Take Me Out To The Holosuite

DVD, DS9 S7 (Take Me Out To The Holosuite)

I don't know much about baseball, don't even like the sport, but that doesn't matter a jot. Just as, no doubt, some would say that baseball isn't about a game, this episode isn't really about baseball. It's about the group of people on DS9, the Niners, who band together to help their Captain. That they lose at the end is faithful to Trek lore. After all, as Kasidy says, Vulcans are three times as strong as humans, and if they have such great reactions and speed as we know they do, how could a bunch of humans, Ferengi and other assorted oddments (no offence, Worf!), beat them without it seeming corny and unrealistic. Instead they win on a level a Vulcan couldn't understand, or at least could never admit to understanding. Because they win on an emotional level.

Sisko realises his mistake and gives Rom the chance he should have been given. The crew do their best, despite picking up the game in two weeks, and they enjoy their work as a team. After some pretty heavy stories to start the season off with, to have a comedy is the perfect antidote and brings some much needed colour and brightness to proceedings, both visually and literally. It always makes me laugh, Rom's waddling antics, Sisko's increasing obsession, Worf's battle cries... it's a happy diversion from the ever-looming background of war, and what's more, it continues the series' tradition for a unique take on Vulcans.

Solok is the height of arrogance, but in that inscrutable way we know so well. The Vulcans are bigger. The Vulcans are stronger. But theirs is an empty victory when the opposition enjoy the defeat as much as success. Attitude is all-important, and how the inexperienced crew rally round is a heartwarming joy. It was also an excuse to have some outdoor filming, and to bring some of the recurring characters back into the series - Rom, Leeta and Kasidy make their debut for the season, and of course Nog is almost a regular anyway. I should mention Odo also, who gets into the spirit like no one else, and sticks to the rules he's learned as only Odo could. A sheer delight.

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