So many good things about this ep. an understanding father accepting of his sons decision, an old man who found his family-even though they are so very different. Even Major Kira finds some joy and companionship. THIS is what Star Trek is about.
11 Reviews
Cute Episode
Nerd4T16 January 2019
Back to reality.
thevacinstaller22 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This episode is a sweet little exploration of defining what reality is. Odo makes a strong case that if a holodeck character can change and grow then they are 'real' and we should not dismiss them because we are biological life forms. The fact that Odo is an 'outside' and doesn't really fit into the biological life form commonality gives his speech added weight.
Ben Sisko is making a strong run at 'Galaxy's greatest dad' for being totally cool with Jake finding his own path in life and not becoming a boy scout starfleet officer.
I found it sad that the old man was essentially roleplaying a version of his society pre-dominion occupation. He would certainly have to wrestle with the memories of what life was on his planet before the dominion? There's a deep sadness about the man ---- Maybe that was related to the defects of the holodeck or maybe he was unable to fully immerse himself in this holodeck world and had one foot in the past.
Kira and Bareil kiss like they are 13 year olds ---- Slobbering over one another *LOL* I still enjoy them both but I found the make out scene unintentionally hilarious.
Ben Sisko is making a strong run at 'Galaxy's greatest dad' for being totally cool with Jake finding his own path in life and not becoming a boy scout starfleet officer.
I found it sad that the old man was essentially roleplaying a version of his society pre-dominion occupation. He would certainly have to wrestle with the memories of what life was on his planet before the dominion? There's a deep sadness about the man ---- Maybe that was related to the defects of the holodeck or maybe he was unable to fully immerse himself in this holodeck world and had one foot in the past.
Kira and Bareil kiss like they are 13 year olds ---- Slobbering over one another *LOL* I still enjoy them both but I found the make out scene unintentionally hilarious.
An unusual village
Tweekums22 March 2010
Warning: Spoilers
When Dax and Odo are surveying planets in the Gamma Quadrant they detect unusual particles so beam down to the surface. Here they find a device in the middle of a village which is emitting the particles, before they can finish examining the device they are taken into custody under suspicion of being involved in a series of recent disappearances. Once they have convinced him of their innocence they volunteer to help with his investigations. There is something strange about the village; nobody has ever explored beyond the valley they live in, not because of some perceived danger but just because nobody had ever thought to go further. While investigating the disappearances Odo befriends Taya, a young girl who's mother vanished on the morning of their arrival. When Odo Dax and Taya start to explore outside the valley they make a startling discovery about the village and its inhabitants. Back on DS9 there are a couple of minor plot lines, one involving Jake getting a job helping Chief O'Brien and another where Quark tries to distract Kira by arranging for an old friend to visit the station while he is involved in a smuggling deal.
The main story was pretty good, young Noley Thornton did really well as Taya and while there was little sense of danger there was an interesting mystery. The secondary stories were less interesting although this was the first time we hear that Jake doesn't want a career in Star Fleet as his father had assumed.
The main story was pretty good, young Noley Thornton did really well as Taya and while there was little sense of danger there was an interesting mystery. The secondary stories were less interesting although this was the first time we hear that Jake doesn't want a career in Star Fleet as his father had assumed.
A nice episode for Odo lovers.
planktonrules18 December 2014
"Shadowplay" is an odd episode. Nothing really that important happens, no one dies and it's easy to dismiss it all as a bit of fluff. Yet, it also allows for some character development and I loved seeing the scenes between Odo and a little girl, Taya (Noley Thornton).
When the show begins, Odo and Jadzea are on a mission when they discover an odd civilization. Their leader is concerned because members of their community have disappeared and they have no idea where they've gone! Naturally, the pair decide to help and discover that the settlement is REALLY unique--and I liked this twist. I also really liked the way the two interacted with the nice folks in this community--and it made this one a highlight episode.
The other plot involves Major Kira in charge of the base's security until Odo returns--and how this all involves Quark is pretty funny. Quark's plan is pretty clever....is the Major up for the challenge?
I guess this one appealed to me because of the writing--and I really did like this one.
When the show begins, Odo and Jadzea are on a mission when they discover an odd civilization. Their leader is concerned because members of their community have disappeared and they have no idea where they've gone! Naturally, the pair decide to help and discover that the settlement is REALLY unique--and I liked this twist. I also really liked the way the two interacted with the nice folks in this community--and it made this one a highlight episode.
The other plot involves Major Kira in charge of the base's security until Odo returns--and how this all involves Quark is pretty funny. Quark's plan is pretty clever....is the Major up for the challenge?
I guess this one appealed to me because of the writing--and I really did like this one.
Okay episode, but Odo fans should enjoy
snoozejonc13 March 2022
Odo and Dax help search for some missing people.
This is a reasonably good episode with a nice mystery and some decent screen time for Odo.
There are three plots going on with some scenes being stronger than others. Odo and Dax for me have the better of the material, but I won't go into specifics to avoid spoiling. Rene Auberjonois is as good ever.
Jake has some development that is reminiscent of other character arcs in the franchise. These scenes are done well, but how many sons have we seen go through a dilemma relating to parents expectations about their future? The best aspect of this is Colm Meaney's natural performance as he supports and guides Jake.
I find most Star Trek romances pretty uninteresting and the one in this episode is in that bracket.
This is a reasonably good episode with a nice mystery and some decent screen time for Odo.
There are three plots going on with some scenes being stronger than others. Odo and Dax for me have the better of the material, but I won't go into specifics to avoid spoiling. Rene Auberjonois is as good ever.
Jake has some development that is reminiscent of other character arcs in the franchise. These scenes are done well, but how many sons have we seen go through a dilemma relating to parents expectations about their future? The best aspect of this is Colm Meaney's natural performance as he supports and guides Jake.
I find most Star Trek romances pretty uninteresting and the one in this episode is in that bracket.
OBSIDIAN ORDER DE-CLASSIFIED: 2370(5c)
iamirwar20 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Omicron Particles: Are we supposed to be impressed by the fact that Rurigan has conjured up a village of idiots who don't ask many questions? We could have put him to better use on Altaria IV chasing slug-rats instead of the pointless existence he has experienced here. Shame on Odo for encouraging such a frivolous enterprise, we would have thought better of him. Let this be warning of just how dangerous prolonged exposure to these human types can be.
BASHIR: Finally, the good doctor is beginning to put to use all the hints, tips and suggestions we have been feeding him. Pity that he disappeared as soon as the Major had spoken to him.
KIRA and her FRIEND: The coupling of the Major and her friend may prove to be providential. This Bajoran has a particular flair for getting her nose into places we may not want. If needed we can certainly tip her off or send her on some wild goose chase, but for the time being we will do all in our collective power to encourage the union of Kira
DOMINION: The more time spent in the Gamma Quadrant the more we learn of the prominence of something calling itself the Dominion. There are many questions that need answering about this 'group.' Are they similar to the Federation in that they comprise the membership of many planets? Are they a secular gathering who happen to have long ties? Or are they simply the brainchild of some mad scientist much in the vein of that 'replicant' android Lore?
BASHIR: Finally, the good doctor is beginning to put to use all the hints, tips and suggestions we have been feeding him. Pity that he disappeared as soon as the Major had spoken to him.
KIRA and her FRIEND: The coupling of the Major and her friend may prove to be providential. This Bajoran has a particular flair for getting her nose into places we may not want. If needed we can certainly tip her off or send her on some wild goose chase, but for the time being we will do all in our collective power to encourage the union of Kira
DOMINION: The more time spent in the Gamma Quadrant the more we learn of the prominence of something calling itself the Dominion. There are many questions that need answering about this 'group.' Are they similar to the Federation in that they comprise the membership of many planets? Are they a secular gathering who happen to have long ties? Or are they simply the brainchild of some mad scientist much in the vein of that 'replicant' android Lore?
Do programs dream?
tasajets4 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I loved this episode. The hologram is graphic projections made by a computer. They are programmed. Can programs be self-conscious? And what it is to be self-conscious? Or what do we recognize as self-conscious? Anyway, I find the episodes with Odo fascinating. And this episode explores Odo and his relationship to himself. The scenes where Odo interacts with the hologram of the little girl is moving. And I feel that this also this makes Odo open himself in a new episode. Much like in the ending of the episode "The Alternate". You know I especially am fascinated by the Doctor In Voyager and Data in Next Generation. What is a person.
3 Subplots and All Are Superbly Written, Acted and Directed
dand10106 September 2021
1- VIEWERS CHECK THIS OUT..............
*HILARIOUS!.................... The opening 2 minutes of this episode between Dax and Odo is so funny I literally was laughing out loud. The non-verbal expressions by Odo are hilarious. Dax gives in to her feminine side and Odo is beside himself! As an aside: I wonder if Odo could really BE beside himself?
*AWAY TO THE WINDOW I FLEW LIKE A FLASH...... At approximately 9:00 Colyus the village Protector (played by excellent character actor Kenneth Mars) is questioning Dax and Odo about the 22 individuals who have gone missing from his village. Colyus is frustrated because he has no clues as to why so many people would just be gone without a trace. BTW: What is the deal with the wood ball decorations circling Colyus' head? He almost looks like he could be the dad in The Night Before Christmas - going to bed for a long winters nap in his nightcap.....(or something like that).
*I DIG YOU BUT I HAVE TO GO AND PRETEND TO DIG HIM - NO WONDER ACTORS HAVE HORRIBLE PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS........... Major Kira (Nana Visitor) and Doc Bashir (Alexander Siddig) are talking (14:27) about keeping a close eye on Quark while Odo is off with Dax. I noticed in the few moments Bashir and Kira are talking with one another there is real chemistry sparkling between them. I also remembered that Visitor and Siddig were dating and married (1997-2001) and actually had a son together. It is a little ironic Kira cuts off her conversation with the Doc to run to a docking station to meet her infatuation - Vedek Bareil (played by Philip Anglim). Leaving someone she was truly infatuated with to go to meet someone she pretends to be infatuated with.
*IF YOU COULD ASK A SHAPE SHIFTER ANYTHING YOU WANT............. 11-year-old actress Noley Thornton (She played the little girl, "Clara" who had an imaginary friend on the Enterprise in The Next Generation) plays the girl Taya and becomes a fast friend of Odo while he and Dax are in the village. Odo originally questioned Taya in relation to her mom being one of those missing but as he and the girl converse the walls come down and they become friends. I think the main reason they become friends is because of her pointed and unusually personal questions to Odo about his personal and private life. Kids tend to sometimes be like that. They cut through all of the walls and fluff we adults put in conversations to protect ourselves from personal revelations. "Can you change into whatever you want?" Were you parents changelings too?"
*WHAT IS REALLY REAL???........... At approximately 37:00 a cosmic principle discussion begins. The whole "what is real?" discussion which has been dealt with on TNG with the Data question and other episodes. This is almost a laughable debate or discussion. Is a hologram real? The really sad part of the story is when the old man - the grandfather - asks Odo and Dax to take him back to his really real planet - he is talked out of it to hang out with a bunch of computer images. This is disturbing and ethically troubling. If I think something is real - does it make it really real? This is where we all start losing the foundation for reality and moral absolutes. If I delete a character in a hologram have I committed murder? Geeminny Christmas.
2- Final Thoughts and Reflective Analysis and Final Grade............ *A supreme ethical question remains after this episode is long over. What makes something real?
This is the cool thing about a lot of Star Trek episodes. They intentionally make you wonder and question and inquire.
This episode had 3 subplots and each were compelling and interesting in their own right. The acting, writing and presenting of the stories were done in an excellent way. We definitely learned more about the characters involved and the development of the characters seems to be on a growing phase - kudos to the writers.
Final Grade: A-
*HILARIOUS!.................... The opening 2 minutes of this episode between Dax and Odo is so funny I literally was laughing out loud. The non-verbal expressions by Odo are hilarious. Dax gives in to her feminine side and Odo is beside himself! As an aside: I wonder if Odo could really BE beside himself?
*AWAY TO THE WINDOW I FLEW LIKE A FLASH...... At approximately 9:00 Colyus the village Protector (played by excellent character actor Kenneth Mars) is questioning Dax and Odo about the 22 individuals who have gone missing from his village. Colyus is frustrated because he has no clues as to why so many people would just be gone without a trace. BTW: What is the deal with the wood ball decorations circling Colyus' head? He almost looks like he could be the dad in The Night Before Christmas - going to bed for a long winters nap in his nightcap.....(or something like that).
*I DIG YOU BUT I HAVE TO GO AND PRETEND TO DIG HIM - NO WONDER ACTORS HAVE HORRIBLE PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS........... Major Kira (Nana Visitor) and Doc Bashir (Alexander Siddig) are talking (14:27) about keeping a close eye on Quark while Odo is off with Dax. I noticed in the few moments Bashir and Kira are talking with one another there is real chemistry sparkling between them. I also remembered that Visitor and Siddig were dating and married (1997-2001) and actually had a son together. It is a little ironic Kira cuts off her conversation with the Doc to run to a docking station to meet her infatuation - Vedek Bareil (played by Philip Anglim). Leaving someone she was truly infatuated with to go to meet someone she pretends to be infatuated with.
*IF YOU COULD ASK A SHAPE SHIFTER ANYTHING YOU WANT............. 11-year-old actress Noley Thornton (She played the little girl, "Clara" who had an imaginary friend on the Enterprise in The Next Generation) plays the girl Taya and becomes a fast friend of Odo while he and Dax are in the village. Odo originally questioned Taya in relation to her mom being one of those missing but as he and the girl converse the walls come down and they become friends. I think the main reason they become friends is because of her pointed and unusually personal questions to Odo about his personal and private life. Kids tend to sometimes be like that. They cut through all of the walls and fluff we adults put in conversations to protect ourselves from personal revelations. "Can you change into whatever you want?" Were you parents changelings too?"
*WHAT IS REALLY REAL???........... At approximately 37:00 a cosmic principle discussion begins. The whole "what is real?" discussion which has been dealt with on TNG with the Data question and other episodes. This is almost a laughable debate or discussion. Is a hologram real? The really sad part of the story is when the old man - the grandfather - asks Odo and Dax to take him back to his really real planet - he is talked out of it to hang out with a bunch of computer images. This is disturbing and ethically troubling. If I think something is real - does it make it really real? This is where we all start losing the foundation for reality and moral absolutes. If I delete a character in a hologram have I committed murder? Geeminny Christmas.
2- Final Thoughts and Reflective Analysis and Final Grade............ *A supreme ethical question remains after this episode is long over. What makes something real?
This is the cool thing about a lot of Star Trek episodes. They intentionally make you wonder and question and inquire.
This episode had 3 subplots and each were compelling and interesting in their own right. The acting, writing and presenting of the stories were done in an excellent way. We definitely learned more about the characters involved and the development of the characters seems to be on a growing phase - kudos to the writers.
Final Grade: A-
Vanished
bkoganbing26 December 2019
This Deep Space 9 episode is filled with three different story lines. Avery Brooks
is hoping his son Cirroc Lofton will go into Star Fleet so he has him go to work for
Chief O'Brien. But Jake Sisko sees his path as elsewhere.
Nana Visitor is keeping an eye on Armin Shimmerman as Odo is absent from the station. But her old friend Veddig Variel is visiting from Bajor, how to juggle enjoyment with responsibility.
The main story line features both Odo and Dax visiting a world where people are disappearing without a trace. Between Rene Auberjonois's investigative abilities and Terry Farrell's science knowledge the mystery is solved. It's all to do with the nature of the world and it's inhabitants.
Good scenes with Odo and a little Noley Thornton whose mother is one of the vanished. Definitely the main reason to watch this episode.
Nana Visitor is keeping an eye on Armin Shimmerman as Odo is absent from the station. But her old friend Veddig Variel is visiting from Bajor, how to juggle enjoyment with responsibility.
The main story line features both Odo and Dax visiting a world where people are disappearing without a trace. Between Rene Auberjonois's investigative abilities and Terry Farrell's science knowledge the mystery is solved. It's all to do with the nature of the world and it's inhabitants.
Good scenes with Odo and a little Noley Thornton whose mother is one of the vanished. Definitely the main reason to watch this episode.
Lightweight but wholesome and well-written
Nominahorn27 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
2.16 "Shadowplay"
While exploring a planet in the Gamma Quadrant, Dax and Odo encounter a village where people are mysteriously disappearing and they decide to help solve the mystery.
Some nice Odo moments, a Dominion teaser, and a pleasant but lightweight plot makes for an enjoyable ep overall.
I may be dating my review by mentioning this, but the recent proliferation of chatbots that can seemingly possess and express the personality of a real person, with feelings, hopes, and dreams that are all its own, makes the ethical issues raised in the ep feel quite relevant. In many scifi franchises, the dawn of AI is a single, dramatic moment where suddenly a computer program is sentient. But in real life it feels like we just keep blurring the lines more and more between sentience and not-between real person or not. This ep does that as well, for better or worse. Let's just hope that in real life we come up with a better definition of "real" than Odo's wishy-washy "if it feels real then it is real" definition because that is not a good way to define reality.
THE GOOD
-Absolutely love the opening scene. The banter between Odo and Dax is fantastic and it makes me realize that they are two characters who don't get nearly enough interactions in the series.
-Nice touching scenes with Odo and the little girl. And Odo and her grandfather. And Odo and the protector. It seems like the show can always count on Odo to get on base, so to speak. The floor is so high with his character and stories, in large part due to what a great actor Auberjonois is.
-Our third Dominion mention. I know we're only on season 2 but I am so stoked for the Dominion eps to start happening for real. I'm enjoying the hell out of the series already, but knowing it just keeps getting better and better is an amazing thing to think about.
-Good dads watch: I decided to start this recurring entry after watching "The Alternate" and realizing how good the dads are on DS9 and that they deserve to be highlighted. Also this recurring section is dedicated to my own dad, may he rest in peace. Here Sisko doesn't get upset that Jake doesn't want to follow in his footsteps by joining Starfleet. He just wants Jake to be happy and fulfilled. Really great to see.
THE BAD
-The B plot with Kira and Bariel. Painful. Also, she asks Bashir to watch Quark, he teases us with a mention of Garak, but then there's no Garak and no Bashir for the rest of the ep. What a strange bit of sloppiness in the script.
THE UGLY
-I instantly recognized the village set as being the same one from the TNG ep "Thine Own Self" when Data loses his memory and is stranded in a primitive village. Memory Alpha confirms it is the same set.
-Odo Shapeshift count: 1 as the spinning toy. Kind of cool how he starts to spin before the transformation. Good creative implementation of his shifting effect.
While exploring a planet in the Gamma Quadrant, Dax and Odo encounter a village where people are mysteriously disappearing and they decide to help solve the mystery.
Some nice Odo moments, a Dominion teaser, and a pleasant but lightweight plot makes for an enjoyable ep overall.
I may be dating my review by mentioning this, but the recent proliferation of chatbots that can seemingly possess and express the personality of a real person, with feelings, hopes, and dreams that are all its own, makes the ethical issues raised in the ep feel quite relevant. In many scifi franchises, the dawn of AI is a single, dramatic moment where suddenly a computer program is sentient. But in real life it feels like we just keep blurring the lines more and more between sentience and not-between real person or not. This ep does that as well, for better or worse. Let's just hope that in real life we come up with a better definition of "real" than Odo's wishy-washy "if it feels real then it is real" definition because that is not a good way to define reality.
THE GOOD
-Absolutely love the opening scene. The banter between Odo and Dax is fantastic and it makes me realize that they are two characters who don't get nearly enough interactions in the series.
-Nice touching scenes with Odo and the little girl. And Odo and her grandfather. And Odo and the protector. It seems like the show can always count on Odo to get on base, so to speak. The floor is so high with his character and stories, in large part due to what a great actor Auberjonois is.
-Our third Dominion mention. I know we're only on season 2 but I am so stoked for the Dominion eps to start happening for real. I'm enjoying the hell out of the series already, but knowing it just keeps getting better and better is an amazing thing to think about.
-Good dads watch: I decided to start this recurring entry after watching "The Alternate" and realizing how good the dads are on DS9 and that they deserve to be highlighted. Also this recurring section is dedicated to my own dad, may he rest in peace. Here Sisko doesn't get upset that Jake doesn't want to follow in his footsteps by joining Starfleet. He just wants Jake to be happy and fulfilled. Really great to see.
THE BAD
-The B plot with Kira and Bariel. Painful. Also, she asks Bashir to watch Quark, he teases us with a mention of Garak, but then there's no Garak and no Bashir for the rest of the ep. What a strange bit of sloppiness in the script.
THE UGLY
-I instantly recognized the village set as being the same one from the TNG ep "Thine Own Self" when Data loses his memory and is stranded in a primitive village. Memory Alpha confirms it is the same set.
-Odo Shapeshift count: 1 as the spinning toy. Kind of cool how he starts to spin before the transformation. Good creative implementation of his shifting effect.
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