In my country, Guatemala, Star Trek is not a very popular show, in fact, is almost unknown to the vast majority of people, Star Trek DS9 was broadcast intermittently on a schedule that made him inaccessible (12.00 am, 1 am) so because of that and my work, even though I consider myself a true trekkie, it is only now that I could buy it on DVD and see it orderly DS9 series. Far Beyond the Stars, was by far one of my favorite episodes, the story of black writer Benny Russell that at one point could be considered the "" creator "of the Star Trek universe, it was absolutely fascinating. And it is not until now, October 15, 2012, 14 years after it were originally broadcast, that i finally could watch the episode Shadows and Symbols, and once again the story of Benny Russell, really leaves me speechless, what a brilliant combination of wit, moral lesson, what a brilliant episode. Avery Brooks and the rest of the cast were superb! Guess that's why I love you so much Star Trek, because using my imagination is capable of transporting me to distant worlds and even there, give me a lesson on how to live my life, how to face the challenges of everyday ...it teaches me about being the dream and the dreamer.
12 Reviews
Welcoming Ezri and honouring Jadzia
Tweekums4 January 2010
Warning: Spoilers
After the opening episode of the season set up three story lines this episode shows how each of them plays out. Captain Sisko is pleased to see his old friend Dax again even if it isn't Jadzia but the new host Ezri, a young Trill woman who was given the Dax symbiont because she was the only Trill available and as she hadn't undergone the usual training she is still coming to terms with gaining the memories of all the previous hosts. As Sisko, his father and son and Ezri head to the desert planet of his vision to find the Orb of the Emissary other members of the DS9 crew are facing their own troubles. Bashir, O'Brein and Quark have joined Worf on his quest to get Jadzia into the Klingon equivalent of Valhalla, this mission involves taking on a the defences of the Cardassian shipyards which they plan to destroy. If two interesting story lines weren't enough we have a third when Kira learns that the Romulans are stockpiling weapons on the moon where they were told they could build a hospital, this leads to a stand off between the Bajorans and the far better armed Romulans.
This episode has many good points; it gives us a great introduction to Ezri Dax, played well by Nicole de Boer, it can't be easy joining a well established ensemble cast were all the other main members have been there since episode one. It was also nice to see Quark doing something that wasn't for profit... even if he did complain quite a lot.
This episode has many good points; it gives us a great introduction to Ezri Dax, played well by Nicole de Boer, it can't be easy joining a well established ensemble cast were all the other main members have been there since episode one. It was also nice to see Quark doing something that wasn't for profit... even if he did complain quite a lot.
Memorable and eventful episode with strong character moments
snoozejonc4 August 2023
Sisko continues to search for answers, Worf embarks on a personal mission, and Kira makes a stand.
I find it hard to pick much fault with this one as it has three storylines lines, very little of which feel like time is being filled.
The best for me involves Sisko as it is cleverly written and links perfectly to a great past episode. Kira's test of character is an enjoyable stand-off.
Worf's mission contains a good a mix of characters interacting well for a shared tribute to Jadzia, but of the three plots I think it has the most stretched screen time.
All actors are on good form and the visuals are great.
I find it hard to pick much fault with this one as it has three storylines lines, very little of which feel like time is being filled.
The best for me involves Sisko as it is cleverly written and links perfectly to a great past episode. Kira's test of character is an enjoyable stand-off.
Worf's mission contains a good a mix of characters interacting well for a shared tribute to Jadzia, but of the three plots I think it has the most stretched screen time.
All actors are on good form and the visuals are great.
The Secret Origin and Godhood of Benjamin Sisko
XweAponX16 June 2012
Warning: Spoilers
This 2nd episode of the Season Seven Intro two-parter finalizes the 3 main arcs that all happen simultaneously:
The Sisko's discovery of who he really is and the exact nature of his connection to Bajor and The Prophets, Worf's final Homage to Jadzia and Dax's return to the series in a new host, and Kira's confrontation with a Romulan Senator who wants to keep weapons of mass destruction on one of Bajor's Moons.
There could have been a 4th arc: The Dax Symbiote's implantation into a new host who was not prepared for the experience of dealing with the 7 lifetime experiences contained in the Symbiote: Instead, the Benny Russells of DS9 chose to write that part of the arc into several carry over episodes, showing Ezri's adjustment to hosting Dax.
Oddly enough, they chose to continue the story of Benny Russell as well, in a "false vision" from the Pah-Wraiths, who were trying to prevent him from opening the Orb of the Emissary.
The Orb is the key to Season 7's opening: And also to the re-opening of the Wormhole and the ejection of the Pah-Wraith entity named Kosst Amojan.
This episode refers back to the "Novelty Episode" Far Beyond The Stars, assigning more than mere novelty to that part of the story. As The Sisko is intrinsically linked to The Prophets, Benjamin Sisko is intrinsically linked with Benny Russell, whether he was a real historical figure who originally wrote "Deep Space Nine" in the 50's or not.
The Cyclic Story of DS9 is actually created here, in this 7th season episode: Without the events uncovered here, the entire series never would have happened. Sisko discovers that he actually IS a "Wormhole Alien," at least in part. This foreshadows events in the final episode.
But the Pah-Wraiths really don't want The Sisko to open that Orb, first they send an assassin from Bajor, one of the followers of the new Pah-Wraith religion. When that fails, they send the false vision.
Ultimately, Sisko had Dax with him, and she helped him get past the false vision. All of these aspects are blended very well in this Episode, which also looks at the natures of both Kira and Worf. And there is also an unlikely connection of Worf to Bashir, Quark, and O'Brien, through Jadzia.
These episodes were a very satisfactory introduction to the Brobdingnagian scope of Season 7.
Speaking of Brobdingnagian, we get to see the crew of Worf and Martok's bird of prey "The Rotarran" (along with Quark, Bashir and O'Brian), destroy a Dominion artifact of Brobdingnagian proportions. And they do a wonderful number on the thing, it's beautiful. You have to remember a lot of this was practical effects, not CGI. Because they had a genius working on the Star Trek shows back then, Dan Curry.
Which was amazing. But what would help put the icing on the cake of this episode would have been to see Benny Russell/The Sisko take that roller-brush and lavish Dr. Wykoff (Casey Biggs) with TWO coats of paint across his face!
In my mind that's what happens anyway, when I watch this episode.
The Sisko's discovery of who he really is and the exact nature of his connection to Bajor and The Prophets, Worf's final Homage to Jadzia and Dax's return to the series in a new host, and Kira's confrontation with a Romulan Senator who wants to keep weapons of mass destruction on one of Bajor's Moons.
There could have been a 4th arc: The Dax Symbiote's implantation into a new host who was not prepared for the experience of dealing with the 7 lifetime experiences contained in the Symbiote: Instead, the Benny Russells of DS9 chose to write that part of the arc into several carry over episodes, showing Ezri's adjustment to hosting Dax.
Oddly enough, they chose to continue the story of Benny Russell as well, in a "false vision" from the Pah-Wraiths, who were trying to prevent him from opening the Orb of the Emissary.
The Orb is the key to Season 7's opening: And also to the re-opening of the Wormhole and the ejection of the Pah-Wraith entity named Kosst Amojan.
This episode refers back to the "Novelty Episode" Far Beyond The Stars, assigning more than mere novelty to that part of the story. As The Sisko is intrinsically linked to The Prophets, Benjamin Sisko is intrinsically linked with Benny Russell, whether he was a real historical figure who originally wrote "Deep Space Nine" in the 50's or not.
The Cyclic Story of DS9 is actually created here, in this 7th season episode: Without the events uncovered here, the entire series never would have happened. Sisko discovers that he actually IS a "Wormhole Alien," at least in part. This foreshadows events in the final episode.
But the Pah-Wraiths really don't want The Sisko to open that Orb, first they send an assassin from Bajor, one of the followers of the new Pah-Wraith religion. When that fails, they send the false vision.
Ultimately, Sisko had Dax with him, and she helped him get past the false vision. All of these aspects are blended very well in this Episode, which also looks at the natures of both Kira and Worf. And there is also an unlikely connection of Worf to Bashir, Quark, and O'Brien, through Jadzia.
These episodes were a very satisfactory introduction to the Brobdingnagian scope of Season 7.
Speaking of Brobdingnagian, we get to see the crew of Worf and Martok's bird of prey "The Rotarran" (along with Quark, Bashir and O'Brian), destroy a Dominion artifact of Brobdingnagian proportions. And they do a wonderful number on the thing, it's beautiful. You have to remember a lot of this was practical effects, not CGI. Because they had a genius working on the Star Trek shows back then, Dan Curry.
Which was amazing. But what would help put the icing on the cake of this episode would have been to see Benny Russell/The Sisko take that roller-brush and lavish Dr. Wykoff (Casey Biggs) with TWO coats of paint across his face!
In my mind that's what happens anyway, when I watch this episode.
Why does Sisko needs to be biologically prophet?
whyesit1 February 2021
This is the one plot idea I truly can't understand: where comes this urge to make Sisko biologically descendant from the prophets? The story doesn't really require this; and in fact, it compromises one very beautiful theme that has characterized the Sisko-and-Prophets arc up to this point , that is, the hardship and possibility of communication. Sisko's first interaction with the Prophets in Emissary was about a human painstakingly communicating to non linear non corporeal aliens the meaning of corporeal existence in linear time. There's a great deal of beauty in that act of reaching out and building the bridge across an abyss of difference and mistrust and incomprehension, a beauty that rings so true to the original Star Trek spirit. And it makes perfect sense that the aliens chose Sisko as their emissary simply because he was the first corporeal being to make that understanding possible. But to reveal that Sisko's existence was planned by the prophets all along? Why then would there be any problem of communication between them? It feels like a massive let down that cheapens the core message of an otherwise beautiful arc.
(A comparison could be made with the ending of season 2's "second skin". The writers said that they have been tempted to let Kira's identity remain ambiguous but ultimately opted to make leave her unquestionably genetically Bajoran. I feel that was absolutely a better decision: it definitely lends more emotional depth to the show that Kira was able to empathise with a Cardassian father IN SPITE OF herself being unquestionably Bajoran. Similarly, Sisko's status as emissary felt more earned that he's just a human being with no prior relation to the prophets).
And on a lesser level, the idea is also problematic because it makes Sisko's family yet another dysfunctional one, whereas up till this point DS9 has rightfully deserved all the credit for being the first major sci fi show to portray a loving and solidary African American family. There really is no need to throw that away for add some cheap mystery.
However this and other questionable plot ideas feel circumstantial, as a viewer I can disregard them easily and still be awed by the general, organic coherence of the saga thorough 7 seasons. That even missteps like this can't curtail the coherence of a show really shows how amazingly well built DS9 is...
A re-watcher.
ArnoudMeulendijks4 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
You may have to watch this episode and the previous ones (and especially 'Far beyond the stars') a few times to fully understand the main story here. But that effort will be rewarded by a much greater appreciation for this one. Very well written science-fiction. Another fine one, as well as some nice sub-stories.
The Sisko Regains His Reign
Hitchcoc9 November 2018
We are treated to some new characters and situations. Sisko is at the top of the list. When he was made Emissary, I was suspicious that it was just through happenstance. He seemed to accept his role as a means of appeasing the Bajorans. I've struggled with the supernatural aspects of this series. Now, I'm beginning to see the prophets as beings not unlike the dominion or the Cardassians or the Founders. They seem to have powers that are in line with the rules of this game. This episode also shows what must be done with alliances of evil (the Romulans, in this case, who have asserted their strength, taking advantage of their allies. Colonel Kira plays a dangerous game with them.
Some answers....
planktonrules26 January 2015
The first episode of season 7 of "Star Trek: Deep Space 9" was a bit frustrating because it introduced so many plots but offered no resolution. Fortunately, this second season clears up many of these...and leaves a few still dangling.
When the show begins, Ezri is showing that she is no Jadzia Dax. Ezri Dax is a bit afraid of flying on the shuttle and looks a bit panicked. Worst of all, however, is that you learn that she is a counselor--something that many Trek fans will despise!! Her full character will have to be revealed in subsequent episodes.
Ezri Dax is accompanying Sisko on his vision quest to locate some new orb. I agree with one reviewer who disliked this plot, as Sisko was so obsessed that the folks he brought along (including his elderly dad) were unimportant and the scorching planet they arrived on seems ready to kill the old man...and Sisko is indifferent.
Worf and his guy pals all are on their mission to somehow get Jadzia Dax into Sto-vo-kor by proxy. An odd notion indeed--and one requiring a brave deed in battle.
The final plot involves Colonel Kira and a Romulan Senator having a run-in and neither seems willing to back down. Someone better, of the fragile alliance will be in jeopardy.
The resolutions to these plots is decent--but I am not a huge fan of some of the encounters Sisko has with his Prophet friends. I did, however, find it fascinating just how long-term their game plan is and how he was NOT chosen to be the emissary by random chance. Interesting and worth seeing.
When the show begins, Ezri is showing that she is no Jadzia Dax. Ezri Dax is a bit afraid of flying on the shuttle and looks a bit panicked. Worst of all, however, is that you learn that she is a counselor--something that many Trek fans will despise!! Her full character will have to be revealed in subsequent episodes.
Ezri Dax is accompanying Sisko on his vision quest to locate some new orb. I agree with one reviewer who disliked this plot, as Sisko was so obsessed that the folks he brought along (including his elderly dad) were unimportant and the scorching planet they arrived on seems ready to kill the old man...and Sisko is indifferent.
Worf and his guy pals all are on their mission to somehow get Jadzia Dax into Sto-vo-kor by proxy. An odd notion indeed--and one requiring a brave deed in battle.
The final plot involves Colonel Kira and a Romulan Senator having a run-in and neither seems willing to back down. Someone better, of the fragile alliance will be in jeopardy.
The resolutions to these plots is decent--but I am not a huge fan of some of the encounters Sisko has with his Prophet friends. I did, however, find it fascinating just how long-term their game plan is and how he was NOT chosen to be the emissary by random chance. Interesting and worth seeing.
Vacay on Tyrie
snarky-trek-reviews28 February 2019
Sisko and fam go on a vacation to Tyrie and they bring New Dax along. Lets call her Ezri. She's either irritating or endearing I suppose, but I like her. After wandering around the desert Ezri helps Sisko find his mom with a baseball.
Aboard the Rotaran Worf, Martock, Quark, Juliann, and O'brien honor Jadzia's memory by destroying a Dominion shipyard, as is tradition. When they come under attack the Gem Hadar keep there weapons on their lowest setting in order to make sure they succeed.
On DS9 Kira is busy playing poker, going all in on a bluff. Gets a sign from the Prophets thanks to Benny before being bailed out by Ross.
And finally, on Cardassia, Demar is winning with the ladies while his shipyards are getting blowed up by Worf.
This episode it pretty good. The tone is just right and the plot is engaging. Far Beyond the Stars is among my favorite episode and its very satisfying to see more of Benny Russell. Casey Biggs is the perfect choice for Dr. Wycot.
Verdict: Satisfying conclusion to the season opener.
Aboard the Rotaran Worf, Martock, Quark, Juliann, and O'brien honor Jadzia's memory by destroying a Dominion shipyard, as is tradition. When they come under attack the Gem Hadar keep there weapons on their lowest setting in order to make sure they succeed.
On DS9 Kira is busy playing poker, going all in on a bluff. Gets a sign from the Prophets thanks to Benny before being bailed out by Ross.
And finally, on Cardassia, Demar is winning with the ladies while his shipyards are getting blowed up by Worf.
This episode it pretty good. The tone is just right and the plot is engaging. Far Beyond the Stars is among my favorite episode and its very satisfying to see more of Benny Russell. Casey Biggs is the perfect choice for Dr. Wycot.
Verdict: Satisfying conclusion to the season opener.
The One Where I Completely Checked Out
k22hhfd24 November 2020
I had a lot of problems with DS9 already: severe lack of "Trek"-ing, stop-and-start plot that gets annoying real fast, more of a rough start than any other Trek series IMO, and more.
But the spiritual angle this episode takes was the end of DS9 for me. Maybe I'd feel differently had I watched the show before Voyager or Enterprise, but to me, this is the complete antithesis of what Star Trek is.
But the spiritual angle this episode takes was the end of DS9 for me. Maybe I'd feel differently had I watched the show before Voyager or Enterprise, but to me, this is the complete antithesis of what Star Trek is.
I don't get the love for this episode
txriverotter19 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
There's very little to like in this episode, for me anyway. First we have Sisko, Ezri Dax, Jake and Sisko's father on a Destination Desert voyage so Sisko can find the Orb of the Emissary, after a vision from the Prophets in the last episode.
My main issue with this is, why is Sisko's dad along for this? He has been seriously ill and is too old to be trekking thru the desert. And Ben Sisko doesn't even seem to be the slightest bit concerned, he's so wrapped up in his Orb hunt. Secondly, I know we need an introduction to Ezri Dax, but she is SO annoying. She never shuts up. I guess that's supposed to be the endearing part of her, but it annoyed me. And thirdly, making Sisko a Prophet by lineage seems to disregard all of his previous contacts with the Prophets.
The second story line follows Worf, Bashir, O'Brien and Quark on a dangerous mission aboard General Martok's "Rotaran" to destroy a Dominion shipyard. This will ensure Jadzia's place in Sto'Vo'Kor. The problem is Worf. I know he's in mourning, but he is such a dick! He acts like because he was married to Jadzia that he knows her better than anyone else and no one else could possibly understand how it feels to lose her, but the truth is, all of the guys that went along to help and support him, knew Jadzia longer and maybe in some ways better than Worf did. There were a LOT of things about Jadzia that Worf just did not get; he couldn't understand the dynamics of her personality, whereas her friends had no problems accepting her for who she was. They were all there risking their lives because they loved Jadzia too,but Worf always has been dim about certain things.
The third story line follows Major Kira and her stand off with the Romulan military to stop them from getting to Bajor's fourth moon, Derna. We learned in the last episode that Romulans had not just put a hospital on the moon, but were stockpiling missiles. The problem with this is Kira always wins, no matter how down in stakes she is, and that is annoying. When she learned of the missiles, did she confront the Romulan senator in a calm, progressional manner? No, she did it the Kira way, she stomped in, huffing and puffing, demanding they "move those missiles or SHE WOULD, by the Prophets!" I get so tired of Hulk Kira. Yes, the Romulans had no business putting the missiles there, and yes, they should be removed, but Kira is willing to screw the whole Alliance, and possibly lose the war with the Dominion, because she has to have it HER way, right NOW. And she always gets what she wants. Admiral Ross tells her "remind me never to play poker with you." because Kira is just so unbeatable.
I didn't care for the first or the second episodes of this season very much. To each his own, I guess.
My main issue with this is, why is Sisko's dad along for this? He has been seriously ill and is too old to be trekking thru the desert. And Ben Sisko doesn't even seem to be the slightest bit concerned, he's so wrapped up in his Orb hunt. Secondly, I know we need an introduction to Ezri Dax, but she is SO annoying. She never shuts up. I guess that's supposed to be the endearing part of her, but it annoyed me. And thirdly, making Sisko a Prophet by lineage seems to disregard all of his previous contacts with the Prophets.
The second story line follows Worf, Bashir, O'Brien and Quark on a dangerous mission aboard General Martok's "Rotaran" to destroy a Dominion shipyard. This will ensure Jadzia's place in Sto'Vo'Kor. The problem is Worf. I know he's in mourning, but he is such a dick! He acts like because he was married to Jadzia that he knows her better than anyone else and no one else could possibly understand how it feels to lose her, but the truth is, all of the guys that went along to help and support him, knew Jadzia longer and maybe in some ways better than Worf did. There were a LOT of things about Jadzia that Worf just did not get; he couldn't understand the dynamics of her personality, whereas her friends had no problems accepting her for who she was. They were all there risking their lives because they loved Jadzia too,but Worf always has been dim about certain things.
The third story line follows Major Kira and her stand off with the Romulan military to stop them from getting to Bajor's fourth moon, Derna. We learned in the last episode that Romulans had not just put a hospital on the moon, but were stockpiling missiles. The problem with this is Kira always wins, no matter how down in stakes she is, and that is annoying. When she learned of the missiles, did she confront the Romulan senator in a calm, progressional manner? No, she did it the Kira way, she stomped in, huffing and puffing, demanding they "move those missiles or SHE WOULD, by the Prophets!" I get so tired of Hulk Kira. Yes, the Romulans had no business putting the missiles there, and yes, they should be removed, but Kira is willing to screw the whole Alliance, and possibly lose the war with the Dominion, because she has to have it HER way, right NOW. And she always gets what she wants. Admiral Ross tells her "remind me never to play poker with you." because Kira is just so unbeatable.
I didn't care for the first or the second episodes of this season very much. To each his own, I guess.
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