Deep Space Nine is the only Star Trek series not to (completely) take place on a ship. Commander Benjamin Sisko is assigned to assume command of the station and help the Bajorans in the good name of Starfleet. The station was constructed during the Occupation, in which the Cardassians came in and enslaved the Bajoran people (similar to our own history). Now the Bajorans have regained control of their planet, claimed the station and are rebuilding with the help of the Federation. The station also guards the Wormhole which reaches far into a neighboring galaxy. The Bajorans believe this wormhole to contain the Celestial Temple, the home of their gods, the Prophets.
Where TNG was very episodic with a slight story arc, Deep Space Nine has a big story arc and most of the episodes hint on details of the big picture. Some compare it to a soap opera but I disagree because it has a higher quality of drama and characters, deals with war and politics that you don't get to see in TNG, expands more on the Star Trek universe, and also has morals that can be compared to today. Jean-Luc Piard will always be my favorite Captain but I liked Avery Brooks gave a great delivery as Sisko. His character was a bit weak in the beginning of the series but by Season 4 he had established himself. Major Kira has to be one of my favorite Star Trek characters of all time. The strong willed station commander is a fighter and doesn't take crap from anyone. Her strength, determination and faith are hit right on the mark by Nana Visitor. Jadzia Dax was a fun character because of her playful and witty nature. You also get Worf carrying over from TNG, another stable, strong crewmember. I liked Odo for his sarcastic remarks and rough exterior but also the fact that he acted that way to protect his soft interior. Bashir and O'Brien were alright, they didn't really stand out that much. Jake and Nog just kinda hung around. You got to see different ships (Klingon, Jem Ha'dar). The Runabouts were crappy but the Defiant was cool. You also got to see the Federation go to war, although I would have liked to see more TNG crew cameos during that portion of the story line.
*SPOILERS INCLUDED*
I had a few problems with the series, mainly Jadzia's death. I liked her character a lot, and was very disappointed that Terry Farrell wanted to leave so she could co-star with Ted Danson on "Becker". Of course, in the Star Trek production world, an actor parting ways with a series means death to that character. This is similar to Tasha Yar in TNG. Then Jadzia was replaced by that awful Ezri Dax who I could not stand. I loved Season 7 with the exception of her and the fact that the crew spent so much time in that damn Holosuit. They were constantly hanging out with Vic Fontaine and sitting around. I liked the way they included more alien races in the spotlight (Founders, Ferengi, Vorta, etc.) but sometimes those Ferengi episodes were a little difficult to watch. Quark was the only one I liked because he was funny, conniving and always getting in trouble with Odo. I also don't know why they felt the need for those verbose and corny episode titles. Slightly annoying.
My favorite episodes include "In the Pale Moonlight", "The Dogs of War", "Wrongs Darker than Death or Night", "In Purgatory's Shadow", "Indiscretion", and "Shadowplay". It is Star Trek, but just takes a break from the constant treasure hunting for life forms quest. You get in depth episodes that not only tell a story but add to the whole series. Beautiful interconnecting story line, well cast, great episode scores (Visitor, Dogs of War, What You Leave Behind) and excellent in depth look at the darker side of Star Trek.
Where TNG was very episodic with a slight story arc, Deep Space Nine has a big story arc and most of the episodes hint on details of the big picture. Some compare it to a soap opera but I disagree because it has a higher quality of drama and characters, deals with war and politics that you don't get to see in TNG, expands more on the Star Trek universe, and also has morals that can be compared to today. Jean-Luc Piard will always be my favorite Captain but I liked Avery Brooks gave a great delivery as Sisko. His character was a bit weak in the beginning of the series but by Season 4 he had established himself. Major Kira has to be one of my favorite Star Trek characters of all time. The strong willed station commander is a fighter and doesn't take crap from anyone. Her strength, determination and faith are hit right on the mark by Nana Visitor. Jadzia Dax was a fun character because of her playful and witty nature. You also get Worf carrying over from TNG, another stable, strong crewmember. I liked Odo for his sarcastic remarks and rough exterior but also the fact that he acted that way to protect his soft interior. Bashir and O'Brien were alright, they didn't really stand out that much. Jake and Nog just kinda hung around. You got to see different ships (Klingon, Jem Ha'dar). The Runabouts were crappy but the Defiant was cool. You also got to see the Federation go to war, although I would have liked to see more TNG crew cameos during that portion of the story line.
*SPOILERS INCLUDED*
I had a few problems with the series, mainly Jadzia's death. I liked her character a lot, and was very disappointed that Terry Farrell wanted to leave so she could co-star with Ted Danson on "Becker". Of course, in the Star Trek production world, an actor parting ways with a series means death to that character. This is similar to Tasha Yar in TNG. Then Jadzia was replaced by that awful Ezri Dax who I could not stand. I loved Season 7 with the exception of her and the fact that the crew spent so much time in that damn Holosuit. They were constantly hanging out with Vic Fontaine and sitting around. I liked the way they included more alien races in the spotlight (Founders, Ferengi, Vorta, etc.) but sometimes those Ferengi episodes were a little difficult to watch. Quark was the only one I liked because he was funny, conniving and always getting in trouble with Odo. I also don't know why they felt the need for those verbose and corny episode titles. Slightly annoying.
My favorite episodes include "In the Pale Moonlight", "The Dogs of War", "Wrongs Darker than Death or Night", "In Purgatory's Shadow", "Indiscretion", and "Shadowplay". It is Star Trek, but just takes a break from the constant treasure hunting for life forms quest. You get in depth episodes that not only tell a story but add to the whole series. Beautiful interconnecting story line, well cast, great episode scores (Visitor, Dogs of War, What You Leave Behind) and excellent in depth look at the darker side of Star Trek.