Star Trek: Discovery Has a Trailer! My Thoughts

I have avoided doing news reports on my blog for a while now. Partly was because I found focus on the episode reviews, but largely because news on Discovery was mostly rumors, setbacks, and nothing very reliable. I did not want to be another voice repeating a lot of what has been said over and over, and to be honest the constant delays was frustrating. I decided to wait until we actually had something concrete to sink my teeth into, and yesterday, it finally happened. A trailer for Star Trek: Discovery was launched, and to quote George Takei: "Oh my!"

If you missed it, you can watch the video here:

OK, time for my thoughts.

First off, let me say that I thought I was watching a trailer for a new movie, not a new television series. The quality of the sets and effects are absolutely stunning! I have heard that CBS is pulling out all the stops for Discovery (something about it being the main goal for their on-demand service), and this trailer seems to back it up. It looks like top quality production, so I am really excited for that aspect of it. While reports have said that the new show will be grittier, and we definitely see some of that in the trailer, we also see that the show is going to look really good.

Next, the uniforms. I was a little surprised by the new uniform style. I can already hear a number of the doubters and haters sharpening up their knives and taking a whack at the new look, but I kind of like them. Yes, they are not anything like we have seen the Original series. Well, that's just fine by me. I think if Roddenberry had the budget, he would have spruced up the bright colors a bit himself. I like that the new uniforms remind me of Enterprise, showing some attention to continuity. And while the uniform is indeed different, it still looks like a Starfleet uniform to me. Jacob Issacs, who will play one of the captains in the new series, has said that Discovery will look both new and familiar. The uniforms fit that bill.

Character wise, we get an introduction to Sonequa Martin-Green (of Walking Dead fame) as Michael Burnham, the main character, and her captain, played by Michelle Yeoh (who I loved in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). I like the dynamics of these two already, showing us that they have been together for seven years. It almost felt like Picard and Riker after the movies had gotten started, with one mentoring the other about command. With the focus being on a character other than the captain, this too felt both new and familiar. We see who I can only assume is Lt. Saru, played by Doug Jones. Saru is a new species of alien that has yet to be mentioned or named. Apparently, his species has a special ability to detect the approach of death. I am not sure how that works, but it is an interesting idea. I am curious to see how this develops. There are other new characters that are shown, but we do not know much more about them.

One character that is familiar is Sarek, played by James Frain. It appears that Sarek will have a special connection to Martin-Green's character. Right now it seems like he will only be in one episode, but his part seems to be significant. He seems to have the essence of Sarek, for the most part. I think it will be very akin to how Ben Cross portrayed the character in the 2009 movie, but not quite as dignified as Mark Leonard did as the original Sarek (and let's be honest, Mark Leonard will be and should be the standard for this character). While I cannot expect every incarnation of the characters I have grown to love to be carbon copies of the originals, I do hope they keep his essence as close to the real thing as possible. 

We also get to see the ship. Discovery looks to be different than any Starfleet vessel we have yet to see. Its design is vaguely familiar, and yet it seems to fit the time frame. Remember, this is before the Original series occurs, but I find it hard to imagine that this class of ship will evolve into more familiar Constitution class in only a decade, but this is the way of franchises these days. As new minds develop the stories, new imaginings are presented. I will say that I like the look of the bridge. I am one that is just fine with a bridge design that looks less like Shatner's bridge in 1966 and more like it was designed with a respectable budget. Some hate the new ship, but I think it will grow on me.

Finally, they show the Klingons. I must admit that this is one that has me a bit on the fence. First, they look different than anything before. Definitely not the Klingons that we would have expected based on the Enterprise and Original Series depictions. I find that a little disappointing, as I thought that the Enterprise explanation for why Klingons looked so different between the Original series and the Next Generation was wonderfully developed, and it looks like Discovery will just ignore that. Too bad. This will definitely get some fans upset, as those of us that are more purists at heart will be wanting, if nothing else, the Klingons to look more like Worf and less like Reptilian Xindi. Having said that, we also must admit that Klingons have always undergone transformations. The Original series had them more like Mongolian warriors, while Star Trek: the Motion Picture started the forehead ridges. Over time, the makeup changed. heck, even Worf went through different headpieces during the seven seasons that TNG was on the air. As nice as it would be to have the look of the Klingons remain consistent, I would rather they keep the spirit of the Klingons alive and well. This is one that I will have to wait and see if it works or not.

That is about all I have been able to gather from the new trailer. While I have often voiced my frustration with the delays, it is nice to know that our patience and waiting is about to pay off. While no exact date has been set, it is almost certain that sometime this fall we will finally have new Trek on television. It cannot come fast enough. While I am cautiously optimistic, this trailer has finally given me more hope than worry. Yes, some are going to hate it. Some are going to love it. I hope all of us give it an honest chance and watch a few episodes before we put ourselves into one of those two camps. Until then, live long and prosper.

Episode Review – The Immunity Syndrome (Original Series, Season 2)

For those who are new to my episode reviews, you can find the post where I establish my point criteria here

Overview – As the Enterprise heads towards a shore leave destination, they are contacted by Starbase 6 with respect to the starship Intrepid, manned by an all-Vulcan crew. Soon after receiving the distress call, Spock experiences a telepathic communication with the Intrepid’s crew, indicating that they were all suddenly killed. As they approach the last known location of the Intrepid, Kirk and the crew begin to experience various symptoms if illness and fatigue. As they discover the source of their problems, a large, cell-like space creature that feeds on energy, Kirk must decide which of his two closest friends, Spock or McCoy, he must sacrifice to save the ship.

Score: 8/10 – While the pacing in this episode is often a bit slow, there is a great story to be told in this episode. While on the surface it looks like an adventure to save the galaxy from an entity that seems to feed off of all energy, it is actually a fairly well done study of the relationship between the original series trifecta of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy. As the crew try to stave off this “destroyer of worlds” (the latest in a long string of such adversaries), we examine this friendship in much greater depth. Not only does Kirk play the balance to Spock’s cool logic and McCoy’s fiery emotions, he must choose between them to save the ship, likely at the cost of his friend’s life. It is a decision that Kirk does not enjoy, but in his typical fashion he makes the tough call. The science behind the solution to the problem may be a little farfetched (hey, it is called science fiction for a reason), but the dramatic buildup mostly works.

Relevance - 0 points. Sadly, there is nothing in this episode that connects it with other episodes in Star Trek. Having a recurring theme of threats to the galaxy notwithstanding, it would have been humorous to hear someone, such as McCoy, mention that the crew have been facing off against a lot of galaxy-level threats recently. If you miss this episode, it is no big deal (except for the fact that this is a great episode).

Continuity - 3 points. Everything checks out here. All-Vulcan crew starships should not be a big surprise (we see them in DS9 as well), and nothing contradicts any storylines. Most importantly is the Character continuity. With the focus being on Kirk, Spock, and McCoy, these three act exactly the way we expect and love them to. There has always been great chemistry between the three, and this is the showcase.

Character Development – 3 points. Again, showcasing the great on-screen chemistry between not only the three central characters but the three actors as well, this episode does a fine job in pushing all three along their development. Kirk has to deal with the choice of which of his closest friends he should send on what is most likely going to be a suicide mission. Both Spock and McCoy are willing to go to keep the other one safe. The genuine care that each has for the others is strongly shown in this episode. Yes, McCoy and Spock argue. A lot. For two individuals that are so fundamentally different, that is to be expected. Yet when push comes to shove, they are there for each other. There is no greater example of this than when they are attempting to rescue Spock, who suggests that they conserve their energy. McCoy shouts out “Shut up Spock, we’re rescuing you!” to which Spock replies with his ever cool quip “Why thank you…Captain McCoy”. Great writing helps flesh out the great friendship these characters had.

Social Commentary – 2 points. Making the tough call. Which friend do you sacrifice? For a guy that does not like the no-win scenario, Kirk has a doozy of one here. Still, he makes the best call that he can, and then does everything he can to cheat the system and emerge the winner. While we may not have decide between friends in life-or-death situations on a regular basis, we often have to make tough choices that we would rather not make at all. All we can do is make the best choice we can and hope it all works out for the best.

Cool Stuff – 1 point. One point scored for the space amoeba. Cool creature, both in the 60s and with the re-mastered edition. While realistically I doubt such a creature could exist, I did appreciate the imagination that was put into its development.

Rank – Captain (17 points). This is an enjoyable episode that highlights one of the Original Series best qualities, the dynamic of Kirk, Spock, and Bones. It is an adventure story that does a lot to build this dynamic. While missing it might not take away from the overall picture, it is a great story that you should not miss.

If you would like to read other reviews from the Original Series, click on the link here.

If you would like to read an episode review from any of the Trek series, click the following link to get to the series catalog. If the episode you want reviewed has not been done yet, then feel free to request it in the comments and I will see what I can do.

Episode Review - Rocks and Shoals (Deep Space Nine, Season 6)

For those who are new to my episode reviews, you can find the post where I establish my point criteria here

Overview – The Dominion war continues. After completing their mission to destroy a Dominion supply depot, Sisko and his crew crash land on a distant planet. They soon find that they are not alone, as a Jem’Hadar ship crashed some time earlier. Soon, Sisko must decide between the safety of his crew and honor. Meanwhile, on Deep Space Nine, Major Kira is faced with the disturbing realisation that she has become a collaborator with the Dominion, and is given a shocking reminder as to what needs to be done.

Score: 9/10 – Of all the episodes in this season’s opening story arc, this one is my favourite. We see two different stories of making a stand for what is right, and the metaphorical rocks and shoals that we find our characters on provides for some great moments. Kira finds herself in a situation she had despised in others during the Bajoran Occupation, that of a collaborator. It is the sacrifice of Vedek Yassim that snaps her back to reality. The Sisko part of the story is exciting, action-packed, and shows our characters struggle against steep odds. There are some nice humorous moments mixed in, and we are introduced to the conniving character of Keevan. Overall, an excellent episode.

Relevance - 3 points. Again, in this season’s opening story arc, there are a lot of tie ins. This picks up where the last episode left off and is continued in the next episode, “Sons and Daughters” with Sisko and his crew being rescued. Garak and Nog’s conversation prior to them being captured by the Jem’Hadar discusses what happened in the previous season’s episode “Empok Nor”, with Nog still not trusting Garak fully (much to Garak’s pleasure). Sisko also discusses with Remata’Klan a previous joint mission between Sisko’s crew and the Dominion, which resulted in the Jem’Hadar killing the Vorta (the first encountered version of Weyoun). We also meet Keevan, who will appear again in “The Magnificent Ferengi”. In the Kira storyline, the resistance is established with Kira and Odo, which will thread its way through the next several episodes and eventually encompass more of the key characters.

Continuity - 3 points. Character continuity checks out. Sisko attempts to reason with an honorable soul in Third Remata’Klan while protecting his crew. Kira stumbles a little as she tries to walk the fine line between resisting the Dominion and following Sisko’s orders in keeping Bajor out of the fight. The suicide of Yassim manages to knock her onto one side. We also see the Trek universe continuity kept. Keevan is a particularly devious adversary, willing to sacrifice the lives of his own men to save himself, while the Jem’Hadar, especially Remata’Klan, are loyal to the end. Story line wise, everything fits, especially within the six episode arc of this season.

Character Development – 3 points. Kira grows the most in this episode as she skirts the line between her loyalties to the Federation and keeping the Dominion from attacking Bajor. Her loyalties are tested more than at any other time. On the other side, we see Sisko wrestle his own inner battle between protecting his crew and not taking the life of a noble warrior. His decision is not nearly as great wrestled as Kira’s, but is notable nonetheless.

Social Commentary – 3 points. Resist evil. That is the message relayed by both stories. Sisko resists simply wiping out the Jem’Hadar and tries at even the final moment to reach Remata’Klan. Kira struggled more with that lesson, but eventually realizes that she can no longer stand by and watch the Dominion and their Cardassian allies take over the Alpha Quadrant. Likewise, I wonder how often we must make the stands in our own lives against that which is wrong. Sometimes, it requires great courage and resolve, and it pushes us to our limits.

Cool Stuff – 2 points. This is a very exciting episode, but there is only a couple of things that stands out as being a cool moment. The final, desperate charge of the Jem’Hadar on the planet is visceral and enthralling. A great battle scene, albeit a brief one. Of particular note in this scene is Sisko. His resigned expression shows how much he truly wanted to avoid the bloodshed, yet mixed with that was his fierce determination to do what needed to be done. Secondly, Third Remata’Klan is played by Phil Morris, a veteran Trek actor having roles in TOS, DS9 (twice), VOY, and the third motion picture. He is most famous for starring in the second “Mission: Impossible” television series. His father, Greg Morris, played the father of Phil’s MI character in the original TV series (which also starred Leonard Nimoy for a couple seasons).

Rank – Admiral (23 points). One of the strongest episodes of the series and the sixth season. Great action and character development with a strong message for our times.

If you would like to read other reviews from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, please click the following link.

If you would like to read an episode review from any of the Trek series, click the following link to get to the series catalog. If the episode you want reviewed has not been done yet, then feel free to request it in the comments and I will see what I can do.

Episode Review - The First Duty (Next Generation, Season 5)

For those who are new to my episode reviews, you can find the post where I establish my point criteria here

Overview – En route to Earth so that Captain Picard can deliver the commencement address at Starfleet Academy, the Enterprise is notified of an accident involving Wesley Crusher. While Wes survived the accident, one of his friends did not. As they help Wes deal with his loss, an inquiry is begun to determine what happened. Picard and his crew are dismayed when it becomes apparent that Wesley and his friends are keeping vital information secret from the Academy, information that could end Wesley’s Starfleet career before it even begins.

Score: 8/10 – For an Earth-bound episode with no new aliens, space battles, major mysteries, or the like, this is one amazing episode that is packed full of powerful storytelling and pristine performances. Of particular note are Patrick Stewart and Wil Wheaton. Both actors are at their finest in this episode. This is the episode that caused many fans who had previously been critical of the Wesley character to start respecting the character. Wes was made more human and more real than the simple boy genius who saved the ship every week during season 1. We are also introduced to Robert Duncan McNeill, who would later be cast as Tom Paris in Voyager. It was often rumored that they wanted to have Nic Lacarno in Voyager, but felt that his character was a bit beyond redemption. This meant that Tom Paris was created, and thankfully the same actor got the part. Add to that some great performances from the rest of the guest stars and you have a solid episode of television. I also liked the Canadian reference (being Canadian myself) when Wesley told the father of his fallen friend about the ski trip that they did in Calgary. Being the city where I currently live, I liked that.

Relevance - 3 points. A lot that ties in things here. We see a continuation of Wesley Crusher’s story and his days at the academy. This will be concluded in the seventh season episode “Journey’s End”. We are introduced to Cadet Sito Jaxa, a Bajoran citizen who will later appear in the seventh season in a great little episode called “Lower Decks”. Thought Starfleet Academy has been mentioned many times this is the episode that first get to see it. We also have reference to “Encounter at Farpoint” when Picard reminds Wesley of his first visit to the bridge where he sat in the captain’s chair. Finally, we get to meet the famous Boothby, groundskeeper and mentor to Picard and so many other Starfleet officers. The role was brilliantly cast with legendary Ray Walston as the wise gardener and caretaker. We will get to meet him again, albeit as a disguised member of Species 8472 and a hallucination.

Continuity - 3 points. Character continuity gets a big point here. Wesley is out of his element in trying to cover up for the sake of the team. You see his inner turmoil as he wrestles with his sense of integrity. Ultimately, he does the right thing and comes open about what happened. Picard is also right in character by giving the young cadet a tongue lashing of a lifetime, espousing the virtues of the truth.  This shows one of the most real elements of their relationship. Continuity for the story is solid as well, and everything is right with the universe. Full points here.

Character Development – 3 points. “Final Mission” was a great Wesley Crusher episode. “First Duty” is a phenomenal Wesley Crusher episode. We see his growth as a character take a great turn for the better. As I mentioned earlier, this is the episode that turned a lot of the fan base around on Wesley Crusher. He messed up, and messed up big. He was no longer the “wunderkind” that he was originally presented as. He was human, hurt, and fallible. Then, when Picard dresses him down for his actions, we saw Wesley’s vulnerability. This also allows his relationship with Picard to evolve as well. We see in Picard a different aspect of his mentorship role towards Wes. Ever since the famous “Shut up Wesley!” in Season 1, we have Picard show young Mr. Crusher the tough love that we sometimes have to show those who look up to us. It takes Picard to a new level, and it is very effective.

Social Commentary – 3 points. “The first duty of every Starfleet officer is to the truth, whether it’s scientific truth, or historical truth, or personal truth! It is the guiding principle on which Starfleet is based…”. With this line from Picard, we are given the message from this episode, and it is the universal concept of “truth”. When we discuss aspects like integrity, honor, and a sense of right vs. wrong, truth is always there, front and center. This episode delivers that message with perfection. It should come as no surprise that the United States Air Force shows this episode to their cadets during training to emphasize their motto “I will not lie, cheat or steal, nor tolerate those who do.”

Cool Stuff – 2 points. This is not your typical science fiction episode. In fact, there are no space battles, science principles, new aliens, or anything else that makes this episode really “cool” that I normally include. Instead, there are two very cool things in this episode that are noteworthy. First, Ray Walston as Boothby, What a pure stroke of casting genius. I remember being at a convention before this episode was aired, and it was announced that he had been cast in this role, and the crowd erupted in cheering. I am hard pressed to imagine a better choice. Second, Picard gives likely one of his best speeches in his verbal dressing down of Wesley Crusher. Great acting and an emotional moment that great television is defined by.

Rank Admiral – (22 points). I have to admit that I am a little bit surprised that this episode is not included in more people’s Top 20 lists. Maybe not Top 10, but Top 20 seems about right. It does seem to get overlooked a lot in Top X lists, but it is an excellent piece of television. It shows that you don’t need actions and fight sequences nor love interests to be considered top quality television. Perhaps a lot of us overlook it in favor of glitzier episodes, but this is a must watch on my list.

If you would like to read other reviews from the Next Generation, click this link.

If you would like to read an episode review from any of the Trek series, click the following link to get to the series catalog. If the episode you want reviewed has not been done yet, then feel free to request it in the comments and I will see what I can do.

Episode Review - The Swarm (Voyager, Season 3)

For those who are new to my episode reviews, you can find the post where I establish my point criteria here

Overview – Torres and Paris are on a shuttle mission when they are attacked by some insectoid aliens. After being recovered by Voyager, the crew learns that the aliens that attacked them are mostly unknown, save for their violence towards trespassers in their territory. This leaves Janeway with a problem: add at least 15 months to their voyage, or risk being destroyed by covertly crossing through this dangerous region of space. As they attempt to cross the region, the Doctor is experiencing data corruption which may ultimately lead to the deletion of his program. The crew turns to a holographic representation of the EMH’s creator, Lewis Zimmerman, to help fix the Doctor’s programming.

Score: 7/10 – This was an interesting episode that had two important stories that didn’t quite mesh well together. Each story on its own was solid, but combined it almost felt forced, as if they needed a reason for Torres to be unavailable to help the Doctor at certain key points. While this hurt the episode a bit in my eyes, it is still a good episode. Robert Picardo gets double duty as the Doctor and Zimmerman, and pulls off the dual roles quite well. We also get to hear his singing voice, as this is the episode that introduces us to the Doctor’s love of opera. Kes and Torres have some great interactions with the Doctor as well, and our favourite hologram wrestles with his version of dementia/Alzheimer’s disease. On the flip side, there is danger and suspense as the crew tries to get through a dangerous region of space and fend of “the Swarm”, a group of insect-like aliens that defend their territory with deadly force. It is a great adventure. Put the two great stories together, and it almost seems like they both lose a little something.

Relevance - 3 points. We are introduced to the Doctor singing opera, and get our first look at Doctor Lewis Zimmerman (albeit hologram form). References to “Caretaker” and “Elogium” are made, and Janeway finally surprises Tuvok, meeting a challenge set early on in the series. We also see the seeds sown for the eventual matrimony between Tom and B’Ellana as they start flirting with each other in the chuttlecraft right before they are attacked. Lots to make this episode relevant, but probably none more than the captain and crew treating the Doctor more like an individual member of the crew and less like a computer program.

Continuity - 3 points. Everything checks out on the Character continuity. Kes is the advocate for the Doctor. The Doctor goes through quite a ride as he deals with faulty memory. Janeway and B’Elanna continue to treat the Doctor more like a person. All is good. Universe continuity and story continuity also check out. Full marks for this category.

Character Development – 3 points. This is a Doctor episode, and we add to his repertoire of extra programs by bringing in the opera. He also has to deal with a hologram’s version of Alzheimer’s disease, which gives him some great moments. He gets fed up with arrogant holograms from both Zimmerman and the soprano he is working with (who gives us a great line of “It’s like singing with a computer!”), as well as criticism of B’Elanna’s bedside manner, giving us some great irony moments. Kes also gets some solid attention here, as she is the most instrumental in finding a way to restore the Doctor to full “health”, advocating for his rights and protecting his individualism. A lot of people seem to not like the character of Kes very much, but she comes through in a big way in this episode. The Tom and B’Elanna story gets its start here, so that is significant as well.

Social Commentary – 2 points. For me, how to deal with the degenerating condition of a loved one is the biggest theme here. Trying to protect the person’s individuality and rights while attempting to restore what they have lost is all important. As far as the Swarm part of the story goes…well, I guess we can say don’t get in a bug’s way, but Voyager found a way around it. Oh well, not everything works perfectly.

Cool Stuff – 2 points. A point for the character of the diagnostic program which looks like Zimmerman. This gives Picardo a great opportunity to act with himself. I always enjoy this type of character interaction. Another point is for the Swarm aliens. They have a cool look, especially when they get shot with a phaser. Their ships, though small, are deadly. It seems as if it was a precursor to Krall’s ships in “Star Trek: Beyond”.

Rank – Captain (20 points). A good episode that really moves along the Doctor’s character. The side story of the Swarm aliens has some good action and thrills. Overall, this is a great episode that just missed the Admiral ranking.

If you would like to read other reviews from Star Trek: Voyager, click on the link here.

If you would like to read an episode review from any of the Trek series, click the following link to get to the series catalog. If the episode you want reviewed has not been done yet, then feel free to request it in the comments and I will see what I can do.

Episode Review - A Time to Stand (Deep Space Nine, Season 6)

For those who are new to my episode reviews, you can find the post where I establish my point criteria here

Overview – Three months into the Dominion War, the Federation and Klingon forces are suffering devastating loses. Demoralized and exhausted, Sisko and his crew learn are assigned to an elite mission deep in Dominion territory. Their objective, to destroy a ketrecel white depot using a Dominion ship captured a year ago. Meanwhile, on Deep Space Nine (now Terok Nor), Dukat and Weyoun revel in the victories of the Dominion while Kira and Odo attempt to find ways to influence things for the better.

Score: 8/10 – Ah, Season 6. What a time. The Dominion War gets serious, the stakes are raised, and the show will never be the same again. Never before in Trek history have we seen the Federation in a war. This episode could have been all about glorious battles, amazing effects, and top-notch action. What we get instead is a far more satisfying human story. We see Ben have to tell his dad that Jake stayed on the station behind enemy lines. Kira and Odo are trying to keep Bajor out of the fight without supporting their new Dominion “allies”. Jake wants to get his stories published but Weyoun keeps restricting them. Meanwhile, the war goes badly. Our opening scene shows a battered and defeated Federation-Klingon fleet limping home from another loss. Spirits are low among our characters on the front line, but back on the station it is different yet still low. Kira, Odo, Jake, and Quark are all dealing with the occupation in their own manner, and each one is wishing for the Federation to be back. This episode is solid. Sometimes, there is so much going on that it is hard to keep things straight, but overall this is an important episode that is well executed.

Relevance - 3 points. This is the first in the sixth season six episode opener story arc. Not only does it pick things up from the end of last season, but it sets the stage for the next five episodes. We also see the Jem’Hadar ship from last season’s episode “The Ship”. We are introduced to Admiral Ross, who will be the Starfleet Admiral to go to for the rest of the series. Every episode in this six-part arc is relevant, and the first one especially so.

Continuity - 3 points. Continuity checks out all across the board. Each category works. The story fits, the universe is respected, and the characters act as we would expect them to.

Character Development – 3 points. This is hard, as so much is going on here. We see some good moments for just about everyone. With this being a multi-episode story, many of our characters begin a journey of sorts. Kira as a colleague of the Cardassians instead of a freedom fighter against them. Odo begins a journey into the murky waters that will eventually test his loyalties far more than ever before. Sisko begins his quest to reclaim his station and reunite with the ones he had to leave behind. While others may have had less screen time (Worf, I believe only had the one), we still see some good moments. Quark shows some real pragmatism in his observations of the current occupation, O’Brien and Bashir show different elements of being soldiers on the losing side, Garak is put to use on the covert mission, and Jake struggles to get his story through to the rest of the quadrant. We get to see many aspects of several characters in situations that they have not been in before, so this section gets full marks.

Social Commentary – 1 point. Here is a tough one for me to determine. There is nothing remotely obvious to social commentary in this story (more will come later in “Rocks and Shoals”). Few of us have been in war, let alone a losing one. However, many of us have been in situations where we face a dire situation, and we could choose to just give in or to stand up and attempt the impossible. That’s something (but not enough for more than a single point).

Cool Stuff – 1 point. The opening scene was a sobering shot as to how things were going for the Federation. We have never before seen a defeated fleet limping home, some ships having to be towed by other ships. It was an effective way at setting the mood for the episode. Beyond that, there is nothing that is “cool”, just overall a very well-crafted episode. 

Rank – Captain (19 points). Every season opener in Deep Space Nine is essential viewing, and “A Time to Stand” is no exception. It introduces us to the early part of the Dominion War, and spends a good deal of time setting the stage for the next several episodes. While this may cost the episode in areas like Social Commentary and Cool Stuff, it is a very necessary episode that sets a somber tone while getting the audience ready for a great thrill ride that is to come.

The special dedication for this episode

If you would like to read other reviews from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, please click the following link.

If you would like to read an episode review from any of the Trek series, click the following link to get to the series catalog. If the episode you want reviewed has not been done yet, then feel free to request it in the comments and I will see what I can do.