The Breen attack Earth with disturbing success, and the Federation attempt to stop the re-taking of the Chin'toka system. Meanwhile, Kai Winn sets out to discover more about the Pah-Wraiths and Damar plans his next move.
This final arc for Deep Space Nine is truly momentous. The fact that an attack on Earth is almost a sidenote shows the seriousness of what is happening. Packed with disturbing images and an overwhelming sense of doom, this is one of the best episodes the series has ever done, as alliances are broken and made, revelations abound and there are some real shocks that are completely unexpected and left me open-mouthed.
The short-lived battle in the Chin'toka system is impressive and decisive, and there are some lighter moments in the calm before ths storm as O'Brien and Bashir try to form new holosuite strategies. There are also some effective scenes showing the new close relationship between Ezri and Worf and the start of married life for Sisko and Kasidy. It's all building together nicely, with the only slight problem being once again Kai Winn, who still seems to be making decisions that are rather out of character. Would she really form an alliance, knowing her partner is Gul Dukat? This aside, there is plenty going on, Damar's change of heart being particularly satisfying, which gives plenty of hope for a truly astonishing final episode. I certainly can't wait.
*****
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