The Maquis
             (Star Trek - Deep Space Nine episode production code 440 & 441)
         
story by Rick Berman, Michael Piller, & Jeri Taylor
              (the creators of the upcoming Star Trek Voyager)
         
with story help & teleplay by James Crocker on Part One,
         
and story help & teleplay by Ira Steven Behr on Part Two
         
         Gene Roddenberry's vision for Star Trek as a future where
         old petty conflicts have been laid to rest and an idyllic,
         peaceful society is now status quo really gave writers a problem.
         Without reliable conflicts, how could they create 52 riveting
         episodes per year in this universe?  Michael Piller in particular
         seemed to be pushing to create cultural pockets within that universe
         that would be ripe in spawning long-term conflicts without easy
         answers.  The creation of a border realignment between
         Federation and Cardassian space was a logical extension of
         the usual Deep Space Nine arena, which provided some material
         for some final Next Generation episodes, while the rebel Maquis
         elements would go on to fuel the make-up of "half" of the
         crew on the new Voyager series.
         
         It is too bad though, that so many of the tenets of Roddenberry's
         world had to be forgotten, along with a sense of consistency
         with what was going on, to continue this Maquis farce.
         
         This story really begins with the
         season seven Next Generation episode
         "Journey's End",
         and the treaty that perhaps doesn't so much realign the
         border with Cardassia as it does define it for the first time
         that both sides can agree on.  However a lot of colonies
         end up on the wrong sides of the new border.  Watching this
         situation's debut on Deep Space Nine really doesn't leave
         this treaty looking like it makes any sense, but add a viewing
         of "Journey's End", and it starts to look a little bit
         better.
         
         
Who's your citizen?
         It is important to note what "Journey's End" tells us about this
         situation.  The Federation's default plan is to evacuate all
         its citizens and move them to new homes on their side of the border.
         It is unbelievably arrogant in thinking that that is the only
         solution, and that it is their business to force this decision
         onto the colonists, when there is such an obvious other choice
         that each colonist should be open to make.  In the end, the
         colony on Dorvan Five DOES make that choice, with the peaceable
         agreement of Captain Picard of the Federation and Gul Ivec
         of the Cardassian Empire.  The Dorvan Five colony GIVES UP
         ITS FEDERATION CITIZENSHIP in order to stay where it does.
         Granted, Picard and Ivec still need to get this agreement
         ratified by their respected governments, but in effect,
         Dorvan Five is cut loose, no longer aligned with the Federation.
         
         Now we come to the story in "The Maquis", where it seems that
         many other colonies have followed suit.  Their people have not
         been evacuated, they have stayed put in Cardassian Space.  So how
         is it that Admiral Nechayev can come to Deep Space Nine,
         get in Sisko's face, and insist on emphasizing, twice, that
         all these people are still citizens of the Federation?
         They don't live in the Federation anymore.  They are either
         Cardassian citizens if the Cardassian Empire will have them,
         or squatters in Cardassian space.  Perhaps they
         can now claim, legitimately, to be independent societies.
         Not only do Nechayev and Starfleet and their chain of command
         have no business trying to boss them around, but the Prime Directive
         now applies as well.
         If the colonies want to declare war on Cardassia,
         that's totally up to them.  Starfleet is limited to policing
         Federation sympathizers from selling them arms, or offering to help
         them negotiate their differences with the Cardassians,
         which requires a much more open and understanding stance from them.
         All this makes the original border treaty kind of useless,
         because there is still fighting and there is still negotiating.
         The voices of these colonies needed to be taken into better
         account back then, and the issues that create conflict in the
         first place won't simply vanish because the name of peace
         comes up.  Issues need to be dealt with.
         
         So this story, while having its good moments, turns out to be
         two episodes of much exposition of this weird situation without
         really coming up with an engaging conflict that makes me want
         to root for the Starfleet characters.  The political and
         moral arguments are really falling flat and failing to see
         the obvious.
         
         Where the story has potential is in investigating the mysteries
         of who's supplying arms to whom, and what the agenda of the
         Cardassian high command really is.  Our Starfleet crew is well
         within their rights to prosecute the Maquis for bringing their war
         into Federation space, or target Federation sympathizers who
         smuggle arms or equipment to them.
         In terms of morals and philosophies, perhaps the many characters
         need to learn to not judge citizens by their external appearances
         or biological heritage - just because someone is Human doesn't
         mean they are automatically a Federation citizen, in the same way
         that just because someone is obviously of Cardassian descent, it
         doesn't automatically make them part of the Cardassian Empire.
         The situation here still produces many great story possibilities.
         But the possibilities that were pursued
         in this two-part adventure were not pursued particularly well.
    
    
         The Collaborator
             (Star Trek - Deep Space Nine episode production code 444)
         
story by Gary Holland
         
teleplay by Gary Holland & Ira Steven Behr & Robert Hewitt Wolfe
         
This episode sees Vedek Winn trying her best to tempt Sisko
into violating the Prime Directive to help her political
struggles on Bajor.  Nice to see Sisko sidestep that trap
so gracefully.
     Does Chief O'Brien fare as well when he helps Kira
and Odo piece the evidence together that will decide
Bajor's religious leadership?  Hard to say.
     In any case, this episode is a bit of a bummer,
since corruption wins out over truth.  I can't say I'm
all that fond of Bareil's choices, holding the past sacred
while saying to hell with the present (and possibly the future).
He may be the better man for the job, thanks to his rival
being as spiritual as nails scraping across a chalkboard,
but he's not too bright by any stretch.  A lot of DS9 episodes
this season seem to have great potential, but no real point
to them.  Star Trek was losing its essence here.
    
    Thankfully, things returned to much better form for the season two
    finale, which launched into a really good third season.....
    
    
    
       And now the rankings... Oh dear.  It must be said, I'm not a huge fan of this particular season
       of Deep Space Nine, therefore I'm not prepared to say that the episodes at the top of my list
       here are all that great.... just better than what follows at the middle and bottom of the list.
       For those that DO like this season, it seems they are ready to embrace instances of the regular
       characters motivated by or acting on philosophical principles in reverse, perhaps as some kind
       of statement of originality or variance or something.  Whatever.  I am not so impressed.  
       I come to DS9 looking
       to see the essence of good Star Trek philosophical optimism, and healthy entertainment value.
       And I'm more willing to forgive plot holes or inconsistencies if the philosophies and/or
       entertainment value (humour) meet my approval.
       That, I think, will be the main criteria making my rankings different from that of other fans...
    
Rankings for season two, from favourite to least favourite:
      
          - The Alternate (A strong vein of exploration quickly got me on board with this episode,
                  and it continued to hold my interest well until the very end.
                  This one packs in everything I'd want in a good Star Trek sci-fi episode,
                  particularly exploration galore, plus it perfectly exploits both what we know and what
                  we don't yet know about Odo, introducing his discoverer Dr. Morra in one
                  of James Sloyan's most remembered portrayals.  The cast are all well-served here.)
          
- The Jem'Hadar (A fun outing for Sisko and the Ferengi brings much humour to the
                  early portions, while the escalation to galactic intrigue and action in the later portions
                  teases DS9 mythology to all new heights.  Very nicely done.  Previously this had been my
                  season favourite, in part by containing the most significant event of the year, so I'm
                  a bit surprised another episode bettered it in the end.)
          
- Whispers (One of the most perfect Star Trek conspiracy thrillers ever,
                  this one kicked off an almost annual convention of
                  "O'Brien vs the cruel world" stories, but remains one of that set's
                  best and cleanest entries.)
              
                  - (Circle Conspiracy 1: The Homecoming might go here if its parts were ranked separately)
              
 
- TNG: Journey's End
                         (An important primer in the Maquis situation
                         featuring Admiral Nechayev and Gul Ivec, therefore useful in a DS9 season 2 rewatch.
                         This first chapter in the Maquis plotline enacts
                            the actual best small-scale solution to that saga's central debacle, plus this is a refreshing
                            return to real events with lasting impact within TNG's run.
                            While most characters make a VERY worthwhile and memorable journey in this one,
                            the route is clumsy - some scenes miss the mark completely, while most scenes,
                            particularly at the end, finally do reach their objectives nicely.)
          
- Rules of Acquisition (Successful world-building is enjoyably off the chart in this one.
                  After TNG's initial introduction of the Ferengi in "The Last Outpost"
                  where they thoughtlessly dropped the Curse of the N-word on their new "adversaries",
                  the main stunt in "Rules of Acquisition" is what was required to get a Ferengi female
                  on screen, and was sadly not repeatable.  Thankfully it makes for a fun story
                  here that utilizes a good deal of the potential.  We also manage to further
                  the Zek saga, intrigue everyone with the first subtle hints of the Dominion,
                  throw in the Dozi via another reliable Brian Thompson character,
                  plus, surprisingly, Terry Farrell actually seems to really be Jadzia Dax
                  for the first time since the pilot, her wild side finding its expression
                  via the game of Tongo.  This episode gets more long term things right than we could know
                  when watching it for the first time.)
                      
              
- TNG: Firstborn
                         (A worthy exploration of Alexander's character and destiny, with a good
                          adventurous odyssey spine and an enjoyable connection to Quark and DS9.
                          Fairly solid and satisfying.)
             
- Armageddon Game
                         (A good philosophical / sci-fi conundrum leads into a pivotal bonding ordeal
                          for Bashir and O'Brien, while the rest of the crew have a mystery to investigate.
                          This one has a good variety of environment to move through, and
                          a good balance of action all the way through.  Nice one.)
             
- Circle Conspiracy: [1 - The Homecoming, 2 - 
                 The Circle, 3 - The Siege]
                         (An engaging three-part political thriller with barely an odd nugget or two
                          of philosophy tucked into a scene or two, and a bit slow paced
                          in some sections.  The series' regulars are highlighted,
                          defined a second time for those who missed it previously,
                          tested, contrasted, and put back in place.  Enjoyable, but not groundbreaking.)
                 
                     - (Circle Conspiracy 3: The Siege might go here if its parts were ranked separately)
                     
- (Circle Conspiracy 2: The Circle might go here if its parts were ranked separately)
                 
 
- Profit and Loss (A somewhat lacklustre backdrop of Cardassian political intrigue 
                         merely peppers Quark's romantic A-story here, which shows much genuine heart
                         and earns the episode most of its points.)
             
- Playing God (Not great, but enjoyable and pleasant.  The story of Jadzia evaluating
                         the new Trill initiate never really takes off, but we get a lot of interesting
                         sideshows along the way.  We introduce the Voles, challenge our morals and
                         our science analysis skills with a sadly too-forgetable proto-universe,
                         and for once give Terry Farrell lots to do in a story that showcases her
                         character - the character that will continue for the rest of her time,
                         with an odd comment about her "lack of serenity" as it gets put to rest.
                         Interesting and worthy.)
             
- Crossover (This one earns some points for its ending, and its opening scene,
                         but it doesn't quite center on a moral dilemma for its heroes as 
                         "Mirror, Mirror" did.
                         Instead, too much of its energy is invested in the Intendant and its dark characters
                         and situation, which isn't recommended ideal viewing.  
                         Notice how often our Kira is reduced to merely staring at a display of theatrics
                         from the nut-job alternate-universe characters, but not really doing anything or interacting
                         herself; I don't really want to stare at the crazies along side her.
                         "Mirror, Mirror" was much better, and gave our four protagonists
                         more productive things to do.  Thankfully, this universe's shenanigans
                         do eventually lead to a somewhat better place...)
             
- The Wire (An important Garak/Bashir outing, but not particularly exciting or pleasant.
                         Establishes character and intrigue, but hasn't much good philosophical point.)
             
- Cardassians (Not a great story, and it does leave some of its important
                         thematic threads dangling loose, but it's a decent vehicle for Garak and Dukat,
                         both making their first proper return to the show since their introduction,
                         and its a good vehicle for Doctor Bashir to flex his deductive and
                         investigative muscles.)
             
- Melora (Bashir's A-story is worthy, though not great, generating intrigue and leaving
                         a satisfied lasting memory, even when awkward chemistry confirms certain circumstances
                         will not favour all desired outcomes.  The B-story is forgetable recycled rubbish
                         with dumb make-up design, yet Shimerman and Auberjonois still manage
                         to be exceedingly entertaining in it.  I also really hated the running gag,
                         introduced here, of the Klingon chef in concept; it makes no sense that he would have any genuinely satisfied 
                         non-Klingon customers.  I mean, FRESH Klingon food is disgusting enough,
                         but who is gonna prefer the stale version when replicators and other choices
                         are so widely available?  It seems people go to him for vain virtue signaling,
                         as though to say "Look at me; I'm so open to other cultures that I'll endure
                         their gutter rubbish!"  Going there to eat seems like an easy way to 
                         kill romance rather than foster it.)
                      
           
- Rivals (Oddly centered on a not-quite-compelling guest star, or so it seems at first,
                      but this turns into something with an interesting scientific problem for Dax
                      in addition to some competition for Quark, and it's good to see
                      another important step in the Bashir and O'Brien pairing.  Lots of
                      entertaining scenes abound.  My recent enjoyment showed this to be much better
                      than my memories had at first suggested.)
          
- "The Maquis"
                     (Long-winded, dull, and confused.  There is some merit in the efforts
                     of some of our regular characters to sort through this mess, but Wesley Crusher
                     and Jean-Luc Picard have already beaten them to it and shown the way - there is
                     no real treaty until each colony gets on board to do its part of its own free will,
                     or suggests something else that everyone can agree to.
                     Negotiation must continue.  Watching these nimnuls fuss around with lesser ideals
                     isn't fun; there's not much energetic charisma or charm in Sisko's buddy or the Vulcan woman,
                     and the plot never settles on any action scene where we can root for anyone
                     or where something truly significant happens.  It's all too dull and confused to rank well.
                     Dukat is the only character who benefits in this one - he finally gets the amount of focus
                     he deserves, and Marc Alaimo delivers well.)
          
- Blood Oath (I consider it a minor coup to have the three most successful and charismatic
                     of Klingon adversaries from Kirk's TOS series each make his first return to Star Trek
                     in this episode, and it provides the episode with the bulk of its positive points.
                     The fact that there is also an action quest with some production value in it completes
                     the positive side.  However, this is also a Peter Allan Fields episode, so true to form,
                     our principle Starfleet character's morals are painted on backwards, giving the episode
                     major minus points.  I don't think I like the "new" Dax in this one at all,
                     nor have DS9's Klingon stories got on my good side through this example here.)
          
- Sanctuary (A story of refugees that scores its biggest points simply letting
                     its set-up unfold aimlessly and realistically, resulting in a few good scenes.  
                     The "main" conflict has to be
                     saved up until almost the end of the story, because there's not really much to it
                     other than some boring canned political speech posing as "debate", and a bit of a
                     contrived obsession to force the matter.)
          
- Second Sight 
                     (a mildly intriguing situation plays out via some very dull scenes
                     lacking in chemistry.  Pleasant, but not compelling.)
          
- Invasive Procedures (The hostage situation is far too stale a device to prevent
                      a major loss of points for the episode, but we do get a few more good
                      info-dumps about Trill customs and possibilities, some of which are tested, probed, 
                      stretched, etc.  Plus a few good moments between various crewmembers as well.
                      Overall, a weird episode that I didn't really like.)
          
- Necessary Evil (How could I forget this flashback to so many first meetings
                     between Odo, Kira, Quark, and Dukat?  And in an episode showing the first hints
                     of Rom's savant-like genius, no less?  But yes, this is a forgettable episode, 
                     because Fields throws out his moral compass
                     and flushes the ending down the toilet, making one WANT to forget the episode, no doubt.
                     And most of these first meetings are not really very memorable anyway.)
          
- Tribunal (Though there are a few good scenes on the periphery in this one,
                     and there's some inspiration in Avery Brook's debut as director,
                     the core of this one boils down to some terrible, cliché, distasteful imagery
                     stretched out as "drama".  Is this O'Brien's story?  He gets nothing he can sink
                     his actions into to help solve his troubles, so it's a limp one for him,
                     and he can only play the part of the McGuffin.
                     Is this an Odo story, stepping up to be a "nestor" lawyer that delivers the
                     cleverness to win the day?  Nope, there's nothing effective for him to do either.
                     Two big fake-outs wasting time in the audience's search for the protagonist of this one.
                     Early "Sliders" episodes often had the same trouble; 
                     unsurprisingly writer Bill Dial eventually wound up on that show for its 4th and 5th seasons.
                     Back to DS9 here, there's not much to learn from this "imagery posing as fake drama" 
                     that wasn't already obvious.
                     An unhealthy hour that is best skipped on re-watch.)
          
- The Collaborator
                     (A cesspool of unhealthy imagery, detrimental secrecy, and loser mentality.
                     Unfortunately, a big piece of DS9's larger mythology rests on the turns of this episode,
                     making it less skip-able than it should otherwise be.)
            
           
- Paradise (Look at what they have achieved, the identity they have become:
                     Slaves to a psychopathic woman!  I have to give this crowd of losers
                     [unfortunately, Sisko included] a lot of negative points for offering
                     so little debate and challenge to the long-winded self-appointed 
                     asshole-in-charge each time she starts prattling - it is both an unrealistic
                     crowd dynamic and makes very frustrating unsatisfying viewing for the
                     audience.  Plain badly written, in my book.
                     If living without technology was such an effective path
                     to a greater sense of community, shouldn't they have more easily
                     detected the rot at the core each time she engages in orating
                     her control-freak tendencies?  The control-freak-factor
                     is painfully in overdrive here, sinking this one's score along
                     with any desire on my part to ever see this one again.
                     The Federation was
                     supposed to have evolved far beyond such bad behaviour already, 
                     which should make this example stand out even more obviously
                     to ALL other characters.)
           
      These Deep Space Nine Season Two stories
      are available on DVD.
      
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