Babel

This is an Underrated Star Trek episode. If I watched it in another time period, I would not understand its value. However, there is currently a worldwide pandemic. In a way befitting a science fiction; It has shown very well what will happen in a pandemic. The process is lifelike, just faster. With the importance of the situation, the tempo in the episode was successful. With real life experience, I was very excited while watching the episode. An important detail was the unexpected spread of the virus. As a result, Star Trek is always one step ahead.

Great episode. pretty unnerving though how relevant this still is in 2020.

A strange illness starts affecting the community of DS9.

This is a solid episode that has an interesting concept done in an enjoyable way.

I love the idea of the station being riddled with technical problems and Chief O'Brien being up to his eyes in problems like some sort of tradesmen in demand. This is plausible for the early days of the Federation's takeover of DS9. Colm Meany is a very believable Engineer and this story works well.

It is also quite entertaining to see the station down to a bare minimum of staff trying to sort the problems out. Kira Nerys, Odo, and Quark have some memorable character moments during the situation, and Nana Visitor, Rene Auberjonoir, and Armin Shimerman respectively are on good form.

The actual form the virus takes is a little bit naff and slightly laughable at times, but it does not spoil the episode for me. When the solution comes in the end it's down to one character finding a suitable way to motivate someone to find the cure. This isn't very Star Trek in its approach, but it's cool all the same.

Avery Brooks reminds me (in Star Trek context) of William Shatner in that he is a strong charismatic lead actor, but in some instances he can stray a bit over the top.

A strange virus infects DS9. At first it involves aphasia and a kind of distorted, nonsensical speech, and the serious physiological consequences. Unfortunately, as the crew begins to fall away, Kira seems to be the only one that can save them, but it takes some pretty heavy handed actions to make it happen. Odo is front and center as a trader becomes a threat to the station, due to his selfishness. This is a pretty ordinary episode, but it is engaging and keeps one's interest.

Any good Star Trek series needs to have an episode where the crew are affected by some alien virus that makes them act totally different than normal.

This episode scratches that itch (a future episode in season 1 goes even further).

There are several moments that made me laugh out loud. But then, the virus gets deadly.

Quark (Ferengi bar owner) shows his true Ferengi qualities and his relationship with Odo (the shape shifter) is revealed to be more than only adversarial.

These early episodes are essential with character development and DS9's actors teamed with the awesome cohort of writers/producers do a stellar job giving 1st season viewers a foundation from which to build a personal bond with the characters.

This episode, as with many Star Trek series episodes, has dire live or die consequences if some act of heroism isn't performed by a member of the crew.

Cosmic principles for discussion (especially for Bible-believing viewers): relate what happens with this episode to the Biblical story of the Tower of Babel.