This will be my first Season review of any show. I don't plan to be terribly in depth, but I will look at the major characters (and even note some of my favorite minor characters), I'll talk about major plot points and note a few of my favorite moments.
Introduction:
I can't say that I'm a trekky, but I do love, Star Trek. I've often stopped and watched The Next Generation just for fun, but it wasn't until my roommate (Preston Hammitt) encouraged me to watch Deep Space Nine (giving me five seasons to bring home with me) that I was given a chance to really enjoy Gene Rodenberry's universe.
I'm not that well versed in all of the Star Trek lore. I'm new to it, but maybe that will save me from some of the prejudices that I've heard of toward DS9 by some of the purists. Most of it seems to be because, DS9 is different from The Original Series and The Next Generation, because their location is stationary. As a result DS9 has a serial feel to it. Similar issues come up again and again because of this and it offers some depth to the whole show.
I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's get started.
Setting:
In truth I adore this universe. Having only been a passing participant in viewing Star Trek in the past it was awesome how readily available and (essentially) simple things were to understand. Now granted there are incredible levels of depth that have been fostered and developed not only by writers but by the ever loyal fans of the show. Few other universes have this level of ready accessibility (Firefly comes to mind).
In this section I’ll share the basics about the locations and species involved in the show. I will also include my impressions and thoughts.
Locations:
Bajor:
The primary planet of focus in the series. Populated by the Bajorans, a society united by their strong religious faith in wise beings they call the Prophets. Just prior to the beginning of the series Bajor had been freed from Cardassian Occupation. The Bajoran temporary government has enlisted the help of the United Federation of Planets to prevent a Cardassian return, much to the chagrin of some who believe in "Bajor for Bajorans."
We don’t see much of Bajor as far as being on it, most of what I’ll add is found in the Bajorans section.
Deep Space 9:
The Space Station of Deep Space Nine. Previously it was orbiting the planet Bajor and was under Cardassian occupation (as well as the planet Bajor). Newly freed from the Cardassians, the station is now under the primary control of the Federation, while also cooperatively controlled by Bajorans. It is the primary stopping point for all who travel through the wormhole, making it a place of great economic importance to the Bajorans. It is populated by many different species.
It has different feel than other Federation locations I’ve seen, this is because of it’s Cardassian design. It’s an interesting touch visually since, it feels much darker in many parts of the ship than you might detect when watching Next Generation. It really adds something since living in this architecture must be unsettling to all of the people not familiar with it. None of the characters are truly at home here (at least at first).
Wormhole:
The wormhole was discovered in the premiere episode of the series, and is a critical plot point. It is unique because it is stable so there is no fear of collapse. This is true because it is inhabited by a collection of beings (known to the Bajorans as the prophets), who created the wormhole as a dwelling place (the Bajorans believe it to be the fabled Celestial Temple of the Prophets).
Gamma Quadrant:
The area beyond the wormhole, located 67 light years from DS9. In it are countless new life forms. Many exploratory missions are sent there. Trading vessels move in and out. Many episodes focus on new lifeforms that emerge from the wormhole are residents of the Gamma Quadrant.
Including the Wormhole and Gamma Quadrant was a brilliant move. Without it they would have had to abandon the continuous interactions with other societies and races that have made this Universe so appealing to many generations. It cleverly puts this group of characters into the forefront of a very important series of events both politically, economically and socially. This is even more significant when you consider that these characters were originally under the impression that this was a back water station where they would be babysitting a vulnerable Bajor while trying to bring it into the Federation.
Species:
Humans:
The humans seen on the show are usually members of the Federation or else some form of merchant. Generally speaking there are no major differences in their moral code than the modern day.
The humans are meant to act as our anchor. Being that we are humans ourselves, we’ll readily connect with these characters in a sea of other races. It also allows us to see our own ideas and moral systems in effect (these are largely western ideologies). I like the constant contrast of our behavioral systems to other alien ways of behaving and living.
Bajorans:
The race of Bajor. Physically speaking there are few differences between the Bajorans and humans. Most notably they have an area of wrinkled skin on the bone of their nose and specially designed earrings worn on one ear. They are exceedingly religious (putting them at odds with the science focused humans) and hold their faith in the prophets as a very important part of their lives. Their religious leader (the Kai) is a wise being who is elected.
Given that the series is largely dealing with scientific minds (the humans being highly science-focused), it’s interesting to see a highly religious group as a central presence. Their religion saved them in a time of great tribulation for their people, and like many religions they have difficulties agreeing on how they must live. It feels like the
I like that they are not simply unified they are a divided people. Having just become free of the Cardassians, many Bajorans, especially those who fought as part of the resistance movement, feel that bringing in the Federation is simply trading one master for another. These groups (everything from protesters to domestic terrorists) are instead in favor of "Bajor for Bajorans." Other groups are thankful for the Federation presence as it helps the presently weakened Bajor recover without fear of a Cardassian return.
Ferengi:
A race of greedy unscrupulous beings whose first concern is the ever greater acquisition of money. They are short, brown bald creatures with enormous ears, and sharp pointed teeth. There are several Ferengi on DS9, most connected with Quark's bar.
Nothing is more brilliant for comedic relief than a race of beings that are grotesque and obsessed with the accumulation of money. It’s so funny to see what a society with gold-pressed latinum as the most important thing looks like. It also gives a tongue in cheek tease about our own super materialistic ways. These guys are fun.
Cardassians:
Gray-skinned beings with black slick hair and several abnormal bone formations most prominently connections that run from their shoulders to the base of their heads.
Former rulers over the Bajorans, the Cardassians are a ruthless violent race, who committed many atrocities against the Bajorans during their occupation. To say the relationship between Bajorans and Cardassians is tense is an understatement. The issues that exist between the Bajorans and Cardassians is a major portion of the story.
The Cardassians are really interesting. They are domineering and powerful. Cardassians are entirely willing to abuse other races for their own causes (chief most the need for resources and raw materials). They are a race that is presented as the most villainous and heinous race in the area, and they may be, but I like some of the more in depth looks at these characters that show that there are even some among their number who object to the atrocities. I can’t wait to learn more about their history with the Bajorans.
The Prophets/Wormhole Aliens:
The prophets are crystalline beings that live inside of the wormhole, they exist outside of time. To them past present and future are instantaneous, which is made clear as they interact with Benjamin Sisko who tries to convey to them the idea of a linear temporal existence. Though the Federation members see them simply as newly discovered lifeforms, the Bajorans treat them as gods who have often sent crystals filled with divine power to guide the Bajorans.
The Original Series and The Next Generation both put the need for cross-cultural understanding and respect among the races. DS9’s format could have resulted in a shirking of that story thread but instead grew on it. Remaining stationary has allowed for incredible depth in the ongoing story of the Bajorans and Cardassian Occupation. The continued presence of new races from the Gamma quadrant allows for the more traditional Star Trek style.
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