Welcome back to Underrated Trek, where I take a special look at Star Trek episodes that I love…which may not be the most popular or even liked by most. As I continue to discuss my absolute favorite, I've watched them about 500 times, episodes we come to DS9. And this one is kind of a surprise in many ways. But I am certainly not alone in loving it, it's considered one of the finest episodes of Trek, Period. This is..
Why is it a surprise then? Well let's discuss this little gem.
Plot Synopsis:
As the war drags on Sisko has decided the time has come to force the Romulans into the war. He goes to Garak who fails in his normal channels but has a plan.
Despite severe misgivings Sisko allows Garak to go ahead with his plan to trick the Ronulans into thinking the Dominion are planning a surprise attack. Even though the person hired is less than reputable, he makes a fake recording to trick a Romulan senator.
Sadly the recording fails and the senator is outraged. Days later word comes out that the ship the senator was in exploded. Sisko confronts Garak who admits he set everything up so the explosion will look like the Dominion covering its tracks. Despite a severe guilty conscience Sisko is pleased the Romulans are now in the war.
Guest Stars:
Stephen McHattie is Senator Vreenack who gives one of the series more memorable lines. It’s a fake!!!!! This memetic but honestly he does a wonderful job in the role.
Episode pros
Sometimes these episodes have so little in them the synopsis is a breeze. But writing this one I realized just how tightly woven this episode really is. That synopsis doesn’t even begin to cover it. I said it was a surprise I love this one, why is that? I am not a fan of the war arc. Nothing against the episodes but they aren’t shows I’m rushing to rewatch ever. So to not only love this one but keep coming back to it over and over again is very high praise.
I didn’t always love Garak but this is him on full display and Andrew Robinson is simply wonderful. That final speech he gives about how the ends justifies the means is so well delivered and you can feel Siskos anguish. And I am not a “Sisko over Picard or Kirk” person but damn Avery Brooks is 100% here giving the best performance of the series (well ok except maybe “Far Beyond the Stars”). Everyone gets a good moment here where either Sisko has to talk them out of something or force them to do something they normally would not. Except OBrien, who is weirdly missing. Dax makes him realize the Romulans won’t just capitulate, Bashir is told to provide a controlled substance and Quark is bribed by Sisko, to his delight.
The best part of the episode is the twist at the end. It’s one of those times I’m so happy I saw this first run, before it could be spoiled. Garak says himself Sisko went to him he would do the things Sisko would not do. I don’t say this a lot but this one episode that truly needs to be watched.
Do I really need to say anything about how wonderful Avery Brooks is here?
Episode Cons
I guess the big nitpick that could be raised is that this episode is the antithesis of what Trek is supposed to be about. Sisko lying, cheating, bribing and covering up for other people crimes is not what Gene Roddenberry had in mind. Which is why the writing and acting have to sell it, which they both do. It’s why we need the framing device of Sisko giving that log so we can understand why he’s doing these things even if a little part of him regrets it.
By the way how long did Sisko take to record that log? You’d think he’d have been interrupted by Jake or something. And we know it was all in one go because he starts in full uniform and slowly undresses as the episode proceeds (nice touch by the way). And what happened after Vreenack found the truth? Didn’t Sisko question Garak about it??
Some may complain there isn’t action here, except for Sisko slapping Garak across the room. But that’s ok Trek isn’t supposed to be heavy action it’s supposed to be good stories. And this is one of the best.
Final Thoughts:
As far as perfect episodes go, this is right up there. DS9 does not hold the place in my heart TOS, TNG and Voyager do but when they got it right, they really got it right!
Honorable Mentions:
Way of the Warrior was wonderful. The Visitor a perfect story. Our Man Bashir, Whispers, and the season one episode Duet are all great. And I’ve already talked about Trials and Tribble-ations, which I listed as my favorite in another article, but I discussed why I don’t consider that a “real” episode in the article on it.
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