Dax

I am not really rating this episode, but I simply want to point out the very interesting coincidence that the main underlying plot for it, i.e., an extradition hearing (here for Lieutenant Dax), is the same as that of Episode 10 of the fourth season of Northern Exposure (entitled "Crime and Punishment") that aired exactly two months earlier (12/14/92) and centered around an extradition hearing for "Chris in the morning". In both cases the somewhat improvised defense was successfully made on the grounds that the person being sought for extradition was no longer the same as the one who had committed the alleged crime (murder for Lt. Dax, parole violation for Chris) as a result of an extensive change of their personality (changing host body for Lt. Dax, becoming a radio show host for Chris). The "icing on the cake" is that for both episodes the hearing judge is played by the SAME actress, Anne Haney.

This episode (simply titled: "Dax") gives the viewer a lot of information on Trill bonding, the science of Trill's joining with their host body and explores the ethics of who would be responsible for a long-ago crime if the accused was the Trill's previous host.

It all sounds very weird and twisted but welcome to the world of situational ethics and Star Trek.

Cosmic Principles: oh yes! This episode is laden with issues to talk about, discuss and argue over. The central focus is responsibility for crimes committed. The modern day applications, again, are everywhere we care to look.

The episode resolves in true Star Trek fashion.

I ended up enjoying this episode more than I thought I would. It explores a very unique legal question about who is at fault when two beings are merged into a union. One could compare it to a type of legal marriage. Is one held responsible for the past crimes of a new spouse upon marriage?

Aside from that TNG episode, there wasn't much explanation of the Trill, so this episode gives us a deeper look that helps further our understanding of the race. It also serves as a good connection episode between TNG, DS9, and Discovery, which is great for those new to Star Trek who are looking to understand the connections within the Star Trek universe.

Terry Farrell and the very nature of her Trill character Dax are the subject of this episode of Deep Space 9 when she is nearly kidnapped off the station. The kidnappers are from another planet where some 30 earth years ago Curzon Dax was involved with some planetary rebels in many ways.

Curzon was a flamboyant rogue of sorts, unusual for prescribed Trill behavior who was a mentor of sorts for young Benjamin Sisko. He is defending Dax past and present though Terry Farrell won't lift a finger in her defense.

Rene Auberjonois goes to the other planet and looks at documents and interviews Fionnula Flanagan the widow of the deceased. All the answers are there.

You know it comes out good for Terry Farrell because she's back for the series run. As for the answer it might best come a classic movie, when the legend becomes fact print the legend.

Nice performance by Anne Haney as the arbiter from Bajor presiding over the extradition hearing.

In the episode, Dax is pursued and captured by three agents. She/He is to be extradited to a planet where a war occurred. Dax is accused of treason and murder. But Dax refuses to tell anything about the events, choosing rather to go to her death than reveal details. These events are on board the station and soon a hearing ensues. But Sisco is getting no cooperation from his friend and client. Meanwhile, Odo goes to another planet and digs up valuable information. It's kind of the eternal triangle.