Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (TV Series) Heart of Stone (1995) User Reviews

Quality A and B plots!

[thevacinstaller · 8/10 · 30 March 2020]

To think just an episode ago Nog was demanding a human woman cut his food her him --- now look at him --- bribing Sisko to get into Starfleet.

I enjoy this episode for presenting the idea of Nog becoming a Starfleet officer. In all the previous episodes there was no hints or tip of the hand that Nog was to be destined for anything more then Quarks server. It was also the end point of quite a bit of character growth for Sisko in terms of abandoning his Ferengi stereotypes caused by watching too many Next Gen episodes.

It's a universal story for Nog and one that is easy to identify with. Some people get a really bad life hand and don't get the option to better themselves like Nog does here. He gets that and this is his moment to get out of the subservient cycle he has grown up in.

I enjoyed the Odo story. Kira's definitely not a 'I love you' type of girl so I was glad that Odo picked up on that and ended the charade. Boy, the Changelings are not big on personal privacy. I mean --- You could just ask him? "Odo, why do you like the angry bajoran woman?" But the changelings do like to put on a performance so here we go messing with Odo and attempting to 'accident kill' the woman he loves, so that he will be more pliable to the idea of returning to the great link? At this point in DS9 we definitely see a change in Odo. This is the first episode where he truly opens up and shows that he has grown as an entity from his interactions with those boy scouts/girl guides in Starfleet.

Odo makes an admission and Nog wants to join Star Fleet

[Tweekums · 8/10 · 23 April 2010]

When Odo and Major Kira chase a Marquis ship into the badlands the land on a small unstable moon and separate to find the pilot. Soon Odo hears a shout and finds Kira has trapped by a strange crystal which has encased her foot. At first neither is really concerned but when they can't break it they get a bit more concerned. Fireing a phaser at it merely causes it to grow more quickly. As it grows they get more and more desperate and by the time it is almost up to her neck Kira orders Odo to leave her before he is harmed by one of the regular earthquakes; he however refuses as he won't leave the woman he loves. In a secondary story Nog tries to convince Commander Sisko to help him join Star Fleet.

The main story was decent and it was nice to see Odo state how he feels for Kira, even if everything isn't quite what it initially appears. Surprisingly the secondary story will prove to be more important to the series in the long run as it sees an important change in Nog's character that will ultimately see him become a valued member of Star Fleet.

Strong character episode

[snoozejonc · 8/10 · 4 May 2022]

Kira and Odo follow a Marquis ship and Nog wants to join Starfleet Academy.

This is an enjoyable episode with some great character-defining moments.

The plot is centred around exploring aspects of two different characters and it does this very well with a good A/B plot structure and a number of great dialogue exchanges.

I cannot say much about the Kira and Odo plot without spoiling. However, the Nog plot is just as good and nicely develops the character beyond what has come before.

It's success hinges on the performances of Rene Auberjonois, Nana Visitor, Avery Brooks, and Aaron Eisenberg, who are all excellent.

Nog's story was great. Kira had significant screentime and the acting sucked

[nitinnain · 6/10 · 9 May 2021]

The plot fine. Loved Nog!

But in the second story Kira's acting and the long (unnecessary) conversation between her and Odo bugged me. Odo had a job to do and she will keep poking him! Also that made up voice as she was starting to choke was so bad.

Two Interesting Plot Twists

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 13 October 2018]

Odo and Kira chase after a Maquis who has landed on a cavernous moon. When they beam there, Kira gets her foot stuck in a crystalline structure which holds her fast. Odo does all he can to get her out but to no avail. The crystal works its way up her body until her head is just above the rock structure. Odo stays with her, realizing she may die. In the process, a serious admission takes place. It sets up some interesting possibilities for the future. The second development is Nog's wish to join Starfleet which is initially seen as a practical joke. But once again the show asks us why this young man should be denied what anyone else should be allowed to do.

Two important plots get a strong push in this episode.

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 22 December 2014]

Only a few episodes after this, Major Kira and Odo would begin a love affair. Additionally, Nog would eventually become a crew member--a loyal one at that. Both these new plots get huge send-offs in "Heart of Stone".

When the show begins, Nog asks Commander Sisko if he could recommend him to Starfleet Academy! Considering Nog's history as a thief, this is a very tall order and to get him out of his hair, Sisko gives his a task to do. Nog does a great job and Sisko has to decide what to do next with the eager young Ferengi.

At the same time, Major Kira ends up being encased in crystal and appears to be slowly dying. Despite her protests, Odo won't leave her and stays with her--trying to free her as well as trying to ease her suffering. Eventually, Odo admits to her that he is in love with her! But then there is a HUGE twist...but I'll say no more.

This is a very interesting episode and I am glad both plots were introduced. Worth seeing.

Good Stuff!

[beanslegit · 8/10 · 16 October 2021]

Looks like meat's back on the menu boys!!!

At last an episode with some real implications for the over arching story. Good to see Nog being more than just another Ferengi and Jakes sidekick, and also interesting development for Odo.

As an aside: I rarely find Nana Visitor's acting convincing in any way, and she is prominent in this episode. It's a shame that the producers and writers seemed to be in love with her, because most of the time her overacting and uber California accent really take away instead of adding.

Anyways this episode is most definitely worth your time.