His Way

This is an interesting episode for those who love Odo, which I do. I like his character development and usually enjoy his episodes. That said if you're not an Odo fan or a fan of crooning music this might not be for you. The overall Dominion plot is not advanced, it's more of an interpersonal development episode. But hey there's some really fun Odo parts and I personally enjoyed the music.

We have seen tons of holodeck episodes in TNG. Deep Space Nine luckily kept those episodes to a minimum. Because once you are in a holosuite, everything can happen which often makes the episodes quite pointless (the exception to this rule were the TNG Moriarty episodes).

In this episode Odo gets advice from a Swing singer that likes to sing Sinatra songs. Bashir programmed this hologram in a way, that he is aware of himself as a hologram and also seems to be quite eloquent and experienced with love and life matters.

Of course Odo needs practice in how to convince Kira of him and in the end the showdown happens and both have dinner together while Odo thinks, Kira is just another hologram and thus opens up to her and shows a more relaxed side of his.

I doubt that Kira would have reacted like she did in the episode though if she found out that Odo used her image to basically practice how to charm her in real life. She surely would have felt tricked. It is similar to someone stalking you to find out everything about you and then use this information to play a charade on you.

Dr Bashir's new holosuite character helps Odo with his love life.

I think some of the DS9 writers and producers must have been closet bobby-soxers given the tribute they make to Frank Sinatra with the character Vic Fontaine. I think to fully enjoy the episode you need an affection or at least an appreciation for this aspect of the story. If you do not, it might be time you never get back.

DS9 hinted at and directly addressed the potential relationship between Odo and Kira for several seasons in the build up to what is a pretty lighthearted affair. It is not without good moments banter and cleverness, but for me it is not how I would have envisaged these characters connecting. Personally, I think it should have developed out of a more dramatic and meaningful experience than leisure time in the holodeck. In fact I would have been equally satisfied if the characters were kept to a very strong friendship, as arguably the relationship never needed needed a romantic element. Others may disagree.

Visually the filmmakers create a very good Vegas lounge atmosphere that is enhanced by the music.

All actors are on great form, especially Rene Auberjonois, Nana Visitor and James Darren.

Don't take me the wrong way, I liked the will they won't they story for Kira and Odo, and there have been other episodes dedicated to this storyline, e.g. Heart of Stone. But even that advanced the Dominion story a tiny little bit. But this did nothing! Nothing at all!

No Science fiction about this whole episode except the AI Vic Fontaine. But hey, that's nothing new either. Remember this episode is years after Voyager started when we were introduced to the EMH. Why was everyone surprised about an AI hologram? A year earlier Bashir was going to be the new EMH! And lets not forget Moriarty (TNG: Ship in a bottle) either.

I watch Star Trek for good Sci-fi and humanoid endeavour, not romantic comedy. And to be honest, it wasn't that funny either!

Ye Gods some on here are right miseries! What on earth - or should I say - DS9 - is wrong with a bit of light heartedness now and again? Odo was really getting into the groove 'playing' the piano and he seemingly did get in a little practice with one of those lovely ladies. I loved it and that ending and kiss!!!