2.4 — “Invasive Procedures”
Plot: Deep Space Nine is hijacked during a period of evacuation due to a plasma storm. The purpose of the hijack: to steal the symbiont Dax from Jadzia, and install it in a new host.
Thoughts: DS9 is evacuated because of a violent plasma storm. Does this have any basis in science whatsoever? It reminds me of a line in Ed Wood: “Atmospheric conditions in outer space prevent us from getting a clear signal!”
Setting up the station for military takeover, complete with instructions how to neutralize Odo? No wonder Kira says “Save it, Quark. You crossed the line this time. You sold us out and now Dax may die because of it. Whatever happens next, one thing is certain. You’re through here.” Since his behavior is incompatible with profitable coexistence on the station, it is also out of character.
I’m not alone in thinking that Quark’s actions are pretty unforgivable. Memory Alpha quotes Armin Shimmerman saying: “I worry when Quark doesn’t get punished for really sizable crimes. It makes the character less important since his acts trigger no consequences, and it makes Odo look a little foolish, in that he’s the law keeper and he can’t get this little troll punished.”
The amount of force used to take control of the station and pin down the officers on the bridge is ludicrously inadequate, especially after the invaders split their forces between Ops and Sickbay. This makes our characters look a bit ridiculous, as they pass up obvious opportunities for physical resistance.
Everything else about the episode, I love. The guest stars are extremely good. The exploration of Trill culture is welcome. I wanted to see heartrending, shattering grief from Jadzia when she and Dax are separated; however, it was still an interesting scene without it.
Sisko is great confronting Dax in the new host, first in trying to win him over, and eventually with the promise “You’ll be seeing me again” (i.e., “I will hunt you”). This is a very sad episode, full of longing and loss. You end up pitying both the principal hijackers for different reasons.
The Klingon who looks a little too much like Worf’s brother is played under loads of makeup by Tim Russ, soon to play Tuvok on Voyager.
Should we look askance at Jadzia now? Sisko is happy to see Dax and Jadzia reunited, but he will always know that Dax didn’t override Verad and save Jadzia when he had the chance. Is it okay because her memories would live on? Even if Dax is prevented from acting by the pieces he shares with Verad, doesn’t Jadzia also share those pieces now?
4 of 5 Odo containment boxes.
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