I think one of my favorite things in “Call to Arms” is how many different family interactions there are. We see Rom and Leeta continuing with their wedding planning. Jake and Sisko having a last dinner together. Miles sending his family to Earth for safe-keeping (well, we don’t see that part but still). It gives a grounded feeling of Life Goes ( Read more... )

I think the Trek franchise does horror quite well and “Empok Nor” is certainly no exception. This is a situation where obvious red shirts are used in the best possible way: their deaths help to ratchet up the suspense. I also find it intriguing that the two of the three main characters of the episode aren’t even in the main credits! Prophets I ( Read more... )

I think it’s interesting to put both Worf and Jadzia onto a Klingon Bird of Prey in “Soldiers of the Empire”. There are so many different dynamics going on here. Everyone involved is an outsider in some way and that’s fascinating. ( I am Worf, son of Mogh. I now take my place as first officer. I serve the captain, but I stand for the crew. )

I like that we get to spend more time with Kira’s Cardassian dad in “Ties of Blood and Water”. The joy on her face when he arrives on the station is just a wonder to behold. ( Oh, Vorta are immune to most forms of poison; it comes in handy when you are a diplomat. )

I think it’s interesting that “Doctor Bashir, I Presume” comes right on the heels of the changeling reveal. We learn a great deal about the good doctor in this season, and all of it rather unexpected. But I’ve got to say, I still think Julian’s got the best retro-continuity of any character twists in all of the Trek franchise. ( 'I'm still, your father Jules and I will not have you talk to me like that.'
'No. You used to be my father. Now you're my architect, a man who designed a better son, to replace the defective one he was given. Well your design has a built-in flaw. It's illegal.' )

Oh boy. Now we’re really getting to the good stuff. I’ve looking forward to “In Purgatory’s Shadow” since changeling Martok got killed. But first! The obligatory attempt to figure out When the Hell Bashir Got Taken. ( Lying is a skill like any other. And if you want to maintain a level of excellence, you have to practice constantly. )

“The Darkness and the Light” is super creepy. I always found this one unsettling, especially the end, but I don’t think I’ve seen it since having kids. It’s even freakier after having myself been pregnant. ( 'I was a soldier. You're just a bitter old man out for revenge.'
'I am bringing the guilty to justice. And unlike you, I take care to protect the innocent.' )

I was really looking forward to “The Ascent”. I think it’s my favorite of all of the Quark and Odo interactions. Getting them off the station and onto that mountaintop was a really good idea. ( 'Have I ever told you how much I hate that smug, superior attitude of yours?'
'Have I ever told you how much I hate your endless lying, your pathetic greed, your idiotic little schemes?' )

I know that “Let He Who is Without Sin...” is kind of a clunker, but I also kind of like it. I’m always amused by what a big ole prude Worf is and it’s funny to see just how far he’ll go before common sense kicks in. ( I have got to take you on vacation more often. )

I had been looking forward to “Nor the Battle to the Strong”. I’m really glad that we get to see what Jake’s like under the pressure of a warzone. ( It takes courage to look inside yourself, and more courage to write it for other people to see. )