What We Left Behind: Looking Back at Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

I am an unapologetic Niner (one of those fans that thinks that DS9 is the best Trek ever). If you love the show, or even if you just sort of liked it, this documentary is for you. I only had one complaint against it. By the time it was over my jaw was killing me. From the opening credits until the close the grin on my face was threatening to split my bcc face apart.

My brother is a Trekkie. His favorite is TNG. He actually missed parts of the DS9 series while it was running and didn't like it enough to get caught up. Me, I just dig SciFi but missed most of the Star Trek series while they ran on air. I've since gotten caught up and I'm pretty much the opposite of the brother: don't much care for TNG but love DS9. We both went to this documentary and enjoyed it, so that should tell you something.

My guess is that people who watch this may revisit DS9 and give it a second chance. You're no longer just coming off TNG and you've matured, so the experience will probably be somewhat different.

Some reviewers complained about the political aspect of this production. Most anything you watch on TV that has any kind of substance is making a statement about our society. And it influences us or at least tries to. There is nothing wrong with that. It's not like they're telling you what party to join or who to vote for. I'm actually amazed that there are Trekkies out there who break down at the slightest hint that a character may have been anything other than straight. Let's be better than that.

A wonderfully composed documentary. Seeing the cast, crew and management of any production and learning the history of it is always exciting. The Star Trek franchise seems being doing that with each of its series. What sets this apart, is that we the audience can see how a story arc is developed in parallel to hearing the perspectives of everyone originally involved. Knowing the backstories, the efforts expended, and hearing the passion and humor expressed by all who spoke adds to the show's legacy.

We also can see how audience reaction to the show affected the show's arc and life. This show stands the test of time, and pushed boundaries of scifi, just like Babylon 5 did. It is no coincidence that I make this statement. DS9 can and does stand on its own.

I am struggling with two parts; 1.) Seeing the proposed arc for Aron Eisenberg's character Nog and realizing that it became a foreshadow for the man. 2.) Not seeing Melanie Smith who portrayed Ziyal. Her character had an impact on the story arc, and yet the actress was not even seen.

I've loved DS9 since it was first broadcast, own the DVDs and have binged-watched it numerous times on Netflix. The documentary reminded me once again why I love these characters as portrayed by actors of incredible talent. The writing staff, whom you view through the doc as they came up with ideas for a new episode, were first-rate. It wasn't all fun and games putting on this great show for 7 years, and you hear from the actors and the producers how very tiring it was, but for the most part, it was upbeat and extremely enjoyable.

A treat for anyone of us who grew up with the show and surely for those who are just discovering it. Revisit the cast in this emotional ride down memory lane, including nuances which were possibly missed. An emotional sit down with our favorite characters, paced by a bonus writer's gathering, who actually put together an impressive episode 1 of an imaginary season 8. They sure don't make them like they used to.