Tag: War

“Star Trek: DS9”: Season 1, Episode 12 (“Battle Lines”)

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Kai Opaka (Camille Saviola), the spiritual leader of the Bajorans (who we met in the pilot), suddenly decides to visit DS9. She doesn’t say so, but Sisko can tell that she’s drawn toward the wormhole. Cmdr. Sisko (Avery Brooks), Dr. Bashir (Alexander Siddig), and Major Kira (Nana Visitor) take a runabout to show her the wormhole and pass through it to the Gamma Quadrant. They receive a distress call, but can’t tell where it’s coming from. Sisko wants to return to the space staion, but Opaka says she doesn’t get out much, so they explore further. They are led to a mysterious satellite network, which releases an energy burst, disabling the runabout. They crash land on a moon where Opaka dies almost instantly! While Kira weeps and sings a mourning song, a group of angry-looking humanoids (the Ennis) approach carrying weapons (cardboard blades w/ balls and old tool handles taped together). The leader, Shel-la (Jonathan Banks), explains that his people been placed here as prisoners, after a long war w/ the Nol-Ennis. They can’t die, but must live to fight (and die) repeatedly.

Bashir: What’s going on?

Sisko: Talks about a ceasefire.

Bashir: No kidding! How’d you arrange that?

Sisko: I told them we’d transport them off this moon.

Bashir: Isn’t that a bit like assisting a jailbreak?

Sisko: I don’t need you to interpret the Prime Directive for me, Doctor.

This is a well-done ep w/ some fine acting; its basic premise of two groups locked in a generations-old fight- w/ Starfleet attempting to make peace- has been done many times in the ST universe. This ep was one of the first to state exactly what the United Federation of Planets is; Sisko explains: “it is made up of over a hundred planets who have allied themselves for mutual scientific, cultural and defensive benefits. The mission that my people and I are on is to explore the galaxy.” Bashir repairs the medical scanner on the runabout, then discovers that the nanotechnology (which keeps people alive) only works at this location. The young doctor also saves Sisko’s life during a brutal fight between the Ennis and Nol.

Kai Opaka: Don’t deny the violence inside of you, Kira. Only when you accept it can you move beyond it.

Kira: I’ve known nothing but violence since I was a child.

Kai Opaka: In the eyes of the Prophets, we’re all children.

Kira: I’m afraid the Prophets won’t forgive me.

Kai Opaka: They’re just waiting for you to forgive yourself.

Kai Opaka (who comes alive) decides that it’s her pagh (“destiny”) to help these warring people “heal.” Kai Opaka is an interesting character; she feels that The Prophets (or wormhole aliens) meant for her to come to this place. The Bajorans had to fight (incl. resulting to acts of terrorism) to survive the long, brutal Cardassian occupation of their planet. They’re a deeply spiritual race and seem to be of a pacifist nature. Kai Opaka and Kira have a strong scene together, as do Sisko and Bashir.

“Star Trek: TNG” – Season 6, Episodes 16 & 17 (“Birthright, Parts I & II”)

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Part I

[Dr. Bashir has commented on Data’s more “human” attributes.]
Data: Most people are interested in my extraordinary abilities – how fast I can compute, my memory capacity, how long I will live. No one has ever asked me if my hair will grow, or noticed that I can breathe.
Bashir: Well, your creator went to a lot of trouble to make you seem human. I find that fascinating.

This TNG ep (written by Brannon Braga and edited by Rene Echevarria) originally aired between “Q-less” and “Dax” in S1 of DS9. While the Enterprise helps repair damages to DS9, a mysterious alien (James Cromwell) approaches Lt. Worf (Michael Dorn), claiming his father wasn’t killed in the battle of Khitomer 25 yrs ago, but is still alive and held in a Romulan prison camp. At first, Worf rebuffs this, for the dishonor it would bring his family. He changes his mind after talking to Counselor Troi (Marina Sirtis) and Lt. Cmdr. Data (Brent Spiner). Lt. La Forge (LeVar Burton) helps Dr. Bashir (Alexander Siddig) conduct an experiment w/ alien technology (found in the Gamma Quadrant). The equipment surges w/ power and a plasma shock knocks out Data. He experiences a vision of his “father” (creator), Dr. Noonien Soong.

Dr. Soong: I wasn’t sure you’d ever develop the cognitive abilities to make it this far, but if you’re here, if you can see me… you’ve crossed over the threshold from being a collection of circuits and subprocessors and have started a wonderful journey.

I enjoyed the youthful enthusiasm Bashir brought to this ep; he and Data (who is one of my favorites on TNG) get some nice moments. The doctor wants to know more re: the android’s “humanity.” We find out Data can grow hair, has a pulse, and can breathe if he wants to. Data and Worf have a fine scene in 10 Forward. I really liked the scene where Picard explains to Data that “he is a culture or one, and no less valid” than any other culture. Data’s paintings connected to his “dream” are pretty good. Spiner gets to stretch himself by also playing Dr. Soong.

Part II

Tokath: We’ve put aside the old hatreds. Here, Romulans and Klingons live in peace. I won’t allow you to destroy what we have.

Lt. Worf: Do not deceive yourself. These people are not happy here. I see the sadness in their eyes.

Tokath: That’s not what I see when I look in my wife’s eyes. I married a Klingon. So you see, when I warn you not to disrupt our lives here, I’m not speaking just as a jailor; but as a man protecting his family.

This ep was written by Echevarria and edited by Braga. These two writers, as well as Ron Moore, were esp. interested in the Klingons. In TOS, the Klingons are one-note bad guys; they are developed more in TNG and also play crucial role in DS9. Many fans complained that here was no further exploration of Data’s visions. We never uncover the mystery of the device Bashir had (and he doesn’t appear even in the ep).

Toq: Today I learned the ritual hunt, but that is not all I learned. I discovered that warriors’ blood runs through my veins. I do not know how, or why, but we have forgotten ourselves. Our stories are not told, our songs are not sung!

After discovering survivors from the Romulan attack on Khitomer (which established peace between the Klingons and the Federation), Worf resists becoming one of them. The elders explain that it’s not a prison, as they’ve chosen to remain, since returning would dishonor their families. Worf begins to teach the younger Klingons about their ancestry and tradition. A young woman becomes interested in Worf. Dorn gets to carry this ep, which he is very capable of doing. Though I’ve heard some women fans say that Worf is “a symbol of toxic masculinity,” he slowly evolves into well-rounded character over his time on TNG, the movies, and (later) on DS9.

[1] Overall a very mixed episode; some good moments but also some uncomfortable themes.

[2] This is the first time we get to hear actual Klingon music...

And in true Worf fashion, he never backs down. …Worf’s obsession with Klingon Duty, Honour and Principles could be at times, tiresome.

-Excerpts from IMDB reviews

“Star Trek: DS9”: Episode Guide (The Dominion War)

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Are you taking some time during quarantine to rewatch (or finish watching) some fave shows? I recently rewatched the series premiere of Deep Space Nine (DS9). The first stable wormhole (in the ST universe) discovered by the DS9 crew is known to the Bajorans as the Celestial Temple of their Prophets. Sisko, as discoverer of the wormhole and its inhabitants, is called the Emissary of Bajoran prophecy. The wormhole’s other end is in the Gamma Quadrant, halfway around the galaxy from the planet Bajor (recently liberated from Cardassian occupation which lasted 70 yrs). Bajor is not ready to be a part of the Federation, as there is much conflict between government factions.

Series creators Rick Berman and Michael Pillar started out wanting to keep DS9 (which originally aired on TV from 1993-199) episodic, like TNG and TOS. In S3, Pillar left the head writing position; Ira Steven Behr (who became Executive Producer in 1995) and Ron Moore (Co-EP: 1997-1999), got more influence (starting S3) and developed the exciting/innovative Dominion War story arc (S5-7). The Dominion is led by “the Founders”, a race of shape-shifting Changelings in the Gamma Quadrant, the same species as security chief Odo. The Founders were once persecuted by non-shape-shifters (who they call “Solids”). The Founders seek to impose “order” upon any who could potentially harm them, incl. all Solids. They have created (or genetically modified) races to serve them: the Vorta (sly diplomats) and the Jem’Hadar (fearless troops). These races worship the Founders as gods.

Rules of Acquisition (S2) marks the first mention of the Dominion, but they are not fully introduced until the S2 finale, The Jem’Hadar. Some fans have noted that the actual fighting of the war doesn’t start until In Purgatory’s Shadow/By Inferno’s Light in S5, or as late as Call to Arms. Since I last saw eps from S6 (not sure where I stopped watching), I plan to stick to the list below. It includes first contact and the “cold war” period, as well as a few suggested eps. *This indicates episodes that involve the Jem’Hadar.

Season 2

E26: The Jem’Hadar

Season 3

E1 & 2: The Search (Parts I &II)

E6: The Abandoned*

E20 & 21: Improbable Cause/The Die is Cast

E26: The Adversary

Season 4

E1: The Way of the Warrior

E3: Hippocratic Oath*

E6: Starship Down

E10 & 11: Homefront/Paradise Lost

E22: To the Death

E25: Broken Link

Season 5

E1: Apocalypse Rising

E2: The Ship

E10: Rapture*

E14 & E15: In Purgatory’s Shadow/By Inferno’s Light

E21: Soldiers of the Empire*

E25: In the Cards*

E26: Call to Arms

Season 6

First six episodes

E10: The Magnificent Ferengi*

E14: One Little Ship*

E19: In the Pale Moonlight

E22: Valiant*

E26: Tears of the Prophets

Other Suggested Episodes (Season 6): 

E9: Statistical Probablities

E11: Waltz

E16: Change of Heart

Season 7

E1 & 2: Image in the Sand/Shadows and Symbols

E6: Treachery, Faith and the Great River

E7: Once More Unto the Breach*

E8: The Siege of AR-558

E10: It’s Only a Paper Moon*

E14: Chimera*

E16: Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges

Final 8 episodes (including the series finale: What You Leave Behind)

“Star Trek: TNG” – S3, E15 (“Yesterday’s Enterprise”)

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This is one of the top-rated (also fan fave) eps of Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG); I’ve seen it 3x over the years. At the 50th anniversary Star Trek convention in Las Vegas in August 2016, fans voted this the 5th best ep of the franchise. It’s well-written (despite having 6 different writers- incl. a young Ronald D. Moore), tense (w/ great music and innovative direction), thrilling, and includes an element that Star Trek doesn’t usually do well (romance). Our heroes on the Enterprise-D see a “temporal rift” opening in space, which Data (Brent Spiner) thinks could be unstable. Lt. Tasha Yar (Denise Crosby) is alive in this alternate timeline where the Federation is in a 20+ yr. war w/ the Klingons! Lt. Worf- being a Klingon- is not there; Michael Dorn had a fun scene in the opening of the ep w/ Guinan (Whoopi Goldberg). This is the ep where he gets introduced to “warrior” drink (prune juice)- LOL!

Capt. Picard (Patrick Stewart) and Cmdr. Riker (Jonathan Frakes) don’t like each other. I esp. liked the (dark) lighting used on the bridge. The uniforms are a bit different (militaristic); the crew wears silver belts on their hips (which holds phasers). We hear “battle alert” followed by a “condition” (either yellow or red). Unlike the Captain’s log and Stardates, Picard records a Military log using “combat dates.” This is the first time Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton) is seen wearing a Starfleet uniform.

The world we know changed when the Enterprise-C traveled 22 yrs. in the future commanded by (a lady boss) Capt. Garrett (Tricia O’Neil). The actress does a terrific job; many fans noted that she paved the way for Capt. Janeway on Voyager. Dr. Crusher (Gates McFadden) tells her to rest longer in sick bay, but she’s a tough cookie (insisting that her crew needs her). I esp. liked the scene w/ Garrett and Picard on her ship’s bridge; he lowers his voice at one point to admit that the war is going worse than commonly known. O’Neil later played a Klingon in TNG (Suspicions) and a Cardassian in DS9 (Defiant).

Lt. Castillo (Christopher McDonald), the helmsman under Garrett, is wowed by the tech, incl. modern weaponry. He learns much from Tasha as they spend the day together; they start to develop feelings for each other. As some viewers noted, their relationship happens naturally (unlike what you’d expect from episodic TV). I learned that McDonald was one of the top actors vying for the role of Riker- no wonder he fits in so well in this episode! The costumes worn by the crew of the Enterprise-C may look familiar to movie fans; these are similar to designs on Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan (which I watched recently).

Guinan knows something is wrong, though she can’t explain exactly what to Picard (who gets rather mad at her). After seeing Nichelle Nichols as Uhura in TOS as a young girl (and getting very inspired), Goldberg vowed that she’d be part of the Star Trek world someday. Tasha notices that Guinan is acting weird around her; it’s b/c they were never meant to know each other. In time, Picard realizes that the Enterprise-C must return to its own time/place to restore the original timeline. They would (most likely) die defending a Klingon outpost against the Romulans, but could prevent a war.

We brought Denise Crosby back to kill off Tasha Yar a second time. It was a great opportunity to send the character off in a big heroic sacrifice because nobody was really happy with the way she left the series in the first season. Nobody on the show really liked it, the fans didn’t like it, I’m not sure even she really liked it. So “Yesterday’s Enterprise” was a chance to kill her right. -Ron Moore

“Star Trek”: Season 3, Episode 7 (“Day of the Dove”)

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[1] Filled with action, intrigue, a dash of horror and mystery, along with a good deal of fret by both sides of the coin, this episode brings the awful truth of wartime drama to the audience.

[2] This episode delivers a few memorable scenes of our heroic Enterprise officers behaving in atypical fashion, recalling a few other episodes where they were subverted mentally somehow. In this case, it involved reversion to basic primal instincts such as race hatred and bloodthirst, allowing actors Kelley, Doohan, Koenig and even the usually placid Nimoy to tap into their inner rage. The intense quarrel between Spock and Scotty is especially startling.

[3] Michael Ansara’s Kang was superbly cast in his role as the Klingon commander who has no qualms about torturing Chekov or shutting off life systems in those sections of the Enterprise which the Federation crew still control. Bixby also gives an important role to Mara, Kang’s wife and one of the only Klingon women ever depicted in TOS, as the peacemaker of the show who ultimately convinces Kang to reach a truce with Kirk.

-Excerpts from IMBD reviews

After receiving a distress call, the Enterprise goes to a Federation colony; when the landing party beams down, they find no one. Capt. Kirk (William Shatner) and the Enterprise have to deal w/ a nearby Klingon ship which they believe to be responsible. When the Klingon ship is disabled, they assume the attack came from the Enterprise. Commander Kang (Michael Ansara) argues with Kirk about who attacked who, then holds Kirk and his party hostage. Kirk sends Spock (Leonard Nimoy) a signal before they’re beamed up. Spock beams the landing party up and keeps the Klingons de-materialized until a security team is ready to subdue them. Kirk imprisons the Kilngons (about 40 in total). Kang wears the same golden sash that would be worn (on the opposite shoulder) by Lt. Worf in the first season of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Spock informs Kirk that the Klingons were too far to attack the colony. After some Klingon plotting and waiting to take over, the Enterprise crew loses control (the ship starts warping in a random course). A large portion of the crew becomes trapped on an isolated area of the ship, leaving 40 men. The usual phasers we see turn into swords; this ep has sword fighting. Kirk uses a US Model 1860 cavalry saber. Scotty finds a type of sword in the armory which Scots are very proud of- a basket hilt Claymore (from the Elizabethan era or later).

Mr. Spock: [deflecting Scott’s maniac temper from Kirk] Easy, Mr. Scott.

Scott: Keep your Vulcan hands off me! Just keep away! Your feelings might be hurt, you green-blooded half-breed!

Mr. Spock: May I say that I have not thoroughly enjoyed serving with Humans? I find their illogic and foolish emotions a constant irritant.

Scott: Then transfer out, freak!

An alien creature of unknown origin has come aboard; it feeds off hate and violence! A wild-eyed Scotty (James Doohan) nearly gets into a fight w/ Spock (who is also changed) on the bridge; the captain has to intercede. Chekov (Walter Koenig) wants revenge for the death of a brother (though Sulu explains that he’s an only child). He nearly assaults Mara (Susan Howard), Kang’s wife/science officer, but is stopped by Kirk and Spock.

Dr. McCoy: Gentlemen, if we are pawns, you’re looking at one who is extremely sorry.

Mr. Spock: I understand, Doctor. I, too, felt a brief surge of racial bigotry. Most distasteful.

I was looking up reviews for this ep when I found a (hilarious) Trump parody.