Hi everyone! This is gonna be even more spoilery than most of these, because it’s going to be two episodes in lots of details, so if you’re watching with me make sure you’ve seen it already!

Also, because this is only two episodes, I would love to hear any and all random trivia, head cannons, theories, etc.

I was pretty disappointed yesterday so I came into this mentally prepared for a space battle. I was ready for it. I was rarin’ to go. And we got a lil space battle. A severely outmatched, Sisko was underprepared space battle. He went in saying, “We’re here for peace, really, but we’re gonna go in cloked and sneak into things, and they DID warn us they would essentially shoot on site, but... we got this.” But I’m not here to complain about Sisko’s bad decisions. Also this one may have been Star Fleet’s bad decision. I couldn’t really tell.

Guys, I love Odo so much for so many reasons. I didn’t think I would love Odo when this show started but holy crap. His careful consideration and genuine respect for life, change and justice is honestly astounding. Stuff like this is what makes Star Trek art. I also think they do a wonderful job contrasting it to Julian’s reckless defense of life. They both want the same thing, and to me, it’s exhilarating in both cases, but Odo is much more measured and controlled. It’s like his goals and values are a more mature version of Julian’s.

Every time Garak comes on screen, it’s pure gold. Do I need to say more?

I loved watching Kira and Odo together. It was like Kira’s little brother discovered his identity and she’s watching him turn into something she’s proud of. She wants nothing more than for him to be happy. Except possibly to get off the planet and contact Sisko. But she nudged him for help so gently and respectfully. Essentially, “Uh, I need you to unlock this door. But you know, when you’re comfortable and ready.” I love the way they treat each other. Before that, Odo telling her he had to go to the planet and that she “Didn’t object at the time.” Well written, well executed.

Dax was a little weird for me in this, but I did love when she burst into Sisko’s room asking if he’d seriously let them reassign her.

I’ve started an art/DIY project while I watch this and when Odo got the door open I had to stop and replay it because honestly what on earth? Or not on earth? I am seriously impressed with this show’s ability to surprise me. I actually used to write a lot but stopped because I ran out of creativity and artistry. But this is such an awesome reminder that it’s me who is missing the expansiveness. There is so much creativity left out there. I need to take this time to learn what it means to be genuinely open minded (and people are constantly nudging me in the comments- thank you!).

Thoughts, everyone?