This episode really gets to the heart of what Star Trek is all about. Sisko has a vision that he is a struggling science fiction writer in 1950's New York named Benny Russell. He writes a story about a 24th century space station, which his editor won't publish because it features a black hero.
The story is about the dangers of racism, but also about the transformative power of fiction. Benny imagines a future where the injustices he suffers no longer happen. And imagining that future helps make it real for Sisko. Stories like this, and shows like DS9, can help all of us imagine a better world.
Plus there's the added treat of seeing all of the cast out of their prosthetics, playing ordinary humans. For once we get to see everyone's real face. One of the best episodes of DS9. Second only to The Visitor in my book.
The story is about the dangers of racism, but also about the transformative power of fiction. Benny imagines a future where the injustices he suffers no longer happen. And imagining that future helps make it real for Sisko. Stories like this, and shows like DS9, can help all of us imagine a better world.
Plus there's the added treat of seeing all of the cast out of their prosthetics, playing ordinary humans. For once we get to see everyone's real face. One of the best episodes of DS9. Second only to The Visitor in my book.