4.17 — “Accession”
Plot: A spaceship is recovered from the wormhole containing a Bajoran who claims to be the Emissary, and appears to hold a superior claim to the title than Sisko, whose first inclination is to yield the title with relief. However, when the new Emissary supports social changes that would upend Bajoran culture and threaten its application to join the Federation, Sisko is forced to think twice about his position as a Bajoran religious leader. Meanwhile, Keiko and Molly O’Brien return to DS9.
Thoughts: This is a quiet episode, primarily about cultural matters. It’s a measure of what DS9 has achieved that I was so delighted to see Kai Opaka. I enjoy the main story themes that examine whether Bajor should, and why it would, follow the promptings of a religious leader to turn towards conservative cultural values that restrict personal freedom in the name of faith and social order.
What struck me most was the degree of resolution Sisko receives by taking the expedient turn of inviting his rival to meet the Prophets and ask them what their true intentions are. Is it that easy? Sisko scarcely has ground to disbelieve prophecies made by deities that talk back when queried. Also, I have a cynical heart, but If I were Bajoran, I would be suspicious of the “two men visit the oracle, one returns and explains that the second wasn’t worthy and got sent into the past” scenario. Perhaps it was all filmed. This is obviously in service of the old-fashioned idea that the goal of an episode of television is to return matters to the status quo ante plus some intangible enlightenment at the end of 42 minutes, but it is too abrupt and convenient in this case.
This February 1996 episode was written by Jane Espenson, who, starting in 1998, is credited with writing 22 episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003), where she also worked as a producer and co-executive producer, while knocking out a couple of episodes of Angel (1999-2004) and a Firefly (2002). She is the funniest Buffy writer not named Joss Whedon, and has since gone on to write for other science fiction and fantasy shows, recently Once Upon a Time (2011-2018). I’m a fan. Her promise is evident here.
My household continues to roll our eyes at the clichés of the O’Brien domestic relationship and Miles O’Brien’s relentless retrograde “I’m a bloke” ethos. He’s hopeless feminizing himself with childcare and housework! Even Keiko knows he just needs to get a pint with the boys. God forbid she would have friends or social needs. This is the only marriage we have ever seen in Star Trek other than Sarek and Amanda, and it’s a couple with whom I would definitely never socialize. C’mon guys, spare me the warmed over sexist Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus (1992) routine.
This is the 400th episode of Star Trek we have watched and blogged. Great Scott! 340 to go! (Until they make more Discovery).
3.5 out of 5 solar sail ships.
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