The Reckoning

DVD, DS9 S6 (The Reckoning)

They always give a good impression of an empty, or nearly empty space, removed from all habitation, when the station is evacuated. Even if most of the people have gone, it's big enough to feel like you could wander around and not meet anyone. The reason I mention this is because that mood of portent and distance from people is half the battle.

It takes a long time to get to the event of the title, but it feels like some sort of Indiana Jones scenario, deep in some underground cave or temple, forbidden forces preparing to muster. On the other hand the build up doesn't really justify the end result which was relatively mild from a visual standpoint. Nowadays you can imagine a Matrix-style physical battle, rather than the more symbolic display of opposing forces.

The emotional context is the saviour of the story (and not Kai Winn who'd like to take all credit that's going!), the fact it is Jake, Sisko's son as the enemy's vessel, and that Sisko must be prepared to sacrifice him. There are many biblical connotations in the events which help to build authenticity and believability to what boils down to a slightly underwhelming confrontation. It's the ramifications to the Sisko's, Bajorans, even the war that are important.

One thing that does stand out is the opposing views played out by various characters. You can imagine Ross later chiding Sisko on his Emissary-centric decisions, when theoretically his first duty was to Starfleet orders and sensibilities. But what the 'unbelievers' don't see is that this ties into the fate of the Quadrant and the outcome of the war.

It feels strange to see Odo and Kira completely honest and affectionate with each other after five and a half years of friendship. But Kira's eyes glow with happiness and Odo is so much more comfortable with himself. Sadly Quark slips under the radar a bit with only one short scene, as war or Bajoran storylines take over. It is good to have Jake, as he's another regular who's been criminally underused, particularly this season, although I don't recall O'Brien being in it at all this time. At least Ross and Martok are mentioned.

Rather than being a hugely strong, emotional or action-oriented episode, it is more of an important story, one that will shape the series to come. For quite a while Bajor has been a side story, mentioned rarely or coming seldom into tales. But now the series begins to turn, as it comes full circle and the religion, more than the politics, begins to be fulfilled and the ultimate ends are in sight.

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