Damar, Garak and Kira receive a setback to their plans on Cardassia, the Dominion change tactics, and the Grand Nagus announces his desire to appoint a new Nagus and retire, and Quark is his choice...
A couple of seasons ago, you wouldn't have seen an episode like this, which is almost meaningless if watched on its own. However, for the fans who've stuck with DSN, the way the main and supporting characters' arcs are being wrapped up is enjoyable and punctuated by occasional surprises. There are a couple more here, mainly in the last couple of scenes, and the story veers between drama and comedy extremely effectively.
After taking care of the Klingon empire and helping the Changelings, it's good to see the Ferengi supporting cast get their turn in the spotlight, and also to see Jeffrey Combs playing both Brunt and Weyoun, although sadly not simultaneously. Each of the usual suspects gets a look in, with the outcome a welcome surprise.
The Cardassia story is just as well-drawn; Garak's past is 'officially' revealed, and Damar takes on a new role that should lead to some interesting moments in the final episode.
If there's any criticism, it's that with so many plotlines in play again, each one doesn't get much time, but they do advance enough to set the pieces in place for the next episode's final showdown. Short scenes with Odo, Kasidy, Martok and Ross are all vital to future events, and I can't wait to see how everything ends up.
****
Back to the Deep Space Nine guide, head back to the main TV reviews page, or return to the main page?
