Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (TV Series) Duet (1993) User Reviews

The best episode in the show's seven-year run

[garrard · 10/10 · 3 June 2006]

As the title implies, "Duet" is basically a two-character study featuring cast member Nana Visitor (Major Kira Nerys) going head to head with guest Haris Yulin, playing a suspected war criminal, responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Bajorans in an internment camp. As the two engage in a "war of words," the show, like good science fiction, has strong commentary on the intricacies of war and the roles that are played by both sides of the antagonistic "coin." Visitor is fantastic as her character struggles with her determination to see justice but must toy with doubts about the man's guilt. Yulin volleys back and forth as "suspect" or possible "innocent".

The end result of the drama is just as surprising to the viewer as it is to the on-screen characters.

This installment is a true example of quality television.

This is arguably the best episode of any Star Trek series ever.

[jeffb-314-169042 · 10/10 · 15 April 2012]

It is difficult to discuss the meaning of this episode of DS9 without revealing important plot twists. However, I can say, as an avid fan of all the Star Trek series, this episode stuck with me more than any other.

The Cardassian occupation of Bajor was in many ways comparable to the Nazi extermination of the Jews. When it appears a Cardassian war criminal, who was responsible for countless murders of innocent Bajorans, might have been discovered on DS9, it looks, at first, like this episode will be some melodrama about the powerful victimizing the weak, or perhaps the evils of militaristic societies.

But this episode holds some surprises. I'll refrain from giving any more details about this episode other than to say this was one of the rare times that any TV show has inspired such an emotional response in me.

It is a shame that science fiction on television is not held in higher regard because this episode was worthy of an Emmy Award.

DS9 manages to take the viewer to remarkable places without moving an inch.

[cannotlogon103 · 9/10 · 16 April 2010]

I have long had mixed feelings about Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. On the one hand, it has such fine pedigree, I can't help but be intrigued. On the other, the idea of a "trekking the stars" while aboard a stationary space port seemed a contradiction in terms, and a recipe for boredom.

And yet, a surprisingly high percentage of Trek devotees hold up DS9 as the very pinnacle of the Trek series and the Trek "mission". They will tell you it is the most cerebral, the most philosophical, the most challenging. And, more often than not, they are right. Unlike TOS, TNG, VOY and ENT, DS9 (particularly in its first few seasons) rarely relies on hostile aliens, pyrotechnic space battles and mysterious spatial anomalies threatening its crew to hold the attention of its audience. Warp is NOT a factor on DS9, as it is a series dedicated not to the exploration of the far reaches of space, but to the exploration of the even more inscrutable mysteries of the mind.

"Duet" is the best of the first season, and, arguably, the best episode of the entire series. (Some here have even suggested it may be the best episode of ALL the Trek iterations.) Using clever plot twists, seemingly contradictory clues, and brilliant dialog culminating with a revelation that hits the viewer square in the gut, leaving you quite literally breathless. It is a beautifully written, performed, composed and produced episode.

Others here have revealed enough about the basic plot that I need not restate it; instead, I post this review just to add to the consensus, and let all those considering watching this episode (and this series), that this is amazing television, and far-reaching "exploration" -- even though the space explored is no bigger than that between your ears!

One of the best episodes of the best Star Trek series

[DSNForever · 10/10 · 31 October 2006]

This is the best episode of Deep Space Nine's first season, one of the best episodes of the series and one of the best episodes of the Star Trek franchise.

Everything works in this episode. The cast's performances, especially Nana Visitor's, are excellent. Harris Yulin puts in one his amazing career's best performances as Aamin Marritza, a Cardassian who is disgusted at the war crimes his people committed on Bajor during the Occupation. To make his people admit their guilt, he disguises himself as the most bloodthirsty and cruel Cardassian on Bajor during the Occupation.

This is episode is the favorite of Nana Visitor and author Terry Erdmann among many others.

Transcendent television

[troyroebuck · 10/10 · 7 February 2011]

The Star Trek franchise has often been thought of as television light. At times that's been a fair criticism, with exceptions such as TNG's "The Inner Light" and "City on the Edge of Forever" from the original. With "Duet," Deep Space Nine makes its case to be taken seriously.

I feel no compulsion to run down the plot points of "Duet," DS9's second to last first season episode. "Duet" transcends Star Trek, or science fiction, for that matter. It is simply one of the finest hours of television you'll likely ever see. Harris Yulin's stunning performance is Emmy-worthy. And Nana Visitor holds her own in her self-described favorite episode.

Rarely do you find such a sublime example of writing, acting and theme on the small screen. "Duet" is TV as high art, something that's become far too rare.

Best of the best

[DavidKinne · 10/10 · 13 June 2010]

I won't discuss in detail the plot of this episode - others have done so better than I can - but I agree that this episode is one of the best pieces of television I have ever seen.

Deep Space Nine always was/is the best of the Treks, as it did not always have a happy ending, but often made you think so that the "ending" depended on your outlook.

I remember seeing this episode when it was first run in Australia and being totally wowed by it. It is an episode that takes you down one direction, then swings you 180 degrees, and ends by making you rethink all you know about guilt and redemption. It truly was the best of the best.

A life changing episode for a thinking audience.

Not just good Star Trek, but good television

[rtf3310 · 10/10 · 10 July 2021]

It's hard for me to recall how I felt the first time I saw this episode, as I have now seen it so many times, but at first glance, it appears to be analogous to the Nazi concentration camp atrocities, and in many ways it is, but instead of the seething you expect to see from Kira when Marritza arrives at the station, we are slowly introduced to a whole other story. Without going into too much detail on the episode, it pleasantly and emotionally subverts expectations in the right way.

Harris Yulin absolutely steals the show. His performance is award-worthy, and Nana Visitor's performance is a great companion to Yulin's. But I cannot overstate how good Harris Yulin was in this episode, it is the best performance by an actor in a Star Trek episode in my opinion.

There will be plenty of reviews in detail about the story, I just want to say that this episode is why DS9 is so special. This took a unique look at the Star Trek universe in a way that I never saw again. It helped peel back layers of Kira's character, as well as foster her coming to terms with her past. Between the acting, characters, and performances it is a must-watch and arguably one of the best episodes of television of all time.

A great episode

[Tweekums · 10/10 · 26 February 2010]

I thought this episode would turn out to be of the type where somebody turning up at the station claiming to be a total innocent would be exposed as a war criminal and most of the way through it looked as if I was right. While that wouldn't necessarily have been bad it would be a little cliché, thankfully the ending was both surprising and touching.

When Aamin Marritza, a Cardassian, arrives at the station asking for medicine for a disease which has only one known source; an accident at a forced labour camp on occupied Bajor. Major Kira wants him to be sent to Bajor so he can be tried for war crimes. At first he claims he wasn't there but later admits that he was but only as a lowly file clerk. When the Bajorans send the only known photograph of Aamin Marritza it doesn't match the man they have in custody, he is in the picture though, only he is not the lowly file clerk but notorious camp commandant Gul Darhe'el. When confronted with this new evidence the prisoner changes his story to such an extent that he positively revels in the atrocities... there is just one problem; Gul Darhe'el was away from the camp at the time of the accident so couldn't possibly have the disease the prisoner clearly does. Ultimately we learn that he was in fact that lowly file clerk, a man who was so disgusted by what happened at the camp that he was willing to stand trial so justice could be seen to be done even though the true war criminal was long dead.

This episode featured great performances from Nana Visitor as Major Kira and guest star Harris Yulin as the Cardassian prisoner.

Well written, powerful

[maligor5 · 10/10 · 13 October 2021]

Duet is the only remarkable first season ep of DS9. The writers really sunk their teeth in creating a deep, layered, and twisting character study of two head strong individuals. It's a great episode dealing with stereotypes, bias, expectations. It also reminds us how the world is such an imperfect place.

Well, it's music to my ears.

[thevacinstaller · 10/10 · 12 March 2020]

It is a rare thing to actually emotionally move me. The performances, the dialogue, the beautiful idea behind the act of self sacrifice by Maritza pretending to be Gul Dar Heel all hit that perfect harmony.

This season suprised me with how serialized it actually was. Kira's been on a journey of self discovery about confronting the darker side of her history and then this episode happens. Up until this point the Cardassians have manage to overtake Romulans as the biggest jerks in galactic history and it was nice to see a sympathetic Cardassian character with depth.

Haris Yulan gets credit and it is well deserved for a great performance. I want to single out Nana Vistor as also being worthy of praise in terms of giving 100 percent every episode she is in. She's one of those actors that you can sometimes forget is putting on a masterful performance because the character just seems so natural in the show (Data in Next Gen as an example). Have no fear Nana --- I am appreciating your performance. Love ya.

Random thoughts:

Sisko ------ He's such a good guy team player. Bending the rules because he knows how important this 'justice' is for Kira.

Odo ------ Continues to impress with his ability to reason out a mystery.

Damn good episode

[vorlonhomeworld · 10/10 · 4 September 2008]

This was a damn good episode. Harris Yulin was superb as Guldar Heel (nice name for a villain too - get it, "HEEL" ) I loved the line "I'm your nemesis, I'm GulDar Heel"! He actually played two different character, Amin Marittza as Guldar Heel, then Amin Marittza as himself. Both were totally believable, and I love the wrap-around ending. The character at the beginning of the movie that was released from jail was told to "stay out of trouble", and he doesn't. The Cardassian that was seen as an enemy by Major Kira, is, considered , by implication, an ally. It was a hearkening back to the original star trek,where social commentary was disguised as Sci-Fi. Best episode on of that series ever!

Great Performance Harris Yulin

[dejelm2 · 23 April 2019]

This is without a doubt the best of all the Star Treks. The acting of Harris Yulin is magnificent. I was blown away by his ability to change course so quickly from someone who denies being a war criminal. to having the greatest joy of accomplishment of being the war criminal who was in charge of genocide. He then is found out to be the lowly file clerk who hated the war and himself for not being able to stop it. His acting was absolutely superb. He should have won an award.

The Reader, only better!

[ashleyannkennedy · 7/10 · 26 April 2021]

This episode tackles the gray zone in warfare where unwilling accomplices to atrocities end up suffering PTSD as a result of their presence. Instead of romanticizing this gray area, as happened in 2008 movie The Reader, DS9 more gracefully broaches the subject.

While some viewers will resonate particularly well with the 180° swap near the end, I for one wasn't convinced and would have preferred a more robust exploration of the ethics of complicity in war crimes, especially when all of it is pitted against Kira's biased, overzealous perspective. All it took was a single sentence wherein a prolific liar confesses he had allegedly covered his ears every night? Come on.

Kira's response at the end, however, shows personal growth, and overall I would recommend this episode alongside S01E01 for mandatory Star Trek viewing.

Yawn

[iblack-23610 · 2/10 · 30 August 2022]

How many times are TV shows going rehash this cartoonishly pathetic version of Germany in WW2? Yes I get the whole Bajor trauma issue but this script is just so see through and obvious is almost funny.

So here you have a mentally ill guy that decided to surgically alter himself into someone he considers to be evil........for some reason. Insists to Kira and the others that he's not this guy, then admits he is even though he's not...... stupid story and again so cartoonishly dumb im surprised it made it off the ground let alone made it into production!

Thankfully the writer's only touched on this foolishness briefly in future episodes, went on to create true masterpiece's and left this useless episode in the dustbin were it belongs.

One of the best

[weshall55 · 10/10 · 16 September 2018]

Top notch writing & acting. A perfect stand alone episode that defys being put into any genre. The emotional sense of loss and guilt is real.

Exemplary. (Some Spoilers vary by interpretation)

[drquantumswildride · 9/10 · 9 November 2016]

This episode was, simply put, one of the most outstanding examples of paradigm shifts in Star Trek history. At points you are compelled to loathe the entire Cardassian species. You are brought into the minds of the worst aspects of their species (Played magnificently by Harris Yulin) only to be ripped, swiftly, from that aspect into an example of what can only be called the survivor's guilt of a broken soul. In addition to that element you have the war inside Kira Nerys' mind (Played by Nana Visitor) as she attempts to cope with the byproduct of what was a horrific genocide for her people. This is one of those select moments in Television where a show becomes somewhat difficult to observe for all the right reasons. It is supposed to hurt you, if it didn't you're barely human to begin with. It deals with prejudice, spite, xenophobic malevolence, regret, sorrow, horror, atrocity, aggression, ignorance, guilt, and the willingness for a man who sat by doing nothing to make one last sacrifice in the name of those he witnessed being brutalized in front of him. This is probably my favorite Star Trek episode from any series with The Inner Light and I Borg being near seconds, and I enjoy every series whether or not the episode is meant to be serious or humorous in temperament. This is probably one of my top five favorite Science Fiction TV show episodes ever.

A Waltz for Major Kira

[XweAponX · 10/10 · 26 July 2012]

I must say in response to something that greatly offends me: Deep Space Nine was in NO WAY a "Mediocre Trek" - DS9 rose above all of the standards for Science Fiction Television shows of the Networks, of the Trek Franchise and no other show has come close to the Quality of Imagery, of Writing, and of Acting in this one Trek show that stands all by itself outside of the Franchise.

This episode is Bookended to S6E11 "Waltz" and has a much similar structure. That episode had The Sisko having his personal confrontation with Gul Dukat, who had gone mad, and had been given every opportunity to make up for a past filled with Murder and Destruction.

In this episode, a man named Amin Marritza, who has "Kallo-Nohra Syndrome" is brought to the Station by a Kobheerian Freighter Captain, played by Normal Large: Who was Romulan Proconsul Neral in ST:TNG.

As Kallo-Nohra Syndrome was contracted by Bajoran Prisoners from only one place: The Gallitepp Forced-Labour Camp, Kira is excited to meet one of her personal heroes. But when she gets to Sick Bay, she is confronted with Amin Marritza (Harris Yulin), who is a Cardassian.

The only other people to contract this disease other than the Bajora, were their Cardassian Overseers and Torturers, and so Kira immediately has Marritza arrested by Odo.

If it were up to The Sisko, he'd have Marritza released immediately, but Kira makes such a stink about this guy, she thinks he is actually Gul Darhe'el, a Cardassian War Criminal who the Bajora had never gotten the opportunity to arrest.

In a way, this mirrors the prosecution of Nazi War Criminals post WWII, maybe some of them deserved Prosecution, and maybe some of them were like Marritza: They were forced to do their jobs even though they hated what they were doing.

If Nerys is correct, this guy is Darhe'el, and he deserves to be put to death.

But The Sisko has Odo and Dr Bashir do further investigation. While waiting for results, Major Kira has several conversations with Marritza: Who at first refuses to admit he is Gul Darhe'el. But as he is pressed, and it becomes apparent that this guy *is* hiding something, he breaks down and Admits to Nerys that he really is Darhe'el and actually enjoyed murdering and torturing Bajorans.

Someone mentions "Man in the Glass Both" and I agree that this episode is an Homage to that play. But here, we have some of the best Dialogue of The Series, in Kira's Discussions with the great Harris Yulin.

In "Ghostbusters II" Yulin gets to go off on one of his little Orations: This was how I recognized the actor in this episode as 'The Judge who wanted to burn Ghostbusters at the stake!" Here, he is describing the Horrors he inflicted on The Bajorans at Gallitepp, with the exact same relish as that character.

That Dialog alone makes this one of the greatest Television Episodes, of any series, ever. I could have lived if this guy really was this "Butcher of Gallitepp" - But as it was found out, Marritza was exactly who he said he was at the beginning of the episode: A Clerk and Accountant, who used to cover his ears when the Screams of the Bajorans came at night. This is another part of the conversation which is Mirrored in "Waltz" - When Dukat's internal "Weyoun" tells Dukat how much he really enjoyed those same screams.

In this episode, we have a meek man, pretending to be a Butcher, in "Waltz" we have a Butcher who is trying to convince The Sisko, he is NOT a Butcher.

Great Writing and Great Continuity between a Season 1 and Season 6 episode, and by the time Season Six rolled around, Marc Alaimo (Dukat) was able to pull off what Yulin pulls off with ease in this episode.

A Trek Classic

[lilszard · 9/10 · 26 April 2019]

Harris Yulin's performance as the enigmatic Cardassian is flawless. I've just watched this episode again for the 8th or 9th time (I lost count) and I'm still mesmerized by him. An incredible character in a tragically beautiful episode.

Worthy of a movie. Worthy of an Oscar.

[mrkompressor · 10/10 · 7 June 2019]

This may have been the episode that made me a Deep Space Nine fan.

Star Trek the Next Generation had always been on tv when I was growing up and my family watched it sometimes. Naturally I liked Star Trek TNG but when DS9 came around I didn't "get" it.... they're just on a weird space station 24/7 ??

So now that I'm grown up, I'm very lucky that the reruns are currently still on (H&I network and others) fairly often. That's how I ended up catching this as a rerun.

It's really true, that old concept about seeing the world as a child vs as an adult. Now that I'm older and a little bit wiser, I appreciate the story, the writing, the directing and the whole experience of a movie or a TV show -- and that's where this episode really shines.

Many previous episodes of DS9 were spent trying to establish the plot or placate fans of the previous two versions of Star Trek. But this episode changed everything. Often times, Star Trek would make you think - and sometimes even re-think a social idea or concept. And they'r great episodes in many ways too. But this episode brings you in, twists the plot, ratchets up the tension, and in the end, genuinely makes you FEEL an emotion.

This is powerful.

I've seen this episode three times now and every time I see it, I get pulled into the moment, and when it's over, all I can help but say is "G*d d*mn" ... because you walk away feeling the weight of what happened.

Between the writers, the cast and the directors, to say the least, this one hour episode of "scifi" transcended TV and reached deep into the soul - even if just for a moment- of those who actually stop and watch it. A rare accomplishment these days indeed.

Bravo and well done, to all involved in this show. And thank you.

Cardassian History X

[Ar_Pharazon_the_golden · 9/10 · 14 August 2014]

While I think calling this episode the best of all Star Trek, or even just of DS9, is very exaggerated, it is a fine example of good science fiction. The parallels that can be drawn between the plot and history are perhaps a little too obvious, but this is the point: to make you think about something by talking about something else.

There are three elements that make the episode work so well. First, Harris Yulin puts on an excellent guest performance as Aamin Marritza / Gul Darhe'el, being charming and maniacal at equal measures. Secondly, the twists, although more than a few, are believable - there is a logic in the layers of deception, it isn't an effort to fool the audience. And lastly, the ending is fitting not only dramatically, but also as a final lesson.

My start into Trekdom.

[jroksst · 10/10 · 7 December 2019]

This episode happened to be on while one of my parents was working around the house. I had never really gotten into trek. Only watched an episode here or there when my parents had turned it on, but I hadn't seen anything that made me really want to watch Star Trek. This 45 minutes of television changed that.

First, the writing and script for the episode were excellent. What an incredible story that was extremely well put together. It had twists and turns that I truly didn't expect and the final reveal was perfectly placed. The acting by Visitor and particularly Harris Yulin was amazing. Yulin gave an oscar-worthy performance here and made you truly understand what it would be like to be in his shoes.

Seeing this episode made me understand what True Star Trek was about and how the thoughts and feelings that come from these incredible episodes can help us set our vision higher and reach for the stars.

A Parallel Presentation

[Hitchcoc · 10/10 · 28 September 2018]

The Duet here is the clash of two people. Kira sees a Cardassian who has been sent for medical treatment and recognizes him as a war criminal from the horrors on Bajor. Apparently, there were death camps, much like Auschwitz and Treblinka, where the Cardassians got great enjoyment over sadistic actions against their adversaries. It is, of course, Nazi Germany, and this man is despicable. He savors the deaths of Kira's people. But there are some interesting plot twists here which I won't reveal. Suffice it to say, there are some really poignant issues dealt with. I see that there is general consensus on the quality of this episode.

Very strong

[fhazduzj · 10/10 · 6 July 2022]

The first episode that really showed how strong DS9 could be

Amazing performance from Nana Visitor and the main guest actor in this one. This was definitely an important character building moment for Kira

One of the best DS9 (and Trek in general) episodes and a must see.

Definitely Check This Episode Out!

[jsbrowning78 · 10/10 · 20 January 2023]

This episode along with In The Pale Moonlight (1998), The Way Of The Warrior (1995), Far Beyond The Stars (1998) & Trials and Tribble-ations (1996) are (in my opinion) the Best & Top 5 episodes of Deep Space Nine (& easily in the Top 25 episodes across the entire Star Trek franchise). Nana Visitor (as Major Kira Nerys) & Harris Yulin (as Gul Darhe'el/Aamin Marittza) were Both Excellent here! Here we get to see how extraordinarily gifted that Nana truly is. Harris Yulin is as brilliant & moving as he always is. This episode is, also, the real starting point of Major Kira finally facing her buried emotions & past demons regarding the Cardassian Occupation. Not to mention we get to see the first real glimpse of just how Phenomenal Deep Space Nine is & an Amazing look into what this series is going to become going forward. The only bad thing about this episode is that we never get to see Haris Yulin return as Amin Marritza in future episodes (perhaps as part of Damar's Cardassian Rebellion from the Dominion towards the end of Season 7). Definitely check this episode out! Lastly, In the words of a famous movie/Tv reviewers duo, "Two Thumbs Up!" 👍👍

The Best Episode of Star Trek.

[admiralgorn · 10/10 · 19 November 2017]

This is, in my personal opinion, the most powerful episode of Star Trek ever brought to fruition. The central issue is the guilt of the coward: something that we all fear, despise, and yet sympathize with. We pray that when morality is discarded we will have the bravery to stand against inhuman cruelty, and yet we know we can't; a society in motion pays no heed to the ethics of the individual. This episode beautifully portrays the emotional evisceration of a Cardassian who was too afraid to stand and sacrificed himself after the war to bring justice to those who suffered as a result of his indecision. Nana Visitor, herself one of the most talented actors (or actresses) in ST history conveys the evolution of a person consumed by hatred for the enemy to despair for those who could not protest true evil with masterful skill.

Star Trek has served as grounds for calling into question many of Western society's most pressing ethical questions; let each viewer of "Duet" be reminded of the burning and eternal torment of the coward, a guilt that can be understood but cannot be forgotten or forgiven.

Harris Yulin and Nana Visitor should be congratulated as having been the vessels of the most powerful emotional journey in all of Star Trek's history.