In the Pale Moonlight
- Episode aired Apr 15, 1998
- TV-PG
- 46m
To save the Federation in a critical scheme, Sisko comes to realize that he must violate its fundamental principles to do so.To save the Federation in a critical scheme, Sisko comes to realize that he must violate its fundamental principles to do so.To save the Federation in a critical scheme, Sisko comes to realize that he must violate its fundamental principles to do so.
- Jake Sisko
- (credit only)
- Chief Miles O'Brien
- (credit only)
- Garak
- (as Andrew J. Robinson)
- Station Computer
- (voice)
- (as Judi Durand)
- M'Pella
- (uncredited)
- Science Division Officer
- (uncredited)
- Science Chief Officer
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe idea for Sisko to slowly undress as the episode progresses was director Victor Lobl's, who saw it as serving a double function; on the one hand, Sisko loosening and removing his clothing was simply to convey the passage of time as he paced around the room, on the other it was a thematic metaphor for how, as Sisko narrates his log, he is literally baring his soul.
- GoofsDr. Bashir asserts that if the Romulans were brought into the war on their side, then they could finally go on the offensive. The joint Starfleet/Klingon task force went on the offensive in the "Favor the Bold"/"Sacrifice of Angels" 2-parter earlier in the season.
- Quotes
[last lines]
Captain Sisko: So... I lied. I cheated. I bribed men to cover the crimes of other men. I am an accessory to murder. But the most damning thing of all... I think I can live with it. And if I had to do it all over again - I would. Garak was right about one thing: a guilty conscience is a small price to pay for the safety of the Alpha Quadrant. So I will learn to live with it... Because I can live with it... I can live with it... Computer - erase that entire personal log.
- ConnectionsFeatured in What We Left Behind: Looking Back at Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (2018)
- SoundtracksStar Trek: Deep Space Nine - Main Title
(uncredited)
Written by Dennis McCarthy
Performed by Dennis McCarthy
This episode is the epitome of what makes Deep Space Nine so wonderful. Other Star Treks, which are mostly comprised of lighter, stand-alone episodes with no real consequences, don't really lend themselves to the exploration of more serious topics. However, Deep Space Nine has a very dark story which, leads to morally grey characters. In the Pale Moonlight is the ultimate achievement of that difference. It explores not only the process of making a difficult decision that goes against your own moral code, but also the much less talked about topic of living with yourself after you've made that decision.
Everything about this episode is executed perfectly. The writing, the story, the actors' performances, everything. But by far the best part of the episode is Avery Brooks. I truly cannot overstate how phenomenal his performance in this episode is. I've seen this episode many, many times, and I STILL get chills watching it. Even though I know the episode forwards and backwards, Avery Brooks is such a remarkable actor that the weight of his speech fully comes across every single time.
I genuinely believe that this is the single best piece to come out of the entire Star Trek franchise. I can't recommend this episode enough.
- devitoclub
- Jun 8, 2021