3.6 — “The Abandoned”
Plot: Quark buys a salvage ship from the Gamma Quadrant and discovers a baby inside. It grows rapidly, proving to be Jem’Hadar.
What I like: I like that “The Abandoned” is a chapter in an ongoing story, not complete by itself, building on what came before, and building up to something yet to come later. As such, Odo’s last line to Kira, “Major, about the boy… You were right” may not be the last word on Federation/Jem’Hadar relations.
Odo’s new lease on life after visiting the planet of the Changelings, demonstrated by his new quarters, is a trend I welcome and want to see develop further.
What isn’t good: IMDB quotes Avery Brooks as saying “for me, it was very much a story about young brown men, and, to some extent, a story about a society that is responsible for the creation of a generation of young men who are feared, who are addicted, who are potential killers.” This sounds right to me.
A story which dashes the idealism of Odo in wanting to reach the boy doesn’t sound like the Star Trek I love. It concludes, “Odo . . . you are listening to your heart not your head. That boy was created in a laboratory. His body, his mind, his instincts, are all designed to do one thing. To kill.” This is a piece of a longer story. This Jem’Hadar is no Hugh the Borg, however. He didn’t even get a name. I don’t think we will see him again.
What makes it Star Trek? Despite it all, Sisko lets the Jem’Hadar leave peacefully. He doesn’t turn him into a lab specimen. Odo returns unharmed.
Rating: 3 of 5 housewarming gifts.
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