Progress

DVD, DS9 S1 (Progress)

It's like those history essays you did at school: List reasons for and against whether Mullibok should be removed from Jeraddo. There are many reasons for both sides, but regardless, the result is sad. There was talk of a less planet-stressing resolution, which would take a year to reap sufficient energy, but would leave the moon habitable, and I think they should've chosen this option, however, we don't know how badly people on the planet needed the power. It was said that they needed it for the coming winter (surely it's winter somewhere on the planet all the time?), so the process had to happen ASAP.

It's one thing that's quite surprising about the series: It hasn't focused on Bajor as much as you'd expect from seeing the first episode. We haven't seen the conditions of the people in the months after their long occupation. Perhaps we'd find it easier to see the Bajoran's side if we had experienced some of their hardship. On the other hand, Mullibok is a very real person, a kind of crotchety and crafty old relative, that always has a way of twisting things around, but has a certain loveable personality. Unfortunately he is also totally resistant to any compromise.

This is truly Kira's episode as she almost crosses the line between duty and mutiny, even stepping a few toes over, and dangling them there. No matter what, though she sees the parallels between the old Bajoran's sturggle and her own people and self, she has good people who care enough to help her back on track, though she did hang undecided for a while. Sisko, rather than throw the book at her and deride her course of action, covers up her indiscretion, and even visits her as a friend. That shot on the planet where he talks to her, he exudes command and strength, but then he slowly stoops and meets her at her level, and tells her what he sees in her. It's great direction and a lovely moment for the characters. We see how much has changed in the months they've worked together, and that Sisko has faith in her. She doesn't let him down.

Though you can see she isn't happy with the decision, she removes all Mullibok's obstacles, but not before helping him finish his kiln, and nursing him back to health after the ordeal with the security officers. The episode is very light on action, with only that altercation to cause excitement as Mullibok is enraged when they take his two compatriots by force. It shows what can happen when a potentially violent situation gets out of hand. The story is very solid, and there is so much subtext that it feels like an adult episode - thoughtful and issue-driven. But we also have a bit of comedy as Jake and Nog get into a 'Zelda'-like bartering sequence.

It's surprising they're featured as the B-story, since they served that function in the previous episode, but it's a welcome sight to see their shenanigans again. It's so nice to see them going about their lives as young people, especially when you know what they grow up into. Apparently Morn asked Dax out, which is another fun little aside, furthering the sense of community on the station. And I have to mention the brilliant set of Mullibok's planetside home. It could be outside, it's so well lit, and it reminded me of a Hobbit hole, with a brilliant slanted door and a very satisfying clonk when it shut!

In a way this sets up 'Duet' later in the season, where Kira is again battling against a foe with words, whom she comes to understand better. Both have sad endings, but it is surprising that of all the characters it should be Kira, the fiery, hotheaded woman from the pilot, who becomes so diplomatic and tries so hard to connect with others. She doesn't always succeed though. That would be too easy!

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