Return to Grace

Through the past couple seasons on "Star Trek: Deep Space 9", the character Major Kira has been quite the sexy lady. First, she had an affair with Vedek Bariel--one of the high religious leaders of Bajor. Second, through much of the fourth season, Odo's been secretly in love with her. Third, just an episode ago, she began a relationship with Shakaar--the new leader of Bajor. Now in "Return to Grace" we have a new and extremely odd romance of sorts beginning. Here, the Major is paired with Gul Dukat for a mission-- and it sure looks like Dukat is yearning for some good lovin' with the Major!

The episode begins with Kira complaining about having to go to some joint Bajoran-Cardassian conference. Before she leaves, she's instructed NOT to give any human or Klingon technology to the Cardassians--a no-brainer, right? Well, perhaps not. When her ship (commanded by Dukat) nears the conference, it seems that all the participants have been blown up--presumably by the Klingons. Dukat wants revenge but it seems unlikely, as now he's only a lowly freighter captain--demoted due to the embarrassment of having a Bajoran as a daughter. However, Kira also wants revenge for the attack and she helps Dukat to go on a mission against the Klingons-- and there is a HUGE prize ahead--one that might just violate the Major's orders.

This is a pretty good episode and once again establishes Dukat's strong attraction for Bajoran women--something that got him in trouble long ago and which will become a HUGE problem later in the series. Worth seeing and genuinely strange in its pairing of Dukat and the Major.

Dukat and Kira go to a conference and en route bump into the Klingons.

This is a strong episode with a great performance from Marc Alaimo.

The plot includes good character development for Dukat and contains a decent action sequence involving the Klingons. In typical Star Trek style the main obstacles are mostly overcome using intelligence as opposed to violence. However, the ruthless side of one character is portrayed well.

Alaimo and his interactions with Nana Visitor are for me the best aspects of the episode. His gives an excellent performance, full of charisma and passion that lights up so many scenes.

The only weak aspect for me is the slightly contrived aspects of the writing where Dukat is portrayed as lacking a certain amount of common sense when it comes to engaging an enemy and a reliance on Kira that feels somewhat implausible.

All cast members do a great job and the production values are good.

Kira and Dukat head off for a conference but become embroiled in some Klingon nastiness. Kira is able to use her engineering expertise to create weaponry. The Klingons have destroyed a colony, leaving no survivors. There is a constant byplay between Kira and Dukat. He has romantic feelings toward her. It is obvious he feels that they should form an alliance. This episode is not the strongest, but it has that element of ingenuity that is quite fun.