The Siege

DVD, DS9 S2 (The Siege)

Dax seems uncharacteristically jittery and worried about little things (such as the palukoo - the only thing about the episode I really don't like. Would have been better to hear the scuttling and see only shadows), which is at odds with her later 'action barbie' status, but she has always been a scientific person, and perhaps these experiences and others were the training for her later love of excitement. It was also to contrast Kira's rough and ready, do or die, resistance ways, suggesting Starfleet types were softies (which they clearly aren't!), adding a bit of banter to proceedings, and edge to the dangers.

They've also pretty much dispensed with the ultra-calm, wise old Dax of early Season One, although she did have the scene with Sisko in 'The Homecoming'. Characters always change over time, like real people and this Trill is no different - except she gets to go without spots (and a Bajoran nose) this time! Vedek Winn too, changes her spots quick enough, sensing the tide's turn and turning on Jaro! Apart from the palukoo, the only minor complaint I would suggest is the lack of a very conclusive end - Winn's position as a Vedek, Jaro's fate uncertain, and Bajor's too, not to mention Starfleet's reaction to Sisko's bending of the rules. This can work in their favour however, encouraging people to find out what the situation may be from now on.

Some characters, as much as I like them, and applaud their presence, seem surplus to requirements, as if appearance in the previous episode, cemented their inclusion here. Winn and Bareil are the ones I'm thinking of, in particular. I don't share the producers view that Li never went anywhere and may as well have not existed. He instigated things, his persona changed minds, and he came to peace, sacrificing himself for Sisko in the kind of act he claimed wasn't his strength (and mirroring Sisko's own action to save Bareil at last season's end). He was a hero, not a legend, but the Bajorans will always think of him as a legend, and that's how Sisko decides to remember him too. He had his faults, but he proved his worth, and though his death seems right, it would have been even better to see his character recur in the series.

General Krim finds the baseball - the first example of 'Sisko's sign' - a representation of his presence. It's always interesting to see the various reactions this humble baseball receives from those that encounter it. It's clear Krim respects Sisko (more than he respects gung-ho Colonel Day), and I think this played a part in swaying his decision, as well as Li. He's satisfied at Sisko's choice not to abandon the station, seeing his enemy as an equal, where Day sees only targets.

Though the action is stealthier in this instalment, we are treated to an exciting, Star Wars-style in-atmosphere dogfight (and you thought 'Insurrection' was first with that). It gives a greater sense of speed as we see clouds and land hurtle past, as opposed to the distant star streaks we're used to from space-flight. Odo gets to play his part in the action category by 'being' part of the wall, as well as a tripwire! The stranding of Quark (although he seems as stupid as ever, Rom double-crosses his brother, just as he tried to kill him last season - he's certainly learned!), gives us a few fun scenes, and we see him get quite fierce spouting another Rule of Acquisition about never insulting a Ferengi's mother. Not having seen a female Ferengi at this stage of the series, it brings up all kinds of images to mind. Oh, and it was never resolved at what point Quark became officially de-deputised...

Each episode has had its defining characteristics, and scenes. Part I was the action, and the moral struggle of Li to accept his legendary status; part II introduced other elements for Kira, and more humour. This concluding part of 'The Circle' trilogy reiterates some things from last season, such as the families and friendships (ironically it's Bashir who says O'Brien won't find a friend here, at the engineer's instigation, and enjoyment of, military rations, foreshadowing what would begin to unfold over the season). Part III also gives us the first takeover of the station.

There remains one vital question however: What happened to Garak? Presumably the writers had all but forgotten their tailor-cum-spy, and in subsequent appearances it's clear he doesn't like to leave the station, so either he stayed in secret, hidden in his shop, or he meekly accepted a seat on a Runabout (all three; Rio Grande, Ganges and Orinoco are named in this episode), expecting to come right back. I don't think we ever find out; a rare example of them dropping one of the balls they'd been juggling, even accounting for the fact they'd only given it one throw.

As a brave and a bold three-parter this really delivered, and while being far from perfect it has been pretty much as effective a reintroduction of the characters and situation of DS9, as the pilot episode was. A strong statement of intent for the new season: to seek out new and intricate stories and protaganists, to boldly take the established formula and enhance it. And most certainly to go where no Trek had gone before.

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