In so many ways, this episode of "Star Trek: Deep Space 9" is an updated version of Kranz Kafka's famous story "The Trial". In both, a man has been arrested and is accused of a crime--though WHAT his crime is his captors will never say and any ability to defend himself is impossible.
When the show begins, Miles O'Brien and his wife are on a runabout headed for a much needed vacation. En route, however, the ship is captured by the Cardassians--even though they are in Federation territory. What's more, the Cardassians won't tell them why they insist on arresting Miles! Only later does the eminently fair Cardassian court tell why he was arrested...and at the same time they announce that he is both guilty and will be executed in only a few days--all this BEFORE the trial even begins. When Odo goes to Cardassia to defend O'Brien, the court announces that NO NEW EVIDENCE can be considered--even though Odo can prove that Miles is not guilty!! Is there any way this insane system can be changed and Miles be acquitted?!
This episode has a couple nice guest stars. The best is Fritz Weaver as a defender. With defense attorneys like him, you cannot help but laugh as he is about as helpful as training wheels on an aircraft carrier!! He is hilariously inept, cowardly and worthless- -and funny, In fact, I think he's the best thing about this show! Additionally, John Beck (Moonpie from the original "Rollerball") is on hand as a secret agent working for the cause of injustice. Well worth seeing as well as dark and foreboding. And, for seeing a lot of people who are clearly full of crap!!!