Past Prologue

DVD, DS9 S1 (Past Prologue)

I noticed it was fluently directed, going from one scene to the next comfortably, and well paced. It showed a lot of promise, but the elements were perhaps a little raw and undeveloped. Certainly not a dumb story; a complexity carried on from the pilot evident, with issues about terrorism and who is your enemy.

The main importance, apart from being the first proper episode, is Garak's introduction, someone who was destined for great things, and a detailed past and existence that many Trek regulars never got on other series', plus a presence on the station to add some spice. Bashir's nervousness and uncertainty at meeting this Cardassian clothier is very well played, and while the English doctor comes across as a bit jittery for a Starfleet officer it works so well, with so much nuance to the performance, like the plant that gets in his way as he tries to relax, or the way he looks at the suit in the mirror. He is comedic, but believable, and excited and full of life, but as yet without a direction that's sure and steady (as opposed to Sisko, who seems a lot more assured this episode), apart from his medical role of course. At this point he could go in any direction. I love the fact that even at this early stage you can tell O'Brien thinks he's an idiot!

Some characters are used more than others (Quark and Jake's presence is missed by their complete absence - you wonder what Jake is up to, running round the station), with Jadzia and O'Brien the bit parts (though once again the Chief gets to display his knowledge about the cultures central to DS9 and further his logical position there, by advising Sisko on Cardassian atrocities as he advised him last time on Bajoran women).

Kira shines, and it is her episode, as she comes to terms with divided loyalty, but sees the way forward to Bajor's best interests, though it be with Federation assistance. That she comes to a realisation of the need for Sisko, but is still left sad about her former colleague, makes the story much more realistic, and the commander's presence encourages her she did the right thing, as she knows she did. When they walk off together at the end it is a symbolic gesture that shows they have reached some common ground. They both want the best for Bajor's future.

The Odo and Kira scene is another very successful character-building moment, where Kira comes to seek advice from her old friend or colleague, but can't quite bring herself to admit it, while Odo keenly notices her reticence and comes right out with it. There's no romantic sense at all, and if he loves her this early he certainly doesn't show it. I think he simply respects her and she is someone he accepts as a person, knows her past and maybe appreciates her as a strong force on the station. She gets to be a bit more vulnerable instead of the all-shouting all-angry version from the pilot. Her appearance is more suited to her being in this episode too. All around she comes off a lot better, and a more rounded person, and that's partly thanks to the Constable.

Garak is at his most craziest, with a slightly 'Darth Vader in A New Hope' style - what I mean by that is that his characteristics are more to the fore than later appearances. I don't mean he overacts, just is less contained than we become used to. But Season One is a time for introductions. The ironing out can begin later when things are more fully established. He certainly brings a new angle to the station and highlights the series' unique situation that couldn't easily be replicated in the ship-bound series'.

The only complaint I could level would be that the Duras sisters aren't fleshed out, but simply there. They aren't really a key feature, more of a backdrop or link in the chain, and I was so sure Quark was the one dealing with them! The appearance is better than their final shot on TNG's Season Seven though (especially with our first bit of Klingon dialogue in the series!). The promenade hasn't yet been shown in its best light yet, the pieces not quite in context, so you're still not aware where things are, such as Garak's shop for example. A reasonable start, most interesting on first viewing I would wager, but not yet firing all it's got. (Note the insertion of the wormhole into the title sequence, now that we know about it!).

**