape. It sees Majel Barrett's eighth appearance as Lwaxana Troi and her second Deep Space Nine episode. It also marks a return to the earlier comedic episodes. It all gets very silly very quickly, and the best way to describe the plot is as a comedy version of "Sarek". All of the cast handle the comedy really well but a particular mention must go to Rene Auberjonois as Odo who is hilarious (watch out for his dance scene!) and Avery Brooks who not only acts extremely well but also directs perfectly. He has really shown his directorial skills in this season and is quickly proving to be Deep Space Nine's answer to TNG's Jonathan Frakes. There is also the second appearance (this season) of Rosalind Chao ans Keiko O'Brien which allows the chance to examine her relationship with Miles. This dovetails nicely into the main plot but also is a good contrast to it. Hopefully, this side to the O'Briens life will continue to be developed in future episodes. The piece de resistance comes towards the end of the episode in two scenes. One with Odo and Lwaxana Troi that packs a powerful emotional punch and one with Miles and Keiko and Doctor Bashir which is also emotional stuff. Forget the first episode and but this just for "Fascination". 6/10 STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE VOLUME 3.6 - --------------------------------------- "PAST TENSE PART 1" / "PAST TENSE PART 2" ----------------------------------------- Reviewed by Tim Smith --------------------- Whilst visiting Starfleet Command on Earth, Sisko, Bashir and Dax are accidentally transported back to a violent and dangerous time; 2034... This two parter was heavily touted, in the press at least, as DS9's "City on the Edge of Forever" and it's make or break episode. Is it either of these things? No. Does it matter? No. "Past Tense" is no "City on the Edge of Forever" but that is not to say that it is a very well made and enjoyable episode. As for make or break, it does not apply since both the quality of the episodes and the viewing figures for the third season have been high enough to confirm a fourth season and, most likely (according to Rick Berman) a full seven season run. It's all quite exciting stuff. Once Sisko, Bashir and Dax are in San Francisco of 2034, their reaction to the poverty and prejudice that they encounter is one of the main plot lines. O'Brien and Kira's attempts to retrieve them is secondary to the rest of the action and seems to be little more than an excuse to give the characters something to do. At least they have far more to do than Quark who only appears on a viewscreen in a very brief scene in part one. The writers split Sisko, Bashir and Dax into two groups. Sisko and Bashir are put in the ghetto area, and Dax ends up in the rich sector. This enables us to see the contrast in the society and how the attitudes and actions of one impact on the other. The whole plot works very well, but I did get the impression that material was either edited out, or not included in the first place. Certainly the rich, but benevolent, Chris that Dax meets could have been gone into in a lot more depth. At one point in part two he disappears and from that one moment on, is never seen again. The other weakness of "Past Tense" is it's over reliance on techno- babble. The scenes on the Defiant, when O'Brien searches for them is full of "tech". It slows the pace down. You know it makes no real sense and is only there to provide a reason for the events happening the way they do. A little bit adds to the flavour of the episode. Too much ruins it completely, a bit like putting too much parmesan cheese on your pizza. However, I don't want to give the wrong impression here. This is one of the better DS9 episodes, it's just that it's not a classic. Still worth adding to your collection, though. 7.5/10 STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE VOLUME 3.7 - --------------------------------------- "LIFE SUPPORT" / "HEART OF STONE" --------------------------------- Reviewed by Tim Smith --------------------- Vedek Bareil is critically injured in a shuttle accident, and Kira is trapped in a living crystal in the seventh volume of Deep Space Nine's third season. Life Support guest stars Phillip Anglim as Bareil and Louise Fletcher as Kai Winn. It also gives Nana Visitor and Siddig El Fadil some great material to stretch their acting muscles with. Vedek Bareil is critically injured in a shuttle accident. However Kai Winn needs him to complete delicate peace negotiations with the Cardassians so Doctor Bashir uses an experimental device to keep Bareil alive. Something that typifies Deep Space Nine's third season is the concentration on character. Life Support is a fine example of that. The actual negotiations and signing of the peace treaty take a back step to the characters motivations and reactions. There are powerful scenes between Bashir and Winn as they argue over the treatment of Bareil's condition. It is obvious that Winn is as manipulative and scheming as ever and I find this a little disturbing. Her character does not seem to have learned, changed, or grown from her experiences. Surely we all do? It would be satisfying to see some conclusion to this storyline, as it is beginning to get a little boring, and it needs to make some point to have meaning. Howvere that is not to demean anyones performance and besides my above point and a brave but unsuccessful at an interesting sub-plot between Jake and Nog, this is a decent episode. Heart Of Stone once again concentrates on characters. Whilst chasing a Maquis on a deserted asteroid Kira becomes trapped in a crystal that begins to cover her. Meanwhile Nog tells Commander Sisko that he wants to join Starfleet. The scenes between Odo and Kira are intense as he struggles in vain to free her. It becomes obvious that he will not be able to do so, and it is then that two stunning revelations are revealed. Needless to say the ending was poignant and will leave a tear in more than a few eyes. The main plot is a corker which begins slowly as first it is only Kiras right foot that is trapped. However as more and more of the crystal envelops her, the sense of urgency is built up effectively. Merits must also go to Nana Visitor and Rene Auberjonois who are more than up to the task. The sub-plot is also very strong. It is perhaps the biggest step in terms of character development for Nog as it becomes clear that he is serious in his desire to join Starfleet. It is pleasing for two main reasons. Firstly, character development along the principles of what Star Trek is all about, is always pleasing. Secondly, Aron Eisenberg has said in an interview that he would love Nog to be the first Ferengi in Starfleet. All in all a classic episode. 8.5/10 STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE VOLUME 3.8 - "DESTINY" / "PROPHET MOTIVE" -------------------------------------------------------------------- Reviewed by Tim Smith --------------------- In the first episode on this tape a Bajoran Vedek warns Sisko of impending doom and in the second episode a changed Grand Negus Zek visits Deep Space Nine. Destiny is the first episode since the pilot to deal with Commander Sisko's role as the emissary of the prophets. Three Cardassian scientists arrive to help set up a relay that will allow communication through the wormhole. However a Bajoran Vedek tells Sisko that they will destroy the wormhole, and that, as the emissary, it is up to him to stop them. The remainder of the plot sees Sisko doubting about the prophecy and his part in it, and the mission seemingly coming closer and closer to fulfilling it. One of the Cardassians is played by Tracy Scoggins (from "Lois And Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman"), and I have to say that she makes the cutest Cardassian I have ever seen! Then again she hasn't had much competition has she?! Anyway there are some nice scenes between her character (Galora) and O'Brien as she misunderstands his intentions whilst they work together on the relay. In fact of all the interaction between the characters works really well, and really adds something to the overall quality of the episode. The plot, acting, and characters all add up to make a cracking good episode. There are nice touches in continuity (such as referral to the peace treaty signed in "Life Support"), the characters all learn something, and there's even a quick allusion to what may become a future episode. "Prophet Motive" sees the third appearance in as many seasons of Wallace Shawn as the Grand Nagus. It also sees the second directorial stint by a Deep Spce Nine cast member. This time it is the turn of Rene Auberjonois who helms this comedy episode. Yet another first (well, sort of) is the first 'appearance' of the prophets of the wormhole since their debut in 'Emissary'. As one might epect, this is played purelt for laughs. Max Grodenchik (as Rom), and Wallace Shawn (as Zek) are very good, and in fact almost grab the honours from Armin Shimmerman. However this is not becuase of any fault on his part. It is merely because they get all the best lines! Auberjonois handles everything well enough. He certainly knows the characters, and how they should react to things. I must say though, and this is not a criticism of Auberjonois, merely an observation, that this is fairly undemanding material. Nobody is really stretched, and it would be interesting to see if he could handle dramatic stuff as well as Frakes and Brooks can. Enough of all that though. When it comes down to it, this is a very funny episode, well acted, and well directed. My only criticism is about the cover. Now they could have used Zek, or his man servent or the delectable Galora. But what do they use? Three pieces of comet! I mean, what were they thinking of?!!! 9/10 STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE VOLUME 3.9 - --------------------------------------- "VISIONARY" / "DISTANT VOICES" ------------------------------ Reviewed by Tim Smith --------------------- O'Brien finds himself being thrown five hours into the future, and Bashir begins to age rapidly in episodes seventeen and eighteen of Deep Space Nines third season. "Visionary" could both be described as a sequel and a prequel. It not only follows on from the evnts depicted in "The Search", but also leads up to 'another two parter; "Improbable Cause" / "The Die Is Cast". The story involves a group of Romulans arriving at DS9 for a complete debriefing on the Dominion. Matters are complicated by a group of Klingons, and O'Brien's shifts in time. It is full of quality. Although the action obviously focuses on O'Brien, other characters also have their moments. Morn gets the point (you'll see what I mean), and Odo and Kira's relationship is further developed (or not as the case may be). The acting is without fault and the plot, although a little complicated, is an extremely entertaining one. This really is yet another fine example of just how good the show has become. The characters, the plots, the sets, the continuity. It's all of such high quality, and fits together brilliantly. "Visionary" is a fine episode of just what Trek should be. Characters and plot are not sacrificed for 'fun', and it makes the viewer think a little whilst being entertained at the same time. "Distant Voices" is another strange episode Bashir is attacked by an alien. When he awakes the station is apparently deserted, and he has begun to age rapidly. Andrew Robinson makes his third appearance of the season as Garak, and is one of the high points of the episode. The only other major guest star is Victor Rivers as the alien who attacks Bashir. He is fine, although his role is fairly one dimensional. The plot is slightly off the wall. It starts of with a touching scene between Bashir and Garak as the good doctor gets depressed about turning thirty. It then turns the corner into weird street as Bashir finds himself in an almost deserted station with all of the regular characters representing different aspects of himself. To tell you just why this happens would be giving the game away, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to work it out. Even through the reason behind the strange occurrances is so obvious, indeed you are told half way through the episode, it doesn't spoil your enjoyment of "Distant Voices". This may be surprising, but does say something about the quality of the show. One final word of congratulations must go to Michael Westmore and his team for the make up on the 'old' Bashir. It is nothing short of stunning. 9/10 STAR TREK: DS9 VOLUME 3.10 - ---------------------------- "THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS" / "IMPROBABLE CAUSE" ------------------------------------------------ Reviewed by Tim Smith --------------------- Sisko pays a visit to the mirror universe, and Garak's shop is destroyed by a bomb in this tenth volume of third season episodes. "Through the Looking Glass" is a direct sequel to the second season episode "Crossover". The mirror universe Sisko has been killed, so the remaining rebels kidnap Commander Sisko to complete a mission for them. It starts with a teaser in which Quark is admonished by Sisko and Odo over his attempts to hold Cardassian vole fights. It's a nice little scene and it's a good job that it's there as Quark and Odo don't appear in the rest of the episode. Oh, listen carefully and you will discover that Morn has more than one heart! As for all of the action in the mirror universe, it is very much a case of more of the same. Mirror universe versions of Dax, Bashir and Rom all make their debut, as well as a nice cameo from Tim Russ as Tuvok. The rest of the time Avery Brooks goes almost over the top as Commander Sisko pretending to be Captain Sisko. The plot is okay, and there is a touching scene when Sisko realises that he can not let his wife die a second time. In fact I wish that there had been much more of Sisko's relationship to his wife and less of some of the episode's rather dubious overtones. However, if you ignore those and concentrate on the action, this makes a diverting enough entry in the season. "Improbable Cause" carries on from the events in "The Search" and "Visionary". Andrew Robinson guest stars as Garak, and Paul Dooley reprises his role of Enabran Tain (last scene in the second season episode "The Wire"). Garak's shop is destroyed by a bomb, and Odo's investigation into the incident leads him to a surprising discovery. This is a bit of an epic. Right from the beginning of the episode you get the feeling of something special. Both Rene Auberjonois and Andrew Robinson excel in their roles as they are given the material to work with. Garak comes off particularly well as we are given glimpses into his past and of his relationships with several characters. Avery Brooks does a faultless job as director using camera angles and lighting to add real atmosphere to several scenes. One scene that must be metioned is when Odo meets a Cardassian informant. Brooks is obviously a very skilled director and it is satisfying to see his delivering such a strong episode. Describing the plot would spoil things. Needless to say it involves the Cardassians and Romulans and holds one or two surprises. And the ending? Well, that would be telling! 7.5/10 STAR TREK: DS9 VOLUME 3.11 - "THE DIE IS CAST" / "EXPLORERS" ------------------------------------------------------------ Reviewed by Tim Smith --------------------- The Cardassians and Romulans enter the Gamma Quadrant and Commander Sisko builds a spacecraft in episodes 21 and 22 of Deep Space Nine's third season. "The Die is Cast" concludes the two part story begun in volume 3.10 with "Improbable Cause". Odo and Garak are on board a Romulan warbird heading towards the Founders home planet. To prove his loyalty to his mentor, Enabran Tain, Garak must interrogate Odo. Yet again Deep Space Nine manages to avoid the trap that most Next Generation two parters fell into, with a second part as strong as, and possibly stronger that the first. As with "Improbable Cause" the acting is equal to the task demanded by the script. Avery Brooks is very good as Sisko, particularly when he takes the Defiant into battle. However, and thinking about it, it should come as a big surprise, it is Rene Auberjonois, Paul Dooley and Andrew Robinson who are the real stars of the show. The make up team must be congratulated for the stunning makeup on Odo as his humanoid form begins to deteriorate when he is prevented from returning to his lquid state. The special effects must also be congratulated (no really, they must!). Some of the effects shots they come up with are amongst the most spectacular in Trek's small screen history. What mustn't be lost sight of though, is that for all the flashy effects and make up, this show's strength is it's characters, and it is how Odo and Garak learn from their experiences, and how they relate to each other, that are the true highlights of "The Die is Cast" In "Explorers", Commander Sisko builds a Bajoran solar sailing ship from 800 year old designs and attempts to prove that is space worthy. This is a complete contrast to the previous episode. There are no spies, no alien invasions and no explosions. What there is though is 45 minutes of pure characterisation. It was a brave decision to film "Explorers", but the cast and crew have succeeded in every aspect. The scenes of Sisko building the ship, sailing it with Jake, and the two of them discussing each others future are a jot to watch. Gul Dukat makes a brief appearance towards the shows beginning and end and shows a pleasing development in the Cardassian/Federation relationship. Doctor Bashir also undergoes character development showing a slightly more vulnerable side as he meets the doctor who came first in his graduating class at the academy. The solar sailing ship is a beautifully designed craft, but is really only a vehicle for the actingand writing talents involved in this gem of an episode. 9/10 STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE VOLUME 3.12 - ---------------------------------------- "FAMILY BUSINESS" / "SHAKAAR" ----------------------------- Reviewed by Tim Smith --------------------- Quark has some family trouble and Kira must deal with a figure from her past in episodes twenty three and twenty four of third season Deep Space Nine. "Family Business" is another of the several Ferengi episodes produced this season. An official from thw Ferengi Commerce Authority arrives on the station and informs Quark that he must return to the Ferengi homeworld, Ferenginar, as his mother has committed a dreadful crime. Not only is she wearing clothes, but she has also made a profit. As with the previous Ferengi episode, "Prophet Motive", "Family Business" is directed by Rene Auberjonois. Once again, Max Grodenchik plays Rom, and this time round the cast is complimented with Andrea Martin as Quark's mother, Ishka, and Penny Johnson as Commander Sisko's new love interest, Kasidy Yates. Although this is basically played for laughs, there is a serious side to the story. To say that this particular Ferengi family is dysfunctional would be something of an understatement. What is surprising is that it is Rom who seems to have been closer to his parents, not Quark. Anyway, it's all played very effectively and Rene Auberjonois shows that he can handle both comedy and drama. The sub plot with Sisko and Kasidy Yates is okay, but it doesn't really go anywhere and really needs to be developed much more before it can be of any real interest. "Shakaar" guest stars Louise Fletcher as Kai Winn, and Duncan Regher as Shakaar. Duncan Regher has also appeared in the awful TNG episode "Sub Rosa", but don't hold that against him. Kai Winn asks Major Kira to go to Bajor and get a group of farmers (led by Kira's former resistance leader, Shakaar) to return vital pieces of farming equipment. However, things do not go as planned. This sort of episode will not be to everyone's taste. There are no aliens (unless you count Bajorans) and not a lot of action, and of course you have the spiritual leader of Bajor being a complete and utter villain. I have to say that I liked this, and I liked it even better on the second viewing. The acting is top notch, particularly from the three main protagonists. We get a real insight into Kira's past and the ending may surprise on or two people. As for the sub-plot, well much like the previous episode's it doesn't really go anywhere. It all concerns Bashir and O'Brien's dart board and Quark's attempts to bet on O'Brien's skill with it. It's okay, but is obviously only there to fill time in the episode and you are left with a feeling of "so what?" This is a good solid tape that contains two episodes that, whilst they are not classics, are certainly so much better than an awful lot of other science fiction. 8/10 STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE VOLUME 3.13 - "FACETS" / "THE ADVERSARY" ------------------------------------------------------------------- Reviewed by Tim Smith --------------------- Jadzia meets the former Dax hosts and the newly promoted Captain Sisko comes up against a dangerous foe in the finbal two episodes of the third season. In "Facets", Jadzia Dax goes through an ancient Trill ceremony in which the former Dax hosts in habit the bodies of her friends so that she may meet them. However, two of the hosts cause her to doubt whether she should have ever been joined. This episode is bit like a bag of pick and mix. There's a little bit of a thriller, and a little bit of drama. Terry Farrell is definitely the cornerstone of "Facets" but all of the others also gets a chance to contribute something. Some are more succesful than others, with Avery Brooks and Rene Auberjonois being particularly good. The wonderfully named Chase Masterson reprises her role from "Explorers", and Max Grodenchik and Aaron Eisenberg appear as Rom and Nog. Indeed, the sub-plot that Rom and Nog feature in continues Nog's wish to join Starfleet and is as good as the main plot. I challenge anyone not to be routing for the little Ferengi as O'Brien tests him. As for the rest of the episode, it takes a big step in explaining not just Jadzia, but Curson Dax, and leaves both Odo and Jadzia closer to each other, something which hasn't really been done since the second season episode "Shadowplay" The second episode on the tape, and the final episode of the series is "The Adversary". Sisko is promoted to Captain and almost immediately has to take the Defiant on a perilious mission. However, things soon start to go wrong, and the crew realise that there is a saboteur on board. Lawrence Pressman who appeared as Legate Ghemor in the brillant "Second Skin" makes his second Deep Space Nine appearance , this time as Ambassador Krajensky, and Kenneth Marshall returns as Eddington. "The Adversary" was written by Ira Steven Behr and Robert Hewitt Wolfe, probably Deep Space Nine's best writers, and directed by Alexander Singer who has helmed several previous Trek episodes. Well, what a way to end the season. This does go against the grain of what genuine Star Trek is all about. There is no peaceful negotiations with the enemy and no happy ending. What no one can deny though is the power of the episode. The atmosphere created by the lighting and camera angles is so thick you could cut it with a knife. The acting compliments the technical side brilliantly and really draws you into the episode. In short, there is nothing, or at least very little, that can be faulted. The ending? Well, that would be telling. All I will say is that the conflicts and potential tensions built up will be resolved in a way that Gene would have approved of, because when all is said and done that's what Star Trek is all about - tolerance and understanding. Deep Space Nine has really come into it's own this season, and these episodes are examples of that. 9/10