Afterimage

DVD, DS9 S7 (Afterimage)

Not an easy watch. It's a pretty tricky situation for all concerned, having Ezri, who has the memories of their dear, departed friend. At first she seems to find some kind of solace in being around the station, but as things begin to turn, and she senses the anger from Worf, and the bitter words from Garak, it leaves her in a well of self-pity and identity crisis. But she finds a way to conquer herself, if you will, to take up her new career, though she feels she's not up to it, and try to carry on.

She's not the only one going through agitation, though. We learn of Garak's deep-seated shame at helping to fight against his own people, and Worf's confused thoughts on Dax. It certainly shows the pitfalls of the joined Trill way of life, like no other. So often we've had the good stuff; the wisdom, the confidence, the long line of lifetimes, but there is the rough that must be taken with the smooth. With her friends behind her she is given confidence (and it's so great how Sisko has taken to her and become like a mentor, while still acknowledging her as his mentor), and the desire to prove herself and not give in.

Quite an inspiring episode in it's ending, as Worf and she find a compromise, after O'Brien appeals to the Klingon. What would Jadzia want? In the end he chooses the honourable course, as we always knew he would, but it's a painful process getting there, and it's certainly not one to watch for a laugh. Garak, missing from the first couple of episodes has the chance to show himself, his claustrophobia resurging, much worse than his bouts at the Dominion prison camp in Season 5. I wonder why it took so long for Jake to notice how 'cute' Ezri was, since they went on a mission together before this. I suppose he was preoccupied with his Father then.

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