Past Prologue

A Bajoran freedom-fighter/terrorist seeks asylum in DS9.

This is strong episode with some great character interaction and it sets the scene for relations between Bajorans and Cardassians, plus the Federation's role in keeping the peace.

One of the best aspects of this episode is the introduction of Garak. He is depicted as a very intriguing character with some eccentric personality traits that make him entertaining to watch. Andrew Robinson creates a strong first impression and has good chemistry with Alexander Siddig.

Kira Nerys has a lot of solid establishing scenes that show the awkward situation her character is depicted to be in whilst serving on DS9. Nana Visitor is electric in most scenes as a passionate, fiery character dealing with the aftermath of an occupation. Her scenes with Rene Auberjonoir in particular are very compelling.

Avery Brooks is solid and at this point starting to develop a commanding presence in the lead role.

Jeffrey Nordling is good as Tahna Los, but the character is written as quite a one-note antagonist. The Duras Sister though are great value for their screen time as they were on The Next Generation.

The new relationship and command structure of DS9 gets a test here as Nana Visitor and Avery Brooks are at odds over how to handle the arrival of former Bajoran freedom fighter Jeffrey Nordling coming to DS9 with some Cardassians in hot pursuit. They want him for terrorist acts, Nordling wants asylum.

There's more to it than that. The infamous Klingon Douras sisters also arrive at DS9. And Andrew Robinson shows how his rather intriguing character Garak the Cardassian tailor has his fingers in many pies.

Confrontation scenes between Sisko and Kira are key here and well done.

When a Bajoran terrorist shows up, Kira is conflicted, having been involved in revolutionary activities. Unfortunately, this guy has become a megalomaniac and is extremely dangerous. Conflict develops between Kira and Sisco and Kira. Meanwhile, Garak the tailor is introduced and entreats the Doctor to become his friend. Soon a couple of Klingon women show up and begin to bargain a serious weapon. Sisco is still learning the ropes, so he feels he must be absolutely fair in every situation, not totally trusting Odo's judgment and recognizing that Kira is a loose cannon. Some really significant bonds are formed in this episode.

Brilliantly, the franchise decided to jump from the very heavy, convoluted and intense Emissary which revolved around Ben Sisko and the precarious situation which would center on him for the next seven years directly into a no-less-serious but very different drama. More importantly, this is the episode which first unleashed the great Andy Robinson into his very beautifully developed recurring character Elim Garak - the most popular Cardassian in Star Trek history and perhaps the most sympathetic alien (besides Spock) in the canon. Garak is, of course, introduced by way of his relationship with Dr. Bashir (Alex Siddig, then credited as Siddig El Faddil) and throughout the series Siddig's best episodes will most often be those featuring Garak.

Garak is either a left-behind Cardassian tailor or a Cardassian spy or both, and he is particularly concerned about the arrival of a Bejoran "Terrorist" (or freedom fighter, depending on your perspective) who has been running from Cardassian authorities and is seeking asylum. Kira,of course, knows Tahna Los, the suspected terrorist, and pleads with Sisko to allow him to stay.

As the story develops, the powerful ethnic conflict between Bejorans and Cardassians becomes a central focus. This will be well-exploited throughout all seven of DS9's seasons. And Garak's contribution to the depth and range of what it is to be a Cardassian ensured that the Cardies could never become just another franchise stereotype disguised by a forehead prosthetic. Finally, Past Prologue allows some breathing room for Avery Brooks to settle into his role as Ben Sisko, and includes some important developments in his relationships to Kira, Odo, and the Cardassian military.

Acting highlights - Robinson, Visitor, Siddig, Brooks and Auberjonois are all terrific in Past Prologue.

As usual, the episode is economically directly and scripted, well-shot and thoroughly entertaining from start to finish.

Meet Garek. He's completely gay for Julian, and one of the most interesting characters on the show. Julian is incredibly excited about it. Because he's a spy. For no other reason. Julian is sure he's after Federation medical secrets. Nobody in opps cares but they humor him.

Kira unnecessarily use of the word damn twice when an old friend of shows up looking for asylum. The Cardis chasing him are pissed but Sisco handles them like a boss.

There's some strong and well written conflict here. Kira fights for the interests of Bajor. Sisco for those of the federation. Tana Los wants Bajor for Bajorans. Will he succeed at making Bajor great again? No, but I say let him try.

Kira does a run around on Sisco while the Cardis protest Tana's asylum, Tana challenges Kira's allegiance to Bajor, and the Duras Sisters show up to join the party. Odo wants to arrest them for sitting down at the bar, but Sisco has other plans.

Julian sits down with Garak to further explore his sexuality. The Duras sisters have a secret meeting with Tana Los, and Kira plays politics. Sisco is one step ahead of just about everyone though. The Duras sisters head to Garak's shop to make a deal. Tana Los tips his hand to Kira, but keeps his hole card hidden.

Garak and Bashier continue their flirtation though Bashier is slow to take the hint. Channels McCoy 28:03 Paramount+ Standard Time.

Sisco and Kira continue to dance their dance but Bashier cuts in to get relationship advice from Sisco.

Kira chats with Odo. Decides where her loyalties lay. Garak gets Bashier alone in his shop after dark. Doesn't go where we want it to, but we learn what The Duras are doing on the station, and what it has to do with Tana.

Kira and Sisco plan a party on one of Bajor's moons and the remainder of the episode unfolds.

This is a good one. The Bashier / Garak dynamic is set up as is Kira / Odo. This episode effectively puts Kira "onside" with the Federation.

Verdict: Set your phone down and watch.