Shadows and Symbols

DVD, DS9 S7 (Shadows and Symbols)

Part two improves on part one by having three distinct stories, which all get resolution. There's the Sisko strand, in which he discovers an amazing revelation about himself, and gives the Prophets a chance to say that only he could do what he does. Kind of a good message for everyone, as it kind of says that each person is unique and can only be that person. The other strands are Worf and friends dangerous mission to blow up a sun, and Kira's standoff against the Romulans.

Ezri Dax gets a chance to shine, a paradox of personas, yet a tour de force for deBoer, as she flips through all kinds of emotions and thoughts, providing a lot of humour. More importantly, and it is incredible, but she also provides the bedrock security and support that Jadzia always did. Already, with only one full episode she establishes the uniqueness of a new Dax, yet one who has shared Sisko and the other's adventures through the past six years. Amazing. The best moment for her must be when she waltzes onto the station at the end, says "hi" to all her former friends (notice Worf stump off in disgust, the memory of his dead wife seemingly in tatters as a new person calls herself Dax - it must have been really hard on him), then looks around the Promenade wide-eyed, and turns to look at her friends, sees their confusion and smiles beautifully!

Just when you thought things couldn't get more interesting as one of them says, DS9 throws in quandaries anew. The blockade seemed a little easily fought off, merely Admiral Ross' decision to support it, but it seems churlish to complain about such a fine episode, which once again juggles so many, so well. Quark's addition to the Klingon mission is a delight, and he has to keep complaining and mouthing off simply to keep from disappearing under Klingon ritual and gruffness. It was a grand gesture when Worf apologises for calling Quark, Bashir and O'Brien unworthy of Jadzia, but only after a stern word from the General. It shows there could be trouble ahead, as Worf, more complex than most Klingons, as usual, takes thing harder or more seriously for longer than he perhaps should. His grief will not be helped by Dax' reappearance.

Sisko's will be, though. The two right away suit each other so well, and you can believe that this young, tiny little ensign has the memories of lifetimes. It is remarkable. The business on Tyree (named for the original series friend of Kirk's, I wonder?) was full of visual splendour, like some old cowboy film. And it's always a pleasure to see a new type of Starfleet attire - this time desert cloaks with department stripes fetchingly emblazoned on. The episode furthers the Trek universe in the visual department, and not only with the stunning desert-bound shots - there are some brilliant shots as the Bird of Prey escapes the Jem'Hadar ships, who get torn apart in the sun's blast as the Klingons achieve their mission. Hoorah!

And it's good to see the inside of a Bajoran ship for a change. In fact there are very few scenes that take place on the station at all, which is a rarity! And finally, mention should be made of the wonderful choice of bringing back Benny Russell (with Casey Biggs, usually Damar, playing Dr. Wykoff too - Jeffrey Combs had played more than one character in an episode before, but not this one), in a simple, but oh-so-right sequence, brought on by the Pah-wraiths. The episode fits so much in, but it does it logically and satisfyingly, two qualities the Vulcans, and the viewers, would be proud of.

****