When a young Trill shows up early to begin training with Dax, he turns out to be a bit indecisive and wishy-washy. He triies to impress her and does so in a stumbling and uncertain way. For a guy that got picked from 3000 possible candidates, his cluelessness seems to be quite astonishing. The most significant event is a mass of space "seaweed" that contains a new universe, that is expanding and could threaten the known universe. How to get rid of it? Alas. We also have Cardasssian voles that have taken over the station. Is this ever resolved? Below average episode.
13 Reviews
So....and then what?
Ar_Pharazon_the_golden18 August 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I am giving this a 7/10 because if you ignore the ending which misses the target by a parsec, this could have been a really great episode. And if you make up your own ending in your head, it works.
The idea is great. A proto-universe that's expanding, threatening to devour our own. Now, there's no explanation where it came from, and the fact it just happened to stumble upon the runabout does challenge our suspension of disbelief, but as a basis for Star Trek kind of philosophical questions, it is as good as it gets: How can you decide the destruction of an entire universe? The doubts for the crew begin when they discover life in it, but that, I think, isn't even necessary. The fate of a universe in your hands - this is as heavy a responsibility as you can imagine. There are two directions it could go from there: either let Commander Sisko become death, destroyer of worlds, or find a treknobabbling way to return it back where it came from - personally, I would find the first much better dramatically, not the least because as I said, we are never told where it came from. Somehow, neither option is actually chosen. Instead, we are left with a "yay, we returned it to the other side of the wormhole", as if that is a solution. They could have said that the analysis showed that it is not going to expand beyond a certain (small) size, so leaving it in the middle of nowhere would at least make some minimum sense, but they didn't even do that.
So all in all, this episode asks a profound question and then not only refuses to answer it, but reduces it to triviality without even pondering on it as much as it should. But perhaps simply asking the question is good enough - and even though I had watched the episode years before this time, I could distinctly remember Odo's retort "I don't step on ants, Major". A wasted opportunity for something really good, but even woefully wasted opportunities are usually still better than mediocrities.
The idea is great. A proto-universe that's expanding, threatening to devour our own. Now, there's no explanation where it came from, and the fact it just happened to stumble upon the runabout does challenge our suspension of disbelief, but as a basis for Star Trek kind of philosophical questions, it is as good as it gets: How can you decide the destruction of an entire universe? The doubts for the crew begin when they discover life in it, but that, I think, isn't even necessary. The fate of a universe in your hands - this is as heavy a responsibility as you can imagine. There are two directions it could go from there: either let Commander Sisko become death, destroyer of worlds, or find a treknobabbling way to return it back where it came from - personally, I would find the first much better dramatically, not the least because as I said, we are never told where it came from. Somehow, neither option is actually chosen. Instead, we are left with a "yay, we returned it to the other side of the wormhole", as if that is a solution. They could have said that the analysis showed that it is not going to expand beyond a certain (small) size, so leaving it in the middle of nowhere would at least make some minimum sense, but they didn't even do that.
So all in all, this episode asks a profound question and then not only refuses to answer it, but reduces it to triviality without even pondering on it as much as it should. But perhaps simply asking the question is good enough - and even though I had watched the episode years before this time, I could distinctly remember Odo's retort "I don't step on ants, Major". A wasted opportunity for something really good, but even woefully wasted opportunities are usually still better than mediocrities.
A Tough Episode to Recommend Due to Very Silly Science, BUT a Great Look at Dax
godzilla7725 August 2020
I adore the development of Jadzia in DS9. It's gradually, lovingly done. This episode certainly is a fun, lighter DS9 hour with excellent development of Dax -- really picking up what Dax (the episode in season one) and Invasive Procedures had earlier established. Look how she grows ever more interesting and confident. I adore how she gets on with the Ferengi -- and is better at Tongo than Curzon Dax was. Seeing her judge another Trill initiate to see if he is ready really has given us the best look at Jadzia herself yet.
Unfortunately, Arjin the initiate is a bit of a loser. And the sci-fi plot is a HUGE loser. As interesting as it wants to be, it sadly just sits there looking ridiculous for half an hour. There's even a whole scene where Jadzia is gradually spewing technobabble for nearly a whole minute studying this "universe" where we just don't know what she's saying. It turns out later that she may have discovered evidence of life in this shiny bauble. But... the things she says... don't really indicate life -- unexplained they are. UFOs don't mean aliens. And science must come before leaping to insane conclusions. A few seconds later we're hearing about a civilization that must have transpired in this time. Um...
Um...
Yeah, it requires emptying your brain for about ten minutes. Fortunately, when Sisko discusses the challenges of deciding what to do what it really looks like is a sweet conversation with Jake about who he's dating. Yes, this is what matters. And this is why I love this series. Characters' journeys matter far more than the nonsense stories -- even as I can fall for any great sci-fi nonsense.
In the end, it is certainly Jadzia's development that matters here. If I could divorce it from the terrible science I would.
Unfortunately, Arjin the initiate is a bit of a loser. And the sci-fi plot is a HUGE loser. As interesting as it wants to be, it sadly just sits there looking ridiculous for half an hour. There's even a whole scene where Jadzia is gradually spewing technobabble for nearly a whole minute studying this "universe" where we just don't know what she's saying. It turns out later that she may have discovered evidence of life in this shiny bauble. But... the things she says... don't really indicate life -- unexplained they are. UFOs don't mean aliens. And science must come before leaping to insane conclusions. A few seconds later we're hearing about a civilization that must have transpired in this time. Um...
Um...
Yeah, it requires emptying your brain for about ten minutes. Fortunately, when Sisko discusses the challenges of deciding what to do what it really looks like is a sweet conversation with Jake about who he's dating. Yes, this is what matters. And this is why I love this series. Characters' journeys matter far more than the nonsense stories -- even as I can fall for any great sci-fi nonsense.
In the end, it is certainly Jadzia's development that matters here. If I could divorce it from the terrible science I would.
Dax, slayer of initiates.
thevacinstaller23 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
A nice character episode that provides insight into the depths of Jadzia Dax. I found it interesting that Jadzia 'had worries' about the initiates motives to become joined that likely mirrored the concerns that Kerzon had for her (well, in theory at least).
This episode also provided me with a rare belly laugh with Quarks insult line being 'accckkk female!' ----- This absolutely has to be used during disagreements of the sexes.
The title ties into controlling the fate of the proto universe and the trill initiate --- so that's nice.
Nothing too profound to chew on with this episode. I did enjoy the dive into Jadzia thought process though.
This episode also provided me with a rare belly laugh with Quarks insult line being 'accckkk female!' ----- This absolutely has to be used during disagreements of the sexes.
The title ties into controlling the fate of the proto universe and the trill initiate --- so that's nice.
Nothing too profound to chew on with this episode. I did enjoy the dive into Jadzia thought process though.
Jadzia is great; the rest is meh
Nominahorn20 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
2.17 "Playing God"
A Trill initiate named Arjin comes aboard DS9 to shadow Jadzia, but while on a mission in the Gamma Quadrant they accidentally bring a protouniverse back with them. Now Sisko must decide whether it is acceptable to destroy one universe in order to preserve another, and Jadzia must decide what to do with an initiate who is clearly not ready for Trill joining.
This episode is a mixed bag. On the one hand, it focuses heavily on Jadzia, and Terry Farrel absolutely radiates life with her performance. She has really grown into her role as someone who enjoys life the way a young woman should, but also has the perspective of an ancient being. On the other hand, Arjin is insufferable and the protouniverse plot line is hastily and sloppily handled. Overall this balances out to a pretty average episode.
As much as I love Jadzia, refusing to drum Arjin out of the program just to prove she's not Curzon is not a good motive. Arjin is clearly not fit to be joined in any way. He's emotionally unstable, weak-willed, and a pretty awful person. She's doing nobody any favors by allowing him to stay in the program; her only motivation is because she doesn't want to be "mean" to him like Curzon was to her. That's unfortunately rather cowardly of her. The episode would be more satisfying if either A) Arjin showed some redeeming qualities by the end, or B) Jadzia decides to have him kicked out of the program and has to grapple with her own issues with Curzon in a more meaningful way. As is, the ending feels wrong since it leaves open the possibility that Arjin will become joined, which he clearly should not be.
THE GOOD
-Jadzia and her invigorating zeal for life
-Good Dads Watch: Sisko is initially taken aback by the news that Jake is dating a Dabo girl, but he quickly decides to be supportive of his son instead.
THE BAD
-Arjin
-They just leave the protouniverse in the Gamma Quadrant so it can destroy the universe eventually anyway.
THE UGLY
-Verteron radiation/nodes are a fictional Trek creation. They are used throughout many ST shows. According to Memory Alpha, they are "subatomic particles capable of traveling faster than the speed of light."
-Runabout used: Mekong
-Rules of Acquisition quoted: 112 "Never have sex with the boss's sister"
A Trill initiate named Arjin comes aboard DS9 to shadow Jadzia, but while on a mission in the Gamma Quadrant they accidentally bring a protouniverse back with them. Now Sisko must decide whether it is acceptable to destroy one universe in order to preserve another, and Jadzia must decide what to do with an initiate who is clearly not ready for Trill joining.
This episode is a mixed bag. On the one hand, it focuses heavily on Jadzia, and Terry Farrel absolutely radiates life with her performance. She has really grown into her role as someone who enjoys life the way a young woman should, but also has the perspective of an ancient being. On the other hand, Arjin is insufferable and the protouniverse plot line is hastily and sloppily handled. Overall this balances out to a pretty average episode.
As much as I love Jadzia, refusing to drum Arjin out of the program just to prove she's not Curzon is not a good motive. Arjin is clearly not fit to be joined in any way. He's emotionally unstable, weak-willed, and a pretty awful person. She's doing nobody any favors by allowing him to stay in the program; her only motivation is because she doesn't want to be "mean" to him like Curzon was to her. That's unfortunately rather cowardly of her. The episode would be more satisfying if either A) Arjin showed some redeeming qualities by the end, or B) Jadzia decides to have him kicked out of the program and has to grapple with her own issues with Curzon in a more meaningful way. As is, the ending feels wrong since it leaves open the possibility that Arjin will become joined, which he clearly should not be.
THE GOOD
-Jadzia and her invigorating zeal for life
-Good Dads Watch: Sisko is initially taken aback by the news that Jake is dating a Dabo girl, but he quickly decides to be supportive of his son instead.
THE BAD
-Arjin
-They just leave the protouniverse in the Gamma Quadrant so it can destroy the universe eventually anyway.
THE UGLY
-Verteron radiation/nodes are a fictional Trek creation. They are used throughout many ST shows. According to Memory Alpha, they are "subatomic particles capable of traveling faster than the speed of light."
-Runabout used: Mekong
-Rules of Acquisition quoted: 112 "Never have sex with the boss's sister"
A confusing view of Jadzia Dax...
planktonrules19 December 2014
Arjin is Trill who is a candidate for implantation. As a part of this process, he needs to be mentored and Jadzia Dax is providing this. However, Arjin is apprehensive, as Curzon Dax was a real nasty piece of work for prospective implantees--and he assumes Jadzia Dax would be no different. However, who Jadzia Dax is turns out to be a huge surprise for Arjin--she's so very, very different. But it also turns out that she's NOT completely unlike Curzon Dax and Arjin looks like he's going to be a washout with Jadzia Dax. What's next?
This is a confusing episode because Jadzia Dax goes from fun-loving and cool to harsh and butt-headed very quickly and inexplicably. I never really felt this was written very well because of this, though the episode is enjoyable enough despite this strange juxtaposition.
This is a confusing episode because Jadzia Dax goes from fun-loving and cool to harsh and butt-headed very quickly and inexplicably. I never really felt this was written very well because of this, though the episode is enjoyable enough despite this strange juxtaposition.
You only get one shot at the latinum stairway.
snoozejonc13 March 2022
Another potential symbiont host visits DS9 to spend time with Dax.
This episode has some good character moments but some random creative decisions were made in relation to the subplots.
There is a lot going on in this one and some of it is executed quite bizarrely. The concept of the proto-universe is a brilliant idea, but as a secondary plot to a character-focussed Dax episode it does not work for me.
If you are a Dax fan, you should love it as it shows plenty of her quirks and some decent character backstory. Terry Farrell is solid in these scenes.
My favourite part though is easily the scene involving Quark imparting some more Ferengi wisdom on someone.
It's a 6.5/10 for me but I round upwards.
This episode has some good character moments but some random creative decisions were made in relation to the subplots.
There is a lot going on in this one and some of it is executed quite bizarrely. The concept of the proto-universe is a brilliant idea, but as a secondary plot to a character-focussed Dax episode it does not work for me.
If you are a Dax fan, you should love it as it shows plenty of her quirks and some decent character backstory. Terry Farrell is solid in these scenes.
My favourite part though is easily the scene involving Quark imparting some more Ferengi wisdom on someone.
It's a 6.5/10 for me but I round upwards.
Response and review- Contains Spoilers
whisperofwinter7 May 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I am going to ignore the primary plot about the trill initiation as well as the sub plot about Jake Sisko dating a dabo girl.
Rather, I will point out a misrepresentation made in one review above: At no time did that episode claim that the "proto-universe" (real physics aside) was only developing single celled life forms. Kira implied it. However, the analysis performed by Dax showed massive energy consumption and non random energy usage- Demonstrating heavily that a very large civilization (Most determinately intelligent life) was at work. The moral dilemma faced by Sisko was the idea (As clearly stated) of destroying a Civilization to save his own. Not single celled organisms. The individual the wrote the review above was clearly not paying any attention to that discussion in the show. Now that that correction has been covered, it demonstrates far more heavily why this is an Awful bit of story-telling.
Here is this expanding proto-universe within our own that will engulf our own and destroy us all... A Major Moral Dilemma faced: To destroy a civilization to save our own OR to somehow find some amazing way to save both... And the end resolution was to... Take it back to where they found it in the Gamma Quadrant and drop it off In Our Universe? How does THAT simplistic and completely absurd "resolution" make any sense at all? That "resolution" leaves it to destroy our Universe - yet this problem is conveniently ignored by the writers. The problem was never resolved at all, the moral dilemma was suddenly forgotten and the opportunity to cover the fundamentals was swept under the rug by the same writers who gave themselves that opening in the first place. Whatever moral ground they wished to cover was completely wasted with that juvenile story-telling.
Rather, I will point out a misrepresentation made in one review above: At no time did that episode claim that the "proto-universe" (real physics aside) was only developing single celled life forms. Kira implied it. However, the analysis performed by Dax showed massive energy consumption and non random energy usage- Demonstrating heavily that a very large civilization (Most determinately intelligent life) was at work. The moral dilemma faced by Sisko was the idea (As clearly stated) of destroying a Civilization to save his own. Not single celled organisms. The individual the wrote the review above was clearly not paying any attention to that discussion in the show. Now that that correction has been covered, it demonstrates far more heavily why this is an Awful bit of story-telling.
Here is this expanding proto-universe within our own that will engulf our own and destroy us all... A Major Moral Dilemma faced: To destroy a civilization to save our own OR to somehow find some amazing way to save both... And the end resolution was to... Take it back to where they found it in the Gamma Quadrant and drop it off In Our Universe? How does THAT simplistic and completely absurd "resolution" make any sense at all? That "resolution" leaves it to destroy our Universe - yet this problem is conveniently ignored by the writers. The problem was never resolved at all, the moral dilemma was suddenly forgotten and the opportunity to cover the fundamentals was swept under the rug by the same writers who gave themselves that opening in the first place. Whatever moral ground they wished to cover was completely wasted with that juvenile story-telling.
Dax has a visitor
Tweekums23 March 2010
Warning: Spoilers
This episode was rather fun, concentrating on character rather than action for the most part. When Arjin, an unjoined Trill arrives at the station he is rather nervous to say the least; he is there to be assessed to see if he is suitable to join with a symbiont and the person assessing him will be Dax. Previous Dax hosts had a record for rejecting a large number of applicants, he has no reason to think Jadzia will be any different. He gets a surprise when he meets her; she is busy gambling with the Ferengis and winning, he is invited to join but declines. When he turns up at her quarters the next morning is has an even larger surprise, the door is answered by a large alien who informs him that Jadzia is in the shower. As they get to know each other he becomes more and more certain that not only will she fail him but that she clearly should never have been joined herself. When on a routine flight through the worm hole their shuttle hits something strange, upon their return they learn that it is in face a proto-universe and that even though it is only a few hours old in our universe it may be billions of years old for the life forms detected in it. This means they must take it back to the Gamma quadrant, a rather hazardous task demanding the very highest flying skills; this is where Arjin proves his worth and earns a recommendation to be joined from Dax.
It was nice to see some character development in this episode, Terry Farrell did a great job as Dax showing just what a sense of fun Jadzia has. As is often the case Armin Shimerman put in a stand-out performance as Quark; his speech to Arjin about dealing with life-wrecking actions was priceless.
It was nice to see some character development in this episode, Terry Farrell did a great job as Dax showing just what a sense of fun Jadzia has. As is often the case Armin Shimerman put in a stand-out performance as Quark; his speech to Arjin about dealing with life-wrecking actions was priceless.
Picard's epic facepalm is not enough for this one
phenomynouss18 June 2010
Warning: Spoilers
It's great that Deep Space Nine tackles such difficult issues that would be seen on a good "Next Generation" episode. This time around, it's a subplot involving a wad of "space seaweed" that gets stuck to a shuttle, and which they discover is a "proto-Universe" thing. Basically, it's a sticky ball of something that is literally becoming another universe.
Real life science aside, this makes almost no sense given the infinite number of other universes in Star Trek. They have no beginning and no end, except when sealed shut by something or other. Argue this all you want, but it's not important.
It turns out this proto-Universe is expanding rapidly, and is in danger of "replacing" our universe---as in, it will destroy our ENTIRE UNIVERSE and replace it with itself.
Consider the fact that there are HUNDREDS, if not THOUSANDS of sentient alien races in Star Trek, in just ONE galaxy---the Milky Way galaxy.
Consider the fact that there are a near INFINITE number of galaxies in our universe (or in Star Trek, just one universe).
Consider the fact that there are likely to be an infinite number of sentient species in the entire universe.
They CAN destroy this proto-universe. They won't.
There have been dozens of instances in every Star Trek where the Prime Directives and Gene Roddenberry's pseudo-communistic ideas on the Star Trek universe have produced face-palmingly idiotic decisions, such as doing NOTHING in response to an attempted Romulan invasion of Vulcan, or doing NOTHING to save civilizations from extinction where there is no risk of exposing them to the Federation, simply because it involves putting some effort into trying to save them.
But for the ENTIRE UNIVERSE AS WE KNOW IT to be threatened with PERMANENT AND TOTAL DESTRUCTION, by a proto-universe that is developing single-celled organisms, and having the Deep Space Nine crew REFUSE to outright destroy it while it's small...
That is a war crime. That is a crime against humanity. That is a crime against all living things.
Of course, this being Star Trek, there's always the Magic Reset Button that will alleviate this problem without any tough decisions or consequences to live with.
But the mere fact that an entire subplot of this episode was focused on the DS9 crew being adamantly AGAINST destroying a proto-Universe TO SAVE THEIR OWN UNIVERSE is just... beyond all possibly justification. It is idiocy on a level beyond stupid Star Trek episode, the sort of thing that would make "Spock's Brain" look good.
The worst part is that it's just a SUBPLOT in a forgettable Season 2 episode of Deep Space Nine.
Real life science aside, this makes almost no sense given the infinite number of other universes in Star Trek. They have no beginning and no end, except when sealed shut by something or other. Argue this all you want, but it's not important.
It turns out this proto-Universe is expanding rapidly, and is in danger of "replacing" our universe---as in, it will destroy our ENTIRE UNIVERSE and replace it with itself.
Consider the fact that there are HUNDREDS, if not THOUSANDS of sentient alien races in Star Trek, in just ONE galaxy---the Milky Way galaxy.
Consider the fact that there are a near INFINITE number of galaxies in our universe (or in Star Trek, just one universe).
Consider the fact that there are likely to be an infinite number of sentient species in the entire universe.
They CAN destroy this proto-universe. They won't.
There have been dozens of instances in every Star Trek where the Prime Directives and Gene Roddenberry's pseudo-communistic ideas on the Star Trek universe have produced face-palmingly idiotic decisions, such as doing NOTHING in response to an attempted Romulan invasion of Vulcan, or doing NOTHING to save civilizations from extinction where there is no risk of exposing them to the Federation, simply because it involves putting some effort into trying to save them.
But for the ENTIRE UNIVERSE AS WE KNOW IT to be threatened with PERMANENT AND TOTAL DESTRUCTION, by a proto-universe that is developing single-celled organisms, and having the Deep Space Nine crew REFUSE to outright destroy it while it's small...
That is a war crime. That is a crime against humanity. That is a crime against all living things.
Of course, this being Star Trek, there's always the Magic Reset Button that will alleviate this problem without any tough decisions or consequences to live with.
But the mere fact that an entire subplot of this episode was focused on the DS9 crew being adamantly AGAINST destroying a proto-Universe TO SAVE THEIR OWN UNIVERSE is just... beyond all possibly justification. It is idiocy on a level beyond stupid Star Trek episode, the sort of thing that would make "Spock's Brain" look good.
The worst part is that it's just a SUBPLOT in a forgettable Season 2 episode of Deep Space Nine.
Jadzia the mentor
bkoganbing28 December 2019
This episode has Terry Farrell becoming a mentor to trill candidate Geoffrey Blake
who is filled with all kinds of self doubt which he masks with a thin arrogant air
about him. We learn also that Curzon Dax the most immediate previous host
body for Farrell was also her mentor.
The station itself has some other problems. Some Cardassian Voles are inhabiting the station and they multiply like Tribbles. They're also not as harmless as those beloved creatures from Star Trek prime.
That's not the real problem. Traveling through the wormhole Farrell and her charge bring back nothing less than a nascent universe. Getting it out of the station and back in its proper dimension has to be done lest this universe is threatened.
Some confusing science bits make this episode a bit confusing.
The station itself has some other problems. Some Cardassian Voles are inhabiting the station and they multiply like Tribbles. They're also not as harmless as those beloved creatures from Star Trek prime.
That's not the real problem. Traveling through the wormhole Farrell and her charge bring back nothing less than a nascent universe. Getting it out of the station and back in its proper dimension has to be done lest this universe is threatened.
Some confusing science bits make this episode a bit confusing.
More going on here, than just a Proto-Universe
XweAponX23 July 2012
The "Proto-Universe" subplot is simply a plot device used to allow us to think- About the next time we smash an anthill or destroy a beehive. Granted there are times to do both of those things, but when I was a child, we did not destroy beehives: We called the "Bee Man" and he would come and GET the beehive and move it to a place where it could develop without harming anyone. This is primarily what is going on in this episode, Jadzia and her Trill Initiate "Arjin" (Geoffrey Blake) have rammed into a developing "Beehive" - A Proto-Universe, in the Gamma Quadrant with a Runabout and have moved it from its environment, a "Subspace Interphase Pocket", where it was growing without harming other universes, bringing it to the Alpha Quadrant where it is not supposed to be.
We do not need to know all there is to know about this Proto-Universe: All we need to know, is that The Runabout piloted by Arjin moved that Proto 'Verse from the spot where it was safely developing on its own, to a place where it would envelop our universe.
We really do not need to know the Dynamics of this, all we need to know is that the thing should not have been moved from where it was, the safety of that Interphase Pocket.
But what we DO need to know, is the interaction between Jadzia-Dax and Arjin. Apparently the Dax "Symbiont" (I'd rather spell it as "Symbiote") has standards for Trill Initiates-Standards which Arjin is falling short of. Jadzia/Dax is simply trying to warn Arjin that he is in danger of not being able to meet those standards, but in doing so, offends Arjin and puts him on the defensive: Which was actually what Dax wanted.
In this episode, we learn more about Jadzia's unique history with the The Symbiosis Commission, being the first Trill in History to re-apply to the Initiate program to gain joining with "Dax" - Who, as Curzon/Dax had rejected her application. We find out that it was Jadzia herself who requested joining with Dax, in an ironic gesture. We find out in a later episode, it was more than just Jadzia's tenacity which influenced Curzon/Dax to renege on his earlier rejection of Jadzia as a host- But this episode does not have time to go into that, that is a discovery for a later date. Suffice it to say it was a choice that Curzon/Dax deliberately made, for a specific reason.
But this Proto'Verse is a problem: Kira compares it to an anthill, to be smashed. Odo on the other hand, "Does not step on Ants"-But if they do not act rapidly, the Station will be engulfed.
A further complication arises when Jadzia discovers there is energy being used up in the 'Verse that indicates there are life-forms living within it. Nothing is ever said about the level of intelligence of these life forms but we must infer that if they are using Energy in a non-random way, then they must be intelligent.
After Arjin tells off Jadzia/Dax he proceeds to engulf large volumes of a blue alcoholic beverage. But he is a level Six pilot, and Jadzia, with all 300 years of experience, is only a level three pilot. And so she must ask Arjin for his help in piloting the Runabout back to the Gamma quadrant with The 'Verse in tow, which is ready to grow by another geometric progression.
There are some very well done exterior shots, of the Station, where the Lab explodes and we see the 'Verse glowing inside. But my favorite shots are of the "Verteron" nodes inside of the "Wormhole/Celestial Temple"- Which Arjin must pilot skillfully through in order to get the 'Verse back to where it needs to be, and what a shot! This was TV, in the classic sense, and those Verteron nodes were absolutely not CGI, as was the Runabout flying through them, this was all practical effects.
Nobody needs to know, where they brought the 'Verse, I'm assuming that if they put it back in the exact spot where it was developing before, it would have developed in such a way as to not harm the Gamma Quadrant.
The reason why their runabout rammed into it in the first place? Is totally unimportant. If this were a two-hour movie, they could have gotten into some of the scientific jargon which explained it. But as this episode was not really about the Proto'Verse, or the Interphase Pocket, but rather about Dax and Arjin, it was only important how the two interacted to bring the thing back to where it needed to be, and the end result: Which was to give Arjin confidence that he COULD be joined, when his time came, and that Jadzia/Dax would support this, should he decide to pursue Joining.
The Irony here, is that there is a "Cardassian Vole" infestation on the Station, which breed like Terran Coprophages/Roaches- And that is a recurring problem in the Station.
But everybody else here is remarking about this protouniverse thing. That is not what this episode is about, not at all. This episode is about Jadzia pushing Arjin in the right direction.
I am going to switch this review back to "no spoilers", because I did not really say exactly what occurred within the episode, I simply made commentary on what things things were actually important, and what other things were actually just plot devices to steer the story into a certain direction. This review is more about focusing our attention on what the episode was really about: The dynamic between a full blown Joined Trill and a hopeful initiate. One of the other reviewers in here also noted the artistic cinematography of this episode, and I wholly agree: there are a lot of great visuals here. And I completely agree on their assessment about the Cardassian Voles in relation to "Gremlins". I suppose if the moderators still think I have revealed too much they can of course switch this back to spoilers, but I really don't think I included any.
We do not need to know all there is to know about this Proto-Universe: All we need to know, is that The Runabout piloted by Arjin moved that Proto 'Verse from the spot where it was safely developing on its own, to a place where it would envelop our universe.
We really do not need to know the Dynamics of this, all we need to know is that the thing should not have been moved from where it was, the safety of that Interphase Pocket.
But what we DO need to know, is the interaction between Jadzia-Dax and Arjin. Apparently the Dax "Symbiont" (I'd rather spell it as "Symbiote") has standards for Trill Initiates-Standards which Arjin is falling short of. Jadzia/Dax is simply trying to warn Arjin that he is in danger of not being able to meet those standards, but in doing so, offends Arjin and puts him on the defensive: Which was actually what Dax wanted.
In this episode, we learn more about Jadzia's unique history with the The Symbiosis Commission, being the first Trill in History to re-apply to the Initiate program to gain joining with "Dax" - Who, as Curzon/Dax had rejected her application. We find out that it was Jadzia herself who requested joining with Dax, in an ironic gesture. We find out in a later episode, it was more than just Jadzia's tenacity which influenced Curzon/Dax to renege on his earlier rejection of Jadzia as a host- But this episode does not have time to go into that, that is a discovery for a later date. Suffice it to say it was a choice that Curzon/Dax deliberately made, for a specific reason.
But this Proto'Verse is a problem: Kira compares it to an anthill, to be smashed. Odo on the other hand, "Does not step on Ants"-But if they do not act rapidly, the Station will be engulfed.
A further complication arises when Jadzia discovers there is energy being used up in the 'Verse that indicates there are life-forms living within it. Nothing is ever said about the level of intelligence of these life forms but we must infer that if they are using Energy in a non-random way, then they must be intelligent.
After Arjin tells off Jadzia/Dax he proceeds to engulf large volumes of a blue alcoholic beverage. But he is a level Six pilot, and Jadzia, with all 300 years of experience, is only a level three pilot. And so she must ask Arjin for his help in piloting the Runabout back to the Gamma quadrant with The 'Verse in tow, which is ready to grow by another geometric progression.
There are some very well done exterior shots, of the Station, where the Lab explodes and we see the 'Verse glowing inside. But my favorite shots are of the "Verteron" nodes inside of the "Wormhole/Celestial Temple"- Which Arjin must pilot skillfully through in order to get the 'Verse back to where it needs to be, and what a shot! This was TV, in the classic sense, and those Verteron nodes were absolutely not CGI, as was the Runabout flying through them, this was all practical effects.
Nobody needs to know, where they brought the 'Verse, I'm assuming that if they put it back in the exact spot where it was developing before, it would have developed in such a way as to not harm the Gamma Quadrant.
The reason why their runabout rammed into it in the first place? Is totally unimportant. If this were a two-hour movie, they could have gotten into some of the scientific jargon which explained it. But as this episode was not really about the Proto'Verse, or the Interphase Pocket, but rather about Dax and Arjin, it was only important how the two interacted to bring the thing back to where it needed to be, and the end result: Which was to give Arjin confidence that he COULD be joined, when his time came, and that Jadzia/Dax would support this, should he decide to pursue Joining.
The Irony here, is that there is a "Cardassian Vole" infestation on the Station, which breed like Terran Coprophages/Roaches- And that is a recurring problem in the Station.
But everybody else here is remarking about this protouniverse thing. That is not what this episode is about, not at all. This episode is about Jadzia pushing Arjin in the right direction.
I am going to switch this review back to "no spoilers", because I did not really say exactly what occurred within the episode, I simply made commentary on what things things were actually important, and what other things were actually just plot devices to steer the story into a certain direction. This review is more about focusing our attention on what the episode was really about: The dynamic between a full blown Joined Trill and a hopeful initiate. One of the other reviewers in here also noted the artistic cinematography of this episode, and I wholly agree: there are a lot of great visuals here. And I completely agree on their assessment about the Cardassian Voles in relation to "Gremlins". I suppose if the moderators still think I have revealed too much they can of course switch this back to spoilers, but I really don't think I included any.
Awesome Episode! One Of The Series Best.....
dand10107 September 2021
1- VIEWERS CHECK THIS OUT BEFORE, DURING OR AFTER YOU WATCH "PLAYING GOD".........
*SPECIAL EFFECT WIZARDS AND WIZARDRY HAVE A HOME ON DS9........................ The opening 10 seconds of a roundabout docking at a DS9 port is stunning art. I have re-watched it a few times and DS9 definitely had it "going on" in the artistic realm of special effects in the 1990's. I have a 79" screen and it is pure heaven to watch all of the special effects and artistic renderings. We, in America, in the 2020's are spoiled with all of the graphic art and green-screening (a verb?) in our entertainment today. All you have to do is put a movie in your dvd player from the 1980's (like Ghostbusters for instance) and listen to your kids guffaw and mock. But.....DS9 was on the cutting edge of artistic technology and they used that tech to the best of their abilities. I read some of the user reviews before tackling this episode and, frankly, I am excited to watch this one because of the special effects I know are rampant throughout. As Peter Pan said, "Here we go!!!!!!!!....."
*WATCH OUT FOR THAT WALL!!!........... I think tall girls are very attractive. I know through their lives they were probably bullied by obvious monikers such as: "giraffe girl" and "do you have a problem with nosebleeds because the air up there is pretty thin isn't it?". Terry Farrell is listed as 6-0" so that would put her solidly in the "tall girl" category (the average height for an American female is 5-4" according to 2018 statistics). In Farrell's younger days she did some modeling and her gigs were with big name agencies. I think modeling agencies like the fact tall girls look good in outfits because their legs go on forever and a style put on their slender body has a reasonable chance of looking stellar. At approximately 5:10 the Symbiot Trill candidate (Arjin played by Geoffrey Blake) arrives at his Trill mentor's quarters. He is met at the door by a no-nonsense alien - big dude- who tells Arjin, "Jadzia is in the shower". Ummmm, WOW - I personally hate awkward situations like this. Jadzia comes out of the bathroom wearing only a towel and is a little put off by Arjin showing up early. She tells Arjin to make drinks for the two of them and then says goodbye with a smooch to her large alien (ahem...) friend. Interestingly enough, she asks Arjin to make her a Ferengi drink of some sort (she seems to like all things Ferengi) and then heads back into the bathroom/bedroom to finish getting ready. As she retreats to the bedroom (6:00) I notice she almost runs into a doorway wall! Sometimes the curse of being a tall girl is a bit of awkwardness attached to movement. It is hard for a 6-0 lady in a towel to be graceful in any situation let alone one that requires her to walk, talk with memorized lines of dialogue, know where all of the obstacles in the scene are without looking at them AND making sure her towel doesn't have a wardrobe malfunction.
*MEET THE HIND END OF MY CREW MATES!......... At 8:40 Dax is taking Arjin around the station and introducing him to the staff and crew of DS9. At the same time, Chief O'Brien and Major Kira are investigating wires that have been "chewed" on by Cardassian voles (rodent like creatures) left on DS9 by the previous landlords - the Cardassians. When Dax and Arjin walk around the bridge of the station doing introductions O'Brien and Kira are both inside a console inner panel - head first with only their two rear ends sticking out- lol. Dax literally introduces Arjin to the chief and the major's rear ends! I can tell this is going to be a lighthearted episode!
*DON'T THESE VOLES LOOK LIKE GREMLINS FROM THE SPIELBERG MOVIE OF THE SAME NAME?
The Cardassian vole looks a lot like Steven Spielberg's gremlin creatures (from his 1984 movie "Gremlins") AFTER they get wet. Spielberg was inspired from the gargoyles/demonic creatures which medieval cathedrals in Europe have carved in stone around the outside of their sanctuaries. This is the first the viewers have learned of the voles. These creatures are about the size of a lap dog and their teeth are fang-looking sharpies. If you are a family living on DS9 and you have children under the age of 2 - you better hope your kids' bedroom is secure from predators such as these! A simple rat trap won't do - you need a dog or a mongoose or a young mountain lion......
*KLINGON CHEF SINGS HIS GOOD-BYE SONG....... At approximately 14:00 the last appearance by the Klingon chef (thank the gods in producer-ville) takes place. The interesting part of this scene is not the singing chef going table-to-table with an accordion-looking instrument, nor the still living food on the dinner plates...... it's when Dax gets up from her table and begins to sing in fluent Klingon with the chef. They then have a conversation in fluent Klingon about Arjin- in front of Arjin (rude? Yes...a little bit). The chef tells Arjin that Dax taught him the Pavarotti-style opera song...in Klingon. Dax - an obvious type-A personality realizes she is running over the type-C Arjin and engages in a serious conversation with him about how he needs to ramp up the strength of his personality or the symbiont will consume anything that is left of him when he becomes the host.
*TYPE A EXPRESSES HERSELF TO TYPE C AND GETS A REACTION SHE WASN'T EXPECTING....... At approximately 24:00 in a scene with Arjin and Jadzia, she goes off on Arjin about her being "worried" in his potential lack of success in the joining process. Instead of backing down or shrinking silently away (like a good type C boy) he bubbles over and gets passionate for the first time in the episode. At first, I thought it was Dax's plan all along to fire the guy up, but when I saw the obvious hurt etched on Jadzia's face after Arjin storms out of the room post-verbal-explosion, I realized she didn't count on or plan for the reaction she got back.
*STAR TREK CLASSIC MOMENT: Odo's line delivered to Kira, "I don't step on ants, Major" is one that has become a classic and made Odo a bit of a cultural icon. Kira is saying it's better to destroy the life found in the new universe (they originally thought it was seaweed-type of stuff) which Dax and Arjin accidentally brought back from the Gamma quadrant toward the beginning of the episode -when they ran into it in the runabout. Once they put the "seaweed universe" into a containment field in the science lab they discovered what they had inadvertently brought back with them - a just-forming new universe with unknown and possibly intelligent life contained therein. Kira, from the beginning, wanted to burn the whole thing up before it can destroy the station (they are down to about 5 hours before it does just that) and, very possibly, begin to consume their own universe. She is in the distinct minority - no one is expressing approval for her idea only contempt for her violent idea. When she looks at the group opposing her and asks the question, "well.....do any of you have a better suggestion?" everyone just looks back at her with a blank, stare. Sisko retreats to his office to come up with his decision. Of the three stories contained in this episode (1-Arjin and Dax, 2-the Cardassian voles and 3-the new universe and potential intelligent lifeforms) the new universe story seems the most compelling and serious with cosmic principles to ponder and CLASSIC Star Trek moments - yet it seems like the focus was with the Arjin story line. This is a bit of a disappointment and I'm not sure of the reasoning behind the decision.
Sisko ponders his self-imposed 1 hour deadline and makes the entirely fallacious internal argument of comparing what they would do by destroying the new universe with what the Borg did to the Federation and the planets contained therein. He says, "Would we be any different from the Borg if we would destroy their universe to preserve our own?" The problem with this reasoning is the Borg were assimilating, devouring and decimating other civilizations because they felt like they were the superior race and were venturing way beyond their original borders. They had no need to do this for their survival - they were selfish and exerting undue power over weaker life forms. The comparison Sisko makes is ridiculous and false from its' conception. The DS9 crew wants only to save their universe and the billions of inhabitants in it.
2- Final Reflection and Grade.... *Jadzia Dax is a fascinating character. Because she has so many previous lives still existing inside of her (from a string of previous hosts) she has an extensive library of experiences and knowledge to draw from. Jadzia, at around 35-years-of-age, is still a young woman and a young woman who passionately embraces all life has to offer. I think one of the reasons I've always found her a compelling character is because she sees living as fun and is constantly pursuing all things that will enrich and enhance her life experience. She is a multi-cultural and multi-racial lover and her exuberance in grabbing each day by the horns and seeing what she can glean from it is very contagious. If I'm being honest in my review, I have a bit of a crush on Farrell with the leopard-like spots running up and down her neck. There's just something about a tall, smoking hot brunette that is in to science, using her brain and has a worm-like creature that is centuries-old living inside of her.
The episodes are getting stronger as time goes on. The character development of everyone is fascinating to watch and the writers are involving all of the characters in an egalitarian way. This will lead to strength in the series later on. Some series on TV focus on one or two actors in the ensemble cast because they like writing for them or because they are popular. The writers here resist that temptation.
Final Grade: A.
*SPECIAL EFFECT WIZARDS AND WIZARDRY HAVE A HOME ON DS9........................ The opening 10 seconds of a roundabout docking at a DS9 port is stunning art. I have re-watched it a few times and DS9 definitely had it "going on" in the artistic realm of special effects in the 1990's. I have a 79" screen and it is pure heaven to watch all of the special effects and artistic renderings. We, in America, in the 2020's are spoiled with all of the graphic art and green-screening (a verb?) in our entertainment today. All you have to do is put a movie in your dvd player from the 1980's (like Ghostbusters for instance) and listen to your kids guffaw and mock. But.....DS9 was on the cutting edge of artistic technology and they used that tech to the best of their abilities. I read some of the user reviews before tackling this episode and, frankly, I am excited to watch this one because of the special effects I know are rampant throughout. As Peter Pan said, "Here we go!!!!!!!!....."
*WATCH OUT FOR THAT WALL!!!........... I think tall girls are very attractive. I know through their lives they were probably bullied by obvious monikers such as: "giraffe girl" and "do you have a problem with nosebleeds because the air up there is pretty thin isn't it?". Terry Farrell is listed as 6-0" so that would put her solidly in the "tall girl" category (the average height for an American female is 5-4" according to 2018 statistics). In Farrell's younger days she did some modeling and her gigs were with big name agencies. I think modeling agencies like the fact tall girls look good in outfits because their legs go on forever and a style put on their slender body has a reasonable chance of looking stellar. At approximately 5:10 the Symbiot Trill candidate (Arjin played by Geoffrey Blake) arrives at his Trill mentor's quarters. He is met at the door by a no-nonsense alien - big dude- who tells Arjin, "Jadzia is in the shower". Ummmm, WOW - I personally hate awkward situations like this. Jadzia comes out of the bathroom wearing only a towel and is a little put off by Arjin showing up early. She tells Arjin to make drinks for the two of them and then says goodbye with a smooch to her large alien (ahem...) friend. Interestingly enough, she asks Arjin to make her a Ferengi drink of some sort (she seems to like all things Ferengi) and then heads back into the bathroom/bedroom to finish getting ready. As she retreats to the bedroom (6:00) I notice she almost runs into a doorway wall! Sometimes the curse of being a tall girl is a bit of awkwardness attached to movement. It is hard for a 6-0 lady in a towel to be graceful in any situation let alone one that requires her to walk, talk with memorized lines of dialogue, know where all of the obstacles in the scene are without looking at them AND making sure her towel doesn't have a wardrobe malfunction.
*MEET THE HIND END OF MY CREW MATES!......... At 8:40 Dax is taking Arjin around the station and introducing him to the staff and crew of DS9. At the same time, Chief O'Brien and Major Kira are investigating wires that have been "chewed" on by Cardassian voles (rodent like creatures) left on DS9 by the previous landlords - the Cardassians. When Dax and Arjin walk around the bridge of the station doing introductions O'Brien and Kira are both inside a console inner panel - head first with only their two rear ends sticking out- lol. Dax literally introduces Arjin to the chief and the major's rear ends! I can tell this is going to be a lighthearted episode!
*DON'T THESE VOLES LOOK LIKE GREMLINS FROM THE SPIELBERG MOVIE OF THE SAME NAME?
The Cardassian vole looks a lot like Steven Spielberg's gremlin creatures (from his 1984 movie "Gremlins") AFTER they get wet. Spielberg was inspired from the gargoyles/demonic creatures which medieval cathedrals in Europe have carved in stone around the outside of their sanctuaries. This is the first the viewers have learned of the voles. These creatures are about the size of a lap dog and their teeth are fang-looking sharpies. If you are a family living on DS9 and you have children under the age of 2 - you better hope your kids' bedroom is secure from predators such as these! A simple rat trap won't do - you need a dog or a mongoose or a young mountain lion......
*KLINGON CHEF SINGS HIS GOOD-BYE SONG....... At approximately 14:00 the last appearance by the Klingon chef (thank the gods in producer-ville) takes place. The interesting part of this scene is not the singing chef going table-to-table with an accordion-looking instrument, nor the still living food on the dinner plates...... it's when Dax gets up from her table and begins to sing in fluent Klingon with the chef. They then have a conversation in fluent Klingon about Arjin- in front of Arjin (rude? Yes...a little bit). The chef tells Arjin that Dax taught him the Pavarotti-style opera song...in Klingon. Dax - an obvious type-A personality realizes she is running over the type-C Arjin and engages in a serious conversation with him about how he needs to ramp up the strength of his personality or the symbiont will consume anything that is left of him when he becomes the host.
*TYPE A EXPRESSES HERSELF TO TYPE C AND GETS A REACTION SHE WASN'T EXPECTING....... At approximately 24:00 in a scene with Arjin and Jadzia, she goes off on Arjin about her being "worried" in his potential lack of success in the joining process. Instead of backing down or shrinking silently away (like a good type C boy) he bubbles over and gets passionate for the first time in the episode. At first, I thought it was Dax's plan all along to fire the guy up, but when I saw the obvious hurt etched on Jadzia's face after Arjin storms out of the room post-verbal-explosion, I realized she didn't count on or plan for the reaction she got back.
*STAR TREK CLASSIC MOMENT: Odo's line delivered to Kira, "I don't step on ants, Major" is one that has become a classic and made Odo a bit of a cultural icon. Kira is saying it's better to destroy the life found in the new universe (they originally thought it was seaweed-type of stuff) which Dax and Arjin accidentally brought back from the Gamma quadrant toward the beginning of the episode -when they ran into it in the runabout. Once they put the "seaweed universe" into a containment field in the science lab they discovered what they had inadvertently brought back with them - a just-forming new universe with unknown and possibly intelligent life contained therein. Kira, from the beginning, wanted to burn the whole thing up before it can destroy the station (they are down to about 5 hours before it does just that) and, very possibly, begin to consume their own universe. She is in the distinct minority - no one is expressing approval for her idea only contempt for her violent idea. When she looks at the group opposing her and asks the question, "well.....do any of you have a better suggestion?" everyone just looks back at her with a blank, stare. Sisko retreats to his office to come up with his decision. Of the three stories contained in this episode (1-Arjin and Dax, 2-the Cardassian voles and 3-the new universe and potential intelligent lifeforms) the new universe story seems the most compelling and serious with cosmic principles to ponder and CLASSIC Star Trek moments - yet it seems like the focus was with the Arjin story line. This is a bit of a disappointment and I'm not sure of the reasoning behind the decision.
Sisko ponders his self-imposed 1 hour deadline and makes the entirely fallacious internal argument of comparing what they would do by destroying the new universe with what the Borg did to the Federation and the planets contained therein. He says, "Would we be any different from the Borg if we would destroy their universe to preserve our own?" The problem with this reasoning is the Borg were assimilating, devouring and decimating other civilizations because they felt like they were the superior race and were venturing way beyond their original borders. They had no need to do this for their survival - they were selfish and exerting undue power over weaker life forms. The comparison Sisko makes is ridiculous and false from its' conception. The DS9 crew wants only to save their universe and the billions of inhabitants in it.
2- Final Reflection and Grade.... *Jadzia Dax is a fascinating character. Because she has so many previous lives still existing inside of her (from a string of previous hosts) she has an extensive library of experiences and knowledge to draw from. Jadzia, at around 35-years-of-age, is still a young woman and a young woman who passionately embraces all life has to offer. I think one of the reasons I've always found her a compelling character is because she sees living as fun and is constantly pursuing all things that will enrich and enhance her life experience. She is a multi-cultural and multi-racial lover and her exuberance in grabbing each day by the horns and seeing what she can glean from it is very contagious. If I'm being honest in my review, I have a bit of a crush on Farrell with the leopard-like spots running up and down her neck. There's just something about a tall, smoking hot brunette that is in to science, using her brain and has a worm-like creature that is centuries-old living inside of her.
The episodes are getting stronger as time goes on. The character development of everyone is fascinating to watch and the writers are involving all of the characters in an egalitarian way. This will lead to strength in the series later on. Some series on TV focus on one or two actors in the ensemble cast because they like writing for them or because they are popular. The writers here resist that temptation.
Final Grade: A.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
