His Way: Yes, I am cheering, out loud, alone in my room. Do I even need to say anything else? The only other comment I had on this episode was that this feels like a TNG episode. It felt like one of Riker’s programs, the whole sentient hologram felt like one of their plots. The happy ending felt very out of character for DS9 but I’m so thrilled I honestly might cry. The way they were yelling at each other right until he kissed her was just amazing. Of course I watched that scene three times. I try not to root for relationships on these shows but Odo deserves to be happy, finally.

The Reckoning: I love what they’re doing with Dax in this season. It’s a slab of stone with some words on it. She’s amazing.

All in all, not my favourite Bajoran episode. It was just weird in a way that wasn’t even Star Trek weird. I think it was an important character moment for Winn. But honestly that’s most of what I got out of it. The whole energy battle thing was really weird. Why didn’t Sisko want to flood the station with chronitons? The Wormhole aliens didn’t tell him NOT to do it. They asked for his help and he freed the stone thing and that was what he was supposed to do. I just felt like we had this big weird episode that’s going more spiritual/supernatural than scifi just so Winn could be a jerk and ruin everybody’s prosperity to remain in power.

Valiant: Nog wants us to decide for ourselves. I’ve decided- red squad captain was a bad captain AND they were a bad crew. The one girl knew he was addicted to drugs and didn’t relieve him of duty. Then he was punishing people for being emotional after they were far from home and all the experienced officers they were working with died. I mean really he punished Jake for that but that’s not better. And then Jake, somebody who has been in more combat situations than the entire crew combined, was thrown in jail because he didn’t agree with the captain and pointed out that the captain was on drugs, to someone who didn’t even believe him!

They made a mistake on this episode, in my opinion. In theory, Star Fleet academy age is what, 18? For humans at least? And by the time they made it this far, you imagine they’re closer to graduation than to freshmen. I don’t know the training process so correct me if I’m wrong, but these people look young. Like, 15-18 instead of 18-22. It felt like I was watching kids play soldier and not actual future soldiers getting promoted quickly. And I don’t think that’s a fair representation of current students in military academies or in colleges in general. That said, the overconfident drug addicted captain is an interesting metaphor.

Profit and Lace: guys these Ferengi episodes have gone a little off the rails. That said, I didn’t mind it. Personally I’m not terribly invested in who the grand nagus is. I don’t really care if Brunt takes over. I don’t really care about their social reform because it’s taken them six seasons to get to the point. I mean I guess late is better than never but... when you watch an episode like this without being invested in the success of either side, it becomes more about laughing at Quark’s expense. It’s fine and all, but it’s not thrilling. It doesn’t give the same sense of adventure that the rest of the show brings.

I like that we’ve seen more of the whole team interacting in these episodes (except Sisko). The main ops crew (except Sisko) were doing things like hanging out in the holosuite, helping with engineering stuff, problem solving. And as I used to say a lot, I love watching that. It’s exciting to me. That’s the way I want to work when I’m an actual adult.

Time’s Orphan: as somebody pointed out yesterday, DS9 is a little reckless with time travel. There was definitely a lot of loose ends here. How did they not know about a time portal in the place they’ve been vacationing for years? How is Miles able to turn it on so easily? Seriously why couldn’t they compromise with the holosuite issue? Aren’t there other holosuites? It was a cute thought, and I appreciate Keiko’s moral decisiveness (we can’t take those years away from her), but I think we’re missing some explanations. We’re up to what... 3 torture Miles episodes in this one season?

This show also seems to take the stance that, for better or worse, the version of reality we’re faced with is the one we should keep. They associate never existing in the first place with death. I’m not sure that’s fair but I’m not sure it isn’t. But they have taken a consistent stance on it. Thoughts anyone?

The Sound of Her Voice: I thought this episode was kind of beautiful. It was super revealing about each of the characters, especially Julian, Sisko and Miles. The way Miles kept her audio on before they could talk to her was incredibly poetic, and said a lot about what motivates him. He felt like she was asking him specifically for help. As if to say when someone reaches out for anyone, everyone is responsible.

Julian’s arrogance was obviously very pronounced. But his ability to shift gears and give care was also emphasized. I feel like Julian as a character could have grown a little more in this series in general. But I like his ability to flip flop around and transition into what he needs to be. He’s a good researcher, a good doctor, a good soldier, and a good friend, but pretty much never at the same time.

And obviously we tackled Sisko’s fear of commitment to his new relationship. I am personally less invested in his relationship because I don’t love Kassidy but I’m glad he’s working through that.

I think Miles is the one who really shined in this episode. I loved it because hardly anything happened, but a lot was said. A lot was risked for a single life. Especially as they got to know her, she was valued. And I find it very poetic the way they went about that. The fact that it was Miles’ version of a funeral shows the way that he connected to her differently. He is really defining what it means to be a good man to me.

Next blog is going to be season six finale and seven intro but it probably won’t be for a day or two. This is all stuff I wrote yesterday. I had a medical issue this morning, so I couldn’t study or watch ST and it’s going to be a long day at work. But I’m okay, and I’ll get those two watched ASAP!

Also not to be sappy but I just want you guys to know how much I appreciated all of the discussions yesterday. I came home from work and got to learn so much from your perspectives. My friends don’t like talking about these shows but I value them so much, and I’m really glad I found a community in you guys. One more season to go!