The Homecoming

DVD, DS9 S2 (The Homecoming)

The whole episode, despite occasional moments of long conversation, is fast paced and very fluid, pleasingly running from mystery; humour; colour, with plenty of exotic aliens, including the first appearance of the Boslic freighter captain; action; politics, relighion and terrorism, while also pulling off reintroductions for all the characters that don't feel forced, but are comfortably tied to the unfolding narrative. The series is strong and vibrant, energised to be back for a second season, and eager to show what it can do, especially as this was also the year the much favoured TNG ended.

One thing that got me thinging was the escape party's decision to leave a Federation phaser behind, as this would clearly send a message to the Cardassians and would just as likely lead to war with the Federation as the Bajorans (leaving aside the fact that the Runabout might have been spotted), yet no one even mentions the lost phaser (just like when McCoy left his communicator behind!). The other thing is; why leave four behind with only one phaser - so they can attack in hand to hand or in case the phaser guy gets killed? Thankfully Borum doesn't die after all and gets a ride home courtesy of the Cardassians themselves!

How did they know it was called the Hutet Labour Camp? Presumably because the place is well known as a prison for Cardassian prisoners. In which case the Cardassians couldn't really deny knowledge of Bajoran captives held there if it's such a well known camp, as they should know what goes on there.

A very bizarre moment occurs when Kira bluffs her way out of interest from a nosy Cardassian tracking post by calling herself the Lissepian Transport ship Martok! This is weird as later seasons have a character of the same name, played by an actor that appeared in the first episode of the previous season. Either it's a coincidence, or the writers thinks further ahead than we ever gave them credit for!

The Cardassian Kira duffs up sounded just like the unique tones of John Fleck (best known for Silik, among other Trek roles), but he was uncredited, so was it him? Michael Bell who played Li Nalas' friend (Borum), also played Groppler Zorn in the first episode of TNG Season One.

Quark's crowdpleaser scene with Odo at the beginning where he helps the Constable, leaving him baffled, then explains to Rom it's good to declare peace sometimes just to confuse your enemies, has a parallel later in the story as the Cardassians, represented by Gul Dukat, make the strangely pacifistic move to free all the Bajoran prisoners and claim no knowledge. Could the earlier conversation be a clue to the race's motives for this act of generosity? If so, the writers are very clever and subtle too!

O'Brien was the best choice for the mission with Kira (Cardassian experience, military experience, ability to fix the Runabout if needed, excellent pilot, sympathises with captives of Cardassians), but more than that, it's a nice pairing because it's unexpected, although it seems a bit reckless of him to risk his life when he's got a wife and child at home. He must have felt confident in the mission's success. It also shows the camaraderie that has sprouted among the crew, as everyone knows of Kira's plan. Dax and Bashir aren't as central to proceedings, but the 'old man' gets to impart some wisdom to Sisko (and help her friend get the mission), while Bashir does some healing, and puts his foot on a raw nerve in Li Nalas.

Li is a good new character, bringing quiet dignity and presence to the station, just as Minister Jaro does. They seem very alike in their unassuming, but tall, authority figures. The difference is that Li does not wish this on himself, while Jaro quite clearly does. It's difficult to know at this stage whether Jaro is a force for good or bad. We've never seen much in the way of Bajor's government, other than the religious side, in Winn and Bareil, or maybe some minister Kira's shouting at on a monitor!

Although Li's legendary reputation is built on a lie, we are told this only once his goodness of character has been shown by his actions. We believe in him, because of his humility (no matter how well founded it turns out to be), his concern for others (he doesn't want to leave anyone behind in the rescue attempt, and reminds the Doctor of the others when he's selected for treatment), so that when we learn of his erroneous status as a 'hero' we still feel, like Sisko, that he is the man to help Bajor stabilise. A classic case of power thrust upon a man. But how much power do the government really give him?

They 'create' a new title; Navarch. Is this because they really believe other titles are unworthy of him, or is it because they fear him as a threat to their power? Is he shuttled off to DS9 to take Kira's place in a public position of authority as an honoured figure, or so that the government can hold him safely at arm's length, while at the same time, keep an eye on him? Is Kira being punished for disobedience by her recall to Bajor, or promoted for rescuing Li? The episode throws many queries into the mix, with the instigation of so much, and with the ending on a cliffhanger. If part two delivers as much as this, then the season is off to a ripping start.

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