User reviews

Disappointed by all those new shows and movies "re-imagining" the Star Trek-universe I put Deep Space Nine on my plate again: and what a relieve it is! Every time I watch one of those "old" Star Trek shows and movies I realize once again how bad (besides the work of the special effects department) the new ones are. DNS got everything I liked and still like about the good old ST-universe: interesting and charming character- and world-building, fine stories with sub- and "ueber"-plots. This is how Star Trek should be, everything else is nothing but bad ideas and bad composed scripts disguised by an overkill of special effects and action. Deep Space Nine - like a good wine grows stronger and tastes better with every decade past by.

DS9 is more character-focused and has longer story arcs than any Star Trek series before it (and after it until Disco). Unlike Disco, which is sheer melodrama, DS9 manages to simultaneously be fun and challenge viewers with dark and thought-provoking content. It's a difficult balance to achieve, and the writing team deserves kudos.

The interactions between Odo and Quark, Bashir and Garak, and Sisko and Dax are the biggest highlights. Dukat is one of the greatest Star Trek antagonists ever, and is played masterfully by Marc Alaimo. All of the characters feel like real people, including the Bajorans, who are immensely frustrating with their religious doctrine and political pursuits.

Unlike other Trek series, it's hard to think of standout episodes of DS9 (except maybe "The Visitor"), but the series as a whole is very well done.

Been watching the franchise series' in reverse order from a modern day standpoint comparison. Initially felt some of the characters in DS9 were a little irritating as some others have thought, but as it progressed through the series' I was found the character development to reverse my initial thoughts thankfully. Quark as a character is an example of this.

As like many others in the Star Trek, some of the storylines are derivative or overlapping of series. (no show is perfect) This is to be expected from a large number of episodes per season. Luckily there was a continuing narratives throughout to keep one engaged. The inclusion of the USS Defiant starship added another layer of interest, familiarity and diversity to plotlines.

On the whole, the premise of the series being based on a space station adds much-needed interest to an otherwise Starship-based franchises. The Next Generation, Voyager and Enterprise all share this narrative to varying degrees of success.

Onto re-watching The Next Generation after this. "Shut up, Wesley!"

DS9 is one of my all-time favorite television shows. It edges out Star Trek's original series just barely as my favorite in the franchise. I am not going to state that it's the best Star Trek series, because it definitely will not appeal to everybody, but it is my favorite.

DS9 deviates from the Trek franchise formula in an important way - it is based on one location - a Cardassian-built space station near the planet Bejor. So even the architecture of the main set is alien - not another sterile militaristic star ship inhabited by a primarily white European crew - but a true Babel. Bejor has just been liberated from 60 years of occupation by an expansionist militaristic race - the Cardassians. Both Bejorans and Cardassians will play important roles throughout DS9. Since the station does not move much during the show's seven year run, DS9 has a much stronger sense of place than the other ST series, and is able to develop story arc and character continuity much more powerfully than the others.

All of the major characters and most of the frequent returning characters have their own interwoven story arcs - most of which span the entire series. Ben Sisko (Avery Brooks), the station's commander, is a somewhat disgruntled Star Fleet officer who has several personal vendettas which have almost driven him from Star Fleet. He is also a single parent and a genius. In the very first episode, Sisko's arc begins and it is clear that his story will be the frame within which the entire series is organized - though the reasons for this will no become entirely clear until near the end. Also memorable are the gruff, shape-shifting Chief Constable Odo(Rene Auberjunois) who does not know what he is and where he came from; Kira (Nana Visitor) Sisko's aggressive and intense Bajoran second officer; Garak (Andy Robinson) a Cardassian Tailor and - possibly - spy, who is easily the most well-developed, well-acted and interesting recurring guest star Star Trek has ever had; Jadzia Dax (Terry Farrell) - the beautiful Trill science officer whose consciousness is enhanced by the memories and personality of a 600 year old symbiotic slug who lives in her stomach and has inhabited dozens of previous hosts; Julian Bashir (Alex Siddig) - the station's young, brilliant, adventurous and naive doctor; and Quark (Armin Shimmerman), the greedy, conniving, but entirely lovable Ferengi casino owner.

The characters, cast, and serialized stories make DS9 stand apart from the franchise as the most powerfully plotted, intensely dramatic and politically charged Star Trek ever. The show is, however, not for those with limited attention spans and a disdain for complexity. While it isn't exactly hard to follow, the dialog is often dense and DS9 - more than any other Trek show - uses non-verbal communication very well. Brooks, Visitor and Robinson - all of whom are masters at this - are particularly non-verbal and make a big impression from the first few episodes.

Throughout the series, there are constant underlying political intrigues and surprisingly little filler. Almost every story connects with the main story arc (Sisko's and Bejor's) in one way or another, and no time is wasted with aimless experimentation by the writing team (a problem Voyager and Enterprise both suffered from).

The production is consistently theatrical in scope. The special effects are still - even today - above average for television, and even the new BSG doesn't approach the scope and coherence of the plot.

Highly recommended for bright people looking for something more than typical TV drama normally delivers.

I will say it started off kinda strange. most star trek series is spent having adventures on a star ship. This series for the most part stays on Deep space nine. Although there is still plenty of adventure. The thing that really makes this show so good is its large cast. It has many reoccurring secondary characters that help the the space station seem like a fascinating place for the show to take place. This story is much darker and more thought provoking than the other series. This series has so many things going for it.

Characters actually grow and change realistically and has reoccurring villains that have real depth and you never know quite what they are going to do. kai Winn and gul dukat both grow and change from series beginning to end and are the best villains ever.

This show has depth. It not all simple good guy and bad guy. There are complex motives behind many of the bad guys. Even the federation does some very bad things when they are in dire situations. People really have to live with the choices they have made. Problems from one episode don't just end with the episode like with TNG or the OS. you have to watch this from episode 1 to the end in order.

This show is still very relevant today. Terrorism, genocide, martial law are all seen in this series.

I remember reading in a plane that there was going to be a new Star Trek Series based on a space station to premiere in January 1993. I had always found the idea of Star Trek very appealing and enjoyed a few movies and original episodes now and then. At that time, I had never really got into The Next Generation which my family and friends seemed to love, but I figured I would at least give this new show a try. As I eventually sat there with my little brother and watched the two-hour pilot, little did I know that this would change my life for the next seven years, as I would have to plan my weekends so that I could catch every new episodes on Saturday nights like football fans' semi-sacred Sunday afternoons.

So why did I fall in love with the show? Why indeed do we fall in love? Well, there is always a part of the answer linked to resonance; something that stirs something strong and positive within you. The show is a whole package of powerful television and one of the best gifts I ever bough myself was the complete seven seasons in DVD. Now, besides the intangible, the 'magic' that comes from many elements like the beautiful mind that arises from firing neurons, here is why this television series is not only a great science-fiction experience, but ranks among the best television series of all time in my humble opinion.

A) The Characters

At the base of it all, the show's strength is with its interesting, conflicted and complex characters. Both the writers and actors bring life to characters that will invade your living room and your head, maybe your heart. The relationships they create on the busy space station are sure to keep you thinking, laughing or crying with them. They are very endearing and perfectly heroic and flawed. You get to know each and every one of them in a deep real-life-like layered way. You also get to see them progress and stay the same, throughout the journey.

Beyond the friendship-like familiarity that will awaken in you the characters of Odo, Quark, Jadzia, Worf, Ezri, Kira, Julian, Miles and the Siskos, the guest characters are developed in an astonishingly similar depth. Again the writers and actors pull their heart out to create the most memorable recurring characters that feel as much part of the show as the regulars. Garak, Dukat, Rom, Nog, Leeta, Vic, Martok, Gowron, Wynn and Weyoun— to name a few—are as complex as alien DNA. It is like having a basketball team with superstars on the bench to support the starting five when needed.

B) The Story

Set on a space station —and the major critic and setback for most Trekkers that prefer an exploring ship a la Enterprise—the story is far from static. In fact, with the Star Trek fashion of exploring current human questions and themes in this futuristic backdrop, DS9 will explore everything from religion, war, death, slavery, genetic engineering, homosexuality (first homosexual kiss on TV!), geniuses, heroes, rebels, politics, commerce, racism, multiple personalities, memories, continuity, resurrection, time, peace, love, parenthood, marriage, espionage, mass murders, prison, biological warfare, terrorism, to the military and martyrdom. All that and more is explored in a thoughtful, meaningful way and kudos to the show for not only exploring them, but for remaining in the interesting gray area. There is nothing black and white. Everything (and I mean everything) is questionable and an opportunity for thoughts and discussion.

The story is a balancing act between mundane nuances of life and epic goals, dreams and actions. If it is not a problem with Sisko's son at the space station school, it is the discovery of a new technology, the casual friendship of Miles and Julian, the encounter with a new race that may threaten the existence of the half the galaxy, Odo's existential crisis or the possible assassination of a prominent political or religious figure. All this is so well woven together and each has its importance in the smaller and grandeur scheme of things to make this fabricated Universe feel complete and utterly real and engaging.

C) The People

The writers, directors, cast and crew were without a doubt dedicated to make this thing work and it shows in the most obvious and subtle ways throughout the series. Actors will take the director chair on occasion to direct their colleagues or sit down with the writing team to discuss character development. Special effects, sets, costumes and make-up artists make crucial contributions to make the alien-filled universe seem believable. The passion that exists behind and in front of the camera is palpable and welcomed. You really feel that the whole production team has a common dream in bringing this labor of love to the viewer week after week. The consistent quality of the show over years (170+ episodes) from "Emissary" to "What You Leave Behind" is a testament to this desire to give more to the audience and create something to be proud of. Well, Ira et al, a sincere thank you and a hat-tipping bravo.

As a writer I appreciate this Star Trek series more than all the others, the sheer intricacies of the various weaves of character's lives is beyond the imagination and follows the Vulcan Idic like no series ever did before nor after. One constant of life is death,and deep space nine never tries to take you to far away from that simple reality,it doesn't hide in the points of view made, it's the braver series by far in terms of writing, mainly because it shatters the perfect veneer ,that most fans have, Star Trek does speak as a whole for a better future for humanity, but the galaxy is a huge place, with cultures beyond the count, and one day hopefully we will make contact, but in the meantime ds9 reminds us that while earth has become a paradise, maybe other places in the universe are struggling to reach theirs , life is not all sunshine and roses at least not yet, but this series offers more insight into the various races of Star Trek like no other series ever did, the depths they went to is in part a clue to the sheer brilliance of its writing, the interpersonal relationships that develop along the way seem almost a natural happenstance of real people put together in a real place ,such is the quality, sadly never to be repeated in my life time, the talents of the actors that portray this side of the trek universe do so with such passion ,it sells you , so if your ready to take the trip do so, but do it with eyes open ,there are more prospectives to learn from than just the great bird of the galaxy's , overall personally I believe that as a writer Gene Roddenberry would be proud that his creation both inspired others to write and to make other people think as an end result, Star Trek has taken on a life of its own , but of deep space nine I would simply say chun dol go daná , (to boldly go) and added it's own colour to the ever.growing tapestry started 50 years ago.

If The Next Generation (TNG) was completely better than the Original Series, then Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9) is completely different. I wouldn't say it was better - it just depends on what you personally like.

It's now 30 years since DS9 opened. TNG & DS9 overlapped by a couple of seasons. All of those who, like me, flocked to DS9, had high expectations based on the experience of watching TNG - which by 1993 had been at its peak for a few years. (also see my other Star Trek reviews here)

I didn't get what I was expecting.

DS9 is much more political. It's much more realistic about how the future might be - sadly, in the end, not much different to how we are now. Squabbles, intrigue, internecine warfare, diplomacy and actual war are all here. We see the characters grow together - although IMO they don't gel as well as in TNG. I didn't feel any particular affection or affinity towards any of the characters of DS9 in the way that I did towards those in TNG, for example: Jean Luc Picard.

DS9 is darker. The future isn't jollier or nicer and it's far from perfect.

High quality sets and special effects (for its time) - the usual high Paramount production values. Some good but not memorable scripts and episodes.

In the final analysis, for me at least Deep Space Nine didn't set new standards like Original Series and TNG did. And my test of how good a series is whether I'd watch it again. I have watched TNG twice through because it's excellent. I wouldn't watch DS9 again, not because I'd have to wade through 176 episodes, but because its time has gone.

Why is the fact that this show revolves ( no pun intended) on a space station so unsettling to the heavy Trekkies. How many times in all the various incarnations of ST did they go, explore, dock, use a spacestation. So why can't we see one at work w all the various federation and non fed species interacting. Conflicts of some being a mirror of current affairs , the Cardassians and the Bejorans w terrorists and insurgents. Odo head of security, a shapeshifter why couldn't weve had this species before?, Quark a Ferenghi a species of merchants scoundrels,pimps,just all around a seedie character.Dax a being in a sort of reincarnation species that remembers it previous life, who is a counselor, easy on the eyes as they say. Love O'Brian from the SNG, in some ways a throw back to old Scotty. Then they have a doctor, Doctor Bashir like usual.Then there is Captain Benjamin Sisko, he is one of my favorite ST captains. He is strong, a father,his diction is exemplery just as Captain Picard. He has a very compelling way about him. I really want the Trekkies to give this guy his due. I haven't seen the new series in 2018 but Im hoping somehow Sisko reprises his role if possible. Okay now to address the obvious elephant in the room. DS9 esp later in the series had similarities to another great series not in the ST universe but as a syfy lover in general it was much loved.. B5 or Babylon 5. You see in the real world the writers knew each other and there was some cross communication so it was inevitable.Both stations had a worm hole like plot, entertained sometimes rivaling species and later threatened by all powerful mysterious entity . Goid syfy is good no matter the universe , remember Farscape? Oh and that darn Q is here too. The writing in this series was superior and there were hints of humor, irony and sometimes the inadequatcy of being human. I highly recommend this series.

"Star Trek Deep Space Nine" initially took a while before the fans warmed to the show. A conscious effort was being made in making this latest series of "Star Trek" as different to its predecessor as possible - hence the premise of having an outpost in outer space that is situated somewhere near Earth. In addition to this, "Star Trek The Next Generation" was still being broadcast at the time. Gene Roddenberry wasn't all that impressed with the ideas for "Deep Space Nine" when he read through them in 1991, not long before his passing. However, he still gave the show his blessing. I was led to believe that the show was no good and only worthy of a few episodes. I know there was some comparison made with "Babylon 5," as that series has a similar premise. After the first two seasons (which are good), "Star Trek Deep Space Nine" has warmed up considerably. Regarding the main characters, Sisko is a tough and strong leader. I enjoy the characters of Odo and Quark very much, two good actors. The rest of the cast are OK. I hope to enjoy this series of "Star Trek" even more with the beginning of the fourth season.

I've watched this series at least three times now and it just keeps getting better. The subtleties are incredible, and I keep catching ones I missed the first two times I watched. So, seriously, watch this sober. Season five is great, but season six is unforgettable. But don't skip ahead, as nothing will make sense out of context.

I'm going to start following series with these actors, these writers, and this director, since I can't seem to get enough. The extras were fantastic too. Hats off to all involved. Really can't get enough. Good stuff.

I found this series quite lacking in getting me excited. Don't get me wrong, I can see the positives.. It's a sci-fi, it takes place in space, it's Star Trek. I am a pretty big fan of The Next Generation and find some of the movies quite enjoyable. I never thought Star Trek truly lived up to its true potential in all of its incarnations, and Deep Space Nine epitomizes the reason why so many find Star Trek tough to latch onto.

Bland characters: The acting throughout the whole series has ups and downs. Some characters have their shining moments, but all in all, there is too much drabness. Too many convoluted and unrealistic actions and reactions. The main characters didn't really grow on me, as I hoped they would. The guest characters per each episode were so contrived and their motivations so cardboard. I guess I could see how these types of characters would appeal to a younger viewing audience (teenage males) but I personally believe more socially adept individuals would find the relationships between characters in this series a bit contrived. The biggest stand-out in bad acting would be the relationship between Odo & Kira: it felt like two actors pretending to be in love, but hating the idea of it. It was weak acting. The actors didn't pull off what they should have, and you could tell the scriptwriters just needed to spice things up... so they wrote it in. Not great. Weak.

Bland set: The set really got on my nerves. The endless monotonous brownish palette. The panning scenes where characters talk amongst the backgrounds of people walking by in their brown/clay-colored bodysuits. It's a very stale environment, a bit boring, and perhaps that is realistic... but it makes for lackluster visuals.

Bland Story, themes, action: Just like the uninteresting characters who fill this universe, the stories, situations, etc., all feel contrived and done to death. I felt beat over the head with the Bajoran-Cardassian thing. We get it. Lots of talk of wars, but it's just that... talk. When "war scenes" happen in DS9, they don't impress visually. Action scenes tend to be lackluster. The religions, prophets, cults, "magic," were all done rather unimaginatively. In all, the themes, story, and action seemed drawn out in a series that one craved such elements.

I think that DS9 must have had a very small budget, and it shows. Although I enjoyed a few episodes here and there, I often found my attention drifting and finally getting bored enough of the episode to turn it off. Other times I would watch them in halves, as I could only take so much DS9 at a time.

I really feel like DS9 tried, but failed, at creating an interesting sci-fi TV show. It's just a drama, but with weak acting and dull writing. There's a reason those who are not hard-core fans do not watch this show: it's just not interesting...

It is the real star trek that fits the era well. Many storylines fit the star trek ideals of investigation and moral choices. What makes this a lesser variant is the often boring sub-story lines that are required to turn a very basic story into a full hour. Particular some personal issues but mostly the lines containing Jake, who's almost as annoying as Wesley Crusher in TNG. And later the relation of Benjamin Ciko with his father (which is probably the worst actor of the lot) is so silly there is absolutely no reason to watch any part the father is in.

In general you can fast forward all these parts and not miss a thing of the main story line. However starting season 5 they totally seem to lose creativity to keep storylines interesting. Half of the episodes I could play fast forward because most of the interactions had absolutely no relevance. Also the more you watched the episodes they more annoying the character and voice of Benjamin Cisko becomes. When it was a weekly episode maybe it was bearable, but bingewaching 3 episodes or so you get the feeling to scream "oh man, shut up".

Before DeepSpace 9 I could say that I was not much of an ST fan. But I rented our the first movie "Emmisary" once just to take a look at what some had been saying bout it. From here on I was hooked, this was the most rich and diverse universe I've seen in a long time. None of these one shot location scenes being whole planets. None of these random encounters every episode with a brand new planet and new race and having no consequence on other episodes to follow. No, DS9 was far more detailed, you have politics, religion , love, drama ... everything. It makes the show seem so real. Then coupled with some of the most uniqu , interesting characters you just can't but help fall in love with this show.

A plot with such a well crafted and beautiful linear path always leaving you wanting more and wanting to know how it will all turn out. With the occasional intensly humourous episodes to the tears of a loss of major character. Deep Space 9 has it all and more.

Words alone can not describe how entralling and captivating this show is, you really have to see it for yourself. Deep Space 9 has something about it that no other show has or can come close to achieving.

Nothing compares.

I am a big ST fan, just before seeing DS9, I saw Voyager and then Next Generation (yes in reverse order), during COVID-19 lockdown. I liked them all, but I was very reluctant to see DS9 since it is fixed in a place, and I am not a fan of movies with conspiracy or intrigue. In the beginning, it looked like such a movie wit a shapeshifter and a disgusting Ferengi. The only familiar face was Chief O'Brien. As I watched, it became my number one show. The characters are very real, and their everyday life is relatable, and most of all, it bears all the ideals and principles of ST. It is very hard to discriminate between the 1990's ST series, but DS9 is the best one I think. Since it is old, it may not attract you at the beginning episodes, just give a chance for a few episodes, then you will become addicted to it. Thanks to its producers, cast & crew for providing us such a brilliant show.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine is one of those shows that I really wished was still going on. But if it had to end it certainly had one original ending which I'm not about to reveal. We can only hope that the SyFy channel which is running The Next Generation will bring this one back.

Probably more than any of the other Star Trek shows this one certainly showed the universality of life. The human characters are Avery Brooks as Lt. Commander then Captain Ben Sisko, his son Jake played by Cirroc Lofton, station doctor Bashir played by Alexander Siddig and coming over from the Enterprise and The Next Generation was station engineer Myles O'Brien still played by Colm Meaney.

The rest of the characters were not Terrans as SyFy folks like to call earth people. Major Kira was Bajoran, a planet right near the Deep Space Nine station and Sisko's number 2. Odo, Rene Auberjonois was a shape shifter and at first we're told that he's the only one of his kind. He and the Ferengi Quark had a running rivalry. Quark was Armin Shimerman and he was like Dr. Smith from Lost In Space, a man with a scheme for all occasions who provided the local entertainment such as it was on Deep Space Nine. Later Michael Dorn who was Worf on The Next Generation and a Klingon joined the Deep Space Nine Staff. And Andrew Robinson was one sly and craft Cardassian tailor who came late to the show, but had more layers to his character than an onion.

The politics of the galaxy that we learned on The Next Generation was refined and honed to a fine edge on Deep Space Nine. Star Trek always had a great advantage in that it brought a guaranteed built-in audience for each succeeding show. It reached its height during Deep Space Nine. The franchise is still a moneymaker for Paramount.

What I liked best about the show is that action, background, and character were all kept in balance by the writers. No one of these elements overwhelmed the other in an episode. The continuity between episodes was some of the best ever on a television series.

In the outer reaches of our galaxy several centuries later intelligent life forms were able to work and get along. Of course with some races the bridge builders don't get along and that forms the inherent conflicts within the show.

Given the ending of Deep Space Nine and what is the fate of Captain Sisko, no one has thought to do a feature film for the series or integrate it into a new The Next Generation feature. I would love to see that happen. I would really love to see Captain Sisko catch up with Wesley Crusher from The Next Generation.

You'd have to be a fan to know what I'm talking about. But if you watch Deep Space Nine and The Next Generation you'll become one.

After half a century of occupation, the planet Bajor is finally free of the Cardassians(all but Garak, who remains, seemingly an exile… is he really just a tailor? Could he be a spy for them?). Well, more or less… the latter will continue to pester them, since there's now a treaty, and they retain some territories. The Provisional Government is a barely cohesive whole and doesn't have much support. Kira(Visitor, speaks her mind even when it'll get her in trouble) is the liaison between them and the Federation, who remain to support the rebuilding effort. The discovery of a nearby wormhole, the only stable known, complicates matters. It will enable travel back and forth between "our", quadrant, Alpha, and Gamma, which, until now, was so far away it made little sense to even consider going there. The orbiting station of Deep Space Nine will be a trading post and dock, dealing also with the plentiful traffic, all of which represents a potential help, or threat… to the safety of the war-torn lands. And a few seasons in, also once "the voice" of this has been found, tensions increase and what was a great show becomes an excellent one.

Characters are the core, as with all good Star Trek. Credible, three-dimensional, well-acted(even when they have their body "taken over", etc.), passionate, every last one. Main and even some peripheral, the focus is evenly divided. The show likes and understands them all, and that is contagious. We don't meet as many new species or groups, but this means less one-offs, and most you meet, you will see again, learning more(without the mystery ever being lost) about them, seeing them(heck, everyone in this) in different situations: with or without power, at their peak or their lowest end, and running the gamut of emotions. The status quo will be shaken up... and these changes take time, not happening overnight. I should note that this review is co-written by my ex-fiancée. She has watched these more than I and helped me ensure that I covered every aspect here.

Things are run by Benjamin Sisko(Brooks, wounded badass, not brooding, pragmatic but not jaded, charming). His kid Jake(Lofton, a real teen, unlike Wesley) and he maintain a natural father/son relationship. The latter's friend Nog(Eisenberg, dedicated), a Ferengi(capitalist, "let the buyer beware"), the two from different cultures, and the question is raised, are they a good or a bad influence on each other. His uncle Quark(Shimerman, giving us uncomfortable reminders of our past), who runs the bar/casino and attracts business, and his contacts can get off-the-record stuff done. He has a real give-and-take, banter-driven thing going on with Constable Odo(Auberjonois, using his T1000 powers for sting operations), the lonely, "non-human who gives us perspective on what we are like"(like Data or Spock) of this. I imagine he was based on those with Asperger's, and from personal experience, can say they do it extremely well.

Officer of not techno-babble but actual science is Dax(Farrell, with the Dax symbiont in her giving the weight of many lives and their memories). Chief of Engineering Miles O'Brien(Meaney, an everyman) and his wife Keiko(Chao, a botanist), who have a Homer/Marge marriage… he may not always know how to make her happy, but he does love her and his efforts show that. And finally, Doctor Bashir(Siddig, young, arrogant, eager to prove. He has studied, not experienced). Prominent guests include Jeffrey Combs, who is always enjoyable to watch. Always present at the bar is Morn(Shepherd, a big, cute guy, who doesn't speak and hardly moves, we know about him from what others say about or to him, such as in response to an off-screen exchange. He has a ton of personality, and it's consistent, with the use of mostly just his eyes and gestures, reminiscent of Kevin Peter Hall, R.I.P., who performed The Predator, among others), a tribute to and anagram of Norm, of Cheers.

This favors tense episodes with a climax and then a short wrap-up over an in-depth explanation. Like other sci-fi, it works on multiple levels, such as 'just wanting to enjoy the story' and 'thinking about/debating/analyzing', repeated viewings will allow you to think about the layers. It seems to have learned lessons from The Next Generation, it's so tightly written and executed. The theme of religion explored, almost every single idea explored in the show has, and is fair to, both sides. The Prophets(or to others, aliens) offer spiritual guidance, "helping people to accept situations, and to grow" without forcing rules upon people(though the people come up with some. They see everything, without time or context, but they show you only glimpses of your future, often something truly important to you.

This features amazing production design, with tremendous attention to detail and credibility. It meticulously ties up anything resembling loose ends and plot threads. This is even more relevant now, 20 years later. It is the first Star Trek with a regular straight-up comic relief character, and it can be a tad annoying, and doesn't always fit with the otherwise mature content. They do stories, scenes and concepts that you've seen before, but they do them so well that you don't mind, and at times you'll even be happy to see their take on it. Politics, philosophical ideas and compelling SF concepts are explored, but that happens in other ST, as well... so here, there's the added dimension of inner conflict in the core group. Half of them have different backgrounds, goals and points of view than others, and this comes across. The tension is felt.

There is disturbing content and some bloody violence in this. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys fiction… this has the closest to real people and the most universal stories of the franchise(you should have a basic understanding of the tech, since there is so much else going on here, it's too much to pick up), and if you watch only one series, it should definitely be this one. 10/10

I was rewatching this series in 2019, and I was pretty supprised that it was filmed in 1993. This was way better than other movies/series that time. I am at bit upset that discovery did not continue / contibute the original start trek feeling (apart from very first series , which I personaly don't like). TNG,DS9,Voyager are just perfect series. The models are nice, the casting are ok (--Obrian ++Kira). The plot is All in One, nice anthology but in the background deep and well connected story line... Ok there is no CGI, but what you expect from1993 age of Amiga (babylone 5 cgi was worse if it would be not there). So I guess this series is one of the well made old timers with real masks and models.

Pro: Nice Art, Anthology and story line, effort to mantain attention each year with additional comedy,drama,action), well made script and characters.

Con: really long opening, and closing theme (almost 2 minutes), some characters annoying, music sometimes hurt and repetative.

Apart of this 10/10 I want to see this quality today in case of story and casting.

This television show was the fourth Star Trek series. It was a spin-off from Star Trek: The Next Generation.

This show distinguishes itself from the other Star Trek series in several ways. Firstly, the show takes place in orbit around Bajor. Other Star Trek series take place on starships that travel continuously. Deep Space Nine explores the repercussions of Star Trek ideologies in ways that other Star Trek series did not. Secondly, this series was more dramatic than other Star Trek series, focusing more on characters and relationships than events. Thirdly, this series deeply explored issues of spirituality, religion, and politics. Lastly, this series introduced a much darker perspective on the federation, on the Star Trek universe, and on life in Starfleet.

At the time this series was released, it was rumored that Gene Roddenberry had strong objections to the Deep Space Nine idea. Gene Roddenberry strove to depict positive role models, an optimistic future, and a spirit of exploration and scientific achievement. Roddenberry did not want a pessimistic, dark, and brooding version of his universe. As an Atheist, Roddenberry was said to have objected to the spirituality, as well. Whether the rumors are true or not, the series was not started until after Roddenberry's death, and is the first Star Trek endeavor to operate without his supervision.

Characters

The captain of Deep Space Nine is Benjamin Sisko, a reluctant messiah to the Bajoran people. He is a broken man, who nearly quit Starfleet following the death of his wife. He was, in fact, stationed on a remote star base so that his emotional problems would have no consequence to the Federation. The first officer is a brash Bajoran named Kira Nerys. She is a scrappy ex-resistance fighter who has trouble adjusting to freedom and procedure. The security officer is a "unique" shape-shifter named Odo. The science officer is the playful and beautiful Jadzia Dax, a symbiotic life form with many generations of life experience, and a mentor to the captain. Julian Bashir is the playboy doctor. Miles O'Brien is the salty Irish engineer.

On the darker side, there is Quark, who runs a casino. He is a bartender, a holo-suite manager -- effectively an electronic brothel --, and performs back-office deals involving contraband, smugglers, and mercenaries. Quark's exploited brother Rom and nephew Nog round out the dysfunctional Ferengi family. Other dubious characters include Garak, a mysterious ex-Cardassian spy, and series-long villain Gul Dukat.

Later in the series, some changes are made with the re-introduction of the Klingon Worf, and a new symbiotic host for Jadzia Dax. (a "station counselor". Ugh.)

Location

The totalitarian Cardassian Regime built the space station Deep Space Nine. This brutal race mined and exploited the planet Bajor using Bajorans as slave labor and performed various atrocities revealed throughout the series. Through a treaty with the United Federation of Planets, the Bajoran star system was liberated leaving Deep Space Nine the property of Bajor. The Federation serves as protector for the people of Bajor and provides station maintenance and management. Bajor is a war-torn planet clinging desperately to its religion. The people are poor, ignorant, and confused. Both the planet and its space station are beset by political and religious pressures from leaders clamoring for power.

Critique

This series is distinguished in part by its drama and religious/ political themes. These characteristics seem to polarize viewers. When I originally watched the series, I was disappointed. I did not watch it regularly and eventually quit watching it entirely. I have since purchased the entire series on DVD, and have been able to watch every episode in sequence. At 7 seasons and 173 episodes -- roughly 120 hours -- this was a significant investment.

For various reasons, I found it difficult to sympathize with the main characters. Through most of the series, it seemed like the primary characters were having an identity crisis -- like teenagers with bad attitudes, pretending to be different from each other. When they united to solve a problem, it seemed unnatural and their accomplishments felt fake.

The first several seasons have poor writing, but the show improved radically when the larger story-arcs and intertwined sub-plots started developing. They introduced a super-powerful cloaking starship, an epic war, and encounter some of the best villains in science fiction. These efforts added some excellent moments to the series -- easily the most memorable in any Star Trek series. The personalities were also subdued by the bigger plots, resulting in much better characters.

Like the legions of trekkers who love this show and the legions who hated it, I find myself polarized. I wish that I could recommend the series for it's excellent last seasons, and the few gems in earlier seasons. However, the majority of the show is difficult to defend.

I will preface this with I love all Star Treks even the newer crappier ones. But this one...wow. I have taken it upon myself to re-watch EVERYTHING starting with the OG Star Trek. I don't remember loving Deep Space Nine as much as I did after this run through.

One thing that really helped this show was the main story arch that ran through the majority of the show. It wasn't present for every episode, there were some side stories and some filler episodes but for the most part the main arch was there and nicely developed.

Characters and story line aside the one thing I really loved/appreciated was the conclusion to the show, which builds up over the course of the show but really gets going in season 7. The show ends on a very heartwarming, sad, happy, very satisfying note. Writers of other shows no matter what the topic should take note here, this is how you end a show in a satisfying way. No one wants to sit through 7 seasons only to have the rug pulled out in the last episode or 2.

I can't recommend this show enough. Even if you are not a Star Trek fan this could be the show that gets you into it.

After 5 seasons, the great Next Generation was coming to an end, in the early 90s, and this show was Star Trek's third entry. No one was even speculating about a fourth Star Trek show. Truth be told, even though Deep Space Nine's episodes were new and aired only weekly, daily repeats of the Next Generation were still more captivating. Star Trek were trying something new here, Star Trek fans are open minded people, and the shows' concepts didn't clash. A tied-down station is the premise of this show. Not really happy as a viewer, despite the wormhole leading far away. In hindsight, there were so many story arks that I found boring. The religious theme, the emissary, the orbs, felt boring. Bajorans as a main, recurring alien race felt boring. The station didn't feel inter-galactic enough, not like a galactic point of attraction. From here on, it almost becomes self-evident that only a permanent war could make this show exciting. A war which lasted 5 seasons. If you like desperate war situations, watch Voyager's 'Year of Hell' two-parter, which is a lot cleverer, action-packed and eventful. Deep Space Nine did have a few good time travel episodes, usually featuring Miles O'Brian. Overall, the show's level of imagination was poor, only second (lowest) to Dune. Can't you have several space stations agglomerating near a wormhole that connects two distant parts of a galaxy ? Have another Romulan space station. Show me some Romulan life. And/or a Klingon Vor'Cha Cruiser on permanent stand-by. From here on, it also becomes clear that the lack of imagination damaged all alien races that DS9 did take seriously. The Ferengi look like imbecils due to their treatment in this show. How did the writers even get excited about telling any more Ferengi stories ? If there were DS9 books that turned all those flaws around, I would read them.

Best story telling in any TV show ever! This is by far the best Star Trek out of all of them. This is my favorite TV show of all time and nothing comes close. The people who did not like this show and reading the reviews there is a few. Your weak mind could not comprehend what you were watching. Go watch something with no depth. I hear the smurfs are pretty good.

As a Star Trek fan, it pains me to write this negative review but watching this series was even more painful. I enjoyed TNG, Voyager, and even the short-lived Enterprise, but DS9 just left me sad and disappointed. Many of the stories were adequate but the acting was weak, the dialogue often laughable, and the inclusion of a Ferengi as a central character turned this series into a tongue-in-cheek farce best suited for children.

Let's start with the characters. Captain Sisco must have taken a Quaalude before each scene which would explain his slow, boring, mono-tone delivery and glossy stare into nowhere. Wake up man, you're the Captain!

Major Kira was completely unbelievable as a former freedom-fighter, thanks to her spackled-on makeup and distracting ear bling; which is probably why, in almost every episode, she had to remind us of her painful past battling in the trenches. Oh, did your nails keep breaking you poor thing?

Odo the shape-shifting security chief existed mainly to show off the liquid entity CG effects which created such awe in Terminator 2, but were overshadowed in DS9 by Odo's endless grumpy, sarcastic, whiny barbs usually traded with Quark.

As for Quark and the other clown-like Ferengi, well they are just painful to watch. Did they have any dialog that didn't include the words "profit" and "gold-pressed latinum"? It quickly became intolerably repetitious.

As much as I loved the other Star Trek series and most of the movies, don't bother with this one. Babylon 5 had some faults but overall was a much better outer space drama than DS9.