Shadows and Symbols: it’s funny that the psychiatrist tells Sisko his words don’t mean anything to anyone, because the story of DS9 means a hell of a lot to me.

This was a better episode for me. I loved Kira kicking some romulan butt, I loved the Klingon space battle (and I don’t usually like space battles). And I kinda like Sisko’s plot here. We gotta free the hidden wormhole alien. And that old plotline from the episode where they did the commentary on race was kind of brilliant. He was never sure what happened to him in that episode, never really sure that the other reality wasn’t true. I love the symbolism of choosing not to erase this.

Afterimage: oh watching Ezri and Bashir together hurt on so many levels. I wanted them to be together for the first two seasons so hearing her say that if Worf hadn’t showed up she would have fallen for Julian was a little painful.

The first Ezri Garak scene was so awkward it was hard to watch. But the holosuite scene was much better. I loved how he trusted her.

When Ben dismissed Ezri and she started crying outside his office, I wanted him to burst out the door and hold her and tell her he believes in her. But this show doesn’t work like that and I think that’s what makes these scenes so powerful.

Worf when Miles shows up with alcohol: Oh no not again. That was magic.

The rest was okay. I just kinda wanted Ezri to stop changing her mind.

My thoughts on Garak’s claustrophobia are mixed. It feels weird that they come right out and say it over and over, because it’s a really odd character flaw for him to me. But he plays it really well and it’s an exciting plot device.

Help me out real quick guys: is Kira a colonel because she is in the Bajoran militia and they follow army ranks? And Star Fleet follows navy, yes? It’s been awhile since I needed to know ranks in real life. You’d think I’d remember something I actually needed to know irl at some point but I don’t.

Take me Out to the Holosuite: since when is Nog a senior officer?? Also where is Jake? Jake showed up. Guys I hate baseball but I’m having a great time. We’ve got Worf, and a genetically enhanced doctor! For a second I forgot that they didn’t actually film this on a space station and went “Wow, what a realistic holo program.”

Death to the opposition!

I loved every second of this. The symbolism, the messaging, the excitement. The celebration in Quark’s was amazing. I don’t love when they fight against Vulcan control over emotion in any Star Trek series because I think it’s different, not wrong. But there was so much heart in this that I was just thrilled the entire time. No Dominion, no craziness. Just a ball game, just trying to get a single point.

Shoot edit, forgot, I absolutely love that Ezri is a counselor. I think that is a fantastic addition to this team.