Wanderlust

1.5 — “Babel”

1.5 — “Babel”

Plot: A bioengineered virus strikes the station, causing global aphasia in its victims, forcing Sisko to quarantine DS9. As increasing numbers of people aboard the station are hospitalized, Bashir races to find an antidote.

Thoughts: I continue to really enjoy this series. This is a cast the writers can really have fun with. As the healthy, uninfected crew in Ops dwindles down to Odo and Quark, the casting pays off. Here are my impressions:

We learn that the station is a bucket of bolts, and only O’Brien can fix it.

Having a working elevator is great, but it’s not very snappy. They’re going nowhere fast.

The aphasia is a great gimmick. It’s an intimate thing. Somehow I think it would not have had the same impact in the “perfect” world of TNG, where things never get too messy, or at least don’t stay that way for long.

I love this dialogue exchange:

QUARK: You underestimate the Ferengi immune system, Commander. I’m merely here visiting my less fortunate customers to make sure they’re not faking the illness to avoid paying their bills.

SISKO: No one’s that devious.

QUARK: (Offended) I am!

Well, okay, the conflict is a bit trumped up and arbitrary. The Flugenheimer is galumphing and we will all die unless it vashooms! But I like the sense that space is dangerous, and they all might die out there. It could easily happen. For an arbitrary reason.

Sisko really cares about his son! Unlike Beverly (sigh). You get the sense that he would totally put aside other priorities to show up for Jake.

We have a rare use by Kira of the transporter as a weapon, as she kidnaps the Bajoran scientist from his office, infecting him in the process. This research station should consider employing shields. Let’s be clear–the transporter is a remote death ray, 100%. We have a thousand ways of killing you from orbit; you have no defense.

I like that there is a distinctive Cardassian tractor beam.

Of the many things to like in this episode, I think my favorite is the development of the relationship between Odo and Quark. 4 of 5 stars.

http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Babel_(episode)

Posted

in

by

krblack42

Tags:

Comments

5 responses to “1.5 — “Babel””

  1. Randi Cohen Avatar
    Randi Cohen

    I like this episode much better than the first time I saw it! I love that the actors are all good enough to genuinely sound troubled while spouting nonsense (you go, Colm Meaney!).

    I also love the contrast between Kira and Dax as they are walking down the hallway. Just a great shot that illustrates the differences between these two competent women. And I like that Kira is not involved in any flirtations nor is she being used as a sex object on the show (at least not so far) and Dax is only because she’s sending clear signals that she’s interested in such things. Hallelujah! Also the show just passed the Bechtel test.

    I love that both of these women appear competent and have a clear purpose for being on the station! I love that Dax is the science officer! (My 4 year old has already shared with me that she doesn’t want to learn science because it is “boy stuff” which of course I jumped all over… sexism, alive and well in the 21st century!).

    Totally agree about Sisko actually caring about his family, including his son. What a welcome change.

    Jaheel = super annoying and contrived, but I couldn’t help but be drawn into Odo’s race against time. It’s neat that they had Quark be immune (I would expect it of Odo but not Quark). And that Quark acts helpful for a change. He reminds me of a “chaotic” D&D character in that his actions are all over the map as far as morality is concerned.

    Reply
  2. Kevin Black Avatar
    Kevin Black

    Hm, yes! Quark’s alignment would be chaotic neutral, I believe. It might be premature to type the others. Presumably the uniformed officers would be lawful at least because they have chosen to work in a hierarchical structure. Maybe not Kira?

    Reply
  3. Kevin Black Avatar
    Kevin Black

    Great point about the female characters being much better characters. The show doesn’t feel as much out of gender balance, although I guess it is–two of eight recurring cast members are female, similar to TNG. They are integral and make a strong impression, though.

    Reply
  4. Randi Cohen Avatar
    Randi Cohen

    I say Kira is neutral good, odo is lawful neutral, not sure about the others!

    Reply
  5. Kevin Black Avatar
    Kevin Black

    For some of the characters you might wants categories like ‘lawful mostly-good.” I haven’t seen what’s going to go down with the dominion wars, etc. yet.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *