Kira is transported to Empok Nor, which turns out to be the base for a sect of Pah-Wraith worshippers, led by her old 'friend' Gul Dukat.
This episode reeks of serious padding, with the major problem being that nothing of enough note occurs to make the viewer stay interested. The only function it serves is to move Dukat's character onto a different plane for future episodes, because there's really nothing else to bother with here.
Whereas last year's Waltz was a well-written two-hander between Sisko and Dukat, Covenant is a dully plotted two-hander for Kira and the Cardassian, who has embraced the Pah-Wraiths as gods, and is willing to give his life for them. Or so it appears.
The first problem is the lack of action. The second problem is that the so-called revelations are blindingly obvious way before they even happen. This is Trek by the numbers, and the only reason it warrants a second star from me is Marc Alaimo, who gives another convincing performance as Dukat, and one that constantly makes you wonder just what he believes. In fact, as he is seen alone praying for guidance, it seems that Dukat does, at least, have some regard for the Pah-Wraiths, which may be an interesting enough concept to pick up in a few episodes time. Aside from that, a waste.
**
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